Arkansas’ Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
There continues to be an increased need for nurses across the nation, making it a great time to become a nurse in Arkansas. This beautiful state has shown a steady increase in RN licensure applications in 2022 compared to 2020. In 2022, Arkansas had an 80.8% NCLEX-RN pass rate, with a wide range of employment opportunities for nurses.
In 2021, Arkansas only had 76% of the registered nurses required to provide the national average level of care demand. With a 13.5% growth in the RN population between 2018-2028, there will be no shortage of jobs to find if you are looking to work as a nurse in Arkansas.
With its low cost of living, mild temperatures, stunning views, and numerous outdoor activities to participate in, Arkansas is a great place to live. Arkansas has a diverse geography, ranging from mountainous regions of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to forested land in the south and lowlands along the Mississippi River. It has over 100,000 miles of rivers, 600,00 acres of lakes, hundreds of miles of walking and biking trails, and over 3.2 million acres of public land. It is also home to more than 52 state parks and 6 national parks.
Arkansas also has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States. Goods and services are 13.5% less expensive than they are nationwide, and the median cost of a home is $128,800. Living and working in Arkansas allows your dollar to stretch further than in most other states.
The Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Arkansas to help you determine which college may be the best fit for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Arkansas based on the NCLEX pass rate posted on the Arkansas Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Arkansas ADN Nursing Program
Arkansas Northeastern College-Blytheville
Arkansas Northeastern College-Blytheville graduated 19 nursing students in 2022 and boasted a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate. They are currently one of the top-ranked programs in Arkansas. This college admits students into their program every fall and will admit LPN to RN students in January.
Students must score 100 or greater on the PAX-RN exam, have a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and successfully complete all prerequisite courses to meet admission requirements into the nursing program. Their Associate Degree Nursing Program is offered at ANC Main Campus.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,738
Out-of-State: $4,138
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,738 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,138 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
53% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,358 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Arkansas ADN Nursing Program
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Arkansas State University-Beebe is a new program that was started in 2022. It achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2022 for the five students that completed their program.
They offer a fast-track program for current licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or paramedics who are seeking their RN degrees. The program consists of 34 hours of prerequisite courses and 30 hours of nursing core courses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $2,928
Out-of-State: $4,656
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$2,928 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$4,656 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
NA |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
NA |
| Students Enrolled |
2,982 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Arkansas ADN Nursing Program
University of Arkansas at Monticello
The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree, an RN to BSN fast-track program, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Their AASN degree program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022 for the 7 students that completed their program. Prior to applying to the AASN program, applicants must take the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination and score a 119 or above the national reported mean.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,029
Out-of-State: $13,879
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,029 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,879 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
64% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
2,352 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League for Nursing Commission for
Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
#4 Arkansas ADN Nursing Program
National Park College-Hot Springs
National Park College-Hot Springs graduated 40 nursing students in 2022 and achieved a 95% pass rate. They offer a practical nursing program and an Associate Science RN program. Typically, 75-80 students are admitted to the nursing program in the fall.
The ASN degree can be completed in two years and requires all general education courses to be completed prior to entering the program. The NPC Nursing program also has RN to BSN agreements with several universities that allow you to complete your BSN coursework online or in person once you’ve completed your ASN degree.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,000
Out-of-State: $6,230
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,230 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
37% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
97.2% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,912 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Arkansas BSN Nursing Program
Southern Arkansas University-Magnolia
Southern Arkansas University Magnolia graduated 31 nursing students in 2022 and achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate. Their BSN program is committed to providing students with opportunities for intellectual growth through cultivating compassion, communication, and skill development to prepare them for their careers as nurses.
To be admitted to the nursing program, students must meet the application requirements and will be selected for entry based on grade point average in Nursing Science Core Courses (NSCC), TEAS scores, and the number of NSCC hours completed on the SAU campus. They offer state-of-the-art facilities to provide traditional classroom learning and a real-life hospital feel with their Wharton Simulation Lab.
Average Tuition
In-State: $9,410
Out-of-State: $$14,630
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$9,410 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$14,630 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
62.6% |
| Retention Rate |
65% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,160 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN) |
#2 Arkansas BSN Nursing Program
Harding University-Searcy
Harding University offers a four-year, traditional BSN track on its main campus and a 16-month accelerated BSN program in Northwest Arkansas.
They also offer an individualized track for RNs to complete their BSN, and their BSN program has been one of the top-ranked programs since 2018. Their mission, “developing nurses as Christian servants,” is integrated throughout the classroom and clinical instruction.
Average Tuition
In-State: $22,230
Out-of-State: $22,230
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$22,230 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$22,230 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94% |
| Admission Rate |
54.1% |
| Retention Rate |
84% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,687 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
23.54% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Arkansas BSN Nursing Program
Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
Arkansas State University-Jonesboro offers an LPN to AASN, LPN to BSN, Paramedic to AASN, RN to BSN, Traditional AASN, and Traditional BSN tracks.
To be admitted to their traditional BSN track, students must have at least 30 semester hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 completed by the application deadline. Applicants must also take the HESI A2 admission exam prior to admission.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,130
Out-of-State: $12,698
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,130 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$12,698 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93% |
| Admission Rate |
63.3% |
| Retention Rate |
75% for full-time students,
37% for part-time students |
| Students Enrolled |
14,109 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
33% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#4 Arkansas BSN Nursing Program
Arkansas Tech University-Russellville
Arkansas Tech University-Russellville offers a traditional BSN, LPN to BSN, and RN to BSN program. Their BSN program has been ranked among the top 40 in the nation. Students have hands-on learning opportunities through their high-fidelity simulation lab, virtual reality simulation, skills lab, and clinical experiences.
They will learn how to apply critical thinking skills to make healthcare decisions and will be able to demonstrate mastery of nursing skills upon completion of the program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,900
Out-of-State: $13,636
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,900 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,636 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
91.4% |
| Admission Rate |
94.4% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
8,901 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
79% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Arkansas
When choosing a nursing program in Arkansas, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs that consistently have a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept programs that are accredited. If you are thinking about continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to many outstanding healthcare facilities that have received national attention, and is a great place to work and live. A beautiful state full of lush landscapes, and low cost of living, Arkansas offers a high quality of life with many nursing opportunities.
Many nursing positions are currently open, and more are predicted to open, with a 13.5% increase in the employment of RNs in Arkansas from 2018-2028. While the average mean salary for a nurse in Arkansas may be lower than in other states, the cost of living is also lower, making your dollar stretch further than it might in other locations.
Nurses that choose to work in Arkansas rural communities, many of which are considered medically underserved, can also take advantage of the state’s student loan forgiveness program, which requires two years of service in designated hospitals.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Arkansas
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Arkansas is $66,530 and employs 28,490 nurses. Arkansas employs 2,970 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $107,110.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Arkansas Cities for RNs |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR |
$71,720 |
| Pine Bluff, AR |
$68,180 |
| Jonesboro, AR |
$67,960 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Arkansas
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing. There are currently 33 fully approved nursing programs in Arkansas, including both ADN and BSN programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure.
To become a nurse in Arkansas, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Arkansas:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and complete a criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Arkansas, you must complete 15 practice-focused contact hours from a nationally recognized state continuing education approval body recognized by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) to maintain your license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Arkansas:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Arkansas (or another compact license state).
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Midwife
- Clinical Nurse Specialist or Certified Registered Anesthetist
- APRNs are required to complete five hours of continuing education. Two of the five hours must contain information related to maintaining professional boundaries, the prescribing rules, or regulations and laws that apply to APRNs in Arkansas. If you have prescriptive authority, an additional five hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in your area of APRN certification within the last two years is required to maintain your APRN license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Arkansas
Is Arkansas a good place for nurses to work?
Arkansas is a great place to work. Many healthcare facilities have been nationally recognized in Arkansas. With a growth rate of 13.5% predicted for RNs in Arkansas, there are plenty of job opportunities in this state.
Is Arkansas a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Arkansas is a compact state. You can practice nursing in Arkansas if you hold an active RN compact license in another compact state. Likewise, you can practice nursing in another compact state with an active Arkansas compact nursing license.
What are the requirements for RNs in Arkansas?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every two years. To renew your license, you must complete 15 practice-focused contact hours from a nationally certifying body recognized by the ASBN or an academic course in nursing or a related field.
How much does an Arkansas RN license cost?
It costs $100 to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in Arkansas and $100 every two years to renew your RN license in Arkansas.
