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“One approach that the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing has adopted is holistic admission criteria. This process considers other aspects of an applicant’s skill set beyond GPA alone.”
Jan Emory, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
Arkansas is a part of the American South. The Arkansas healthcare system faces a difficult challenge, namely providing care to a state whose population is, according to many metrics, very unhealthy. The most recent ranking provided in a America’s Health Rankings® report by the United Health Foundation noted Arkansas at 48th place among the states. Mississippi and Louisiana were the only states that ranked lower. Arkansas ranked 50th in food insecurity, 50th in teen births, and 49th in issues of smoking and frequent distress. The state has also recently been noted to have high rates of maternal and infant mortality.
A number of factors contribute to Arkansas’ poor public health. Prominent issues are poor air quality, the impact of smoking, and low-income employment that makes accessing quality healthcare even more challenging. Low and inconsistent income exacerbates food insecurity which may subsequently contribute to physical and mental distress. Many parts of Arkansas also lack access to a robust network of healthcare providers. In 2020, Arkansas ranked 46th in active physicians per capita.
Traveling elsewhere in the state for care can prove difficult if not impossible for low income individuals as well as those who lack access to their own reliable transportation.
Despite these sobering circumstances Arkansas is undertaking efforts to improve population health. For example, the state’s expansion of Medicaid coverage in 2013, which was made possible through the Affordable Care Act, ultimately provided healthcare coverage for approximately a quarter of the state’s population in the last decade. Another encouraging sign is the recent increase in medical school graduates emerging from Arkansas’ higher education system. The opening or scheduled opening of three medical schools combined with lawmakers’ efforts to fund hospital residency programs better suggests the state may experience some success in alleviating the issue of its healthcare workforce shortage in the coming years.
The need for a more robust, highly trained healthcare workforce suggests newly trained nurses will be able to find a lot of opportunity in the state. Read on to discover Arkansas’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
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Interview with an Expert: Jan Emory, PhD
Dr. Jan Emory is a professor in the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, where she has been recognized for her outstanding performance in teaching, research, and service. She has had a distinguished career in academic nursing education, serving the profession for 33 years. She has published over 30 articles and presented her work at numerous national and international venues on topics important to the profession, such as faculty satisfaction and academic leadership in nursing education.
NursingColleges.com: Dr. Emory, I want to thank you for speaking with me today. Training the next generation of nursing professionals is an important priority in the United States. Can you describe what specifically motivated you to work in nursing education? Did an experience with a particular patient or student inspire you to pursue this direction?
Dr. Emory: The factors that drove me to pursue nursing education were multifaceted. My primary placement in clinical practice was in the Operating Room. I was in the OR filling multiple roles, and one of those was the post-operative recovery room nurse. And I had a good rapport with patients in post-op teaching. I also served as a preceptor for students that came into the OR, and I can recall someone mentioning to me that I was good at helping students to learn and should consider teaching. The timing for an adjustment to work-life balance was also good at the point in time of my life when I decided to move into education.
NursingColleges.com: The Covid-19 pandemic and other factors such as the demographic transition in the United States have made training the next generation of nurses a critical short-and long-term goal for the American health care system. Many states face challenges because there are simply not enough nurse educators to train the number of nurses that sources such as the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast will be needed in coming years. Can you speak a bit about what it is like to work as a nurse educator these days, and what are the primary challenges you experience in your work?
Dr. Emory: The role of a nurse educator requires a different skill set beyond the role of nurse in healthcare institutions. Novice nurse educators are challenged to transition into an academic role that can be quite intimidating. At the university level, the transition to practice for clinical bedside nurses into the role of the academic requires not just teaching but also scholarly activities and service to the community and profession.
The service component may require participation on national and international committees that align with your expertise. Another challenge the profession is currently addressing is those soon to be retiring. Many nurse educators are planning to retire in the next five years, me included. Additional considerations in the transition to an academic role and retirement include attracting qualified nurses into academic settings, and salary.
