Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas is a hidden gem of a state and even more so when it comes to opportunities for those who want to start a rewarding career as a nurse. According to the latest reports, nursing jobs in Arkansas are expected to increase by 9% by the year 2030. Whether you’re already based in Arkansas, or looking for a change, you can expect bright prospects in the world of nursing, regardless if you’re just starting out in the nursing field, or looking to advance your career through degrees such as a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.
Jump to:
- Arkansas RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in Arkansas
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in Arkansas
Best RN Programs in Arkansas
Selecting the best nursing school in Arkansas can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 10 nursing schools in Arkansas by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 30 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Southern Arkansas University
Score: 97.25
Magnolia's Southern Arkansas University offers a BSN program designed to prepare generalist RNs. The school's full-time curriculum requires 120 total credit hours, with cohorts starting in the Fall and Spring. With a high first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and high employment rates for recent graduates, it's easy to see why SAU is a top pick for ambitious nursing students.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (870) 235-4000
Harding University
Score: 96.62
Harding University is home to the renowned Carr College of Nursing, a prestigious program for those committed to receiving a high-quality nursing degree. Offerings include a full-time traditional BSN degree, as well as an accelerated 2nd degree BSN. With flexible options and clinical training that can integrate mission work, Harding graduates are highly sought after.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (501) 279-4475
Arkansas Northeastern College
Score: 96.06
Arkansas Northeastern College offers an ADN program at its main campus in Blytheville, Arkansas. The program is designed to give students the skills and necessary knowledge required to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the wonderful world of registered nursing.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (870) 762-1020
National Park College
Score: 93.17
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (501) 760-4222
John Brown University
Score: 92.76
A leading private Christian school, John Brown University offers a 4-year BSN program to prepare students for a challenging yet rewarding healthcare career. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 122 semester hours, including courses such as Concepts in Community Health and Wellness, Health Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions, and more. Summer clinical trip opportunities are also available, where students are able to travel to places like Guatemala and Malawi to practice patient care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (479) 524-9500
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Score: 91.05
Located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, Bentonville is home to the NorthWest Arkansas Community College campus, an eminent choice of schools for those who want to pursue a nursing career. The school offers a popular ADN degree program that arms students with a broad knowledge base in nursing, perfect for those looking to enter the ranks of the registered nurse.
Program Details
- Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
- Phone: (479) 636-9222
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Score: 90.03
Home to an acclaimed BSN degree program, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences engages nursing students in a rigorous core schedule and excellent clinical opportunities, weaving clinical practice and nursing theory into the curriculum. The college is now also offering a BSN honors program for incoming Juniors with outstanding academic records.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (501) 686-7000
University of Arkansas
Score: 88.81
Students at the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing experience a premiere education from a first-class institution. University of Arkansas - Fayetteville is home to a number of excellent BSN options, including a traditional BSN as well as pathways for RNs and LPNs to earn a world-class BSN degree. The school aims to train nurses for a lifetime of skilled and compassionate patient care.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
- Phone: (479) 575-2000
Arkansas Tech University
Score: 88.71
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
- Phone: (479) 968-0237
Henderson State University
Score: 87.12
Henderson State University, located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, is home to an acclaimed BSN program with a flexible fit for new, transfer, and returning nurses. Mentorships and rigorous clinical training greatly assist nursing graduates in their new profession.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
- Phone: (870) 230-5000
Arkansas Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
If you are interested in a registered nursing career, Arkansas offers several entry-level degree points to help you enter the world of nursing. Most students opt to start with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Read on to learn more about each degree level to see if it's the right fit for you.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
If you don’t currently have experience as a nurse, it can be hard to know how to get started, and what degrees are required of you. There are typically three routes entry-level nurses pursue; these are an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All three options are offered to entry-level nurses, but there are differences. An ADN and nursing diploma are the fastest options that can get you licensed and into the field in as little as 1 – 2 years. A BSN on the other hand will require four years of full-time study, though there will be a lot more opportunities offered to you. If you’re already working as an LPN, you can find expedited routes to ADN degrees or even BSN degrees through a LPN to RN bridge program.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Arkansas include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Arkansas.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
While ADN programs and nursing diplomas are shorter pathways to employment, if you’re looking to invest more time in your degree, a BSN is often worth the time for most students. Many employers prefer nurses to have a BSN as opposed to a nursing diploma or ADN and they can easily be leveraged into higher-level degrees if you decide to go to grad school. If you have experience as nurse already, you can get your BSN in as little as 2 years, so long as you have RN licensure and an ADN. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can get your BSN through an accelerated BSN program with even less time — 1 year with the right amount of credits!
