Arkansas Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in Arkansas is 31.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Arkansas ADN programs is 82.71%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Arkansas BSN programs is 85.90%.
- Find the best ranked Arkansas nursing schools, RN to BSN programs, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs.
Arkansas Nursing Licenses at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | Yes |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | Yes |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | Arkansas State Board of Nursing |
| Contact Phone | (501) 686-2700 |
Getting a nursing license in Arkansas involves a step-by-step process. It requires successful completion of an approved nursing program, registration for the NCLEX exam, followed by fingerprinting and a background check. After passing the exam, nurses have to apply for state licensure, which may grant them a temporary license until the official one is issued.
| Step in Licensure Process | Timeframe | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Nursing Program (ADN/BSN) | 2-4 years (ADN) <br> 4 years (BSN) | $10,000 – $60,000+ |
| Register for NCLEX Exam | Varies | $200 – $500 |
| Fingerprinting/Background Check | Depends on Arkansas | $36.25 |
| Take NCLEX Exam | Once registered | Included in registration |
| Await NCLEX Results | Up to 6 weeks typically | N/A |
| Apply for State Licensure | After passing NCLEX | $125.00 |
| Temporary License Issued | Varies | $30.00 |
| Obtain Official Nursing License | 4-8 weeks after applying | Included in application fee |
| Renewal of License | Every 1-2 years typically | $100 for RNs, $90 for LPNs |
| Continuing Education | Yearly usually | Varies |
Key Highlights for Arkansas Nursing Licenses
- The duration and cost of nursing programs in Arkansas typically range between 2-4 years and $10,000 – $60,000+ respectively.
- The authorization to take the NCLEX exam involves registration and fingerprinting, which costs around $236.25.
- After the exam, the results are usually awaited for up to 6 weeks.
- The application process for state licensure in Arkansas post passing the NCLEX exam costs around $125.00.
- A temporary license may be issued in Arkansas while awaiting the official one. The cost for this temporary license is $30.00.
- The official nursing license in Arkansas is usually obtained 4-8 weeks after application, with the fee included in the application cost.
- The renewal of license in Arkansas generally occurs every 1-2 years with a cost of $100 for RNs and $90 for LPNs. The renewal process requires 15 contact hours of continuing education in the 24 months preceding the renewal date.
Arkansas Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) Licenses
Aspiring Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Arkansas have to navigate through an involved process that includes graduate-level education, national certification, and state licensure. At the state level, they must meet the requirements laid down by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. This includes regulations about prescriptive authority, renewal and continuing education, and practice authority.
- Education Requirements: APRNs in Arkansas must have completed a graduate-level education program in one of the four recognized APRN roles: Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
- Certification: APRNs must obtain national certification in their chosen role and population focus from an approved certifying body.
- State Licensure: The Arkansas State Board of Nursing regulates APRN practice.
- Prescriptive Authority: In Arkansas, APRNs have the authority to prescribe medications, under certain conditions.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: APRN licenses must be renewed periodically, with specific requirements for continuing education or practice hours.
- Practice Authority: Arkansas has reduced practice authority for APRNs, as per the Nurse Practice Act.
- eNLC Participation: APRNs in Arkansas can practice in other eNLC states without obtaining additional licenses, as Arkansas is a part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
- Scope of Practice: Defined by state law, the scope of practice in Arkansas covers patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.
- Role-Specific Requirements: Specific requirements related to education, clinical hours, or specialized skills may exist depending on the APRN role.
- Transition to Practice: New APRNs in Arkansas may need to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours before gaining full practice authority.
- Insurance and Liability: Depending on their employment situation and state regulations, APRNs in Arkansas may need to secure malpractice insurance.
