Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Arkansas | 2024

Arkansas' healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with nurses playing a crucial role in driving change. As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow. To stay ahead of these changes and significantly impact your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in Arkansas and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Arkansas- Online & On-Campus

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

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession. MSN degrees provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

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.

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 can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours which need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

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

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

Q: 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.

Q: Is an MSN worth it in Arkansas?

Deciding whether or not an MSN is worth it will vary depending on each individual's goals. Many MSNs find their careers as NPs and APRNs personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.