Online Nursing Schools in AR: Your Guide to the Best Programs
With so many nursing degrees and certificate programs available in Arkansas, finding the right path can be tough. EduMed simplifies your search by outlining the different nursing degree options, explaining state licensure requirements, and answering key questions. Explore your options and take the next step with a hybrid or online nursing program in Arkansas.
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Types of Online Nursing Programs in Arkansas
Long-term demand for nurses is expected to remain strong, particularly in Arkansas. The state is investing $20 million in nursing education through 2026.
To help meet this demand, schools across the state continue to make nursing programs more affordable and more flexible. Part of this flexibility comes in the form of online learning. More online nursing programs in Arkansas means more access for students who might not be able to commit to school normally.
- But what’s available for current and future nursing students, and how does it all work?
- When looking to become a registered nurse, how do programs balance online coursework with clinical hours?
Below, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to earn your nursing degree in Arkansas, from understanding your options to choosing a program.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Arkansas
If you’re starting with no nursing experience, start at the undergraduate level. Some are designed for those who want to become a registered nurse, while others offer quicker entry to the field. Longer undergraduate programs may also have more available nursing scholarships.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The quickest way to enter the nursing field is to become a CNA. CNA programs are shorter, focusing on the fundamentals of nursing in one or two semesters. While some of these programs are offered in a hybrid format, almost all have an in-person clinical component.
Example: Arkansas State University Mountain Home
- Cost: $109 per credit hour
- Length: 7 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Expert Insight
Prior to becoming an RN, I completed a CNA program at a community college. My classes were on-campus, but I had to complete 150+ hours of clinical training in-person at a skilled nursing facility with my instructor. In-person clinical training is important because it helps you gain the confidence needed to practice on your own with patients once employed.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nursing is a great entry point into the field. While these programs are longer than CNA programs, they are still open to those with no previous college education and are an affordable, quick way to enter the healthcare field. Plus, many provide hands-on clinicals to give you a better idea of what life as an LPN is like.
Example: Baptist Health College Little Rock
- Cost: $17,995
- Length: 2 semesters
- Mode: Primarily on campus; some classes offered online for qualified students
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing (ADN, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science) provides the education and training required to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. ADN programs typically require two years of full-time study. They’re most often found on community college campuses but are available from a few college and university nursing schools in Arkansas as well.
Example: Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Cost: $77 per credit hour in-district | $91 per credit hour out-of-district/in-state | $116 per credit out-of-state
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs provide the full four-year bachelor’s degree experience to students with little or no previous college coursework or nursing training. They also provide eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam and potential job advantage over RNs with only nursing diplomas or ADN degrees.
Example: University of Arkansas Little Rock
- Cost: $280 per credit hour
- Length: 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Non-RNs with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in non-nursing majors can typically earn their BSNs in two years or less by completing an accelerated (or second degree) BSN program. This is accomplished by applying the lower-division credit hours earned in their previous degree programs to their BSN programs. Accelerated BSN programs qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Example: Arkansas State University
- Cost: $18,894
- Length: 15 months
- Mode: Online
Graduate-Level Nursing Programs & Beyond
Graduate programs offer opportunities for those already in the nursing field to build skills and advance their career. Some culminate in ability to apply for your nurse practitioner license while others are shorter, providing a more comprehensive look at a specific area of nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The traditional MSN program is for current RNs with a bachelor’s degree. Current RNs with BSNs should opt for a standard MSN track while RNs with bachelor’s in non-nursing majors should opt for direct-entry MSN programs. Completion times vary from 18 months to three years or more based on factors like program track, full-time or part-time study, and specialization.
Example: Arkansas State University
- Cost: $15,355
- Length: 24 months
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs are for highly skilled and experienced individuals seeking top-tier leadership roles in nursing. DNP degrees prepare students for senior positions in advanced nursing practice and healthcare administration. PhDs in Nursing prepare graduates for top-level careers in research and post-secondary academics.
Example: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Cost: $510 per credit hour
- Length: 2-4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Nurses can expand professional knowledge and advance their careers by completing post-graduate certificates in one of several specialized nursing fields. Common certificate specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration, Nurse Educator, Nurse Anesthesia, and Public Health. Post-graduate certificate programs in nursing are often available 100% online. Completion times vary depending mostly on specialization, previous field(s) of study, and level of professional experience.
Example: Arkansas State University
- Cost: $7,955
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Online
Bridge Nursing Programs
If you’re already a nurse in Arkansas looking for a promotion, or work in a similar field and want to enter nursing, a bridge program may be the right fit. These programs build on the education and skills you already have so you can get your next nursing degree faster.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
Current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) interested in advancing their careers by becoming RNs should consider an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN program. These programs allow LPNs to complete the additional education and training needed to qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam in as few as three semesters.
