Best Online MSN Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program designed for working nurses. The ACEN-accredited program requires 41.5 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 24 months. Total tuition is $15,770 at $380 per credit hour. Admission requires a BSN degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA, current RN license, and 1,500 RN practice hours. The curriculum includes 100% online coursework plus 750 clinical hours. Graduates are eligible for ANCC and AANP certification exams. The program prepares nurses for primary care roles across diverse healthcare settings.

• ACEN-accredited program
• 100% online coursework
• 41.5 credit hours required
• $15,770 total tuition
• $380 per credit hour
• As few as 24 months duration
• BSN degree required
• Minimum 3.25 GPA required
• Current RN license required
• 1,500 RN practice hours required

The online MSN – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Arkansas State University prepares registered nurses to manage complex acute and critical illnesses in adolescents through geriatric populations. The ACEN-accredited curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and diagnostic evaluation, followed by six specialized seminars and six practicums. You'll gain skills in patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible for ANCC and AACN certification and can work in hospital medicine, ICUs, emergency departments, or acute specialty clinics. The 100% online format features multiple start dates and optional on-site skills labs. With a team-based learning approach and dedicated faculty support, you can complete the program in as few as 24 months.

• ACEN accredited
• $15,770 total program tuition
• $380 per credit
• 24-Month program
• Apply by 2026-05-25
• 4 start dates per year
• Starts summer/fall
• 3.3 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prepares for ANCC and AACN

Arkansas State University's Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program addresses a critical societal need by preparing advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care. This fully online, ACEN-accredited program allows working professionals to expand their nursing credentials in 26 months, with 47.5 credit hours and a total tuition of $23,750. Students learn to treat diverse populations across age groups, addressing complex mental health challenges while preparing for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing certification exam. Clinicals can be completed near home, offering flexibility and practical experience.

• 100% online coursework
• 26 months program length
• 47.5 total credit hours
• Total tuition $23,750
• ACEN-accredited program
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Clinicals near home

Arkansas State University's online MSN Nurse Administrator program prepares nurses for advanced leadership roles. This ACEN-accredited program combines 100% online coursework with clinical experience. You'll develop skills in healthcare operations, finance, human resources, and quality improvement. The program requires 34 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 14 months. Total tuition is $11,900. Admission requires a BSN degree, current RN license, and 3.0 GPA. Multiple start dates offer flexibility for working professionals.

• 100% online format.
• 34 credit hours required.
• Total tuition $11,900.
• ACEN accredited program.
• Can complete in 14 months.
• Requires BSN degree.
• Current RN license needed.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Includes clinical hours.
• Multiple start dates.

Harding University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles through a hybrid format combining online coursework with three on-campus intensives. The 45-credit curriculum includes 750 clinical hours, with full-time completion in five semesters or part-time in eight. Admission requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, unencumbered RN license, and prerequisite courses. Total program costs are approximately $48,650, with federal financial aid available for degree-seeking students.

• 45 credit hours required
• 750 clinical practicum hours
• Hybrid online and campus format
• Three on-campus intensives required
• Full-time or part-time options
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Unencumbered RN license required
• BSN degree required
• Prerequisite courses required
• $50 non-refundable seat deposit

Harding University's Master's Entry into Professional Nursing program prepares non-nursing graduates for advanced nursing roles. Students earn a Master of Science in Nursing and become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. The hybrid program combines face-to-face and online courses over five semesters. It requires a 3.2 GPA, science prerequisites, and includes clinical practice. Tuition is $900 per credit hour, with estimated total costs around $74,525. Admission involves transcripts, references, and a background check. Scholarships are available for eligible students.

• Hybrid program format.
• 72 credit hours.
• Five semesters to complete.
• Earns MSN degree.
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
• 3.2 GPA required.
• Science GPA 3.0 minimum.
• Online NursingCAS application.
• Official transcripts needed.
• Three references required.

Henderson State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education for BSN or MSN-prepared RNs. This online program costs $470 per credit hour and requires 12 credit hours with 180 practicum hours. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing and an unencumbered license. The certificate can be completed in one summer term or over 2-4 semesters to accommodate working nurses, with no on-campus requirements. It focuses on curriculum development, assessment, teaching strategies, and program evaluation for nurse educator roles.

