Arkansas RN to BSN Programs

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.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

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.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

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.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

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

Admissions Requirements for Arkansas 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 a 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Many schools offer an online RN to BSN program to cater to the schedules of working registered nurses. These courses offer maximum flexibility and are typically offered year-round. This makes it especially convenient for students with busy schedules and lives.

Admissions and Program Length

For most RN to BSN programs, students are expected to complete a certain amount of prerequisite general education hours along with roughly 25-30 nursing credit hours. This will take most students between 12 and 18 months to complete, depending on the school and how many prerequisites credits a student needs. Start times are also usually flexible, with some schools offering up to 5 program start times throughout the year, and others starting at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Costs and fees will definitely vary from program to program, but there are many affordable options in the state. For example, tuition for the RN to BSN program at the University of Arkansas is estimated at $302.04 per credit hour. Mandatory fees include a $3.41 library fee, an $11.10 network and data systems fee, and a $30 off-campus fee.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Completion of a BSN program opens the door to more prestigious nursing positions and can be a great stepping stone for RNs who want to eventually go on to grad school. The RN to BSN program is ideal for those who want to maximize advancement opportunities as well as salary opportunities.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Arkansas

While the Bureau of Labor Services lists the current mean hourly wage of an RN in Arkansas at $30.60, registered nurses in the state can earn anywhere from $22-$35, according to Payscale. It goes without saying that a higher level of education will push RNs in the state to the upper end of that pay range.

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas as a state is looking to transform the number of nurses pursuing a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Nurses with a BSN in the state earn more than $3,000 per year in comparison with a nurse who possesses their ADN alone. Currently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports more than 5 state colleges offering programs to upgrade to a BSN degree. The Arkansas Action Coalition is also supporting the movement by providing leadership mentor programs to move RNs into BSN leadership roles. The time and money put into your education can pay off with higher paying opportunities and advanced job placements.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Little Rock RN to BSN Programs

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