Example: University of Arkansas Community College Batesville
- Cost: $7,087 for in-district students | $7,567 for in-state students | $8,377 for out-of-state students
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs offer the quickest and most cost-efficient way for current RNs to obtain BSNs. RN to BSN programs typically require one year of full-time or two years of part-time study and are often available 100% online.
Example: University of Arkansas
- Cost: $339.10 per credit hour
- Length: 3 semesters
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are for individuals seeking advanced careers in nurse education, advanced nursing practice, administration, and other nursing leadership positions. RN to MSN programs offer the most efficient route to earning a nursing master’s to RNs without BSNs. Admission into an RN to MSN program typically requires an active RN license and a minimum number of years of experience.
Example: University of Arkansas
- Cost: $594.77 per credit hour
- Length: Four semesters
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
If a current RN with an active nursing license and BSN is looking to become a nurse practitioner, a bridge program may be a good fit. In a BSN to DNP program, students earn their doctorate of nursing within two to four years, specializing in a specific specialty.
Example: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Cost: $510 per credit hour
- Length: 2-4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
Let’s say you have a healthcare degree and experience, but not a nursing degree or license. A direct-entry MSN program may allow you to earn that nursing license without sacrificing seniority at work. While these programs do exist, it can be harder to find a fully online option since most require nursing clinical hours.
Example: Harding University
- Cost: $843 per credit hour
- Length: 2-3 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Licensing Requirements for RNs in Arkansas
Before you can work as an RN in Arkansas, you must either first obtain an RN license from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing or hold an active multi-state compact license. The RN licensure process in Arkansas is somewhat complicated, and nursing students should familiarize themselves with the ASBN’s RN licensing requirements long before graduation.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
To sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, you must first complete an accredited and state-approved nursing diploma or degree program. Pre-licensure degree programs include nursing associate (ADN, AASN, or ASN), LPN to RN, traditional BSN, and accelerated BSN programs. Before applying for a program, make sure it has a stat-approval status. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing has a list of approved nursing schools that meet their criteria, and any school mentioned in this guide is on that list.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
If you’re looking to become a registered nurse (RN), you’ll have to take the NCLEX exam. In the final semester of your nursing program, you’ll register to take it with Pearson VUE, the national administrator for the NCLEX-RN exam. Approximately two to three weeks after registration, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test allowing you to schedule your exam. You’ll then sit for your exam at one of Pearson VUE’s testing locations. High-quality nursing programs will provide NCLEX study resources and should display high NCLEX pass rates for previous graduating classes.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
In Arkansas, you can apply for state licensure approximately 60 days before graduation (and before taking the NCLEX too). Applications are submitted via the state’s online portal, and an applicant must meet all state requirements in order to be licensed. Application requirements include a declaration of primary state of residence, Pearson VUE exam registration, completion of a state criminal background check, and payment of application fees. Your nursing program must also provide an Affidavit of Graduation and an official transcript.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
RN license renewal is handled through the holder’s Nurse Portal account. The ASBN renews RN licenses every two years with expiration on the holder’s birth date. Therefore, initial licenses may be valid anywhere from 91 days to two years from the issuance date. Continuing education requirements must be met before renewal, though the exact requirements vary depending on license type. Many employers will also help nurses navigate the renewal process.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
No matter what your level of expertise, nursing is a great field. But if you want to apply for more competitive jobs or to work within specific areas, additional specializations can help. Popular specialty certificates in Arkansas include family nursing practice, nursing administration, nurse education, nurse anesthesia, and public health. If you don’t know what you would want to specialize in now, don’t fret. Nurses typically figure out what they want to do through work experience, not right after graduating.
Expert Insight
It’s completely normal for nurses to find their niche after working in the field for a few years. I didn’t know what path I would take until after I had been working as a hospital RN for a few years. During that time, I had trained a few nursing students and new graduate nurses at my job. I enjoyed teaching so much that I decided to return to school to specialize in nursing education.
Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in Arkansas
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $57,380 | $77,130 | $99,960 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $61,500 | $82,170 | $105,950 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $55,730 | $77,000 | $94,960 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $59,710 | $76,930 | $96,440 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $63,410 | $78,730 | $108,100 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $57,820 | $79,830 | $103,440 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas has so many great nursing programs, it can be hard to tell which ones excel in terms of academics, affordability, and accreditation. To help, we ranked some of the programs in your state. Rankings were determined based on factors like the percentage of coursework that could be completed online, the variety of specialization options, and how many students were awarded financial aid. For more on the rankings, click the methodology pop-up.
