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's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible path for licensed RNs to earn their bachelor's degree without an ACT or SAT requirement, as it's designed for working professionals. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking, leadership, and healthcare knowledge through a curriculum that supports career advancement. With year-round applications and adaptable learning options, this program is military-friendly and ideal for those seeking to elevate their nursing credentials efficiently.
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
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The University of Arkansas provides an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. With no concentration specified, it offers a flexible path to a bachelor's degree, completable in one year without campus visits. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based and culturally sensitive care, enhancing skills for diverse healthcare environments. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible for working professionals with multiple semester options to fit busy schedules.
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
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The University of Central Arkansas provides an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. With no specific concentration, it offers flexibility through 100% online coursework, allowing completion in as few as 12 months. The program accepts 41 transfer nursing credits and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and recommends nursing employment. It does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, features multiple start dates annually, and supports part-time study to accommodate working professionals.
Pine Bluff, AR - Public 4-Year - uapb.edu
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The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This program emphasizes leadership, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice, requiring 31 nursing credit hours for completion. With a total tuition cost of approximately $4,480-$5,360 plus additional fees, it provides flexibility for working professionals. Admission prerequisites include an unencumbered RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing instead on building upon existing nursing knowledge to enhance career skills.
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
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Ouachita Baptist University's Online RN to BSN Completion program, accredited by ACEN, prepares registered nurses for advanced roles through a curriculum that integrates critical thinking and spiritual development. As a Southern Baptist-affiliated institution, it emphasizes compassionate, service-oriented care with a focus on cultural diversity and professional growth. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission, offering flexibility for working nurses. Highlights include mentorship from distinguished faculty and a 4-year BSN degree pathway, making it a military-friendly option for those seeking to enhance their nursing careers.
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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