Arkansas Code Title 6. Education § 6-82-2402. Nursing earn-to-learn programs

(a)(1) A nursing program may establish a nursing earn-to-learn program to allow a nursing student who is seeking an initial licensure as a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse to earn direct patient care clinical credit hours while working in a healthcare facility as a certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, or other job with a similar title.

(2) A nursing student may not work greater than twenty (20) hours per week as a certified nursing assistant, patient care technician, or other job with a similar title.

(3) The direct patient care clinical credit hours earned under this section shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the direct patient care clinical credit hours outlined in the foundational curricula of the nursing program or the senior level curricula of the nursing program.

(b)(1) If a healthcare facility offers an advanced patient care position within the roles listed in subdivision (a)(1) of this section or with an additional position specifically for senior-level nursing students, then a senior-level nursing student may be allowed to receive credit for senior-level direct patient care clinical hours.

(2) A senior-level nursing student who is working in an advanced nursing role shall work with at least one (1) nurse but not more than two (2) nurses to protect patient safety and to allow for a focused, quality student experience.

(3) The nursing program and the healthcare facility shall establish boundaries and expectations of the senior-level nursing student based on accreditation standards and rules of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.