Yet another challenge is the question of who is qualified to be a nurse educator? How should that person be prepared both academically and experientially? Is academic preparation for nursing education necessary? Some leaders in the profession support the idea that academic preparation for the role of nurse educator is a recommendation but not a requirement to teach the next generation of nurses.
Others support nurse educators as a specialized level of advanced practice nursing that possess a body of knowledge needed to educate the next generation of nurses. These different perspectives and requirements create additional challenges for practicing nurses when transitioning into academia. The evidence supports academic preparation for the role of nurse educator eases the transition from the clinical setting. Successfully attracting advanced practice nurses away from bedside care requires equitable salary and benefits packages, which will increase the cost of an academic program.
NursingColleges.com: What I hear you saying is that in a sense part of the question involves the professionalization of nursing. How much of an academic background does a nurse educator need to have versus how much patient care experience is necessary?
Dr. Emory: Nursing has historically accepted multiple academic degrees for entry into practice at the bedside. Nursing education has also accepted a variety of credentials to meet qualifications to teach. These qualifications change depending upon the type of higher education institution.
For example, licensed practical nursing programs typically accept baccalaureate prepared nurses to fill the role of the nurse educator. Accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), CCNE and ACEN play a significant role in setting quality standards for nursing programs. If you look at the CNEA website, you will see accreditation described as a form of quality assurance that benefits the public as well as the program’s prospective and current students.
Nationally, some state boards of nursing are now requiring accreditation of nursing programs to maintain state board of nursing approval. As a profession, nursing is striving to provide the best quality education for students. The profession continues to struggle with diversity in the workforce. Academic preparation in the role of the nurse educator equips graduates with skills and techniques to teach a diverse student population. Without this knowledge and skill, the profession may continue in the current trend.
NursingColleges.com: This topic of accreditation is something I have found interesting as I profile academic nursing programs. A critical issue is what exact knowledge and skill sets nursing students need to have when they have finished their training within an accredited program. Who are the people making decisions about what a nurse educator does, what nurse practitioners do, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses and so on?
Dr. Emory: The profession is challenged to ensure the public is aware of who the nurse is and what services nurses provide. Answering these questions is complicated by the differences in state board of nursing regulations. States can vary in scope of practice laws for advanced clinical practice nurses. It is important for nurses seeking advanced practice degrees to understand the limitations of a license in their state of practice. There are many challenges impacting the profession in clinical practice, as well as education.
NursingColleges.com: I’m curious about the diversity of the student body. For example, I wondered what percentage of your nursing students are international students or come from outside of Arkansas? I am curious to hear your perspective on how your programs meet the needs of your nursing students coming to the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Emory: One approach that the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing has adopted is holistic admission criteria. This process considers other aspects of an applicant’s skill set beyond GPA alone. The University of Arkansas does have students from outside the state. Texas comes to mind. This can be a challenge to retain graduates to serve Arkansans as part of a land grant institution’s mission. Currently the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing is below the national average for the percentage of nursing students who are men.
According to the 2022 workforce fact sheet, 11.2 percent are male (AACN, 2022). In the Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Educators (MSN NE) program, diversity is present in the student body in terms of race, background, and location. Many of the MSN NE students reside across the U. S. At present the program has admitted students from South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Texas, and Florida. MSN NE graduates are the best advertisement for the program. If students are satisfied with the program, then they’re going to tell others. I’m proud of the MSN NE program graduates at the University of Arkansas.
NursingColleges.com: My last question is based on your biography. I noticed that you once served as an academic leader. You were a member of the first program review committee for the National League for Nursing’s Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Would you speak about your experience in that role?
Dr. Emory: I began serving NLN CNEA with an appointment to the first Program Review Committee (PRC) by Dr. Judith Halstead in 2014. Dr. Halstead is a well-known leader in academic nursing education and was the Executive Director at the time. I served two consecutive terms on the PRC committee. In addition, I am a site visitor for the organization. The last three years, I have served as a member of the board of commissioners. The experience has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. Very few accrediting organizations are dedicated specifically to quality nursing education.
