Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/1/2020
Become a Nurse in Arkansas – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Arkansas | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | Yes |
Certified Nurse Practitioner | Yes |
Certified Nurse-Midwife | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Arkansas Nursing Salary Average
| AR Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO Annual Mean Wage | Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Annual Mean Wage | Memphis, TN-MS-AR Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $39,570 | $44,200 | $42,080 | $43,150 |
Registered Nurse | $60,780 | $60,570 | $65,030 | $66,350 |
Nurse Practitioner | $104,300 | $116,180 | $94,910 | $107,210 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $186,970 | Not Available | $182,510 | $150,810 |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Arkansas in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Arkansas. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Arkansas, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Arkansas nursing licensure. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Arkansas, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
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Compact State Status
Arkansas is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Arkansas
According to the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Arkansas, advanced practice registered nurses may apply for prescriptive authority under Schedule III-V. The completion of a board approved pharmacology course is required as well as a collaborative practice agreement and quality assurance plan must be submitted. There is also a certification fee for APRNs of $160.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Arkansas
APRNs in Arkansas include: certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, and clinical nurse specialist.
Education: Master’s degree or higher from an approved nurse education program
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Fees:
- $125 Original License
- $30 License Certification/Verification
Additional Information: An active registered nurse license is required for application.
Renewal: APRN renewal coincides with the renewal of the RN license. Verified national certification is also required. Renewal fee is $65.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Information for APRNs in Arkansas was retrieved from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Rules – Chapter Four, as of January 2020.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Arkansas
Education: Nursing degree from board-approved school in a registered nurse program.
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- Initial RN license is provided for free
- $100 License/Certification by Exam
- $125 License/Certification by Endorsement
Renewal: RN license expiration date should be the last day of your birth month. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license will expire in even-numbered years. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire in odd-numbered years.
Endorsement: RN license by endorsement in Arkansas requires verification of licensure, employment, a declaration of state of residence, and a criminal background check.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Information for RN licensure in Arkansas was retrieved from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing RN Initial by Exam Information and RN License by Endorsement, as of January 2020.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arkansas
Education: Completed state-approved program for the preparation of practical nurses.
Examination: NCLEX
Fees:
- $100 License/Certification by Exam
- $125 License/Certification by Endorsement
Renewal:
LPNs renew licenses every two years on the last day of the nurse’s birth month. LPNs with prescriptive rights must complete five CEUs in pharmacology specific to their practice area during each licensing period. Individuals practicing LPNs must renew their license through their national certifying organization.
LPN license expiration date should be the last day of your birth month. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license will expire in even-numbered years. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire in odd-numbered years.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for LPN licensure in Arkansas was retrieved from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing LPN Licensure by Exam Information and LPN License by Endorsement, as of January 2020.
Fees for licensure and renewal on the above nursing careers in Arkansas was retrieved from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing – Licensing Fees, as of January 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED