How to Become an RN in Arkansas: 5 Steps
Thinking about how to become an RN in Arkansas? Working in this state comes with serious perks — high demand for nurses, affordable cost of living, and government incentive programs for healthcare professionals. Plus, Arkansas is named the Natural State for a reason — it’s packed with amazing outdoor experiences like rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking, perfect for a rich personal life to balance out your work.
Ready to learn how to become an RN in Arkansas? This step-by-step guide breaks down the entire process — from schooling to licensing to finding your first nursing job.
How to Become an RN in Arkansas: Interesting Facts
- High demand for RNs: Arkansas is actively working to strengthen its nursing workforce, committing $20 million to expand training programs and increase the number of practicing RNs.
- Strong network of healthcare facilities: Arkansas is home to Washington Regional Medical Center and Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, both nationally recognized for excellence in specific procedures and treatments.
- Wallet-friendly living: Arkansas’s cost of living is 22.5% lower than the national average, and its homes are 46.2% more affordable than those nationwide.
- Government programs: Arkansas offers incentives to healthcare professionals, including loan repayment and scholarships, to help serve the 43.9% of its population that lives in rural areas.
- Outdoor adventures: Arkansas offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from rock climbing in the Ozark Mountains to hiking the picturesque Mirror Lake Waterfall, giving you the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
What Does an RN in Arkansas Do?
When exploring how to become an RN in Arkansas, you’ll discover that nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities. Whether it’s working hospital shifts or providing home care, your nursing specialty will shape your daily responsibilities. Here are a few examples:
- Cath lab RN: Work in the catheterization lab assisting with heart-related procedures like angiograms, stent placements, and pacemaker insertions.
- Endoscopy RN: Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures involving the gastrointestinal tract, such as colonoscopies and endoscopic biopsies.
- Neurology RN: Provide care for patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Oncology RN: Care for cancer patients, administering chemotherapy, managing pain, and supporting treatment for conditions such as neutropenia, infections, and tumor lysis syndrome.
- Pediatric RN: Care for children by performing tasks like immunization, monitoring growth and development, and providing care for illnesses like ear infections or respiratory issues.
- Labor and delivery RN: Care for women during labor and childbirth, assisting with monitoring contractions, managing pain relief, and supporting the delivery of newborns.
Regardless of specialty, these core tasks are central to the role — and they’re important to understand as you explore how to become an RN in Arkansas. Here are a few common nursing tasks:
- Administering medications: Safely give prescribed medications and treatments, ensure the right dose, and monitor for side effects.
- Performing patient assessments: Conduct head-to-toe assessments, observe symptoms, and monitor pain levels.
- Creating care plans: Using NANDA diagnoses and the nursing process, create comprehensive care plans that address your patient’s specific needs.
- Documenting care provided: Write progress notes, update patient charts, and witness informed consent.
- Advocating for patients: Help patients receive care tailored to their needs and preferences, including cultural and spiritual considerations.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Arkansas?
The process of how to become an RN in Arkansas includes completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. Depending on whether you pursue an ADN or BSN, your education could take anywhere from two to four years.
| Type of degree | Description |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | This 2-year program is great for those eager to jump into the workforce, providing minimally necessary education for licensure exams and entry-level roles. |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | This 4-year degree offers in-depth training in leadership, research, and evidence-based practice, preparing students for a wide range of nursing roles. |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | This program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field, offering intensive nursing training that typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete. |
| Bridge programs | These programs are designed for individuals with prior medical education, like certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or paramedics, who want to become RNs. |
How to Become an RN in Arkansas: 5 Steps
Breaking into the nursing field in Arkansas requires specific education, clinical experience, and proper licensure. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you through the journey.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
The first step to becoming an RN in Arkansas is to complete an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. While admission requirements vary by school, you’ll typically need to complete prerequisite courses and pass a nursing entrance exam — such as the HESI or TEAS — to qualify. Once accepted, you’ll take nursing classes and build hands-on experience through clinical rotations in real healthcare settings.
Want to earn your BSN in Arkansas? Here are some top-rated programs to look into:
- Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia
- Harding University – Searcy
- Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
- Arkansas Tech University – Russellville
Want to become a nurse through an ADN program? These community colleges in Arkansas can help make it happen:
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- National Park College
- NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- North Arkansas College
- Phillips Community College
Tip: Avoid fraudulent programs. Make sure the nursing program you choose is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), which typically means it’s accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
So, you’ve finished your nursing program — what’s next in your journey of how to become an RN in Arkansas? Your next step is taking the NCLEX-RN — the nationwide licensing exam designed to evaluate your ability to apply nursing knowledge in real-life situations. Passing the exam proves you’re ready to step into the field and provide safe, effective patient care.
To take your exam in Arkansas, you must first apply for licensure through the ASBN and register with Pearson VUE. Below are important details to guide you through the process:
- Create an account through the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
- Submit your application for initial RN licensure approximately 60 days before graduation.
- Upload all required documents and pay the application fee. Your application won’t be considered submitted until the documents are uploaded and the fee is paid.
- Request official transcripts from your nursing program to be sent directly to the ASBN.
- Declare your primary state of legal residence. Acceptable documents include a driver’s license or a voter registration card with your home address.
- Provide an affidavit of graduation. If you graduated from an Arkansas nursing program, your program director will complete the electronic affidavit after all program requirements are met. If you graduated from a nursing program outside of Arkansas, your program director must complete a paper version of this document and mail it directly to the ASBN.
- Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. Once your application is approved and you’re deemed eligible, you’ll receive an authorization to test (ATT).
- Complete a criminal background check. Arkansas law requires both state and federal background checks for all licensure applicants.
- Apply for a temporary permit (optional) if you wish to practice as an RN while waiting to take the licensure exam.
Worried what happens if you don’t pass? Failing the NCLEX doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be a nurse. It just means you need more time before stepping into the field. You can retake the NCLEX after a mandatory 45-day waiting period. Use this time wisely to create a focused study plan based on your candidate performance report (CPR).
Step 3: Wait for Your Arkansas RN License
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX-RN and your background check is cleared, the ASBN will issue your official RN license. Here’s what to expect:
- License status: You can monitor your application and license status through the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
- Verification: Once issued, your license can be verified online via the ASBN License Verification Portal.
- Processing time: It typically takes 4 weeks to process your application once all documents and approvals are submitted.
Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means if you declare Arkansas as your primary state of residence, you can apply for a multistate license. This allows you to practice in other compact states without needing to apply for endorsement — perfect for anyone interested in travel nursing or working in different states.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Now that you know how to become an RN in Arkansas, let’s take a look at what comes next — your career options. Arkansas provides a broad range of nursing opportunities, whether you’re looking to work in a hospital, a specialized clinic, or a rural healthcare facility.
Starting your nursing career at the bedside helps you develop key clinical and interpersonal skills. For in-patient care roles, check out RN jobs in Arkansas at the state’s hospitals and medical centers, such as the following:
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
- North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
- Saline Memorial Hospital
- St. Bernards Healthcare
- St. Vincent Heart Clinic of Arkansas (CommonSpirit Health)
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Washington Regional Medical Center – Fayetteville
If you’re not into hospital jobs, don’t worry — Arkansas has many other career options. You can work in mental health clinics like The BridgeWay, research institutions like the Applied Research Center, and public health facilities like the State of Arkansas or your county’s health department.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
After securing your RN position in Arkansas, it’s crucial to maintain an active license to continue practicing legally. Here’s how you can renew your Arkansas RN license:
- Timeline: You’ll need to renew your license every 2 years by your birth month. Your first license may be valid from 3 to 27 months, depending on when you were born.
- Continuing education: You must complete 15 practice-focused contact hours from an ASBN-approved provider, obtain certification/recertification from a recognized body, or take nursing (or related) courses at an academic institution to meet renewal requirements.
- Application: You’ll need to submit a renewal application and pay the $100 renewal fee by the designated deadline to keep your license active.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Arkansas?
After learning how to become a registered nurse in Arkansas, you’re probably wondering what kind of salary you can expect. The average salary for RNs in the Natural State is $77,720 annually, though this number can vary based on the work setting and how long you’ve been in the field.
Looking for higher-paying roles or more job openings? Focus your job hunt in Arkansas’s most populous cities where demand (and pay) tends to be higher:
Helpful Resources for Arkansas Nurses
Want to know more about how to become an RN in Arkansas and thrive in your nursing career? These resources can guide you through licensure, job hunting, and beyond:
- Arkansas Center for Nursing
- Arkansas Department of Health
- Arkansas Nurses Association
- Arkansas Nurse Practice Act
- Arkansas School Nurses Association
- Rural Health Association of Arkansas
Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?
Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Arkansas, take the next step toward a fulfilling career. Sign up for customized job alerts with IntelyCare and find the right role, right where you are.
