RN Programs in Arkansas
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Arkansas
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Arkansas in the listings below.To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Arkansas nurses through examination or endorsement. Those applying for licensure through an endorsement must have completed an approved nursing program in a different state. International students who completed a program that is similar to a program in Arkansas may also apply for licensure. However, they must have proof of eligibility for licensure in the country they graduated from. They must also prove that they can read, write, and speak English through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. This does not include English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and England.
Using the following information, write about registered nursing (RN) programs for the state of Arkansas
Total RN Program Program Count
Total number of RN Programs in State: 29
RN Program Count by Accreditation:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Count: 15
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Count: 4
NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Worst School: East Arkansas Community College.
- Worst School Passing Passing Rate: 69.86%
- Best School: NorthWest Arkansas Community College.
- Best School Passing Passing Rate: 91.48%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Arkansas 82.24%.
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate Nationwide: 84.01%.
NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Worst School: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
- Worst School Passing Rate: 56.67%
- Best School: University of Arkansas.
- Best School Passing Rate:91.48%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Arkansas BSN programs: 83.11%
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate for Nationwide BSN programs: 86.18%
Net-Price for Arkansas Programs
- Lowest Net-Price School: East Arkansas Community College.
- Lowest Net-Price: $3,143.00 from
- Highest Net-Price School: Harding University.
- Highest Lowest Net-Price: $16,578.00
- Average Net-Price for Schools in Arkansas $7,704.43.
- Average Net-Price for U.S. Schools: $13,064.91.
Online RN Programs in Arkansas
- Number of Online RN Programs: 5
- Number of Online ADN Programs: 4
- Number of Online BSN Programs: 3
Arkansas Public or Private Institutions
- RN Programs from Public Institutions: 28
- RN Programs from Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
- RN Programs from Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 1
Arkansas Median Student Borrowing for Schools Offering an RN
- Least Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $2,600.00
- Highest Amount of Student Borrowing for a School: $23,058.00
- Average Student Borrowing for Arkansas Schools: $9,760.80
- Average Student Borrowing for Nationwide: $13,691.88
Arkansas Cities Where RN Programs Are Offered
- Number of Arkansas Cities: 27
- Arkansas City List: Magnolia, Fort Smith, Searcy, Arkadelphia, Harrison, Helena, Pine Bluff, Russellville, Monticello, Conway, Forrest City, Hot Springs, Batesville, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Newport, Bentonville, Morrilton, Hope, Mena, El Dorado, Blytheville, Malvern, Melbourne, Pocahontas and De Queen.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 14
Evaluated Schools : 23
RN Programs in Arkansas
There are a variety of nursing programs available in Arkansas for the those desiring to become an RN. In the past, they were not readily available to all LPNs in Arkansas if they lived in rural area. However, there are now multiple options for LPNs in rural areas to obtain their RN degree, such as the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC). ARNEC is a coalition of eight community colleges that offer education to LPNs in their own communities.
RANKED 1
![NorthWest Arkansas Community College RN Programs in AR [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "NorthWest Arkansas Community College RN Programs in AR [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: 91.48%
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- One College Drive, Bentonville, AR - 72712-5091
- (479) 636-9222
Northwest Arkansas Community College is located in Bentonville, Arkansas and they can boast that their nursing program has the highest NCLEX-RN pass rate in the entire state of Arkansas. Their nursing program is ideal for a variety of student types, as some of their classes are available online. In addition, classes are also offered at their other campuses in Springdale or Farmington.
- Campus: Bentonville, AR
- Net Price: $6,590.00
- Enrollment: 8,020
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -39.30%
- Graduation Rate: 14.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,250.00
- Median Payment: $96.58
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 2
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 88.88%
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR - 72204
- (501) 569-3000
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) s located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They offer multiple types of RN programs – an RN program, a BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, and an LPN or paramedic to to RN program. The Department of Nursing is the largest department at UALR – at any given time, there are 600 students, twenty full-time faculty and six staff members.
- Campus: Little Rock, AR
- Net Price: $9,793.00
- Enrollment: 9,970
- Transfer Out Rate: 31.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 36.07%
- Graduation Rate: 21.40%
- Median Borrowing: $14,869.00
- Median Payment: $155.25
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 88.04%
North Arkansas College
- 1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR - 72601-5508
- (870) 743-3000
North Arkansas College is located in Harrison, Arkansas. They offer both an LPN to RN program and an RN program. Their LPN to RN program is offered yearly, beginning in January. In addition to meeting the prerequisite requirements that all RN students must meet, the LPN to RN program requires its students to have practiced as an LPN for at least 3 months or 120 hours, and have this verified by their employer.
