5 Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Arkansas | 2024

Take your nursing career to the next level with the best Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs in Arkansas. Programs

Arkansas best nurse practitioner programs
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Arkansas offers several highly-regarded Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, preparing students for the highest level of advanced practice registered nursing (APRN). Learn more about them below, including costs, salary expectations, and more.

Best NP Programs in Arkansas

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock offers a comprehensive graduate program in nursing, designed to prepare nurses for advanced specialty practice in leadership roles. Through its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), six specialties are available.

Each specialty is led by experienced faculty members who guide students through their educational journey. The program is designed for both full-time and part-time students, accommodating the needs of working professionals. Graduates of these specialties are well-prepared for advanced practice roles in various healthcare settings, contributing significantly to patient care and the nursing profession.

DNP NP Program Overview

  • Tuition: $495 per credit hour (AR residents) or $888 per credit hour (non-residents). 
  • Program Duration: Nearly 3 years. 
  • Credit Hours: 72-73 specialty dependent.
  • Clinical Hours: 1,080 
  • Accreditation: CCNE 
  • NP Specialties:
    • AGNP Acute Care
    • AGNP Primary Care
    • FNP
    • PMHNP
    • PNP Acute Care
    • PNP Primary Care

2. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas Fayetteville's Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers a DNP program designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree with a clinical focus. The DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to function as experts and leaders in complex healthcare settings and is available in two paths of entry: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

DNP NP Program Overview

  • Tuition: $583.11 per credit hour in-state tuition
  • Accreditation: CCNE 
  • NP Specialties:
    • FNP
      • BSN-DNP; 82 credit hours 
      • MSN-DNP; 64 credit hours
    • AG-ACNP (currently not accepting applications for this specialty)

3. University of Central Arkansas

In Conway, The University of Central Arkansas School of Nursing offers an esteemed Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, with a focus on elevating nurses to the pinnacle of clinical practice. The BSN to DNP track, tailored for RNs holding a BSN degree and aspiring to become Family Nurse Practitioners, and is delivered primarily online with mandatory campus visits for clinical courses and Advanced Health Assessment. This track is a part-time, 11-semester program, beginning annually in the fall.

Post-BSN to DNP FNP Overview

  • Tuition: $497 per credit hour (online) or $499 per credit hour (traditional learning). 
  • Program Duration: Eleven semesters over 4 years. 
  • Credit Hours: 73
  • Clinical Hours: 1,125
  • Accreditation: CCNE 

4. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro offers a dynamic and flexible online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. This program caters to registered nurses aiming to enhance their careers by stepping into the role of family nurse practitioners, a profession increasingly essential in diverse healthcare environments. Designed with a modern curriculum, the program focuses on the theoretical and clinical foundations for managing clients with a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, infectious diseases, endocrine, metabolic, rheumatic, and oncologic disorders. This comprehensive program, structured into 7-week courses, equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in primary care settings, meeting the growing demand for skilled FNPs in the healthcare sector.

MSN FNP Program Overview

  • Total Tuition: $14,110.
  • Program Duration: Can be completed in as few as 24 months.
  • Credit Hours: 41.5.
  • Format: 100% online coursework with relevant clinical experiences.
  • Accreditation: ACEN

5. Harding University - Searcy

Harding University's Carr College of Nursing provides an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program in a hybrid format, combining online learning with essential on-campus intensives. Focused on preparing students for APRN roles and national certification exams, graduates are well-equipped for primary care across various settings. The program emphasizes a holistic and compassionate approach to patient care rooted in Christian values.

MSN FNP Program Overview

  • Total Tuition: $56,380
  • Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), 3 years (part-time). 
  • Credit Hours: 45
  • Clinical Hours: 750
  • Format: Hybrid, with online lectures and periodic on-campus intensives.
  • Accreditation: CCNE

The university also provides a post-graduate FNP certificate for MSN-prepared APRNs wishing to broaden their scope of practice. 

 

What Is an NP Program?

An NP Program is an advanced educational course designed for registered nurses (RNs) who wish to expand their scope of practice. These programs typically lead to an MSN or a DNP degree but are also offered as graduate certificates.

Graduates of NP programs are qualified to offer a range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care. They often work independently or in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

NP Coursework in Arkansas

NP coursework in Arkansas typically includes:

  • Advanced Pathophysiology: Understanding the changes in normal body functions that result from diseases.
  • Advanced Pharmacology: Detailed study of how drugs interact with the human body and impact diseases.
  • Advanced Health Assessment: Training in comprehensive physical and psychological assessment of patients across different age groups.
  • Primary Care Practices: Focusing on the primary healthcare needs of various populations.
  • Specialty Courses: Depending on the NP's chosen specialty, courses may include pediatrics, gerontology, family care, psychiatric-mental health, or women's health.
  • Healthcare Policy and Ethics: Understanding the legal, ethical, and policy aspects of healthcare.
  • Research Methods: Training in research methodologies relevant to clinical practice.
  • Clinical Decision Making: Enhancing skills in making effective and informed clinical decisions.

NP Clinical Training in Arkansas

NP clinical training in Arkansas commonly includes:

  • Primary Care Rotations: The development of experience in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, and more.
  • Specialty Rotations: Depending on the focus of the NP, rotations might include oncology, emergency, cardiology, or other specialties.
  • Long-Term Care Settings: Develops experience in managing chronic conditions in settings like nursing homes.
  • Simulation Labs: Using high-tech simulation tools to practice clinical skills in a controlled environment.

While the above coursework and clinical training are common, students should research each program of interest as it may vary per educational institution.

NP Specializations

While many NP specializations are available, some of the most common include:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner: FNPs provide healthcare services across all ages, genders, and diseases, focusing on health prevention and promotion in family practice settings.
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: PMHNPs provide mental health services, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of psychiatric disorders.
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: AGNPs focus on the healthcare of adults, including the elderly, to manage and prevent diseases and address the unique challenges of aging.
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: PNPs specialize in providing comprehensive medical treatment for infants, children, and adolescents, including preventative care and disease management.
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: NNPs provide care for newborns, particularly those who are premature or have health issues in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: WHNPs focus on providing specialized care in women's health, including reproductive, gynecological, prenatal, postnatal, and other female-specific health issues.

Other specialties include aesthetic nurse practitioner, emergency nurse practitioner, and oncology nurse practitioner, while subspecialties such as acute care or primary care can be applied depending on the practice setting.

NP Prerequisites & Requirements in Arkansas

Students who wish to enroll in an NP Program in Arkansas must meet several prerequisites and requirements to ensure they're able to meet the demands of the education and role:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): Most NP programs require applicants to have completed a BSN from an accredited nursing program.
  • RN Licensure: Applicants must hold a current and unencumbered RN license.
  • Clinical Experience: A specified amount of clinical experience as an RN is often required, typically ranging from one to two years, depending on the program.
  • Minimum GPA: Many programs require a minimum GPA, often around 3.0, in undergraduate coursework.
  • Completion of Specific Undergraduate Courses: This may include courses in anatomy, physiology, Microbiology, and statistics.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Often required from academic and professional references.
  • Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application and licensure process.

NP Program Costs in Arkansas

Commencing a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program in Arkansas involves significant financial considerations, encompassing several key aspects:

  • Tuition Fees: Tuition constitutes a major part of the educational cost, varying based on whether the school is public or private and the student's eligibility for in-state tuition, which is typically lower. Fees may be charged per credit or per academic term.
  • Educational Materials: The budget must include costs for textbooks, medical equipment like stethoscopes, and professional attire such as lab coats.
  • Clinical Rotation Costs: Travel expenses to clinical rotations can add to the financial burden, particularly if the locations are distant from the student's residence or the university campus.
  • Post-Graduation Expenses: Upon completion of their studies, NP graduates encounter fees for certification and licensing, which are essential for commencing their professional careers.
  • Additional Charges: Students may also face additional costs related to accessing university facilities, laboratory usage, and various administrative fees.
  • Impact on Living Expenses and Income: Full-time study can significantly affect both living costs and the ability to work, necessitating careful financial planning.

To address these financial challenges, NP students in Arkansas are encouraged to seek out financial aid, scholarships, and grants proactively and to manage loans wisely, favoring federal loans for their more favorable terms and repayment conditions. By thoroughly understanding these financial elements, NP students can formulate a viable plan to fund their education, allowing them to focus on their goal of becoming competent healthcare professionals.

NP Salary Expectations in Arkansas

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median national salary for NPs is $124,680, or $59.94 per hour.

The top-paying states for NPs are:

  • California: $158,130
  • New Jersey: $143,250
  • Massachusetts: $138,700
  • Oregon: $136,250
  • Nevada: $136,230

Industries with the highest levels of employment for NPs include:

  • Offices of Physicians: 122,830 employed
  • General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: 58,080 employed
  • Outpatient Care Centers: 23,760 employed
  • Offices of Other Health Practitioners: 10,950 employed
  • Home Health Care Services: 7,460 employed

Overall, the BLS reports that the projected employment of NPs is expected to grow 38 percent from 2022 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Are NP Programs in Arkansas Worth It?

Whether an NP Program is worth it in Arkansas depends on individual career goals, interests, and the desire for advanced practice. While becoming an NP comes with many advantages, it's also important to consider their disadvantages.

Pros of NP Programs in Arkansas

  • Higher Earning Potential: NPs generally earn a higher salary compared to registered nurses, reflecting their advanced skills and responsibilities.
  • Increased Autonomy: NPs often have more independence in their practice, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plans.
  • Specialization Opportunities: NP programs offer various specializations, such as family practice, pediatrics, or psychiatry, allowing for focused career paths in areas of interest.
  • High Demand: There is a growing demand for healthcare services and a shortage of primary care providers, which increases job security and opportunities for NPs.
  • Positive Impact on Patient Care: NPs play a crucial role in improving access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, and often provide a holistic approach to patient care.

