Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Arkansas | 2025

Arkansas needs more nurses with advanced skills, especially in areas like family care, mental health, and nurse education. With ongoing provider shortages in parts of the state, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can help you step into roles that offer more responsibility, better pay, and long-term career growth.

This guide looks at MSN programs in cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Conway, and Searcy. It covers how each program is structured, where clinical hours are completed, what the admission process involves, and how much you can expect to earn after graduation. You'll also find tips for choosing the right track based on your background and career goals.

Best MSN Programs in Arkansas- Online & On-Campus

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

In Arkansas, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in clinical care, education, or healthcare leadership. Programs train nurses in areas such as nurse practitioner practice, nursing education, and administrative leadership.

Several Arkansas universities offer MSN programs, including UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Harding University in Searcy, and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. These programs often include both online coursework and clinical placements at regional hospitals or health centers. Most take two to three years to complete, depending on the track and whether a student is studying full- or part-time.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

• Entry-Level Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's in a field other than nursing.
• ADN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with an ADN.
• BSN-RN Master's Degree: For nurses with a BSN.
• Direct Entry Master's Degree: For non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in another related field. 
• Dual Master's Degree: An option to choose dual concentration specialties, such as Family and Psychiatric NP  or Family NP and Nurse Midwifery.

What Do You Learn in an MSN Program?

MSN programs in Arkansas teach nurses how to lead, specialize, and make decisions based on clinical evidence. Core courses often include advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing theory. These classes build the foundation for roles like nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator.

Students also take courses specific to their chosen track. For example, those in a nurse practitioner program may study population health and diagnostics, while future educators learn about curriculum development and teaching strategies. Clinical training is included in most tracks and is typically completed at hospitals or clinics within Arkansas.

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient Care Centers
• Physicians Office
• Nursing Schools
• Home Health Care Services
• Public Health and Community Clinics
• Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Many MSN programs in Arkansas offer fully online coursework, especially for non-clinical tracks like nursing education or administration. Schools such as Arkansas State University and the University of Central Arkansas provide online options that allow students to complete classes on their own schedule.

However, clinical tracks like nurse practitioner programs still require in-person clinical hours. These are typically arranged through local healthcare facilities across the state. While the academic portion may be online, hands-on training remains a key part of earning an MSN in Arkansas.

MSN Program Admission Requirements

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

• Active RN License in good standing
• Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• 1-3 Letters of recommendation
• Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
• RN experience of 3 to 5 years
• Graduation Record Examinations 
• Interview to enter the program

Why Should You Enroll in an MSN Program?

Earning an MSN in Arkansas gives you access to advanced roles that are in high demand across the state, including nurse practitioner, clinical educator, and healthcare administrator. With hospital closures and provider shortages in areas like the Arkansas Delta and Ozarks, MSN-prepared nurses are often hired to fill urgent workforce needs in both public and private healthcare settings.

MSN graduates in Arkansas typically see a strong salary increase. Nurse practitioners, for example, earn a mean annual wage of over $113,000, compared to around $66,000 for RNs. Local programs also build connections with healthcare employers across the state, which can help with job placement after graduation.

MSN RN Salary Expectations in Arkansas

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in Arkansas with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Arkansas NP compensation:

• Mean Hourly Wage: $54.53
• Mean Annual Wage: $113,410

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

• Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
• Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
• High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

• California: $161,540
• Nevada: $148,670
• Washington: $145,400
• New Jersey: $145,030
• Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Midwife

Arkansas Nurse Midwife Compensation: No salary data is available for CNMs in the state. As of November 2023, there were only 14 CNMs practicing in Arkansas. National nurse midwife salary (BLS):

• Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
• Mean: $131,570 or $63.26 per hour
• High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

• California: $183,740
• Hawaii: $161,820
• Massachusetts: $154,080
• Maine: $140,440
• Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Administrator

Arkansas nurse administrator compensation: 

• Mean Hourly Wage: $46.76
• Mean Annual Wage: $97,250

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

• Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
• Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
• High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

• New York: $179,160
• District of Columbia: $170,710
• Delaware: $164,190
• New Jersey: $162,430
• Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Educator

Arkansas nurse educator compensation:

• Mean Annual Wage: $66,920

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

• Low: $49,120
• Mean: $86,530
• High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

• District of Columbia: $111,130
• Oregon: $109,110
• New York: $102,980
• New Jersey: $101,540
• Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification 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:

1. Cost
2. High Pass Rate
3. Location
4. Academic Reputation
5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
7. Flexibility of Schedule
8. Curriculum
9. Campus and Surroundings
10. Nursing Clinicals Location
11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Arkansas?

MSN graduates have numerous job opportunities, with Nurse Practitioner (NP) roles often being the highest-paying. According to the latest BLS data, this holds true in Arkansas. NP salaries can vary based on the chosen specialty concentration.

Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

Do MSN programs in Arkansas require on-site clinicals?

Yes. Even if the coursework is fully online, most programs require in-person clinical hours. Schools typically help arrange these at hospitals or clinics in your area. For example, nurse practitioner students often complete rotations at regional health systems like Baptist Health or UAMS-affiliated clinics.

Are there bridge MSN programs for ADN-prepared nurses in Arkansas?

Yes. Several Arkansas schools offer RN-to-MSN pathways for nurses with an associate degree. These programs typically include BSN-level coursework before moving into graduate-level material. Harding University and Arkansas State University are examples of schools with this option.

Will I be able to complete my clinical hours near where I live?

Yes, most MSN programs in Arkansas make an effort to match students with clinical placements near their residence. If you live in or near cities like Fort Smith, Conway, or El Dorado, you can usually complete clinical rotations at local hospitals, outpatient clinics, or federally qualified health centers.

For example, students at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) often rotate through Baptist Health or Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. In northeast Arkansas, students attending Arkansas State may be placed at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital or rural clinics across the Delta region. This localized approach reduces commuting time and helps students stay connected to potential employers.

Are there support systems or networking opportunities for MSN students in Arkansas?

Arkansas offers several professional and academic networks that support MSN students during and after their education. The Arkansas Nurses Association hosts events, webinars, and local meetups where students can network with practicing APRNs, educators, and policymakers. Many university programs also have mentorship tracks or peer support groups built into their curriculum.

If you're pursuing a nurse practitioner track, you can also get involved with local chapters of specialty organizations like the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association. These groups provide continuing education resources, job boards, and legislative updates that are especially useful for APRNs practicing in the state.

How do MSN salaries in Arkansas compare to living expenses?

MSN-prepared nurses in Arkansas earn salaries that go further than in many other states due to the low cost of living. Nurse practitioners earn a mean annual wage of about $113,000 in Arkansas, while nurse administrators average around $97,000. In comparison, monthly rent in cities like Conway or Jonesboro can be under $1,000, and homeownership is more attainable than in nearby states like Texas or Tennessee.

These economic conditions make Arkansas a financially realistic place to pursue an advanced nursing degree while working, supporting a family, or paying down undergraduate debt.