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 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and support for working nurses. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that fits your life. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas offers a flexible RN to BSN online program designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement. Nurses with an associate's degree or diploma can complete this comprehensive degree in just one year, enhancing their earning potential and professional opportunities. The fully online curriculum prepares nurses to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive care across diverse healthcare settings. With no campus visits required, the program accommodates working professionals through multiple semester plan options.

  • Fully online nursing program
  • Completion possible in one year
  • No campus visits required
  • Enhances career opportunities
  • Flexible 3-5 semester plans
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Culturally sensitive care approach
#2

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN online program

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a flexible RN to BSN online program designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This program enables working nurses to enhance their professional credentials and career opportunities without disrupting their current employment. Tailored for practicing nurses, the curriculum focuses on expanding critical thinking, leadership skills, and comprehensive healthcare knowledge. The program accepts applications year-round and provides a convenient pathway for associate degree or diploma RN graduates to earn a bachelor's degree.

  • Online RN to BSN program
  • Year-round application acceptance
  • Flexible learning options
  • For licensed RNs
  • Career advancement opportunity
#3

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Arkansas offers a flexible online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. Registered nurses with an associate degree or hospital diploma can complete this comprehensive degree in as little as 12 months. The program provides 41 hours of nursing credit, accommodates part-time schedules, and features three annual start dates. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their clinical knowledge, research skills, and career opportunities in healthcare.

  • 100% Online Nursing Degree
  • 12-month Completion Option
  • 41 Transfer Nursing Credits
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
  • Unencumbered RN License
  • Multiple Start Dates
  • Part-time Study Available
  • Competitive Admissions
  • Prerequisites Include Sciences
  • Nursing Employment Recommended
#4

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR - Public 4-Year - uapb.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The RN to BSN program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff provides registered nurses an opportunity to advance their professional nursing education. This comprehensive online program builds upon existing nursing knowledge, preparing students to become more skilled healthcare professionals. Students can enhance their clinical reasoning, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice competencies. The program typically requires 31 nursing credit hours and offers flexible learning options for working nurses. Total program cost is approximately $4,480-$5,360 for tuition, with additional expenses for books, supplies, and mandatory fees. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses.

  • Online RN to BSN track
  • 31 nursing credit hours
  • Unencumbered RN license required
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA prerequisite
  • Leadership and evidence-based practice focus
#5

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Henderson State University offers an accelerated online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking to advance their education. Registered nurses can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as three semesters while maintaining their current job. The flexible online format allows students to balance professional and academic commitments, with up to 41 nursing credit hours potentially transferred. The program focuses on producing safe, generalist nurses prepared for advanced study and enhanced career opportunities.

  • Online flexible program
  • Complete in 3 semesters
  • Up to 41 nursing credits transferred
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
  • 120 total credit hours needed
  • Current RN license prerequisite
  • 33 nursing core course hours

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.

SchoolDegree NameLength
University of ArkansasOnline RN to BSN1.5 Years
Arkansas TechOnline RN to BSN1 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:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Arkansas TechOnline RN to BSN$5994.72 (full online tuition)
Arkansas State UniversityOnline RN to BSNResident: $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:

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:

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Discover best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Arkansas.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Arkadelphia, AR

Matt Locke Ellis College of Arts and Sciences
1100 Henderson Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5000

Conway, AR

Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-3119

Fayetteville, AR

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 N Razorback Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Jonesboro, AR

School of Nursing
2105 Aggie Rd
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-2100

Little Rock, AR

Department of Nursing
2801 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204

College of Nursing
4301 West Markham Street, Slot 529, Education II Building, Fifth Floor
Little Rock, AR 72205-7199
(501) 686-5376

Magnolia, AR

Department of Nursing
100 E. University
Magnolia, AR 71753-5000

Russellville, AR

Department of Nursing
402 West O Street
Russellville, AR 72801-2222

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