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.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list focuses on quality, flexibility, and support for working nurses. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that fits your life. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas's RN to BSN online program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers without sacrificing their current roles. This program stands out for its accelerated one-year completion timeline, offering a blend of flexibility and rigor. Nurses gain expertise in evidence-based and culturally competent care, essential for today's diverse healthcare environments. The entirely online format, with no need for campus attendance, supports working professionals through adaptable semester plans. It's an ideal choice for those seeking to broaden their professional horizons and impact in nursing.
- 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
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock's online RN to BSN program is tailored for licensed RNs aiming to elevate their nursing careers. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and studies seamlessly. With a curriculum designed to enhance leadership and critical thinking skills, it prepares nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. The program welcomes applications throughout the year, offering a practical route for RNs with an associate degree or diploma to achieve a bachelor's degree. Highlights include its online format, adaptability for working professionals, and focus on career growth without the need for entrance exams.
- 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's online RN to BSN program stands out for its flexibility and speed, allowing registered nurses to upgrade their qualifications in just 12 months. Tailored for those balancing work and study, it offers part-time options and three start dates annually. With a requirement of 41 transferable nursing credits, a 2.5 GPA, and an unencumbered RN license, it's designed for dedicated professionals aiming to deepen their clinical and research expertise. This program is a gateway for nurses seeking to expand their career horizons in the healthcare sector.
- 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
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR - Public 4-Year - uapb.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their nursing practice. This program emphasizes leadership development and evidence-based practice, requiring 31 nursing credit hours for completion. Tailored for working professionals, it provides flexibility without compromising on the depth of nursing education. Admission criteria include an unencumbered RN license, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and completion of prerequisite courses. With tuition costs ranging between $4,480 and $5,360, the program is an affordable option for nurses aiming to advance their careers in healthcare.
- Online RN to BSN track
- 31 nursing credit hours
- Unencumbered RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA prerequisite
- Leadership and evidence-based practice focus
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Henderson State University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their nursing career swiftly and efficiently. This program stands out for its accelerated format, enabling completion in just three semesters, ideal for those juggling work and study. With the possibility to transfer up to 41 nursing credit hours, students can significantly shorten their path to a bachelor's degree. The curriculum is designed to mold proficient, generalist nurses ready for further education or expanded professional roles. Emphasizing flexibility, the program accommodates the busy schedules of working nurses, ensuring a balance between career advancement and personal commitments. Highlights include CCNE accreditation, a requirement for a current RN license, and a focus on core nursing courses totaling 33 hours.
- 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