School of Arts & Sciences

Department of Nursing

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Welcome to the Department of Nursing!

Begin your nursing journey with a nursing degree from UAPB. Study with clinically experienced faculty and the facilities you need to become a vital professional in the healthcare system.
UAPB offers a quality RN to BSN program to help you start and grow in the nursing profession.

UAPB BSN pre-licensure program holds “conditional approval status” from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) through May 2027.  The pre-licensure program is closed to new admissions effective May 1, 2026
Effective April 22, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on April 22, 2027.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000 

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Contact

Dr. Rhonda Coleman, DNP
ChairPerson
Department of Nursing
870-575-8217
colemanr@uapb.edu

Features

Honoring Alumna: Tia Rice, RN

We are proud to recognize Tia Rice, a 2024 graduate of our nursing program, for her outstanding accomplishments. Since becoming a licensed Registered Nurse, Tia has advanced to Patient Care Coordinator (Charge Nurse) on a Cardiac Telemetry/Stepdown unit and serves as Unit Council President. Her dedication to compassionate, high-quality patient care has earned her multiple DAISY Awards.

Words of Encouragement from Tia:

“Be confident in your journey and don’t compare yourself to others. Nursing school isn’t easy, but it’s preparing you to become a strong, capable nurse. Stay dedicated, ask questions, and embrace every opportunity to learn—you’ll thank yourself later.”

I am a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while studying chemistry with a minor in biochemistry. I maintained a 4.00 GPA and participated in leadership, research, and innovation opportunities. My interdisciplinary research through the Department of Chemistry and Physics included graphene quantum dots and projects connecting health and technology.

I am the founder of MyDiabetiCare, an AI-powered diabetes management app. I pitched the app at the Arkansas Governor’s Cup semifinals and the 2025 HBCU Founders Initiative Better Futures Pitch Competition at the Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center in Washington, D.C., where I received the People’s Choice Award. As team lead representing UAPB at the HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Business Pitch Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, I helped lead the university to the Best Presentation Award and second place overall, securing two distinguished trophies for the university.

Following graduation, I received a job offer as a Registered Nurse in cardiac critical care at a Level 1 Trauma facility. I remain committed to high-acuity patient care, advancing patient care, promoting health equity, and using innovation to make a meaningful, long-term impact in healthcare.

26 — Nursing

Kennedy Abanihe

26 — Nursing 

OUR IMPACT

 

Nursing

Alumni

Highlights

 

Alisha Phelps – class of ’19

Employment: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Nursing Area: not listed
Named in the 2024 list of ‘100 Great Nurses’ in Arkansas
Named as one of Arkansas, Money, & Politics Magazine’s ‘Future Icons’ June 2024 edition
I have recently been accepted to the Howard University College of Medicine, where I am pursuing my Doctor of Medicine degree.

Encouragement

Going to UAPB and graduating from UAPB’s nursing program is one of my most proud moments. The longstanding history of the program being the first nursing school in the state to educate black nurses, to the strides that its graduates have made is something I truly love about the program. As someone who is passionate and committed to advocating for health equity, I recognize the importance of UAPB’s nursing program to the community, state, and beyond. I was very prepared to work as a nurse in the field upon graduation and frequently am told how well prepared I am from leadership. When days get hard, remember that if others before you could do it, you can do it too. Best wishes Golden Lions

Program Growth

Our graduates serve the Natural State and beyond. To this point, our program received $15 million in funding to construct a new academic building.

Decreasing the Nursing Shortage

Our graduates play a vital role in decreasing the nationwide shortage of nursing professionals.

Encouraged Continued Education

The department takes pride in the growth of its students and the meaningful paths they pursue, knowing they are making a lasting impact in their communities and the nursing profession.

Degree Options

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers one program track leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N., Non-Teaching) the RN-to-BSN Program Track.

This program is completely online and is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and expand their professional opportunities.

The curriculum is built upon The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education in Nursing for Professional Nursing Practice, developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2008). These Essentials emphasize:

  • Clinical judgment grounded in critical thinking
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Leadership development
  • Delivery of high-quality, patient-centered healthcare

The Department of Nursing at UAPB is committed to providing equal opportunities for all qualified individuals.

For more information, you can contact the Department of Nursing at (870) 575-8220 or (870) 575-8222.