Baptist Health College Little Rock is a private healthcare education institution offering diploma and associate degree programs in nursing and allied health fields. Founded in 1990, it provides hands-on clinical training through its affiliation with Baptist Health, Arkansas' largest healthcare system.
The college specializes in practical nursing and allied health education. Its flagship program is the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN), which prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Other programs include:
Prospective students must complete an application, submit high school transcripts or GED scores, and pass entrance exams including the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Additional requirements vary by program. The college admits new students twice annually, with classes beginning in January and August.
Students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations at Baptist Health facilities across Arkansas. These rotations begin in the first semester of nursing programs and continue throughout the curriculum. The college maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 during clinicals.
During my visit to the campus, I observed students practicing patient care in simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity mannequins. These labs replicate hospital environments to prepare students for real-world scenarios.
Baptist Health College Little Rock is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and its nursing programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The college is also licensed by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
As of 2023, the college reports a 90% job placement rate for graduates within six months of completion. The average NCLEX-RN pass rate for first-time test-takers is 92%, exceeding both state and national averages. Graduates work primarily in Baptist Health facilities but also secure positions at other healthcare providers statewide.