[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are more than 40 state-approved nursing schools in Arkansas. Because Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, graduates can apply for a multistate license to practice in any of the 37 participating states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In Arkansas, you can enjoy a lower cost of living and an above-average job growth rate for registered nurses (RNs). This guide explores the best nursing programs in Arkansas, how to apply for a nursing license, and typical salary ranges, including the highest-paying cities in Arkansas for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Arkansas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It can be hard to choose from the variety of private and state nursing programs in Arkansas. This guide can help you find the right program for your personal and career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Arkansas, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When considering different nursing programs in Arkansas, you might factor tuition and other costs, the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rate, which can indicate program quality, and admission requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You might also think about [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options[/hen-ui-link], the program’s format (especially for [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]online nursing schools[/hen-ui-link]), clinical placement options and assistance, and the curriculum. This guide only lists accredited programs, since [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation is important[/hen-ui-link] to help you achieve your goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Arkansas is an NLC state, so you can get a multistate license when you attend nursing school in Arkansas. The number of RN jobs is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow[/hen-ui-link] 13.5% between 2018 and 2028. Because most counties in Arkansas are medically underserved areas (MUAs), you can receive scholarships or [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness for nurses[/hen-ui-link] for working in these locations. The Arkansas Nurses Foundation offers scholarships as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though Arkansas has many rural settings, you can still enjoy major city attractions in Little Rock and Bentonville. These cities offer a growing music, arts, and food scene. If you enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking or fishing, Arkansas includes many state parks and other outdoor attractions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series” target=”_blank”]Arkansas cost of living index is 90.9[/hen-ui-link], considerably below the national index of 100. While the average RN salary is $63,640, below the national median of $75,330, and the average nurse practitioner salary is $106,210, compared to the median of $111,680 nationally, your salary will go further than in most other parts of the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of RN jobs is [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow[/hen-ui-link] 13.5% between 2018 and 2028, more than the national projection of 9%. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects in Arkansas a [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]surplus of 9,800[/hen-ui-link] nurses from 2014-2030.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because Arkansas is an NLC state and these projections do not factor the number of nurses leaving healthcare during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, attending nursing school in Arkansas might result in many more job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the largest metropolitan area in Arkansas, Little Rock also pays the highest average RN salaries. Unincorporated areas offer lower salaries, all under $60,000. Because Arkansas has so many MUAs, many areas in Arkansas are eligible for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses-by-state/”]loan forgiveness state programs for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Arkansas Department of Health offers information on available scholarships and loans to help your salary go even further.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Arkansas[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Little Rock — North Little Rock — Conway[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$69,060[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fayetteville — Springdale — Rogers[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$63,830[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Pine Bluff[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$62,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Jonesboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$62,080[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hot Springs[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$62,030[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]earn an RN license in any state[/hen-ui-link], you must graduate from nursing school, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN examination[/hen-ui-link], and complete a background check. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]To become an advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), you must have an RN license, earn board certification, and pass a background check as well. Arkansas has additional requirements for APRNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Just as in all states, you must first become licensed as an RN to practice by completing an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program and passing the NCLEX-RN. If you attend nursing school in Arkansas and are eligible to apply for licensure by examination, you should apply to the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing [/hen-ui-link]around 60 days before you graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an APRN license, you need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] and board certification. You must also pass a criminal background check and have an unencumbered RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The state board of nursing requires at least 2,000 hours of experience as an RN to apply for APRN licensure. Most APRN nursing schools in Arkansas require or strongly encourage at least 2,000 hours for admission, so most graduates can apply immediately.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs must apply separately for prescribing authority.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN to MSN Programs in Arkansas” href=”/state/arkansas/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Arkansas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the salary range for nurses in Arkansas?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, RN salaries in Arkansas range from $44,660-$82,480, with an average salary of $63,640. NP salaries range from $82,810-$135,020, with an average $106,210 salary.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many licensed nurses are in Arkansas?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are 25,300 licensed RNs in Arkansas and 2,730 NPs. There are also 13,128 licensed practical nurses, 4,551 APRNs, and 55 licensed psychiatric technician nurses, a total of about 181.5 nurses per 10,000 in the population, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Manpower_Report_2020.pdf” target=”_blank”]according to the Arkansas Department of Health[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse in Arkansas?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes approximately two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Processing time varies for a license, but you can apply to the state board of nursing for a temporary license for an additional fee.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate in Arkansas?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN pass rate for nursing schools in Arkansas is 82.3%, compared to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_NCLEXExamStats.pdf” target=”_blank”]84.4% nationally[/hen-ui-link]. BSN nursing programs in Arkansas generally have a higher pass rate than ADN programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]