• Online delivery format.
• Cost: $470 per credit hour.
• 12 total credit hours.
• 180 total practicum hours.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing required.
• Unencumbered license required.
• Can complete in one summer term.
• Can complete over 2-4 semesters.
• No on-campus component required.
• For BSN or MSN-prepared RNs.

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track at Henderson State University prepares nurses for primary care roles across the lifespan. This online program requires 45 credit hours and 540 practicum hours. Admission requires a BSN, 2000+ RN work hours, and an unencumbered license. The curriculum includes core graduate courses and specialized FNP courses with a two-day on-campus session in the first semester. Graduates are eligible for national board certification.

• Online classes with practicum
• Two-day face-to-face session
• 45 total credit hours
• 540 total practicum hours
• BSN and RN license required
• 2000+ RN work hours required
• Prepares for national certification
• Family Nurse Practitioner track

Henderson State University's online MSN in Nursing Executive Leadership and Administration prepares BSN-prepared RNs for healthcare leadership roles. This fully online program allows working nurses to maintain employment while advancing their careers. The curriculum focuses on leading change, building collaborative teams, and translating evidence into practice. Graduates gain expertise in professional practice, healthcare leadership, and research. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and requires no on-campus visits.

• Online program format.
• No on-campus visits required.
• For BSN-prepared RNs.
• Maintain full-time employment.
• Flexible schedule.
• Focus on healthcare leadership.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Builds collaborative teams.
• Leads change in healthcare.
• Translates evidence into practice.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Public Health concentration. This 37-credit program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in community health. It focuses on disease prevention, health education, and public health policy. The program is flexible with full-time or part-time tracks. Admission requires an RN license, a 2.75 GPA, and an undergraduate statistics course. Application deadline is March 1. Costs and scholarships are available through UAM financial aid.

• Online MSN program.
• Public Health concentration.
• 37 credit hours.
• Flexible full-time or part-time.
• Prepares for public health roles.
• Requires RN license.
• 2.75 GPA minimum.
• Undergraduate statistics course needed.
• Application deadline March 1.
• Accredited by NLN CNEA.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers an online Master of Science in Nursing in Public Health for BSN-prepared nurses. This 37-credit program focuses on public health leadership, policy, and epidemiology. Students complete coursework in three phases: graduate nursing core, clinical foundation, and public health core. The program includes 405 practicum hours. All courses are delivered via distance learning, providing flexibility for working professionals. Admissions require a BSN degree. The curriculum covers advanced nursing practice, statistical reasoning, and healthcare economics. This program prepares nurses for roles in public health management and education.

• 37 total credit hours.
• 405 practicum hours required.
• Fully online distance learning.
• For BSN-prepared nurses only.
• Three-phase course structure.
• Graduate nursing core courses.
• Clinical foundation core courses.
• Public health core courses.
• Includes epidemiology coursework.
• Covers public health policy.

The University of Arkansas's Master of Science in Nursing offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health concentration. This online program builds on prior nursing experience, advancing skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Students complete 500 clinical hours with a preceptor, applying holistic and evidence-based approaches. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health promotion. Graduates qualify for CNS certification and work as Advanced Practice Nurses in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices. They coach patients, mentor staff, and lead quality improvement. The flexible online format through Global Campus suits working professionals. Career paths include orthopedics, cardiology, and primary care, with opportunities to prescribe medications and influence healthcare outcomes.

• 2 concentration options
• 500 clinical hours
• Online via Global Campus
• Prepares for CNS certification
• Careers as Advanced Practice Nurse
• Holistic patient coaching approach
• Evidence-based nursing practice
• Preceptor supervision during clinicals

Arkansas Tech University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration and Emergency Management concentration. This 33-credit hour program prepares registered nurses for leadership roles in healthcare administration and emergency response. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license. The curriculum includes core courses in research, healthcare law, and emergency management principles, plus a practicum in nursing administration. Students complete either a thesis or non-thesis project. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

• 33 credit hours required
• Online program delivery
• Nursing Administration concentration
• Emergency Management integration
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Unencumbered RN license needed
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite
• Research thesis or project
• Nursing Administration practicum
• ACEN accreditation