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.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

For RNs who hold an ADN or diploma, earning a BSN can increase employment opportunities and earning potential. Online RN to BSN programs make this process convenient and flexible. Choosing the right RN to BSN program in Arkansas can be stressful, so we've ranked the top online RN to BSN programs based in the state to help you get started. Check out our rankings below and enter your bridge program today!

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University enables working Registered Nurses who desire more from their careers to earn their bachelor's degree on their schedule. The well-regarded online RN to BSN program preps RNs for management roles as well as reinforces their core nursing competencies.

Quick Facts:
  • Can be completed in 12 months
  • A quality, affordable state university
  • One tuition rate for all U.S. residents
2.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

Registered Nurses can seamlessly transition to their BSN in the online RN to BSN program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a focus on Health Assessment, Community Health Needs, Healthcare Economics and Nursing Management, the degree-completion program is for serious candidates.

Quick Facts:
  • Curriculum builds on prior nursing knowledge
  • A top healthcare and nursing school
  • A respected research university
3.

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

Bachelor-degree-prepared RNs have been shown to improve patient outcomes. The University of Arkansas offers a convenient and flexible online RN to BSN to support nurses who wish to provide better patient care. The curriculum covers clinical, leadership, and socio-economic coursework.

Quick Facts:
  • Top-rated, three-semester program
  • Online classes are 8-weeks in length
  • Mentor-supported clinicals are required

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.

SchoolDegree NameLength
University of ArkansasOnline RN to BSN1.5 Years
Arkansas TechOnline RN to BSN1 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:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Arkansas TechOnline RN to BSN$5994.72 (full online tuition)
Arkansas State UniversityOnline RN to BSNResident: $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

2024 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

Matt Locke Ellis College of Arts and Sciences
1100 Henderson Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5000

Conway, AR

Department of Nursing
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-3119

Fayetteville, AR

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
606 N Razorback Rd
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Jonesboro, AR

School of Nursing
2105 Aggie Rd
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-2100

Little Rock, AR

Department of Nursing
2801 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204

College of Nursing
4301 West Markham Street, Slot 529, Education II Building, Fifth Floor
Little Rock, AR 72205-7199
(501) 686-5376

Magnolia, AR

Department of Nursing
100 E. University
Magnolia, AR 71753-5000

Russellville, AR

Department of Nursing
402 West O Street
Russellville, AR 72801-2222

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