Programs to Become an RN in Arkansas
Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career choice for anyone who has the passion and compassion to take care of people and thrive on challenge. Nursing schools are very competitive and it will take dedication and effort to complete the required education and licensing exam.
RNs take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities including dispensing medication, performing diagnostic tests, establishing, implementing and maintaining patient care plans, taking vital signs, tracking patient progress, performing emergency tasks, coordinating information between doctor, patient and family and dressing wounds and changing those dressings. RNs find employment in nursing homes and hospitals, clinics, occupational healthcare facilities, assisted living facilities, visiting nurse and hospice organizations and insurance companies evaluating medical claims.
RNs are required to complete a nursing program approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing (ABON) and receive an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree can be completed in two years and a Bachelor’s degree can be completed in four years. Most nursing programs require students to take substantial courses in science and math during high school. If a science and math background is not sufficient, nursing schools may require the student to take the necessary pre-requisite programs prior to applying to nursing school. There are nursing programs design to allow a licensed practical nurse (LPN) transition to a Bachelors degree program and receive credit for their LPN education.
RNs in Arkansas are required by law to be licensed before taking up the practice of nursing. Before the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) can be taken, applicants must complete the educational component. Upon graduation, graduates must submit an application and the appropriate fee to take the NCLEX-RN to the ABON. The application includes information to conduct a criminal background check and the inclusion of a fingerprint card. The graduate then has to register, and pay the appropriate fee to Pearson VUE, with the exam administrator, Pearson VUE. Once the ABON approves the graduate’s application, the graduate will be issued an authorization to test (ATT). The ATT is needed to schedule an examination with Pearson VUE. The graduate will have 60 days to schedule and take the exam and the clock starts ticking the day the ATT is issued. Exam results are available 72 hours after the exam is taken. Graduates may apply for a temporary nursing license in order to work during the NCLEX-RN process.
RNs are required to renew their license every two years. All licenses expire on the last day of their birth month and either the odd or even year of the license holder’s birth. Licenses must be renewed within 60 days prior to the expiration. Licenses can be renewed online. Keep in mind it may take up to two weeks to process a license renewal. RNs are required to complete continuing education hours for license renewal and may complete those hours in one of three ways. The RN may complete a minimum of one college credit hour in nursing with a grade of C or better; hold a nationally recognized and current certificate or recertification or 15 hours of accredited and appropriately focused nursing activities.
The average RN salary in Arkansas is $67,930 and the average starting salary for an entry level RN is $42,000. Nurses In a supervisory position and with many years of experience will earn $95,000 to $110,000.
RN Training Schools in Arkansas
- Kaplan University Online Degree Programs
- Attend college on your terms. Kaplan University offers fully online degree programs that fit any schedule.
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
- And more...
- • Liberty University’s online programs ranked in the top 10 out of more than 2,100 colleges & universities for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.*
- 100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.**
- Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
- Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help you get the most out of your hard work and maximize the credit you previously earned.
- *BestColleges.com Gold Medal of Distinction
- **excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
- Why study nursing at Grand Canyon University?
- Our bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing are CCNE-accredited and the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions (CONHCP) is approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
- We provide many options to prepare you to begin or advance your nursing career, including bridge programs and dual degrees.
- GCU provides a low student-to-teacher ratio and a Christian environment that provides an opportunity for you to embrace a holistic approach to caring for patients.
- Request more information today about program offerings, CCNE accreditation, start dates, financial aid and more!
Programs:
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
CTU can help you connect to what matters most: a powerful professional network, faculty who are real-world professionals and innovative technology. And now several CTU degree programs are ranked by U.S. News Best Online Programs for 2015. Are you in?
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration
At Denver College of Nursing, we believe good nurses are the future of quality healthcare. That’s why we strive to achieve excellence in healthcare education every day. We know our students can make a difference in others’ lives while in school by participating in SNA, community service, service –learning and GHP, as well as after graduation—and for years to come.
Programs:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Founded more than 130 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne has grown to become one of the nation's top Catholic universities. The school’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education that challenges students academically while nourishing their spiritual and ethical development. Today, Duquesne is home to 10 schools of study and serves more than 10,000 students.
Programs:
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concordia University - Portland offers several fully online 14-month Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs and a fully online Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) program. You'll learn new strategies and techniques for your classroom while expanding your knowledge and skills as an educator.
Programs:
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Social Studies
- M.Ed. in Career and Technical Education
- M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- And more...
Regent University prepares students with the knowledge to excel and the faith to live with purpose. Our 20,000 alumni, from more than 110 countries, are changing the world as accomplished professionals. Named a top-15 school nationally for online bachelor's programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2015), Regent is among the most affordable undergraduate Christian colleges (CCCU 2015). Fully accredited, challenging programs are available online and on campus. New classes begin every eight weeks.
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Designated a 2015 Military Friendly School by Victory Media for the 4th consecutive year.
- Listed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2013, for the sixth consecutive year
- Links students to hundreds of training opportunities (beyond their traditional internships and practicum) at their many “partner agencies” in each of their local communities.
- Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WUSCUC).
Programs:
- M.A. in Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track
Welcome to Argosy University
Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its eight colleges: College of Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Business and Management, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Creative Arts and Design, College of Clinical Psychology and Western State College of Law at Argosy University as well as certificate programs in many areas.
Programs:
- Forensic Psychology (MA) (Online)
For further information, students can consult directly with the…
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building
1123 South University, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: (501) 686-2700
Fax: (501) 686-2714
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