Department of Nursing - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

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

acenursing.org

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
Interim Chair
Department of Nursing
870-575-8217
colemanr@uapb.edu

Features

My name is Kennedy Abanihe, and I am a senior nursing student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while also studying chemistry with a minor in biochemistry. I currently maintain a 4.00 GPA and am actively involved in leadership, research, and innovation opportunities that reflect my passion for improving healthcare outcomes. In addition to my nursing education, I have participated in interdisciplinary research through the Department of Chemistry and Physics, including work related to graphene quantum dots and other science-based projects connecting health and technology. I am also the founder of MyDiabetiCare, an AI-powered comprehensive diabetes management app. I have pitched MyDiabetiCare at the Arkansas Governor’s Cup semifinals and at 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. I also served as team lead representing the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at the HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Business Pitch Competition in Atlanta, Georgia, where I helped lead the university to earn the Best Presentation Award and second place overall, securing two distinguished trophies for the university. Following graduation, I have a job offer to work as a Registered Nurse in cardiac critical care at a Level 1 Trauma facility as I continue building a career centered on high-acuity patient care, innovation, and long-term impact in healthcare. Through my clinical training, research, leadership, and entrepreneurial work, I remain committed to advancing patient care, promoting health equity, and using innovation to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

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 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.

Nursing, RN-to-BSN Track, B.S.