Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
The RN to BSN option is for registered nurses who wish to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree following an associate degree in nursing. Arkansas also benefits from BSN-prepared nurses as they help improve the quality of health in the state and remedy the nursing shortage. Nurses in Arkansas who earn a BSN are considered critical staff and the backbone of the workforce, especially in leadership and hospital/healthcare facilities that are specialized.
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
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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.
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
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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.
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
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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.
Pine Bluff, AR - Public 4-Year - uapb.edu
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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.
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
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Ouachita Baptist University's RN to BSN Completion program meets the growing demand for skilled nurses, preparing compassionate healthcare professionals for meaningful careers. The program uniquely blends academic excellence with spiritual development, offering registered nurses an opportunity to advance their education. Students benefit from distinguished faculty mentorship, curriculum focused on critical thinking, and a service-oriented approach to nursing that emphasizes cultural diversity and professional growth.
Online RN to BSN programs operate throughout Arkansas to provide flexible learning options for practicing nurses. Many Arkansas universities provide complete RN to BSN programs through online platforms that operate asynchronously which enables working students to manage their education and work responsibilities. The program structure includes accelerated terms for courses which serve students with different nursing schedules. University institutions provide hybrid programs that combine virtual learning with face-to-face components for students to gain practical experience during remote coursework.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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| Arkansas Tech University |
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| Certifying Board | Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from an ASBN‑approved program plus graduation affidavit, official transcripts, NCLEX‑RN, and fingerprint background check |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by the last day of your birth month |
| Continuing Education | 15 contact hours every two years (20 hours required if reinstating or inactive under five years) |
| License Application Fee | Free initial ASBN license, NCLEX and background check fees apply |
| Clinical Hours | Verification of all didactic and clinical practicum hours via transcripts and program director affidavit |
| Application Processing Time | Reviewed after graduation paperwork is submitted, license issued once NCLEX passed and background cleared |
| License by Endorsement | $125 endorsement fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, residency declaration, CE or practice hours, and background checks |
A registered nurse working in Arkansas can expect an average annual salary of $72,900 although BSN nurses receive higher compensation because of their educational background. The advancement of nurses to supervisory or specialized positions following BSN education leads to better compensation than standard nursing jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that registered nurse employment will grow 6% across the nation and Arkansas will experience higher than average demand due to its expanding population and healthcare requirements. The need for nurses exists throughout both urban areas and rural settings with particular emphasis on underserved regions which suffer from nursing shortages. BSN nurses will experience excellent job opportunities in Arkansas due to the rising need for healthcare services from an aging population and better care quality initiatives throughout hospitals and outpatient clinics.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Arkansas | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $68,700 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $33.05 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$82,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $68,700 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 11% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~700 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University |
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| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
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| University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
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BSN degree holders in Arkansas discover multiple opportunities to advance their nursing careers. With a BSN degree nurses qualify to become nurse managers, clinical coordinators, and acquire specialized certifications in oncology, pediatrics, critical care, and more. Hospitals across Arkansas require BSN-prepared nurses for leadership positions because these nurses demonstrate better management skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and quality improvement capabilities. The BSN degree enables nurses to move forward into graduate education. In general, the BSN degree is the minimum requirement for students enrolling in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. With additional education, a BSN allows nurses to pursue roles as researchers or nurse educators, and in some capacities, nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. Nurses can pursue education and earn such qualifications as educators, healthcare managers, and researchers after earning their BSN, and thus expand their roles within healthcare facilities. The BSN is the door to advanced nursing professions with increased pay and professional specialization.
Additional Nursing Programs in Arkansas
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