Arkansas NP Programs at a Glance
| State practice authority | Reduced Practice – NPs require collaborative agreement with a physician |
| Arkansas Board of Nursing | Arkansas Board of Nursing |
| Arkansas median NP wage | ~$110,000 (Payscale/BLS, 2024). See Arkansas state OES tables for current detail. |
| National median NP wage | $129,210/year (BLS, May 2024) |
| Projected NP job growth | 46% (2023–2033) nationally – one of the fastest-growing professions |
| Primary accreditors | CCNE · ACEN |
| Common NP specialty tracks | FNP, AGNP (Primary/Acute), PMHNP, PNP, WHNP, NNP |
| Typical program length | 2–3 years (MSN-NP) or 3–4 years (BSN-to-DNP), full-time post-BSN |
Our Editorial Process
This guide is written by a credentialed nurse and reviewed against source-of-truth references at least annually. Program accreditation is verified against the CCNE program directory and ACEN directory. Arkansas licensure information is verified against the Arkansas Board of Nursing. Salary and growth figures come directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Arkansas data. Read our full editorial standards.
2026 Updates for Arkansas NP Programs
- Arkansas practice authority. Arkansas is a Reduced Practice authority state. NPs can practice but require a collaborative agreement with a physician for certain functions (often including prescribing). Legislative efforts to expand NP scope toward full practice authority continue at the state level.
- BLS data refresh (May 2024 OES). National median NP wage is now $129,210; Arkansas-specific data is published in the Arkansas state OES tables.
- Projected NP job growth. 46% projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033 nationally – one of the fastest-growing occupations the BLS tracks.
- AACN 2025 Position Statement. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reaffirmed the DNP as the preferred terminal degree for advanced practice. BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP pathways continue to be the dominant educational routes for new NPs in Arkansas.
- Telehealth permanence. Federal and state telehealth flexibilities introduced during 2020 have largely been made permanent, expanding remote NP roles across primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.
- PMHNP demand surge. Mental health workforce shortages are particularly acute nationwide; PMHNP-specific job postings have outpaced general NP postings consistently. See our PMHNP career guide.
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:
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.
Educational Routes to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas
Five distinct routes appear across the NP schools listed on this page. Each suits a different starting credential and timeline. All five satisfy the Arkansas State Board of Nursing APRN-certification requirements when paired with national NP certification.
1. MSN-NP (Most Common Route)
The traditional Master of Science in Nursing with an NP specialty track. Designed for working RNs who already hold a BSN. Typical length: 2 to 3 years full-time or 3 to 4 years part-time, with 500 to 750 clinical hours. Arkansas MSN-NP options are anchored by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Arkansas State University (Jonesboro) and Harding University (Searcy) round out the state’s NP-track schools with hybrid delivery.
2. RN-to-MSN Bridge (No BSN Required)
For ADN-prepared RNs who want to skip a separate BSN program. The bridge adds 12 to 18 months of BSN-level coursework before the master’s component begins. In Arkansas, Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, and Harding University all offer RN-to-MSN bridge pathways into NP tracks. Total time-to-degree typically lands at 3 to 4 years. See the broader top RN-to-NP programs ranking.
3. BSN-to-DNP (Doctoral-Entry NP)
Aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement. Combines NP-specialty training with terminal-degree coursework over 3 to 4 years and roughly 1,000 clinical hours. 4 Arkansas schools offer a DNP program — see the full Arkansas DNP programs guide for state-specific detail, or online BSN-to-DNP programs for ranked national options.
4. Post-Master’s Certificate (Existing MSN Holders)
For nurses who already hold a master’s-level NP credential and want to add a second specialty — an FNP adding AGNP, an FNP adding PMHNP, etc. Typical length: 12 to 24 months and ~500 clinical hours. Arkansas post-master’s certificate options are concentrated at UAMS and University of Arkansas. The NP Certifications hub covers the certificate landscape in depth.
5. Accelerated & Direct-Entry (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN first (12 to 16 months), then enters an NP master’s or DNP track. Arkansas’s flagship direct-entry option is UAMS’s Accelerated BSN-to-DNP pathway for non-nursing bachelor’s holders. Total time-to-NP-licensure: typically 4 to 5 years from start of accelerated BSN.
Fast & Affordable Arkansas NP Programs (Editorial Picks)
These editorial picks balance time-to-degree, total program cost, and accreditation. All programs listed are CCNE or ACEN accredited and confirmed to currently enroll Arkansas residents.
Fastest Arkansas NP Programs
- Arkansas State University — Online MSN-FNP: Multiple intakes per year; accelerated track for working RNs across Northeast Arkansas.
- Harding University — MSN-FNP: Searcy-based hybrid delivery with year-round cohorts.
- University of Central Arkansas — MSN-FNP: Conway hybrid program; 5-semester accelerated full-time option.
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Post-Master’s NP Certificate: 12 to 18 months for current MSN holders adding an Arkansas specialty.
Most Affordable Arkansas NP Programs (In-State Tuition)
- Arkansas State University — MSN-FNP: Public Arkansas tuition at one of the lowest per-credit rates in the state; Jonesboro clinical placements.
- University of Central Arkansas — MSN-FNP: Public Arkansas tuition in Conway with central Arkansas clinical network.
- University of Arkansas — MSN-NP: Public flagship tuition in Fayetteville; broad northwest Arkansas clinical pipeline.
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — MSN-NP: Public Little Rock-based academic medical center with broad specialty footprint.
Arkansas Schools Offering Popular NP Specialties
The matrix below maps Arkansas NP-track schools to the two most-published specialty paths in the state — FNP and DNP entry. Most Arkansas schools lead with FNP at the master’s level; 4 schools offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice option. Each H3 links to the relevant child page.
Family NP (FNP)
The most common specialty in Arkansas. All 5 schools listed on this page offer an FNP track in some format — MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or post-master’s certificate.
- Arkansas State University
- Harding University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas Medical School
- University of Central Arkansas
BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s DNP Programs in Arkansas
Aligned with the AACN 2025 DNP position statement. The 4 Arkansas schools below offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. See the dedicated Arkansas DNP programs guide for admissions detail.
- Arkansas State University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- University of Central Arkansas
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Arkansas by City & Region
Arkansas’s 5 featured NP schools cluster across the state’s major regions: Little Rock (UAMS), Northwest Arkansas (University of Arkansas-Fayetteville), Central Arkansas (UCA in Conway), Northeast Arkansas (ASU in Jonesboro), and the Heber Springs / Searcy area (Harding).
Little Rock / Central Arkansas
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Little Rock
- University of Arkansas Medical School — Little Rock
Conway / Central Arkansas
- University of Central Arkansas — Conway
Northwest Arkansas
- University of Arkansas — Fayetteville
Northeast Arkansas
- Arkansas State University — Jonesboro
Searcy / North-Central Arkansas
- Harding University — Searcy
