Nursing Program History
In 1974, a statistical report prepared by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing revealed a statewide need for registered nurses. A needs survey by East Arkansas Community College revealed that a five county area in eastern Arkansas needed to be served with additional registered nurses. In 1976, East Arkansas Community College submitted a letter of intent to Arkansas Board of Nursing and was granted initial approval in 1976 to start an Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing Program. The first class was admitted in Fall of 1976 and graduated in Spring of 1978. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing granted full approval in 1978. In 1990, an LPN/LPTN accelerated track was developed and implemented in the Summer of 1990. In 1993, the nursing program received initial accreditation from the National League of Nursing.