Nurses in Arkansas are realizing there's a real benefit to furthering their nursing education. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) allows nurses in the state to pursue a wider variety of nursing jobs, as well as earn a higher salary. Fortunately, more and more schools in the state are offering an RN to BSN program to fill this need, making it easier than ever for busy working RNs to advance in their careers.
2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas delivers a cutting-edge online RN to BSN program tailored for working registered nurses seeking academic progression. This accelerated pathway allows nurses with associate degrees or diplomas to transform their professional credentials within just 12 months. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and advanced nursing skills applicable across diverse healthcare environments. Military-friendly and designed for maximum flexibility, the program requires no campus visits and offers multiple semester completion tracks. Students benefit from a comprehensive online learning experience that enhances clinical knowledge and prepares nurses for expanded professional opportunities without disrupting current employment.
- Fully online nursing program
- Completion possible in one year
- No campus visits required
- Enhances career opportunities
- Flexible 3-5 semester plans
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Culturally sensitive care approach
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - ualr.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN online program
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Arkansas at Little Rock's fully online RN to BSN program provides licensed registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their professional credentials. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program accommodates working nurses by offering year-round application acceptance and convenient learning options. Students can seamlessly progress through coursework without disrupting their current employment, focusing on developing advanced critical thinking and leadership skills. While no specific entrance exam requirements are mentioned, the program welcomes associate degree and diploma RN graduates seeking career enhancement. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive healthcare knowledge and prepares nurses for expanded professional roles in diverse healthcare settings.
- Online RN to BSN program
- Year-round application acceptance
- Flexible learning options
- For licensed RNs
- Career advancement opportunity
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas delivers a dynamic online RN to BSN program tailored for ambitious nurses seeking professional growth. Designed with flexibility in mind, this 12-month accelerated pathway welcomes registered nurses holding associate degrees or hospital diplomas. Students can leverage 41 transferable nursing credits and benefit from three annual enrollment periods. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical knowledge, research methodology, and career development strategies. Prospective students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, possess an unencumbered RN license, and demonstrate strong academic preparation in prerequisite sciences. The program accommodates working professionals through part-time study options and provides comprehensive online learning experiences.
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- 12-month Completion Option
- 41 Transfer Nursing Credits
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Unencumbered RN License
- Multiple Start Dates
- Part-time Study Available
- Competitive Admissions
- Prerequisites Include Sciences
- Nursing Employment Recommended
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR - Public 4-Year - atu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arkansas Tech University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a dynamic pathway to career advancement. Strategically designed for working healthcare professionals, students can complete the comprehensive curriculum within one calendar year, balancing academic growth with professional responsibilities. The program emphasizes critical nursing domains including research, informatics, and population health, enabling nurses to expand their theoretical knowledge and leadership capabilities. Applicants must possess an unencumbered nursing license and maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA. Unique program benefits include flexible enrollment options, fall and spring admission periods, and attractive financial aid opportunities. Border state residents enjoy advantageous in-state tuition rates, making this online degree an accessible and strategic investment in professional development.
- Online program, full/part-time
- Completes in one year
- Fall and spring admission
- Minimum 2.50 GPA required
- Unencumbered nursing license
- Leadership skill development
- In-state tuition for border states
- Career advancement opportunities
- Financial aid available
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Henderson State University delivers a dynamic online RN to BSN program tailored for active nursing professionals aiming to elevate their academic credentials. This accelerated pathway enables registered nurses to complete their bachelor's degree within three semesters while maintaining current employment. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes comprehensive nursing practice, offering flexible online learning that accommodates busy schedules. Students can seamlessly transfer up to 41 nursing credit hours, streamlining their educational journey. With a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement and prerequisite of an active RN license, the program prepares nurses for advanced study and expanded career opportunities in healthcare. No specific ACT or SAT entrance exam is noted for admission.
- Online flexible program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- Up to 41 nursing credits transferred
- CCNE Accredited program
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- 120 total credit hours needed
- Current RN license prerequisite
- 33 nursing core course hours
Fast & Affordable Program Options
Getting a BSN is certainly a process, but as a bridge program, RN to BSNs are a much easier undertaking, especially for nurses who are working full-time and have little time and money to commit to their education.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
It can be hard to commit to much as a working nurse with such little time at your disposal, but there are many RN to BSN programs available in Arkansas that offer evening and weekend classes and a very short timeline. Instead of a typical 4-year trajectory that most bachelor’s degrees require, RN to BSN programs build on your experience as a nurse to shorten the amount of time between enrollment and graduation. Here are a few of the quickest RN to BSN programs available in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of Arkansas | Online RN to BSN | 1.5 Years |
| Arkansas Tech | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Shortest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
While most RN to BSN programs range between one and two years in length, there are some that can be completed in as little as six months — though these programs are rare, and aren’t found in Arkansas. Additionally, to be considered for an RN to BSN program this short, you must have at least an associate’s degree and a bulk of transferable credits.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Nursing school is never cheap, but it can be cheaper than you might expect. Because most schools charge their student based on how much time they’re enrolled for, RN to BSN programs are often both quick and affordable. Still, some RN to BSN programs are more affordable than others. Here are a few of the cheapest options in Arkansas:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Arkansas Tech | Online RN to BSN | $5994.72 (full online tuition) |
| Arkansas State University | Online RN to BSN | Resident: $4,840 per semester Non-resident: $8,635 per semester |
Learn more about the Cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs, while becoming more common, can have strict entrance requirements. Below are some of the common requirements needed to be admitted into an accredited program in the state:
- Currently be a licensed registered nurse
- Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Have graduated from an ACEN-accredited associate degree or diploma program
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Students in an RN to BSN program can expect to take classes that build upon their prior nursing knowledge. Some of the courses offered in the RN to BSN program at Arkansas Tech University include:
- NURN 4002: Nursing Informatics
- NURN 4003: Scope of Professional Practice
- NURN 4013: Laws, Ethics, and Issues in Professional Nursing Practice
- NURN 4024: Community Health Nursing
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
Discover best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Arkansas.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Arkadelphia, AR
Henderson State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- Complete in 3 semesters
- Up to 41 nursing credits transferred
- CCNE Accredited program
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required
- 120 total credit hours needed
- Current RN license prerequisite
- 33 nursing core course hours
Ouachita Baptist University
- Bachelor's - Online RN to BSN Completion
Online Learning - Website
- ACEN Accredited Program
- 4-Year BSN Degree
- Nursing Education Center
- Spiritually Grounded Curriculum
- Mentorship from Distinguished Faculty
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Nursing Degree
- 12-month Completion Option
- 41 Transfer Nursing Credits
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Unencumbered RN License
- Multiple Start Dates
- Part-time Study Available
- Competitive Admissions
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing program
- Completion possible in one year
- No campus visits required
- Enhances career opportunities
- Flexible 3-5 semester plans
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Culturally sensitive care approach
Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN online program
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- Year-round application acceptance
- Flexible learning options
- For licensed RNs
- Career advancement opportunity
Pine Bluff, AR
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN track
- 31 nursing credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA prerequisite
- Leadership and evidence-based practice focus
Russellville, AR
Arkansas Tech University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program, full/part-time
- Completes in one year
- Fall and spring admission
- Minimum 2.50 GPA required
- Unencumbered nursing license
- Leadership skill development
- In-state tuition for border states
- Career advancement opportunities