- Campus: Harrison, AR
- Net Price: $4,171.00
- Enrollment: 2,167
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -11.05%
- Graduation Rate: 23.80%
- Median Borrowing: $9,726.00
- Median Payment: $101.55
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 87.74%
National Park College
- 101 College Dr, Hot Springs, AR - 71913
- (501) 760-4222
National Park College is located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. They offer multiple nursing programs – an LPN program, an RN program, and an LPN to RN program. Unique to National Park College is the High School to ASN track. The high school student applies in their senior year of high school and can elect either a two year or three year option; the three year option is often selected if the student suspects that they will eventually continue for a BSN degree.
- Campus: Hot Springs, AR
- Net Price: $8,852.00
- Enrollment: 3,246
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.80%
- Institution Accreditation: COE, NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 3.48%
- Graduation Rate: 19.70%
- Median Borrowing: $10,546.00
- Median Payment: $110.11
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 84.94%
University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville
- 2005 White Drive, Batesville, AR - 72503-3350
- (870) 612-2000
University of Arkansas Community College – Batesville is located in Batesville, Arkansas. They offer a general RN program, an on-campus LPN to RN program and an online LPN to RN program. Their LPN to RN program runs for 11 months, and begins in the spring.
- Campus: Batesville, AR
- Net Price: $4,266.00
- Enrollment: 1,353
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 26.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -44.57%
- Graduation Rate: 25.80%
- Median Borrowing: $8,500.00
- Median Payment: $88.75
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 83.92%
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR - 72913-3649
- (479) 788-7000
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They are proud to boast that their online RN to BSN program has been rated third out of 30 best affordable online programs by Great Value Colleges, which helps students get the best education for their money.
- Campus: Fort Smith, AR
- Net Price: $6,351.00
- Enrollment: 7,170
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.89%
- Graduation Rate: 24.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,000.00
- Median Payment: $93.97
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 83.18%
Southeast Arkansas College
- 1900 Hazel St., Pine Bluff, AR - 71603
- (870) 543-5900
- Campus: Pine Bluff, AR
- Net Price: $5,291.00
- Enrollment: 1,601
- Loan Default Rate: 26.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -29.71%
- Graduation Rate: 12.50%
- Median Borrowing: $5,185.00
- Median Payment: $54.14
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 81.90%
Arkansas Tech University
- Administration Bldg 200; 1509 N Boulder Ave, Russellville, AR - 72801-2222
- (479) 968-0389
- Campus: Russellville, AR
- Net Price: $8,137.00
- Enrollment: 10,482
- Transfer Out Rate: 32.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.58%
- Graduation Rate: 40.70%
- Median Borrowing: $11,338.00
- Median Payment: $118.38
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 81.78%
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- 1000 Campus Drive, Helena, AR - 72342-0785
- (870) 338-6474
- Campus: Helena, AR
- Net Price: $10,959.00
- Enrollment: 2,029
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.33%
- Graduation Rate: 24.50%
- Median Borrowing: $4,187.00
- Median Payment: $43.72
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 79.34%
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- 100 E. University, Magnolia, AR - 71753
- (870) 235-4000
- Campus: Magnolia, AR
- Net Price: $7,604.00
- Enrollment: 2,960
- Transfer Out Rate: 30.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.37%
- Graduation Rate: 30.40%
- Median Borrowing: $11,958.00
- Median Payment: $124.86
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 11
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 78.96%
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Highway 425 South, Monticello, AR - 71656
- (870) 367-6811
- Campus: Monticello, AR
- Net Price: $9,577.00
- Enrollment: 3,706
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA, COE
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.05%
- Graduation Rate: 28.00%
- Median Borrowing: $8,038.00
- Median Payment: $83.93
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 76.40%
Arkansas Northeastern College
- 2501 S Division, Blytheville, AR - 72316-1109
- (8.7) 076-2E+13
- Campus: Blytheville, AR
- Net Price: $7,649.00
- Enrollment: 1,425
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.30%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.11%
- Graduation Rate: 20.40%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 75.00%
College of the Ouachitas
- One College Circle, Malvern, AR - 72104-0816
- (5.0) 133-8E+13
- Campus: Malvern, AR
- Net Price: $4,788.00
- Enrollment: 1,501
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.64%
- Graduation Rate: 23.30%
- Median Borrowing: $6,769.00
- Median Payment: $70.68
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 69.86%
East Arkansas Community College
- 1700 Newcastle Rd, Forrest City, AR - 72335-2204
- (8.7) 063-3E+12
- Campus: Forrest City, AR
- Net Price: $3,143.00
- Enrollment: 1,386
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 30.52%
