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A career in nursing can be challenging, but it is very rewarding.
Arkansas, as well as other states, has been experiencing a shortage of registered nurses with an Associate’s Degree.
It is why the state is coming up with numerous programs and educational pathways in nursing.
In addition to traditional programs, there are many accelerated programs across the state and plenty of job opportunities for RNs with ADN.
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Choosing the Perfect ADN Program in Arkansas – Things to Know
The first step is to choose the appropriate program that meets your expectations, schedule, and educational standards.
Because there are so many programs across the state, aspiring students might feel a bit overwhelmed.
But, if you know what you are looking for in a program, you can decide with more confidence.
Consider only programs accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and check whether the programs you are interested in are approved by the state’s Board of Nursing.
Next, make sure that a program you choose will make you qualified to take the NCLEX test without additional training.
Find out the school’s statistics, for example, graduates employment rates, NCLEX pass rates, student satisfaction metrics, etc.
Compare a few schools using this information, and if you are 100% sure about your decision, proceed to the admission requirements.
ADN Program Admission Requirements
Requirements can vary across the state, based on different curriculums and degree levels.
However, there are several requirements that each student must satisfy to be admitted to the school in Arkansas.
Students have to pass the math and language courses, complete all application documents on time, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 3.2, and pass the criminal background and drug checks.
Also, students are required to complete the Nursing School Aptitude Examination with a minimum combined score of 40 and provide official transcripts.
Students need to submit a Nursing Application to the Nursing Department and satisfy other general requirements.
Only students who satisfy all requirements can be admitted to the nursing program in Arkansas.
The Costs
The program fees are different at schools across Arkansas.
You should check whether the fee includes expenses for nursing instruments, learning materials, and footwear or you will have to pay for those separately.
For example, students at North Arkansas College pays the tuition per credit hour between $85 and $115.
Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas has numerous schools with nursing programs.
That is why you have higher chances to find the one that meets all your needs.
Check our brief overview of the best RN schools in Arkansas.
If you are interested in remote classes, you can choose Arkansas Northeastern College.
John Brown University is one of the best Christian schools in the country.
Arkansas State University offers various nursing programs and certificates for its students.
National Park College has a 66-hour program based on modern educational techniques.
Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium has a top-notch reputation as a necessary professional bridge for nursing students in rural Arkansas.
Arkansas State University in Mountain Home has both traditional and online classes, as well as clinical experience.
East Arkansas Community College has a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on seven nursing objectives.
College of the Ouachitas is suitable for students looking for accelerated programs and small class sizes.
You can finish it in 12 months.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is known for its renowned BSN degree and BSN honors programs.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a convenient program track for BSN programs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Northeastern College | 2501 South Division Street, Blytheville, AR 72315 |
| John Brown University | 2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761 |
| Arkansas State University | 2105 Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72467 |
| National Park College | 101 College Dr, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913 |
| Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC) | 1558 Hwy 371 West, Nashville, AR 71852 |
| Arkansas State University - Mountain Home | 1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653 |
| East Arkansas Community College | 1700 Newcastle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335 |
| College of the Ouachitas | One College Circle, Malvern, AR 72104 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | 1200 University Dr, Pine Bluff, AR 71601 |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | 346 University Drive, Monticello, AR 71656 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton | 1537 University Blvd., Morrilton, AR 72110 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville | 2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501 |
| University of Arkansas - Fort Smith | 5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904 |
| University of Arkansas | 606 N. Razorback Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 |
| Southern Arkansas University | 100 E University St, Magnolia, AR 71753 |
| Southeast Arkansas College | 1900 Hazel St., Pine Bluff, AR 71603 |
| South Arkansas Community College | 300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730 |
| Phillips Community College | 1000 Campus Rd, Helena, AR 72342 |
| NorthWest Arkansas Community College | 1 College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 |
| North Arkansas College | 1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601 |
| Henderson State University | 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71999 |
| Harding University | 915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, AR 72143 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | 11900 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210 |
| Arkansas Tech University | 1605 N Coliseum Dr, Russellville, AR 72801 |
Salary
Salary is a result of several factors, such as city, working facility, education level, and degree, certificates, and years of experience.
A registered nurse in Arkansas earns on average of $58390 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $58,840 |
| Fort Smith | $55,050 |
| North Little Rock | $58,840 |
| Fayetteville | $57,060 |
| Jonesboro | $58,220 |
| Pine Bluff | $56,660 |
| Springdale | $57,060 |
| Conway | $58,270 |
| Rogers | $56,720 |
| Hot Springs | $58,270 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 4,820 | $65,370 | $31.43 | $93,860 | $37,630 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 2,360 | $62,120 | $29.87 | $81,200 | $34,930 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 930 | $66,060 | $31.76 | $75,430 | $50,650 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 1,800 | $67,960 | $32.67 | $96,930 | $50,920 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 10,260 | $71,720 | $34.48 | $91,000 | $52,070 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 750 | $68,180 | $32.78 | $83,700 | $51,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
ADN Programs by State