Metropolitan

Pending approval by the State Board of Nursing and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), the Practical Nursing pathway will be open to rising juniors and seniors and will include rigorous coursework and clinical work that prepares students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and be prepared to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) upon graduating. Preference will be given to rising juniors who are able to complete the full two years of courses in the pathway.

The first Practical Nursing cohort is limited to 16 students, who will be selected using a variety of indicators. Before applying, students should carefully review the program requirements and ensure they are able and willing to commit to completing the LPN pathway.

Cohort I LPN Practical Nursing Course Sequence
Students must earn a "C" or better in courses to continue in the LPN program. Students who score below a "C," will be removed from the program and placed in another career pathway.  

• Summer 2024:  Intro to LPN 
  • 25 students will be accepted for a summer paid internship program that will allow students to experience nursing through a hospital internship. The internship affords students the opportunity to confirm their interest and commitment to pursuing a career in nursing.
  • Partnerships with the City of Little Rock and Pulaski County Summer Youth Employment Opportunity will allow students to earn wages for the internship. We will announce specific dates for summer internship before the end of the school year.
  • Additionally, students will take a college course--Anatomy & Physiology I and lab (4 credit hours). Students must complete the course with a "C" or better to enter the Practical Nursing pathway. The course is offered as dual credit through ASU Three Rivers. Students will receive 4 hours of college credit and 1 hour of high school science credit, which can count as the Smart Core third science credit.
  • Participating in the summer program is required to apply for the LPN cohort.
• Fall Semester 2024:  LPN I
  • 16 students will be selected for Cohort I. Selection will be made from students successfully completing the Summer Internship.
  • Students will attend Metro every afternoon (12:30-3:30 p.m.), Monday-Friday.
  • Classes will meet at Baptist Health College Little Rock for coursework and Baptist Health for clinicals. Transportation will be the responsibility of each participating school district. 
  • Students will complete two portions of the Baptist Health College Practical Nursing curriculum:  Basic Nursing and Pharmacology I.
• Spring Semester 2025:  LPN II
  • Students will attend Metro every afternoon (12:30-3:30 p.m.), Monday-Friday.
  • Classes will meet at Baptist Health College Little Rock  and/or Baptist Health Medical Center. Transportation will be the responsibility of each participating school district.   
  • Students will complete the following portions of the Baptist Health College Little Rock Practical Nursing curriculum:  Gerontology, Med Surgery I, and Mental Health.
•  Summer 2025:  Internship II
  • Students will participate in a second paid internship that will allow them deeper experience in nursing.  Partnerships with the City of Little Rock and Pulaski County Summer Youth Employment Opportunity will allow students to earn wages for the internship.
  • Additionally, students will take a college course--Anatomy & Physiology II and lab (4 credit hours). Students must complete the course with a "C" or better. The course is offered as dual credit through ASU Three Rivers. Students will receive 4 hours of college credit and 1 hour of high school credit, which can count as a science elective or Career Focus credit.
  • Participating in the summer program is required to continue in the LPN cohort.
• Fall Semester 2025:  LPN III 
  • Students will attend Metro every afternoon (12:30-3:30 p.m.), Monday-Friday.
  • Classes will meet at Baptist Health College Little Rock for coursework and Baptist Health for clinicals. Transportation will be the responsibility of each participating school district.   
  • Students will begin one portion of the Baptist Health College Little Rock Practical Nursing curriculum: Med Surgery II
• Spring Semester 2026: LPN IV
  • Students will attend Metro every afternoon (12:30-3:30 p.m.), Monday-Friday.
  • Classes will meet at Baptist Health College for coursework and Baptist Health for clinicals. Transportation will be the responsibility of each participating school district.   
  • Students will complete the following portions of the Baptist Health College Little Rock Practical Nursing curriculum: Med Surgery II, Pharmacology II, Mothers and Infants, Pediatrics, Spiritual Perspectives
• May/June 2026 Graduation
  • Students will receive special recognition at their respective high school graduation ceremonies.
  • Students who successfully complete the program will attend the Baptist Health College Little Rock graduation ceremony in June and receive a diploma in Practical Nursing.
  • After receiving a diploma in Practical Nursing and turning 18, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).