Nurses in Arkansas are realizing there's a real benefit to furthering their nursing education. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) allows nurses in the state to pursue a wider variety of nursing jobs, as well as earn a higher salary. Fortunately, more and more schools in the state are offering an RN to BSN program to fill this need, making it easier than ever for busy working RNs to advance in their careers.
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
Discover best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Arkansas.
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Fast & Affordable Program Options
Getting a BSN is certainly a process, but as a bridge program, RN to BSNs are a much easier undertaking, especially for nurses who are working full-time and have little time and money to commit to their education.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
It can be hard to commit to much as a working nurse with such little time at your disposal, but there are many RN to BSN programs available in Arkansas that offer evening and weekend classes and a very short timeline. Instead of a typical 4-year trajectory that most bachelor’s degrees require, RN to BSN programs build on your experience as a nurse to shorten the amount of time between enrollment and graduation. Here are a few of the quickest RN to BSN programs available in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of Arkansas | Online RN to BSN | 1.5 Years |
| Arkansas Tech | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Shortest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Arkansas. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Nursing school is never cheap, but it can be cheaper than you might expect. Because most schools charge their student based on how much time they’re enrolled for, RN to BSN programs are often both quick and affordable. Still, some RN to BSN programs are more affordable than others. Here are a few of the cheapest options in Arkansas:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Arkansas Tech | Online RN to BSN | $5994.72 (full online tuition) |
| Arkansas State University | Online RN to BSN | Resident: $4,840 per semester Non-resident: $8,635 per semester |
Learn more about the Cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs, while becoming more common, can have strict entrance requirements. Below are some of the common requirements needed to be admitted into an accredited program in the state:
- Currently be a licensed registered nurse
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Have graduated from an ACEN-accredited associate degree or diploma program
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Students in an RN to BSN program can expect to take classes that build upon their prior nursing knowledge. Some of the courses offered in the RN to BSN program at Arkansas Tech University include:
- NURN 4002: Nursing Informatics
- NURN 4003: Scope of Professional Practice
- NURN 4013: Laws, Ethics, and Issues in Professional Nursing Practice
- NURN 4024: Community Health Nursing