Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium

The Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) was created to address the chronic shortage of Registered Nurses in the state’s rural areas. Member colleges share faculty and resources.  Interactive television is used to deliver theory instruction, and television and the Internet are used for testing and distribution of class materials.

This program benefits LPNs/LVNs because they don’t have to drive to larger universities for RN courses, and the teaching and clinical schedules are set up to accommodate working nurses. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Nursing. 

Participating colleges include Arkansas State University-Newport, Black River Technical College, Cossatot Community College of the UA, Ozarka College, Rich Mountain Community College, South Arkansas Community College, the UA Community College at Hope, and the UA Community College at Morrilton.

For more information about the ARNEC, contact Jill Hasley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Arkansas Delta Allied Health Training and Education Initiative

The Arkansas Delta Allied Health Training and Education Initiative formed in 2009 with a US Department of Labor grant.  The five participating colleges include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University-Newport, East Arkansas Community College, Mid-South Community College, and Phillips Community College of the UA.

For more information about the Arkansas Delta Allied Health Training & Education Initiative, contact Brenda Holifield at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .