Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas is a hidden gem of a state and even more so when it comes to opportunities for those who want to start a rewarding career as a nurse. According to the latest reports, nursing jobs in Arkansas are expected to increase by 9% by the year 2030. Whether you’re already based in Arkansas, or looking for a change, you can expect bright prospects in the world of nursing, regardless if you’re just starting out in the nursing field, or looking to advance your career through degrees such as a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.
2027 Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Rankings help students navigate the many nursing school options by providing an objective comparison of program outcomes. Our inaugural ranking of the Best Nursing Schools in Arkansas relies solely on NCLEX pass rates, offering a clear view of graduate success. Registerednursing.org has compiled this data to support your program search. Learn more about our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Statewide average pass rates fluctuated over the past five years, with the highest point reached in 2024.
- 2020: 79.92% average pass rate (1,303 students)
- 2021: 78.67% average pass rate (1,344 students)
- 2022: 74.90% average pass rate (1,256 students)
- 2023: 83.32% average pass rate (1,268 students)
- 2024: 91.05% average pass rate (1,292 students)
Top Performing Schools
The following schools achieved the highest average pass rates over the analysis period, with at least 20 students tested.
- Arkansas State University-Beebe: 100% average pass rate (36 students, 3 years)
- University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton: 100% average pass rate (27 students, 1 year)
- Arkansas Northeastern College: 95.6% average pass rate (137 students, 5 years)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Schools with smaller cohorts generally outperformed larger programs in average pass rates.
- Small (<50 students/year): 93.87% average pass rate (295 students)
- Medium (50-100 students/year): 90.77% average pass rate (359 students)
- Large (>100 students/year): 89.90% average pass rate (638 students)
Biggest Improvements
Several schools posted remarkable gains in pass rates over the available data period.
- Southeast Arkansas College: +69.2 percentage points (from 0% to 69.2%)
- Southern Arkansas University Tech: +36.8 percentage points (from 55.5% to 92.3%)
- Jefferson Regional School of Nursing: +30.8 percentage points (from 69.2% to 100%)
Consistently High Performing Schools
These schools maintained average pass rates above 90% across multiple years.
- Arkansas State University-Beebe: 100% (36 students, 3 years)
- Arkansas Northeastern College: 95.6% (137 students, 5 years)
- National Park College: 95.49% (247 students, 5 years)
- University of Arkansas at Monticello: 94.58% (37 students, 5 years)
- Black River Technical College: 90.81% (120 students, 3 years)
National Park College
Hot Springs, AR - Public 2-Year - np.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
National Park College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a strategic partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Students can complete their entire four-year degree on the NPC campus, earning both an associate and bachelor's degree. The program provides an affordable pathway to nursing education, with potential scholarship opportunities worth $3,000 per semester to help offset tuition costs.
- Four-year nursing degree
- Full program on NPC campus
- UAM partnership degree
- $3,000 per semester scholarship
- Starts July 2025
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR - Public 4-Year - atu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arkansas Tech University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a successful career in healthcare through a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experience. Designed for high school graduates, LPNs, and RNs, the program offers pathways for every student, including hybrid and online options for licensed nurses. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, a crucial step to becoming a registered nurse. The program emphasizes real-world training in top healthcare facilities, supported by experienced faculty. Accredited by the ACEN, it ensures high standards in nursing education, making it a solid investment for those aiming to elevate their nursing career.
- Comprehensive nursing education
- Hands-on clinical experience
- NCLEX-RN readiness
- Dedicated nursing faculty
- Accredited by ACEN
- Pathways for high school graduates
- Options for LPNs and RNs
- Hybrid and online programs available
- Real-world training in healthcare facilities
- Supportive and experienced faculty
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Monticello, AR - Public 4-Year - uamont.edu
Associate - AAS in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers an LPN to RN bridge program leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. This one-year campus-based program prepares licensed practical nurses to take the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses. The curriculum covers general education and nursing supportive courses alongside clinical training. Students learn from experienced faculty and benefit from Arkansas State Board of Nursing approval. Admission requires a current LPN license, a 2.0 GPA, and the NLN NEX exam. ACT or SAT scores may be waived with 5,500 practice hours. The program starts in May with a March 1 deadline. Graduates are ready for nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. This accelerated bridge offers a streamlined path to RN licensure.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT, SAT
- 1-Year program
- 1 start dates per year
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- LPN to RN bridge program
- 1 year program completion
- NLN NEX exam required
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is a campus-based program designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a registered nurse. Over nine semesters and 120 credit hours, you'll dive into a curriculum that covers adult nursing, maternal and women's health, pediatric care, mental health nursing, and population health. Coursework includes leadership and management, nursing research, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a capstone and dedicated NCLEX preparation. You'll gain hands-on experience through multiple clinical practicum courses, working with diverse patient populations. The program emphasizes critical thinking and compassionate care, with a strong focus on patient safety and quality improvement. Prerequisites require a grade of C or better, and no grades below C are accepted in nursing courses. Graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, community health agencies, and more. With a structured plan of study and supportive faculty, this BSN program provides a solid foundation for a lifelong nursing career.
- 9-Semester program
- 120 total credit hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Prerequisites require grade of C or better
- No grades below C accepted
- Includes NCLEX preparation
- Clinical practicum courses
Jefferson Regional School of Nursing
Pine Bluff, AR - Private 2-year - jrmc.org
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Jefferson Regional School of Nursing provides a comprehensive 17-month program preparing students to become competent registered nurses. This intensive curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences across various healthcare settings. Students complete 48 nursing credits and 24 general education credits, learning critical skills in patient care, clinical judgment, and professional nursing practice. Admission requires a competitive application process, including a minimum ATI TEAS exam score of 60, prerequisite course completion, and background checks. Tuition is approximately $20,805, with financial aid options available. The program boasts a strong track record, including a historic 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, and prepares graduates to serve diverse healthcare needs in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
- 17-month nursing degree
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 48 nursing credits total
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
- Financial aid available
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR - Public 2-Year - nwacc.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
NorthWest Arkansas Community College's Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing offers a comprehensive path to becoming a registered nurse. The curriculum builds a broad nursing knowledge base, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Students can choose from multiple tracks: the Traditional program spanning four semesters, the Accelerated option for faster completion, or the LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge for experienced healthcare professionals. Clinical rotations, including evening and weekend options at Washington Regional, provide real-world patient care practice. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue entry-level staff nurse positions or continue their education. With start terms in fall, spring, and summer, plus campuses in Benton and Washington counties, this program offers flexibility and local access for aspiring nurses.
- 3 concentration options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Multiple start terms: fall, spring, summer
- Traditional and accelerated tracks
- LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge option
- Clinical experience included
- Two campus locations: Benton and Washington counties
- Evening and weekend clinicals available
Arkansas Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
If you are interested in a registered nursing career, Arkansas offers several entry-level degree points to help you enter the world of nursing. Most students opt to start with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Read on to learn more about each degree level to see if it's the right fit for you.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
If you don’t currently have experience as a nurse, it can be hard to know how to get started, and what degrees are required of you. There are typically three routes entry-level nurses pursue; these are an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). All three options are offered to entry-level nurses, but there are differences. An ADN and nursing diploma are the fastest options that can get you licensed and into the field in as little as 1 – 2 years. A BSN on the other hand will require four years of full-time study, though there will be a lot more opportunities offered to you. If you’re already working as an LPN, you can find expedited routes to ADN degrees or even BSN degrees through a LPN to RN bridge program.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Arkansas include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Arkansas.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
While ADN programs and nursing diplomas are shorter pathways to employment, if you’re looking to invest more time in your degree, a BSN is often worth the time for most students. Many employers prefer nurses to have a BSN as opposed to a nursing diploma or ADN and they can easily be leveraged into higher-level degrees if you decide to go to grad school. If you have experience as nurse already, you can get your BSN in as little as 2 years, so long as you have RN licensure and an ADN. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can get your BSN through an accelerated BSN program with even less time — 1 year with the right amount of credits!
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Arkansas typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
For RN bridge programs visit:
Arkansas RN to BSN programs are among the most common bridge programs available in the state. Their basic requirements involve having an RN license and ADN. If you meet these requirements, you can reasonably expect to have your BSN degree in only 2 – 3 years.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
If you have a bachelor’s degree already, you’re looking to switch over to a BSN degree, one of the easiest ways to do that is by entering into an Arkansas ABSN program. This will allow you to get your BSN in as little as a year.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
Students in Arkansas looking to advance their nursing career into a more independent and higher-paying career, there are many options to do so. Whether you are looking for a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there's a program for you. Keep in mind that most of these programs require that you already hold a BSN or MSN, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Arkansas:
- Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Arkansas MSN Program
- Arkansas RN to MSN Programs
- Arkansas Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- Arkansas DNP Programs
See Related Articles
Getting an RN License in Arkansas
If you intend to practice as a nurse in Arkansas, you’ll need to get licensed. RN licensure in Arkansas requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam following your accredited nursing program. Once you’ve done this, the final step is submitting an application to the Arkansas State Nursing Board and paying the fee.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Arkansas
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Arkansas Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
Regardless of what program you choose, the important thing to remember is to look for RN program accreditation. Accreditation means that the prospective program is up to the standards of the state nursing board. As you apply to nursing programs in Arkansas, make sure that they are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Cities With Nursing Programs in Arkansas
List of Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Arkadelphia, AR
Henderson State University
- Bachelor's - BSN on Campus
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 100% job placement rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Small class sizes
- 92% retention rate
