The state of Arkansas is facing an alarming shortage of healthcare providers. According to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, there was only one full-time primary care physician in six counties in the year 2020. This is attributed to geographic maldistribution, with ⅓ of Arkansans living in areas with healthcare provider shortages.
Nurse practitioners can help fill this gap, and, conversely, improve the health of Arkansans. By providing early diagnosis and preventing Emergency Department visits, NPs can help lower healthcare costs and reduce mortality rates.
If you’re an Arkansan nurse looking for a rewarding career, then consider applying to any of these NP programs:
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Program Overview:
Founded in 1982, The ASU College of Nursing & Health Professions offers day, night, and weekend degree programs for aspiring healthcare professionals. Its nursing programs are accredited by both the Arkansas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
The Jonesboro-situated school’s FNP graduates have posted an 89% passing rate in the recent certification exams. As per US News & World Report, ASU offers the rank 114 online Masters in Nursing program and the rank 153 traditional MSN program in the country.
Program Overview:
Established in 1975, Harding U’s Carr College of Nursing is driven by the mission of developing nurses who are Christian servants. The Searcy-based institution does so by providing a supportive environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
US News & World Rankings places Harding University as the 319th best Nursing school in the country. RNcareers.org, meanwhile, ranks Harding as the second-best Nursing school in Arkansas.
Program Overview:
The mission of the Eleonor Mann School of Nursing at U of A is to groom nurses who can ably address the ever-changing healthcare needs of patients. With its learner-centered approach, students are expected to deliver evidence-based care based on the client’s personal experience.
The Fayetteville-based university’s graduate nursing programs have been ranked 128th in the nation by US News & World Report. Niche, on the other hand, ranks U of A as the second-best nursing school in the state.
- BSN/MSN to DNP: AGACNP (not accepting new students)
- BSN/MSN to DNP: FNP
- Post-Masters Certificate: FNP
Program Overview:
The UAMS College of Nursing in Little Rock, AR was established in 1953 to help meet the demands for nurses in the state. Following the launch of the baccalaureate program, the school offered the MSN program in 1971. Its DNP program, meanwhile, was opened in the year 2013.
US News & World Report ranks UAMS College of Nursing’s Masters program as the 38th best in the nation. Its DNP program is ranked 45th, up from the 69th spot in 2023.
- BSN to DNP: AGACNP
- BSN to DNP: AGPCNP
- BSN to DNP: FNP
- BSN to DNP: PMHNP
- BSN to DNP: PNP (Acute Care)
- BSN to DNP: PNP (Primary Care)
- Post-Masters Certificate: AGACNP
- Post-Masters Certificate: AGPCNP
- Post-Masters Certificate: FNP
- Post-Masters Certificate: PMHNP
- Post-Masters Certificate: PNP (Acute Care)
- Post-Masters Certificate: PNP (Primary Care)
Program Overview:
Located in Conway, AR, the UCA College of Nursing has been producing competent nurses since 1967. With programs approved by the Arkansas Board of Nursing and CCNE, the university is heralded for its graduate offerings. The said programs are ranked as some of the best in the country by Edumed, Princeton Review, and Online U.
In 2023, Nurse.org listed UCA as the second-best nursing school in Arkansas. RNcareers.org, on the other hand, places UCA at the top 8 spot of the best nursing schools in the state.
FNP Programs in Arkansas
According to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, nurse practitioners will experience the fastest growth occupation through 2030. NP employment is expected to increase by 54.05%, from an estimated employment of 2,800 in the year 2020 to 4,313 in the year 2030.
Here are five FNP programs in Arkansas that can help you take advantage of such a demand:
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41.5
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $15,355 plus other fees
Program Overview:
For as short as 24 months, BSN graduates can gain their MSN-FNP degree from ASU. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum combines online coursework with clinical experiences to help further boost their competencies. Students need to complete seven core courses, three emphasis courses, and six practicum courses to be eligible for the ANCC and AANP certification exams.
Harding University
- Searct, Arkansas
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 45
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $24,888 per year plus other fees
Program Overview:
Harding’s BSN-MSN program features a hybrid curriculum that includes virtual lectures, meetings, assignments, and testing. It only requires three on-campus intensives for orientation, clinical reasoning competencies, and capstone project presentation. Students may apply and start during the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42-78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $594.77 per credit for 42-78 credits – $24,980.34 to $46,392.06 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available for BSN and MSN graduates, U of A’s DNP-FNP program is designed to help nurses address complex health conditions, promote quality improvement, and lead various healthcare organizations. Coursework is delivered online, with BSN graduates requiring at least four years to complete the program. MSN holders, meanwhile, may graduate in 2-3 years.
University of Arkansas Medical School
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
In-state tuition: $510 per credit for 75 credits – $38,250 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $888 per credit for 75 credits – $66,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UAMS’ DNP-FNP program prepares nurses for the challenges of primary care practice. The curriculum is designed to help students master the diagnosis and management of various health conditions while acting as health educators and advocates for their patients.
University of Central Arkansas
- Conway, Arkansas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 73
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $349 per credit for 73 credits – $25,477 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to BSN and MSN graduates, UCA’s DNP-FNP is a part-time online program that runs from 6 to 11 consecutive semesters. The intensiveness of the curriculum means students need to devote 15 hours per week for every 3-hour course. That said, students only need to visit the campus 3-4 times to complete some clinical and health assessment courses.
AGNP Programs in Arkansas
Adult-gerontology nursing practice covers the acute or primary care of adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. If you are interested in caring for the said populations, here are two universities in Arkansas that offer AGNP programs:
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41.5
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $15,355 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Available online, ASU’s AGACNP program features a cutting-edge curriculum, hands-on practical experience, and optional skills lab visits. With the help of accomplished educators, students can go through their core courses, seminars, and practicums in as short as 24 months.
University of Arkansas Medical School
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
In-state tuition: $510 per credit for 75 credits – $38,250 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $888 per credit for 75 credits – $66,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UAMS offers acute care and primary care tracks for aspiring AGNPs. Specialty-focused theory and practicum courses typically start in the fifth semester. Both programs are available in three and four-year study plans, all in a bid to cater to the varying needs of working students.
PMHNP Programs in Arkansas
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with various mental health and substance use conditions. With Arkansas PMHNPs earning as much as $60 an hour, RNs who wish to capitalize on this rewarding career may do so at any of these two schools:
Arkansas State University
- Jonesboro, Arkansas
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 47.5
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $23,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Created for working nurses with a BSN degree, ASU’s MSN-PMHNP program features online coursework and centrally-located practicum locations. Given the scarcity of ACEN-accredited PMHNP programs in the state, admission to this 26-month program is highly competitive.
University of Arkansas Medical School
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
In-state tuition: $510 per credit for 75 credits – $38,250 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $888 per credit for 75 credits – $66,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UAMS is the only school in Arkansas to offer a DNP-PMHNP program. Here, RNs can work on the knowledge and skills needed to competently treat various mental health conditions. Upon completion of the program, graduates may sit in for the ANCC certification exam.
PNP Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas-based nurses who wish to cater to pediatric patients have one option for nurse practitioner education:
University of Arkansas Medical School
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
In-state tuition: $510 per credit for 75 credits – $38,250 plus other fees
Out-of-state tuition: $888 per credit for 75 credits – $66,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
At UAMS, PNP hopefuls can specialize in either acute care or primary care. Likewise, qualified nurses may opt for the dual certification NP track. Regardless of the track, students may take the certification exam after completing their theoretical and practical requirements.
NP Programs in Other States
Oklahoma
Mississippi
Missouri
Louisiana
Tennessee
Kansas