- Graduation Rate: 12.00%
- Median Borrowing: $2,600.00
- Median Payment: $27.15
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Rich Mountain Community College
- 1100 College Dr, Mena, AR - 71953
- (479) 394-7622
- Campus: Mena, AR
- Net Price: $4,776.00
- Enrollment: 957
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 62.34%
- Graduation Rate: 22.20%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
South Arkansas Community College
- 300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR - 71731-7010
- (870) 862-8131
- Campus: El Dorado, AR
- Net Price: $12,117.00
- Enrollment: 1,632
- Transfer Out Rate: 2.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 60.75%
- Graduation Rate: 10.40%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Arkansas State University-Newport
- 7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR - 72112
- (870) 512-7800
- Campus: Newport, AR
- Net Price: $5,218.00
- Enrollment: 2,057
- Loan Default Rate: 14.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 27.49%
- Graduation Rate: 44.60%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
- 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR - 72401
- (870) 972-2100
- Campus: Jonesboro, AR
- Net Price: $8,984.00
- Enrollment: 10,098
- Transfer Out Rate: 30.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.43%
- Graduation Rate: 35.70%
- Median Borrowing: $15,263.00
- Median Payment: $159.36
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Black River Technical College
- 1410 Hwy 304 East, Pocahontas, AR - 72455
- (870) 248-4000
- Campus: Pocahontas, AR
- Net Price: $5,418.00
- Enrollment: 2,248
- Loan Default Rate: 29.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -25.07%
- Graduation Rate: 14.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,698.00
- Median Payment: $80.38
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
- 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR - 71832
- (870) 584-4471
- Campus: De Queen, AR
- Net Price: $5,863.00
- Enrollment: 1,597
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 18.61%
- Graduation Rate: 22.20%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Ozarka College
- 218 College Dr, Melbourne, AR - 72556-0010
- (870) 368-7371
- Campus: Melbourne, AR
- Net Price: $6,701.00
- Enrollment: 1,489
- Transfer Out Rate: 6.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.14%
- Graduation Rate: 22.00%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
- 1537 University Blvd., Morrilton, AR - 72110
- (501) 977-2000
- Campus: Morrilton, AR
- Net Price: $6,758.00
- Enrollment: 2,149
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.80%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 27.08%
- Graduation Rate: 27.60%
- Median Borrowing: $5,455.00
- Median Payment: $56.96
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Arkansas Community College-Hope
- 2500 S Main, Hope, AR - 71801
- (870) 777-5722
- Campus: Hope, AR
- Net Price: $8,584.00
- Enrollment: 1,460
- Loan Default Rate: 28.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 17.54%
- Graduation Rate: 23.30%
- Median Borrowing: $3,500.00
- Median Payment: $36.54
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Arkansas | BSN Programs in Arkansas | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Arkansas RN Licensing Requirements
The state of Arkansas has strict requirements candidates must meet in order obtain licensure as an RN.
RN License by Exam
The first and most direct path to obtaining licensure is through examination. Candidates need to register for the NCLEX-PN exam through Pearson VUE. In addition to completing the exam, candidates must also complete the following steps:
- Complete a State-approved nursing program:
In order to become eligible for state licensure through the state of Arkansas, candidates must have completed high school as well as a preparation program approved by the state. Applicants who have completed a program in a different state have the possibility of being eligible for licensure if the Arkansas State Board of Nursing believes they are qualified. Nursing programs must have been approved by the Department of Higher education and hold accreditation from a recognized body.
- Complete online application for licensure:
Every candidate must apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. They must also gain permission to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before taking the exam. This should be completed about two months before graduation from a nursing program.
- Complete a criminal background check:
First-time applicants must complete a background check at both the state and federal levels. When this has been completed, the applicant must also submit a fingerprint that will be forwarded to the Arkansas State Police. Licenses may be denied on the basis of disciplinary history or criminal background.
RN License by Endorsement
One can obtain licensure through endorsement if they already have a license in one of the other 50 states. Out of state candidates have the opportunity to work using a temporary permit while they are working on gaining their endorsement.
Candidates who have had their license for less than five years will need to provide documentation stating they have practiced for 1,000 hours or completed a program in an approved accredited university.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who are educated abroad also have an opportunity to obtain licensure as long as they provide transcripts that reflect a similar education.