I appreciate the opportunities and collegial relationships that CNEA has created for me personally and professionally. I continue to learn and hopefully contribute through service with the organization. The approach from CNEA is that the organization supports nursing programs throughout the accreditation process. Nursing programs seeking initial accreditation are considering and choosing CNEA for the designation. The focus of NLN CNEA is to be supportive by providing outstanding service for nursing education programs with a commitment to excellence through continuous quality improvement.
NursingColleges.com: If you had to name some current hot topics in the realm of nursing program accreditation, what would you say they are?
Dr. Emory: We discussed one already, and that is qualified nursing faculty. More specifically, attracting and then retaining those nurse educators that meet accreditation requirements is an ongoing “hot topic.” One area of my research surrounds this very topic. The findings are consistent that effective leadership and work life balance are necessary components of faculty satisfaction.
NursingColleges.com: In profiling nursing programs throughout the United States, I have frequently read of both recruitment and retention challenges. Before, during and after the Covid pandemic many states have faced challenges with developing and retaining enough nursing education faculty.
Dr. Emory: It has been an eventful time in the healthcare industry, as you know. Covid has resulted in amazing changes such as improving quality in online education delivery as learning transitioned outside of brick-and-mortar buildings. I don’t think higher education will ever return to the brick-and-mortar classrooms changed forever by Covid. Online education is here to stay.
And now here comes AI. AI is our next big challenge. It is in nursing courses and across all higher education. Students are using it. Higher education is scrambling to keep up by developing policies for AI use. My philosophy is to support students in the use of technology to advance their learning but not replace it. I’m learning as much as I can about the use of AI and how it will impact higher education.
NursingColleges.com: The coverage that I have read about AI suggests it will impact so many industries. You’re reminding me of my own interactions with AI. When I think of AI I think of ChatGPT and entering things like ‘write me a story about this’ into that application. I can imagine that in the nursing profession someone is already trying to develop some sort of app where they use chat GPT and they say, ‘Okay, simulate a real human nurse for me.’ Who and what questions would this human nurse ask if a patient presented with this? There are so many potential applications of AI in not just nursing and medicine, but everywhere.
Dr. Emory: Yes. And it is critically important that both academic nurse educators and clinical practice nurses learn the key areas for application in improving outcomes. And I don’t think it’s realistic to say, ‘Oh, I’m just not going to let my students use it.’ Well, they’ are using it. So, if I’m using it, they’re using it. And so now we must manage what that use looks like. And how will nurse educators determine achievement of competencies students need to meet program outcomes? I think that the faculty educating nurses and really any students, should be knowledgeable about AI. AI brings a whole new set of challenges. Never stop learning.
It’s an exciting time. It really is. Who would have thought when I began my career as a nurse educator that a computer program could write a concept paper? When I accepted my first educator position in 1992, computers were not available.
NursingColleges.com: I appreciate your time today.
Dr. Emory: Thank you so much. I appreciate it. I thought this might be a wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences in nursing education that could add value for those interested in pursuing academic nursing. So, I appreciate your time too.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers students three different options to complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. These options are the pre-licensure program, the LPN to BSN program and the RN-to-BSN program. Graduates are prepared to apply their skills both independently and on teams to coordinate and support the health of patients of diverse backgrounds. Graduates may fill roles offering caregiving, managerial, teaching, and research skills. Program graduates may find positions in various settings, including hospitals, schools and community health treatment facilities. Program admission is offered twice per year.
The pre-licensure program is an eight-semester program consisting of 33 courses totaling 120 credit hours. Students begin completing nursing coursework in their fourth semester. The online LPN-to-BSN program may be completed part-time in approximately three years. Students complete practicum coursework in their local community. Practicum requirements are designed using a preceptor model.
The RN-to-BSN program is also fully online and designed for registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. This program may be completed in one year. Students complete two practicum courses. The second course allows students to develop a quality improvement project in an area of student interest.
