Nineteen Arkansas nursing education programs are getting a boost from a $20 million state grant, Arkansas Advocate reported May 13.
The Arkansas Linking Industry to Grow Nurses program is administered by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development within the state's commerce department. Eligible recipients include public or private post-secondary institutions providing LPN, RN or BSN degrees. Each institution is required to provide a healthcare partner contribution with a two-to-one monetary match by the state.
The grants are intended to increase nursing program capacity, expand clinical rotation, tuition reimbursement and lab expansion, skills upgrades for medical professionals, and more. Funds cannot be used for constructing or renovating buildings, and all monies must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026.