Metropolitan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much does it cost?
The cost to attend Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) and earn a diploma in Practical Nursing is more than $16,000. For high school students attending Metro as part of the Practical Nursing pathway, the cost is $0. It's free! Tuition and fees and all other costs are paid through state and federal funding aimed at training more people to address the shortage in nursing.

Who can apply?
Rising juniors and seniors from any public, charter, or home school in Pulaski County who meet the minimum eligibility requirements can apply. Students must have a 2.5 GPA and ACT 19 in Reading and English or Accuplacer Next Gen 256 in Reading and Writing. Preference will be given to juniors who can complete both years of the program. 

How do I apply?
Complete the online application at this site. Sign up now and we will contact you when the link to the application goes live in Spring 2024. You will have to submit your transcript and qualifying test scores. If you don't have those, be working now to secure them.

What is the deadline to apply?
The application window will close APRIL 26, 2024. 

What if I've never taken the ACT?
You can take the Accuplacer at your school. Talk to your Career Coach or Counselor to see about taking the Accuplacer Next Generation exam. You will need to take the Reading and Writing portions and get a digital copy of your scores to upload with your application. The Accuplacer is a test similar to the ACT, but it is not timed. Visit this site to learn more and access resources to prepare to maximize your score.

Do I have to participate in the summer internships?
Yes. The summer internships are a required component of the program. You will be paid, so don't worry about having to sacrifice a summer job. The internship will give you a chance to test-drive working in a hospital setting and to evaluate your interest and commitment to a career in nursing. You will also take a college course, Anatomy & Physiology I + lab. You can earn 4.0 college credits through ASU Three Rivers. You can earn dual high school credit for the course, which can count as a third science, part of the Arkansas Smart Core graduation requirements.

How will I know if I've been selected?
We will contact all applicants by mid-May to notify you of your acceptance status. We will also contact your high school counselor to ensure they schedule you for courses at Metro for the school year.

What if I am not selected?
We will notify you if you are not selected. You still have the opportunity to pursue other health science pathways at Metro. Check out the Medical Professions pathway.

How will I get credit for Anatomy and Physiology?
Talk to your high school counselor to learn the process your school uses for granting dual credit. Most schools will require you provide a college transcript before they will reward you high school credit for the course.  View the transcript request page at ASU Three Rivers site for more info. You cannot request a transcript until final grades for the course have been posted by the college.

What are the minimum requirements to remain in the program?
Students must maintain a "C" or better in all courses to remain in the program. Students who score below a "C" in any course will be removed from the program. Students will have the opportunity to select a different career pathway.