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Duration: One to four years, depending on program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Harding University Carr College of Nursing seeks to create nurses who will work in the nursing profession as Christian servants. Founded in 1975, Harding University’s bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program has been ranked the best in Arkansas since 2018. Students complete a curriculum designed to inculcate a life perspective aligned with Christian ideals. Graduates are trained to prize continued learning, Christian values and ethics, sustain healthy habits that foster their own physical, spiritual and psychological well-being, and follow a servant-leadership lifestyle.
Students have three undergraduate nursing degree options. The traditional BSN track is a 50-credit program with a curriculum designed with a systematic approach to evidence-based nursing care. In-class learning is augmented by a clinical placement requirement that may be completed with an area hospital or within Harding University’s own facilities.
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses holding a current unencumbered nursing license may also choose the individualized track. This program may be completed full- or part-time. Individuals with existing nursing training can also apply to the accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. Located in Rogers, Arkansas, this program is open to applicants with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field or at least 64 non-nursing college credits.
- Location: Rogers, AR
- Duration: 16 months to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
John Brown University (JBU) offers a faith-based nursing program leading to the award of a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Upon graduation, students are expected to have achieved a number of learning outcomes. Such outcomes include integration of faith and foundational knowledge in nursing practice, ability to provide safe, evidence-based patient care, skill in collaborating with other professionals and use of varied technologies in providing care, and much more.
The BSN program trains students to provide patient-centered care from a Christian perspective. Students must complete 31 credits of university core courses and 91 credits of major field courses. While a majority of major field courses are nursing courses, students will also complete several biology courses and intercultural communication courses.
Critical curriculum components include JBU’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, a six-credit-hour senior capstone course, and a practicum placement. Upon graduation, students can expect to be well prepared to pass the NCLEX exam and secure licensure as registered nurses. JBU BSN graduates boast a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam, with a vast majority passing the exam on their first attempt.
- Location: Siloam Springs, AR
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Arkansas State University (ASU) bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) curriculum is designed around a vision of baccalaureate-prepared nurses as professionals whose broad knowledge base equips them to be designers, managers, and coordinators of care. Such nurses also possess the skills necessary to serve in roles requiring teaching, research, and management skills. ASU BSN trained nurses are trained to provide both direct and indirect quality care to individual patients, families, groups, and whole populations.
The ASU College of Nursing and Health Professions offers three programs to students interested in completing a BSN. These programs are the traditional BSN, the online RN-to-BSN program, and the online accelerated second degree program. The traditional BSN is designed for students with no nursing experience. Applicants must nonetheless have at least 30 semester hours of academic credit in which they maintained at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for admission consideration. Early admission to this program is available to those who qualify. The RN to BSN option is open to registered nurses and, in recognition of their prior learning and experience, features a customizable curriculum to accommodate individual student learning interests. RN’s with an associate’s degree who study full-time may complete this program in two years. Finally, the accelerated second degree program is for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but may have no healthcare experience. This fully online program features in-person clinical rotations in Jonesboro and its vicinity. Graduates are well prepared to pass the NCLEX exam.
- Location: Jonesboro, AR
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Department of Nursing provides education designed to prepare professional nurses skilled in providing evidence-based quality care to individuals, families, and communities. ATU’s nursing programs prepare students for entry-level nursing roles in various practice settings and provide a foundation for those who wish to pursue advanced graduate nursing study. All nursing programs prepare students for success via a university milieu that emphasizes quality clinical judgment, achievement of personal and professional goals, and continued learning.
ATU’s three options for undergraduate nursing education are its pre-licensure program, an LPN-BSN program, and an RN-BSN program. The pre-licensure and LPN-BSN programs are similar in emphasizing skill development in clinical judgment, culturally sensitive care, management of populations, and use of research and technology. The pre-licensure program is an eight-semester program consisting of general education, prerequisites, and upper-division professional nursing courses.
