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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Arkansas involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Arkansas, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best BSN Programs in Arkansas
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro offers a BSN program at an estimated annual tuition of $13,430. With a creditable average NCLEX pass rate of 94% from 2018 to 2022 and ACEN accreditation, this program ensures students receive a comprehensive nursing education, preparing them for successful careers in healthcare.
2. Arkansas Tech University
At Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, aspiring nurses can pursue their BSN degree with an estimated annual tuition of $12,191. The program holds ACEN accreditation and has maintained an average NCLEX pass rate of 89% from 2018 to 2022, providing students with a well-rounded nursing education for future success.
3. University of Arkansas
Set your sights on a rewarding nursing career with the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, offering a comprehensive BSN program at an estimated annual tuition of $14,998. Accredited by ACEN and featuring an impressive average NCLEX pass rate of 92%, this program lays the groundwork for success in the dynamic healthcare field.
4. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas in Conway presents a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $14,735. This program holds ACEN accreditation and maintains an average NCLEX pass rate of 89% from 2018 to 2022, providing students with a solid nursing education to succeed in their future careers.
5. Henderson State University
Located in Arkadelphia, Henderson State University presents a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $16,696. With ACEN accreditation and a strong average NCLEX pass rate of 91%, this program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their nursing careers.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.76 | Arkansas State University | BSN | Jonesboro | $13,430 | 94% | Yes |
| 99.67 | Arkansas Tech University | BSN | Russellville | $12,191 | 89% | Yes |
| 96.00 | University of Arkansas | BSN | Fayetteville | $14,998 | 92% | Yes |
| 95.08 | University of Central Arkansas | BSN | Conway | $14,735 | 89% | Yes |
| 92.47 | Henderson State University | BSN | Arkadelphia | $16,696 | 91% | Yes |
| 92.42 | University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | BSN | Fort Smith | $9,336 | 86% | Yes |
| 90.36 | John Brown University | BSN | Siloam Springs | $18,641 | 94% | Yes |
| 89.00 | Harding University | BSN | Searcy | $20,429 | 98% | Yes |
*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:
- Administration
- Research
- Teaching
- Consulting
Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
BSN Coursework
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, many BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those requiring more flexible schedules.
Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
BSN programs generally require:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
BSN Salary Expectations in Arkansas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Arkansas in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $31.98
- Annual Mean Wage: $66,530
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Arkansas is 25% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Arkansas RN wage data from over 28,490 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that best fit them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Arkansas?
Arkansas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Arkansas?
Many schools in Arkansas offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.