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Arkansas typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
Arkansas RN to BSN programs are among the most common bridge programs available in the state. Their basic requirements involve having an RN license and ADN. If you meet these requirements, you can reasonably expect to have your BSN degree in only 2 – 3 years.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
If you have a bachelor’s degree already, you’re looking to switch over to a BSN degree, one of the easiest ways to do that is by entering into an Arkansas ABSN program. This will allow you to get your BSN in as little as a year.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
Students in Arkansas looking to advance their nursing career into a more independent and higher-paying career, there are many options to do so. Whether you are looking for a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there's a program for you. Keep in mind that most of these programs require that you already hold a BSN or MSN, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Arkansas:
- Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Arkansas MSN Program
- Arkansas RN to MSN Programs
- Arkansas Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Arkansas DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in Arkansas
If you intend to practice as a nurse in Arkansas, you’ll need to get licensed. RN licensure in Arkansas requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam following your accredited nursing program. Once you’ve done this, the final step is submitting an application to the Arkansas State Nursing Board and paying the fee.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Arkansas
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Arkansas Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Regardless of what program you choose, the important thing to remember is to look for RN program accreditation. Accreditation means that the prospective program is up to the standards of the state nursing board. As you apply to nursing programs in Arkansas, make sure that they are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Continued List of All RN Programs in Arkansas
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | North Arkansas College Harrison, AR 72601 | Phone: (870) 743-3000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 87.08 | northark.edu |
| 12. | Phillips Community College Helena, AR 72342 | Phone: (870) 338-6474 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 86.01 | pccua.edu |
| 13. | University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Fort Smith, AR 72904 | Phone: (479) 788-7000 | Programs: BSN | 84.33 | health.uafs.edu |
| 14. | University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR 71656 | Phone: (870) 460-1026 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN, LPN to RN, LPN to BSN | 82.23 | uamont.edu |
| 15. | University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 72204 | Phone: (501) 569-3000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN, LPN to RN | 81.94 | ualr.edu |
| 16. | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR 72467 | Phone: (870) 972-2100 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN, MSN, LPN to BSN | 81.44 | astate.edu |
| 17. | Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) Nashville, AR 71852 | Phone: (870) 845-2454 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 81.04 | arnec.org |
| 18. | College of the Ouachitas Malvern, AR 72104 | Phone: (501) 337-5000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 80.29 | coto.edu |
| 19. | Arkansas State University - Mountain Home Mountain Home, AR 72653 | Phone: (870) 508-6114 | Programs: LPN to RN | 73.91 | asumh.edu |
| 20. | Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 72210 | Phone: (501) 202-6200 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 72.08 | bhclr.edu |
| 21. | University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Batesville, AR 72501 | Phone: (870) 612-2000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 68.23 | uaccb.edu |
| 22. | East Arkansas Community College Forrest City, AR 72335 | Phone: (870) 633-4480 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 64.86 | eacc.edu |
| 23. | Arkansas State University - Newport Newport, AR 72112 | Phone: (870) 512-7800 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 59.68 | asun.edu |
| 24. | University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 71601 | Phone: (870) 575-8000 | Programs: BSN | 43.39 | uapb.edu |
| 25. | Black River Technical College - Pocahontas Pocahontas, AR 72455 | Phone: (870) 248-4000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | blackrivertech.edu |
| 26. | Southern Arkansas University Technical - Camden East Camden, AR 71701 | Phone: (870) 574-4500 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | sautech.edu |
| 27. | Arkansas State University - Beebe Beebe, AR 72012 | Phone: (501) 882-8860 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | - | asub.edu |
| 28. | University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Morrilton, AR 72110 | Phone: (501) 977-2000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | - | uaccm.edu |
| 29. | Southeast Arkansas College Pine Bluff, AR 71603 | Phone: (870) 543-5900 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | - | seark.edu |
| 30. | South Arkansas Community College El Dorado, AR 71730 | Phone: (870) 862-8131 | Programs: LPN to RN | - | southark.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.