Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Arkansas

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with pre-licensure and RN-to-BSN tracks, preparing students to address the nursing shortage through clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, and leadership development. With experienced faculty and robust facilities, graduates secure roles at top hospitals like Arkansas Children's Hospital. This campus-based program may require ACT or SAT for admission, as it is a bachelor's level degree.

• Two nursing program tracks
• Clinically experienced faculty
• AACN curriculum standards
• Robust clinical training
• Leadership skill development

The RN-to-BSN Program Track at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a hybrid option for registered nurses, blending online and on-campus learning to enhance clinical judgment and leadership skills. Admission requires a current RN license and minimum GPA, with no mention of entrance exams for this bachelor's level program. It focuses on professional growth and preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare.

• Hybrid learning format.
• For registered nurses.
• Focuses on leadership skills.
• Enhances clinical judgment.
• Requires current RN license.
• Minimum GPA for admission.
• Prepares for advanced roles.
• Experienced faculty.
• Supports professional growth.
• Contributes to healthcare needs.

The RN-to-BSN Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a hybrid program designed for registered nurses, emphasizing holistic, culturally sensitive care, evidence-based practice, and leadership. It requires a current RN license for admission, with no entrance exam specified for this bachelor's level track. The curriculum integrates information technology and quality improvement for diverse healthcare settings.

• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on holistic care.
• Leadership and quality improvement.
• Evidence-based practice emphasis.
• Information technology in healthcare.
• Requires current RN license.
• Prepares for diverse healthcare settings.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Culturally sensitive care training.
• Admissions require excellence commitment.

The University of Arkansas' Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is campus-based and prepares students for diverse roles in healthcare, including specialties like geriatrics and oncology. It emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and culturally sensitive care, with a research-based curriculum. Admission requires strong capabilities and is offered twice yearly. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams such as ACT or SAT may be required, though not explicitly stated here.

• Campus-based program
• Focus on critical thinking
• Diverse career opportunities
• Strong communication skills
• Cultural diversity emphasis
• Research-based curriculum
• Twice yearly admissions
• Health promotion focus
• Specialties in geriatrics, oncology
• Collaborative health care approach

This online R.N. to B.S.N. program at the University of Arkansas allows registered nurses to advance their careers in one year without campus visits. It focuses on evidence-based practice, health equity, and culturally sensitive care, requiring an unencumbered R.N. license and work verification. Since it's a bachelor's level program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT might be needed, but this is not specified.

• Fully online program
• Completion in one year
• No campus visits required
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Enhances career advancement opportunities
• Requires unencumbered R.N. license
• Work verification needed
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Emphasizes culturally sensitive care
• Advocates for health equity

The online L.P.N. to B.S.N. program at the University of Arkansas is CCNE-accredited and designed for licensed practical nurses, offering flexibility with local clinicals. It requires an LPN license, 2,000 hours of experience, and a TEAS score of 65%, focusing on career advancement and graduate study preparation. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams such as ACT or SAT could be required, though not detailed.

• CCNE accredited program.
• 100% online coursework.
• 120 credit hours required.
• 2-3 years to complete.
• Clinicals in local area.
• Flexible degree plans.
• 16-week class terms.
• In-state tuition for all.
• TEAS score of 65% required.
• LPN license and experience needed.

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at UA Little Rock is an 18-month to two-year campus-based program that includes clinical rotations in top Arkansas facilities and access to a simulation hospital, preparing graduates for the NCLEX exam. It requires 60 credit hours and has a competitive admission process with applications accepted from December 15 to January 31. As an associate degree program, it may require ACT or SAT scores for entrance, though this is not specified in the data provided.

• 18-month to 2-year program.
• State-of-the-art simulation hospital.
• Clinical rotations in top facilities.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• 60 credit hours required.
• Competitive admission process.
• Financial aid available.
• Scholarships for eligible students.
• Campus-based program.
• Pathway to online BSN.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a four-year hybrid program that integrates classroom instruction with clinical and simulation experiences, including a state-of-the-art simulation hospital. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and Arkansas licensure, with the final year offered online to facilitate work as an RN. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses, and as a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT scores, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided data.

• Hybrid program format
• Four-year curriculum
• Online final year
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• State-of-the-art simulation hospital
• Admission requires prerequisites
• Meets Arkansas licensure requirements
• Combines classroom and clinical learning

Southern Arkansas University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is campus-based, requiring a minimum 2.85 GPA in Nursing Science Core Courses and a 75% or higher score on the HESI A2 entrance exam. It includes 120 credit hours with hands-on clinical experiences and utilizes the Wharton Simulation Lab for practical training. The curriculum focuses on person-centered care, quality improvement, and safety principles, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles through partnerships with medical facilities.

• 120 credit hours
• On-campus delivery
• State-of-the-art simulation lab
• Minimum 2.85 GPA required
• HESI A2 exam 75% or higher
• Clinical partnerships with medical facilities
• Focus on person-centered care
• Quality improvement emphasis
• Safety principles training
• Diverse healthcare career opportunities

Arkansas State University's Traditional BSN program offers a campus-based education for aspiring nurses with no prior experience, leading to RN licensure. The curriculum integrates liberal arts, professional values, and core competencies, preparing graduates for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and public health. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, completion of prerequisites with a 'C' or better, and English proficiency for non-native speakers. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, this program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. It emphasizes high-quality training for eligibility in various healthcare settings.

• Campus-based program
• Requires 30 semester hours
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• English proficiency required
• ACEN accredited
• Arkansas State Board approved
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Diverse career opportunities
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Liberal education included