- On-campus in Arkadelphia
Ouachita Baptist University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- 4-Year program
- 92% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Financial aid available
- 15 regional healthcare providers
- $5+ million Nursing Education Center
- 118 years combined faculty experience
Bentonville, AR
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 3 concentration options
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Multiple start terms: fall, spring, summer
- Traditional and accelerated tracks
- LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge option
- Clinical experience included
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Approved by Arkansas Board of Nursing
De Queen, AR
Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science - Registered Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Prerequisite courses required
- $30 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Initial approval from Arkansas Board of Nursing
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
- Bachelor's - L.P.N. to B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Complete in 2 - 3 YRS
- 120 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Bachelor's - RN to B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- 1-Year program
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Totally online; no campus visit
- Practicum with professional mentor
- Quality improvement project
Fort Smith, AR
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- $93,600 median earnings
- annual median wage for registered nurses in 2024 was $93,600
- Prepares for National Council Licensure Exam
- Employer reimbursement supported
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Harrison, AR
North Arkansas College
- Associate - Registered Nursing AAS
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2-Year program
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN
- Transfer agreements with Arkansas schools
- Application deadline April 1
- Full-time program commitment
Helena, AR
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical skills lab and clinical settings
- Focus on diverse patient populations
- Emphasis on quality improvement
- Legal and ethical responsibilities
- Communication, collaboration, caring
- Dosage calculation skills
- Pharmacology principles taught
Hot Springs, AR
National Park College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year nursing degree
- Full program on NPC campus
- UAM partnership degree
- $3,000 per semester scholarship
- Starts July 2025
Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 122 total credit hours
- 90% licensure pass rate
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $30 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
Little Rock, AR
Baptist Health College Little Rock
- Associate - Traditional Track
Campus Based - Website
- ABHES, ASBN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, ACT
- 18-Month program
- Rolling admissions
- 2 start dates per year
- Cohort-based structure
- Prerequisite courses required
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Complete in 18-months to two years
- 60 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- Prepares for NCLEX
- State-of-the-art simulation hospital
- Clinical rotations at top facilities
- NCLEX exam preparation
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- State-of-the-art simulation hospital
- Online final year for working RNs
- Hands-on clinical and simulation experiences
- Topics: leadership, research, ethics, economics, wellness
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN after year 3
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- Prerequisite courses required
- Traditional BSN track in Little Rock
- Accelerated BSN for degree-holders in NW Arkansas
- 58 prerequisite semester hours required
- Prior bachelor's degree for accelerated track
- Prepares for RN licensure
Magnolia, AR
Southern Arkansas University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.9 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Wharton Simulation Lab provides real-life hospital feel
- Clinical partnerships with area medical facilities
Monticello, AR
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Associate - AAS in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT, SAT
- 1-Year program
- 1 start dates per year
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- LPN to RN bridge program
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 9-Semester program
- 120 total credit hours
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Prerequisites require grade of C or better
- No grades below C accepted
- Includes NCLEX preparation
- Clinical practicum courses
Mountain Home, AR
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Associate - Registered Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- $115 per credit
- 63 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Classes Monday through Thursday
- 7-8 hours of class daily
- No advanced placement
- Grade C or higher required
Newport, AR
Arkansas State University-Newport
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Traditional Pathway)
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- 18-Month program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
Pine Bluff, AR
Jefferson Regional School of Nursing
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 17-month nursing degree
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 48 nursing credits total
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
- Financial aid available
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- First nursing school in AR to educate Black nurses
- $15M funding for new academic building
- Clinically experienced faculty
- Quality RN-to-BSN program
- Candidate for ACEN accreditation
- Prepares for nursing advancement
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- First nursing school for Black nurses in AR
- Alumni recognized as '100 Great Nurses'
- $15 million new academic building
- Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
- Prepares for cardiac critical care
- Graduates reduce nursing shortage
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Scholarships available
- Designed for registered nurses
- Emphasizes clinical judgment and leadership
- Candidate for ACEN accreditation
- Historic first nursing school for black nurses
- $15 million for new building
- Alumni named '100 Great Nurses'
Pocahontas, AR
Black River Technical College
- Associate - Registered Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Complete in between 1 and 2 years
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
Russellville, AR
Arkansas Tech University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Comprehensive nursing education
- Hands-on clinical experience
- NCLEX-RN readiness
- Dedicated nursing faculty
- Accredited by ACEN
- Pathways for high school graduates
- Options for LPNs and RNs
- Hybrid and online programs available
Siloam Springs, AR
John Brown University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 100% licensure pass rate
- 240 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Faith-based nursing community
- High-fidelity patient simulators
- Patient-centered care focus
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