Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Arkansas

Registered nurses and students based in Arkansas have ample opportunities to enroll in nurse practitioner programs in cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville, or even in smaller towns throughout the countryside through online or on-campus options. These programs offer a way for nurses to move up in their field and specialize in NP areas that interest them, but most importantly, provide a much needed service in their communities. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Nurse practitioner programs are a great way for registered nurses to advance in the field, specialize in an area that they’re passionate about, and increase their salary substantially. Many nurses who have considered becoming a nurse practitioner have hesitated to do so due to the cost and time required to do so, however, through bridge programs and online learning, it has never been cheaper or faster to enter this exciting career.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Becoming a nurse practitioner will require at least a graduate degree in nursing such as a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Typically, those two degrees require a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and several years of committed study. If you’re looking to graduate as quickly as possible, an MSN is typically the fastest option, especially if you’re enrolling with a significant amount of transfer credits or enrolling in an accelerated or bridge program (see more below). Here are a few of the fastest MSN programs available in Arkansas:

NP Program	Length	Online/Campus
Arkansas State University	24 Months	Online
University of Arkansas	4 Semesters	Online or Campus
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences	2 Years	Campus

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

MSNs also lead nursing graduate programs in terms of price. Because MSNs take less time to complete, they usually end up costing less as well. You can unlock additional savings by comparing other program costs as well whether they’re technology fees, dining room costs, or the general cost of living in the area where your school is based. Here is a collection of the cheapest nurse practitioner programs currently available in Arkansas:

School Name	Tuition Range	Estimated Credits
Arkansas Tech University	8,071 – 13,891	39
Arkansas State University	$15,355	41.5
University of Arkansas at Monticello	8,431 – 14,281	39

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Some nurse practitioner specializations are more in demand than others, and if your goal is to make a higher salary, narrowing your focus to a popular nurse practitioner specialization is a great way to do so. Most nurse practitioner programs in Arkansas offer some type of specialization whether it’s in cardiology, neurology, or something else entirely. Here are a few options for specialized nurse practitioner programs in Arkansas:

School Name	NP Specialty	Credits Required
University of Arkansas at Monticello	Case Management	39
Arkansas State University	Family Nurse Practitioner	41.5
Arkansas Tech University	Nursing Administration	39

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Through the highly specialized education routes students can choose from never been easier to advance their career as a nurse practitioner based on their specific qualifications and background. Here are a few alternative ways that nurse practitioners can reach their educational goals through specialized routes.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, a master’s degree in nursing is the most common degree that nurse practitioners aim for. They usually take around two years to complete. Examples in Arkansas include:

• University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
• Arkansas State University – Jonestown, AR

RN to NP Programs

Nurses who already have spent some time as an RN, have their nursing license, and have graduated from either an ADN or ASN program may be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner through an RN to NP program (also called an ADN/ASN to MSN program). This will allow you to complete your MSN program in a much shorter amount of time. Unfortunately, these types of programs are only available to other states at this time.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

Students hoping to get the highest NP degree available, the DNP, will need to invest between 4-6 years following their master’s degree program. Here are a few to choose from in the state:

• University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
• Arkansas State University – Jonestown, AR

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-master's nursing certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, AR
• University of Central Arkansas – Conway, AR

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's entry to nursing practice programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree in any subject to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one rigorous program. As of now, Harding University in Searcy, AR is the only program available in the state.

General Admissions Requirements

The general admissions requirements to your NP program of choice will depend on your specific background, including nursing experience, credentials, and degree as well as your program’s specific requirements, but in general, you’ll need to have:

• A BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• A minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• An active, unencumbered RN license
• An essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• A resume or CV

Arkansas NP License and Certification Requirements

Arguably, the most important part of the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner (other than education) is getting licensed and certified. To do this in Arkansas, you’ll need a current RN license (valid in the state) and a graduate degree in nursing. Applicants must provide documentation of these qualifications, submit an application form, and pay the associated fee, which is generally around $100-$150. Detailed instructions for NP licensure/certification in Arkansas can be found through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Certification for most nurse practitioner specialty areas can be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Applicants must typically hold an active RN license and have completed a graduate-level nursing program in the relevant specialty. As of 2024, licensed and certified NPs in Arkansas have reduced practice authority, which means they are required to have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. More information can be accessed through the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association (ARNA).

List of NP Programs in Arkansas