More Arkansas Nursing Resources
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building
1123 S. University, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: (501) 686-2700
Fax: (501) 686-2714
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 11
Evaluated Schools : 12
BSN Programs in Arkansas
The Department of Higher Education in Arkansas offers a loan program for nurses who are interested in a bachelor’s degree in nursing education. Every year that a graduate teaches nursing full-time will allow for a year of their loan to be fully forgiven. There are plenty of BSN programs available online as well as on campus part-time and full-time. In order for an RN to enter a BSN program, they must have an active Arkansas license and have graduated from an accredited nursing school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Some of the courses that are common for a BSN degree include:
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
- Informatics for Professional Nursing
- Scope of Professional Practice
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 90.36%
University of Arkansas
- Administration Bldg 425, Fayetteville, AR - 72701
- (479) 575-2000
University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a BSN and an RN to BSN program. It is their belief that professional nursing begins with a Bachelor of Science degree, so their curriculum “offers a research base for nursing practice that promotes the ability of the nurse to effect change needed to improve health.”
- Campus: Fayetteville, AR
- Net Price: $12,057.00
- Enrollment: 21,009
- Loan Default Rate: 6.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 20.73%
- Graduation Rate: 60.10%
- Median Borrowing: $16,797.00
- Median Payment: $175.38
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 2
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 88.96%
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR - 72913-3649
- (479) 788-7000
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They are proud to boast that their online RN to BSN program has been rated third out of 30 best affordable online programs by Great Value Colleges, which helps students get the best education for their money.
- Campus: Fort Smith, AR
- Net Price: $6,351.00
- Enrollment: 7,170
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 25.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.89%
- Graduation Rate: 24.10%
- Median Borrowing: $9,000.00
- Median Payment: $93.97
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 88.20%
Harding University
- 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, AR - 72143
- (501) 279-4000
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas. Carr College of Nursing was founded in 1975; their graduates are now working throughout the world. Carr College of Nursing produces nurses who are not only prepared for entry-level nursing positions, but are also Christian servants. Their students have the opportunity to join a Health Care Missions Program, with local and international experiences.
- Campus: Searcy, AR
- Net Price: $16,578.00
- Enrollment: 4,428
- Loan Default Rate: 4.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.42%
- Graduation Rate: 62.20%
- Median Borrowing: $23,058.00
- Median Payment: $240.75
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 87.72%
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR - 72204
- (501) 569-3000
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) s located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They offer multiple types of RN programs – an RN program, a BSN program, an online RN to BSN program, and an LPN or paramedic to to RN program. The Department of Nursing is the largest department at UALR – at any given time, there are 600 students, twenty full-time faculty and six staff members.
- Campus: Little Rock, AR
- Net Price: $9,793.00
- Enrollment: 9,970
- Transfer Out Rate: 31.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 36.07%
- Graduation Rate: 21.40%
- Median Borrowing: $14,869.00
- Median Payment: $155.25
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 87.46%
University of Central Arkansas
- 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR - 72035-0001
- (501) 450-5000
University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, Arkansas. Their BSN program was founded in 1967 in response to the closure of a neighboring school’s BSN program. They currently offer a BSN program, an LPN to BSN program, an RN to BSN programa, and an RN to BSN/MSN program. In addition, they have an MSN program that is subdivided into Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), and Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty (NECS). Their MSN program is ranked 8th in the nation by Top Master’s in Healthcare Administration.
