University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in coordination with Washington Regional

Arkansas Linking Industry to Growing Nurses (ALIGN) Program

Registered nurses working at Washington Regional Medical Center can earn their bachelor’s degrees in nursing from the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at little or no expense to students, thanks to the Arkansas Linking Industry to Grow Nurses (ALIGN) program.

The school was awarded $1.9 million in state grants as a part of a state initiative to grow the nursing pipeline in Arkansas to address the nationwide nursing shortage. Washington Regional is contributing to the ALIGN program in Northwest Arkansas and partnering with the nursing school to recruit registered nurses.

“The Northwest Arkansas region will benefit from improved patient safety and quality of care,” said Sarah Bemis, assistant director of the nursing school said in May.

Up to 100 registered nurses who work for Washington Regional could benefit from this 2-year grant-funded program, which ends December 2026. Read more about the ALIGN grant program.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025

December 15, 2024

Summer 2025

May 1, 2025

Fall 2025

August 1, 2025

To Participate

Nurses must be employed by Washington Regional Medical Center to receive ALIGN funding.
Contact Washington Regional’s employee education team or call 479-463-1570 to discuss your interest in the program.
Once approved for the program by Washington Regional, students can apply for admission to the R.N. to B.S.N. online degree program at the University of Arkansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the final decision about acceptance into the ALIGN program?

The nursing school decides whether a registered nurse is qualified to be an R.N. to B.S.N. student, and Washington Regional decides which of its registered nurses qualify for ALIGN grant funding.

Will I be a full-time or part-time student?

You choose. Options include 3- and 5-semester degree-plan options with availability to start in fall 2024 and spring of 2025.

What if I apply and then Washington Regional does not approve?

Seek approval from Washington Regional’s employee education team before applying to the University of Arkansas if you plan to use ALIGN grant funding. Employees must also meet all of the U of A admission criteria for our R.N. to B.S.N. online degree program before funds can be released.

What if I withdraw from the University of Arkansas after completing a course?

Notify Washington Regional’s Employee Education team.

Questions related to admission or R.N. to B.S.N. program, please contact the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at 479-575-6640 or align@uark.edu.

Students will not be required to repay tuition for completed courses if they do not complete the R.N. to B.S.N. online degree program.

What if I am admitted but do not enroll for courses?

Notify Washington Regional’s Employee Education team.

Questions related to admission or R.N. to B.S.N. program, please contact the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at 479-575-6640 or align@uark.edu.

Will I need approval from Washington Regional each semester?

No. However, Washington Regional’s employee education team will be monitoring and mentoring employees throughout the program and will be aware of status, projected roadblocks, milestones and graduation.

What are the requirements to enroll in the R.N. to B.S.N. online program?

Visit the program page on the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing for details.

What is it like to study online?

Visit the U of A Online Students page to learn how online education works, how students use technology and resources, and what current students and graduates have experienced.

How do I get answers to more questions?

Send questions to students@wregional.com

Questions related to admission or R.N. to B.S.N. program, please contact the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at 479-575-6640 or align@uark.edu.