Students learn through classroom instruction, simulation laboratory work, clinical assignments, and more. The LPN-BSN program is open to licensed psychiatric technician nurses (LPTN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN). LPN/LPTN-to-BSN students will receive credit for up to 17 hours of nursing coursework as provided for by the Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model.
Finally, the fully online RN-BSN program offers practicing RNs a smooth pathway from their associate degree or nursing diploma education to a BSN. Students may study on a part- or full-time basis and have three options for admission each year. The RN-BSN program emphasizes skills in nursing research, leadership and management, nursing informatics, and population health. Students may complete this program in as little as one year.
- Location: Russellville, AR
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Arkansas
The University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree with a concentration in nurse education. This program is designed to prepare its graduates to serve the nursing profession as nurse educators who will apply evidence-based teaching and learning practices in their work. To achieve this end goal, the curriculum is designed around several learning outcomes.
By the time of graduation, students will have developed skills in evidence-based nursing practice, policy development, resource management, application of theory and practical experience in decision making, patient advocacy, patient care monitoring, quality improvement practices, leadership, and more.
Students are encouraged to identify a population of interest that will both define and organize the particular curriculum they complete. Faculty work closely with students to facilitate flexible learning opportunities that will meet students’ particular goals. The curriculum is delivered using an asynchronous distance education model to accommodate both full- and part-time study. Practicum placements are arranged in collaboration with preceptors. Regardless of study pace all students must complete their program within six consecutive calendar years. MSN students must complete a scholarly project as part of their degree requirements. Qualified applicants are admitted on a space-available basis.
- Location: Fayetteville, AR
- Duration: Sixteen months to six years, depending on the pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas School of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) in nursing education. This MSN program is designed for those seeking to work in higher education, nursing staff education, or patient education. Graduates who complete at least two years of relevant experience will be eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. Students can complete the program in a five-semester sequence in as little as 21 months. Online information sessions are available to prospective applicants.
The curriculum provides the foundation necessary for subsequent successful study in a doctor of nursing practice program should MSN graduates elect to pursue this career path. Curriculum content development is guided by both the Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing Practice published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) as well as The Scope and Practice for Academic Nurse Educator published by the National League of Nurses (NLN). The curriculum provides training in essential competencies such as professional nursing practice, critical inquiry, communications, responsible living, leadership, collaboration and diversity.
- Location: Conway, AR
- Duration: Twenty-one months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
UAMS College of Nursing (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing offers a master of nursing science (MNSc) degree program with track options in nurse administration, nursing case management, or as a nurse practitioner. The College of Nursing only accepts applications to the nurse administration and nursing case management tracks of the master’s program. Students of all tracks have the option to choose one of six specializations. These specializations are Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Each degree track may be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
- Location: Little Rock, AR
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree in nursing administration and emergency management. This program is designed to meet the needs of professional nurses seeking to enter professions related to emergency management administration. The curriculum features a multidisciplinary approach in which principles of nursing administration and emergency management are integrated together.
The core curriculum consists of 30 credit hours in topics including epidemiology, research design and methods, legal and ethical issues, nurse administrator role, principles of hazards and emergency management, design and management of preparedness in mitigation systems, and more. Students must also complete a research thesis/project to graduate.
Students must complete a total of 39 credits to earn their degree. Students choose either nursing administration or emergency management as a specialty concentration area. In addition to the core curriculum, students complete nine credit hours in their concentration. Nurse administration concentration students complete a course in organizational behavior and human resource management and a practicum. These two courses total nine hours. Emergency management concentration students complete an elective for the full nine credit hours.
The MSN program is also open to students who are registered nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Students who enroll via this pathway complete their nine credits of concentration coursework in three courses focused on the scope of practice, community health nursing, and leadership and management in professional practice.