- Campus: Conway, AR
- Net Price: $9,348.00
- Enrollment: 9,754
- Transfer Out Rate: 27.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 10.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 1.61%
- Graduation Rate: 41.50%
- Median Borrowing: $13,119.00
- Median Payment: $136.98
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 86.46%
Henderson State University
- 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, AR - 71999-0001
- (870) 230-5000
- Campus: Arkadelphia, AR
- Net Price: $8,853.00
- Enrollment: 3,199
- Transfer Out Rate: 44.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.86%
- Graduation Rate: 28.60%
- Median Borrowing: $10,500.00
- Median Payment: $109.63
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 7
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 86.38%
Arkansas Tech University
- Administration Bldg 200; 1509 N Boulder Ave, Russellville, AR - 72801-2222
- (479) 968-0389
- Campus: Russellville, AR
- Net Price: $8,137.00
- Enrollment: 10,482
- Transfer Out Rate: 32.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.58%
- Graduation Rate: 40.70%
- Median Borrowing: $11,338.00
- Median Payment: $118.38
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 84.92%
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
- 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR - 72401
- (870) 972-2100
- Campus: Jonesboro, AR
- Net Price: $8,984.00
- Enrollment: 10,098
- Transfer Out Rate: 30.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.43%
- Graduation Rate: 35.70%
- Median Borrowing: $15,263.00
- Median Payment: $159.36
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 84.44%
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Highway 425 South, Monticello, AR - 71656
- (870) 367-6811
- Campus: Monticello, AR
- Net Price: $9,577.00
- Enrollment: 3,706
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA, COE
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.05%
- Graduation Rate: 28.00%
- Median Borrowing: $8,038.00
- Median Payment: $83.93
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 72.65%
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
- 100 E. University, Magnolia, AR - 71753
- (870) 235-4000
- Campus: Magnolia, AR
- Net Price: $7,604.00
- Enrollment: 2,960
- Transfer Out Rate: 30.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 11.37%
- Graduation Rate: 30.40%
- Median Borrowing: $11,958.00
- Median Payment: $124.86
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 56.67%
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- 1200 N University Mail Slot 4789, Pine Bluff, AR - 71601
- (870) 575-8000
- Campus: Pine Bluff, AR
- Net Price: $7,298.00
- Enrollment: 2,521
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 29.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.31%
- Graduation Rate: 25.80%
- Median Borrowing: $14,164.00
- Median Payment: $147.89
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR - 72205-7199
- (501) 296-1275
- Campus: Little Rock, AR
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Arkansas | BSN Programs in Arkansas | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Arkansas RN Licensing Requirements
The state of Arkansas has strict requirements candidates must meet in order obtain licensure as an RN.
RN License by Exam
The first and most direct path to obtaining licensure is through examination. Candidates need to register for the NCLEX-PN exam through Pearson VUE. In addition to completing the exam, candidates must also complete the following steps:
- Complete a State-approved nursing program:
In order to become eligible for state licensure through the state of Arkansas, candidates must have completed high school as well as a preparation program approved by the state. Applicants who have completed a program in a different state have the possibility of being eligible for licensure if the Arkansas State Board of Nursing believes they are qualified. Nursing programs must have been approved by the Department of Higher education and hold accreditation from a recognized body.
- Complete online application for licensure:
Every candidate must apply for licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. They must also gain permission to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before taking the exam. This should be completed about two months before graduation from a nursing program.
- Complete a criminal background check:
First-time applicants must complete a background check at both the state and federal levels. When this has been completed, the applicant must also submit a fingerprint that will be forwarded to the Arkansas State Police. Licenses may be denied on the basis of disciplinary history or criminal background.
RN License by Endorsement
One can obtain licensure through endorsement if they already have a license in one of the other 50 states. Out of state candidates have the opportunity to work using a temporary permit while they are working on gaining their endorsement.
Candidates who have had their license for less than five years will need to provide documentation stating they have practiced for 1,000 hours or completed a program in an approved accredited university.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who are educated abroad also have an opportunity to obtain licensure as long as they provide transcripts that reflect a similar education.
More Arkansas Nursing Resources
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building
1123 S. University, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: (501) 686-2700
Fax: (501) 686-2714
Helpful Nursing Resources
Arkansas RN Job Outlook
According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the prospects for BSN graduates were better in the southern parts of the country. This does not mean that by attending a school in the south automatically guarantees you a job. It also does not mean that you won’t be able to find a job by not attending school in the south. The participants in the survey were college deans who indicated that 82% of their graduates had job offers right after graduation. Healthcare is a necessity. However, like every other industry, it has been affected to some degree by the broken economy. There are some nurses who will refuse to relay retirement. There is a long-term need for professional nurses that will never cease.
Arkansas Nursing Jobs
Arkansas Registered Nursing Salaries
Below is a table of the hourly mean RN Salary and the annual median wage in all the metropolitan areas in the state of Arkansas. By looking at this table, you will notice that the annual median wage in Fayetteville metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage. However, Little Rock has the highest number of employed RNs.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 2,650 | $26.71 | $55,550 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 1,900 | $25.95 | $53,970 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 990 | $25.47 | $52,970 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 1,340 | $25.60 | $53,240 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 9,300 | $28.73 | $59,760 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 660 | $24.08 | $50,100 |
| Central Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 1,080 | $23.72 | $49,330 |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 1,670 | $24.19 | $50,320 |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 1,780 | $26.05 | $54,170 |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | 1,390 | $25.16 | $52,320 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data