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/).
Arkansas State University
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
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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
University of Arkansas
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
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
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
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
(870) 230-5000
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035-0001
(501) 450-3119
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-2100
Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR 72204
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR 72205-7199
(501) 686-5376
Magnolia, AR
Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, AR 71753-5000
Russellville, AR
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR 72801-2222
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