- Location: Russellville, AR
- Duration: Inquire directly with admissions personnel
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. Two groups typically grant this approval: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In Arkansas, nursing program graduates obtain their licenses through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). ASBN licenses registered nurses and practical nurses. Licensure applicants must have completed an appropriately accredited nursing program satisfactorily to be eligible for licensure. Additional steps applicants will typically need to complete include passing a criminal background check, completing the state application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam. Full requirements for both securing a first nursing license and maintaining licensure often differ by state. Nursing professionals should thoroughly review all regulations and requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
Arkansas licensed nurses who have graduated from a nursing program may secure temporary permits to practice between the time of their graduation and the time they receive results of their licensing exam. Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Membership as an NLC state allows nurses licensed by another compact state to practice in Arkansas so long as Arkansas is not their primary state of residency. Once nurses choose to make Arkansas their primary state of residency they must obtain Arkansas licensure.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Arkansas?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of May 2025.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 10,110 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $52,540 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $38,700 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $51,030 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $63,370 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,100 | 28,320 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $77,720 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $57,380 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $77,130 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $99,960 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 320 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $138,740 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $83,220 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $134,230 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | $218,140 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | No data available |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | No data available |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | No data available |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | No data available |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | No data available |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 3,350 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $116,030 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $95,160 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $113,660 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $141,760 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Department of Health | Arkansas LPN license applicants must:
| Arkansas LPN licenses are renewed biennially. To renew, applicants must do one of the following:
Pay the renewal fee. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Department of Health |
Applicants for an RN license in Arkansas, a must:
|
Arkansas RN licenses must be renewed biennially. To renew, applicants must provide proof of residency and do one of the following:
Applicants must also pay the renewal fee |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State Board of Nursing | In the state of Arkansas, a CNS is licensed as an APRN who has been educated beyond the requirements for a registered nurse. To be certified and recognized as an APRN in the state of Arkansas, applicants must:
In the state of Arkansas, APRN licenses do not automatically include prescriptive authority. Applicants can choose to also apply for this authority at the end of the APRN application and submit a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) and Quality Assurance (QA) Plan. Pay the fee for prescriptive authority. | To renew a CNS license in the state of Arkansas, applicants must hold a current national certification related to the area of certification and an active unencumbered Arkansas RN license or multistate compact RN license. Applicants must also submit an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Renewal application prior to the expiration date of the license and pay a fee. If the applicant has Prescriptive Authority, additional requirements include five hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the area of APRN certification within the last two years. The Nurse Practitioner Act requires biennial license renewals. If the nurse allows their license to expire, they will need to pay a late penalty fee and are not allowed to practice any type of nursing during this lapse. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State Board of Nursing |
In the state of Arkansas, a CNM license requirement include:
In the state of Arkansas, APRN licenses do not automatically include Prescriptive Authority. Applicants can choose to also apply for this authority at the end of the APRN application and submit a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) and Quality Assurance (QA) Plan. | In order to renew a CNM license in the state of Arkansas, applicants must hold a current National Certification related to the area of certification, and an active unencumbered Arkansas RN license or multistate compact RN license. Applicants must also submit an APRN renewal application before the license expiration date and pay a fee. If the applicant has Prescriptive Authority, additional requirements include five hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the area of APRN certification within the last two years. The Nurse Practitioner Act requires biennial license renewals. If the nurse allows their license to expire, they will need to pay a late penalty fee and cannot practice any type of nursing during this lapse. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In the state of Arkansas, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). To be certified and recognized as an APRN in the state of Arkansas, applicants must:
In the state of Arkansas, nurse practitioner licenses do not automatically include Prescriptive Authority. Applicants can choose to also apply for this authority at the end of the APRN application and submit a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) and Quality Assurance (QA) Plan. | In order to renew a Nurse Practitioner license in the state of Arkansas applicants must hold a current National Certification related to the area of certification and an active unencumbered Arkansas RN license or multistate compact RN license. Applicants must also submit an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Renewal application before the expiration date of the license and pay a fee. If the applicant has Prescriptive Authority, additional requirements include 5 hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education in the area of APRN certification within the last two years. The Nurse Practitioner Act requires biennial license renewals. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].