Cons of NP Programs in Arkansas

  1. Cost and Time Investment: NP programs can be expensive and time-consuming, often requiring several years of study beyond the registered nursing level.
  2. Stress and Responsibility: The role of an NP comes with increased responsibilities and decision-making, which can be stressful and demanding.
  3. State-by-State Regulation Variability: The scope of practice for NPs varies by state, which can limit practice authority in some regions.
  4. Competitive Admission Process: Gaining admission into NP programs can be competitive, requiring excellent academic records and professional experience.
  5. Continuing Education Requirements: NPs must engage in ongoing education and recertification to maintain their licensure and stay current with medical advancements.

NPs enjoy a high degree of autonomy, increased responsibility, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care. They often have higher earning potential compared to RNs and can specialize in areas of healthcare that interest them most. However, these programs require a substantial investment of time, effort, and finances, and the increased responsibilities come with their own set of challenges.

NP Scope of Practice & Certification in Arkansas

For Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Arkansas, understanding national certification requirements and Arkansas's specific practice settings is crucial for career planning and lawful practice.

NP Certification

Achieving national certification is a critical milestone for NPs in every state, signifying specialty-specific competence. This certification validates an NP's expertise and is commonly required for state licensure. The principal organizations that offer NP certifications include:

Such national certification is foundational to NP practice, promoting uniform standards of proficiency across various specialties.

NP State Licensure | Arkansas

In Arkansas, NPs are subject to a reduced practice regulatory framework, requiring them to collaborate with a physician in at least one area of practice. This collaboration or supervision is necessary for tasks such as prescribing medications, highlighting a regulated collaborative NP practice set by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. 

NP Practice Authority Nationally

Arkansas is among the states with reduced practice authority. Here is how it compares with other regulatory models, as defined by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP):

  • Full Practice States: States like New York and Washington grant NPs complete autonomy, including the ability to assess, diagnose, and prescribe without physician oversight.
  • Reduced Practice States: These eleven states, including Arkansas, require physician collaboration for certain NP duties.
  • Restricted Practice States: Fifteen states, like California or Florida, impose stricter supervisory requirements for NPs.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for NPs considering employment in different states.

State-Specific NP Licensure Requirements

While national certification standards remain consistent, state-specific licensure requirements can vary significantly. The APRN Compact aims to standardize these requirements, facilitating a smoother licensure process. NPs must ensure their credentials align with the licensure demands set by the board of nursing in the state in which they intend to practice. 

Importance of Picking an Accredited NP Program

Choosing an accredited NP Program is crucial for several reasons:

  • Quality of Education: Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific educational standards set by a recognized accrediting body. This guarantees a level of quality in the curriculum, faculty qualifications, student resources, and clinical training opportunities.
  • Eligibility for Certification Exams: Graduation from an accredited NP Program is often a prerequisite for taking national certification exams. Without attending an accredited program, graduates may not be eligible to sit for these exams, which can significantly limit their career opportunities.
  • State Licensure Requirements: Most states require completion of an accredited NP Program for licensure. Attending a non-accredited program can prevent graduates from practicing in their chosen field, as they may not meet the state board of nursing's requirements for licensure.
  • Professional Credibility and Employment Opportunities: Employers often prefer or exclusively hire graduates from accredited programs. Accreditation signifies that the individual has received a high standard of education and is well-prepared for the demands of the profession. This can lead to better job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
  • Transfer of Credits: If a student decides to further their education, credits from an accredited program are more likely to be accepted by other accredited institutions.
  • Access to Federal Financial Aid: Only students in accredited programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid, including grants and loans. This is a crucial consideration for many students who rely on these funds to finance their education.

Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

NP Programs Near Me

Discover NP programs in a state near you:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can out-of-state students enroll in Arkansas's online MSN NP programs, and are there differences in tuition?

Out-of-state students can enroll in Arkansas's online MSN NP programs. However, tuition rates may vary between in-state and out-of-state students. Some online programs offer a flat tuition rate regardless of residency, but it's important to check with the specific institution for their tuition policies.

Q: What are the key competencies developed in Arkansas's NP programs for advanced practice registered nursing?

Arkansas's NP programs focus on developing competencies in areas such as advanced clinical skills, patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, health care policy, leadership in health care systems, and evidence-based practice. These competencies are essential for NPs to provide high-quality care in various healthcare settings.

Q: How many credit hours and clinical hours are typically required in NP degree programs in Arkansas?

The number of credit hours for NP degree programs in Arkansas varies, typically ranging from 35 to 50 credit hours for MSN programs and more for DNP programs. Clinical hour requirements also vary but generally include at least 500-1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, depending on the program and specialization.

Q: Are there part-time options available for NP programs in Arkansas, and how does this affect the duration of the program?

Many NP programs in Arkansas offer part-time options to accommodate working professionals. Part-time students take fewer courses each semester, extending the duration of the program. While a full-time NP Program might take 2-3 years to complete, a part-time program could take 3-5 years, depending on the number of credits taken per semester.

Q: What are the typical admission requirements for NP programs in Arkansas, and do they include on-campus components?

Admission requirements for NP programs in Arkansas typically include a BSN degree, a current RN license, a minimum GPA (often around 3.0), specific undergraduate coursework, clinical experience, letters of recommendation, and a background check. Some programs may have on-campus components, such as orientations or intensive workshops, even if the program is primarily online.

Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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