Nursing School Requirements in Arkansas (2026)

A complete guide to nursing school admission requirements in Arkansas: GPA, prerequisite courses, application steps, and what to expect after graduation — including NCLEX and RN licensure.

Arkansas: admissions context

Arkansas programs vary on science-GPA weighting, prerequisite recency, and cohort-seat competition. Treat published minimums as baseline filters, then compare repeat-course policy, entrance exams, and clinical-placement support.

Arkansas is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (173 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. Tables on this page preview up to 50 rows at a time — verify each school's current handbook before applying.

What our Arkansas program sample looks like

By degree type in the first 50 programs we show: DNP 46%; MSN 28%; BSN 18%; ADN 6%.

By delivery in that same sample: 84% online, 6% hybrid, 10% on-campus.

1

LPN Programs

3

ADN Programs

9

BSN Programs

0

RN-to-BSN

37

MSN / DNP

RNs in Arkansas earn $77,720/year on average with 4.6% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS).

Find programs →

Nursing School Requirements in Arkansas: The Basics

Nursing school admission requirements in Arkansas vary by degree level, but all accredited programs share a common foundation: prerequisite science courses, a competitive GPA, and a clean background check. After graduation from any pre-licensure program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a license from the Arkansas Board of Nursing before practicing.

The most important lever applicants control is their prerequisite GPA. Science courses — particularly Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology — are heavily weighted by admissions committees. Retaking a course to improve a C to a B or higher can make the difference in competitive programs.

Admission Requirements by Degree Level

LPN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

9–18 months

Key Prerequisites

  • High school diploma or GED
  • English
  • Basic math
  • Biology (some programs)

The fastest entry point into nursing. Many programs accept students directly from high school.

ADN

Typical GPA

2.7–3.2

Program Length

18–24 months

Key Prerequisites

  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II
  • Microbiology
  • English Composition
  • Psychology
  • Statistics or Math

Community college programs. Many have waitlists — applying early and maintaining a high GPA is critical.

BSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

3–4 years (direct-entry) or 2 years (RN-to-BSN)

Key Prerequisites

  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • English Composition

University programs. Highly competitive — top programs often require 3.5+ GPA and healthcare experience.

RN-BSN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

12–18 months (online)

Key Prerequisites

  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • ADN or diploma in nursing

Designed for working RNs. No additional clinical hours required. Most programs are fully online.

MSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

2–3 years

Key Prerequisites

  • BSN from an accredited program
  • Active RN license
  • Statistics course
  • Professional letters of recommendation

Graduate-level admission. Many programs require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.

Which prerequisites do you still need?

Use the prerequisite finder to compare your completed courses with typical Arkansas nursing program requirements, then see course options if you have gaps.

Check My Prerequisites →

How to Get Into Nursing School in Arkansas: Step by Step

  1. 1

    Research program types and choose a degree level

    Decide whether you are pursuing an LPN certificate, ADN, BSN, or RN-to-BSN. Each has different admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes. Arkansas has 50 accredited programs across all degree levels.

  2. 2

    Complete prerequisite courses

    Most nursing programs require Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition at a minimum. Complete these at a community college if needed before applying.

  3. 3

    Maintain a competitive GPA

    ADN programs typically require a 2.7+ GPA; BSN programs require 3.0–3.5. Retaking a science prerequisite to improve your grade can significantly strengthen your application.

  4. 4

    Prepare application materials

    Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, etc.). Many programs weigh clinical experience heavily.

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Apply to 3–5 programs. ADN programs at community colleges often use a points-based ranking system. BSN programs use holistic review. Apply as early as possible — many programs have rolling admissions.

  6. 6

    Complete the program and pass the NCLEX

    After graduation, apply for RN licensure through the Arkansas Board of Nursing (https://www.arsbn.org). Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive your license and begin practicing.

After Graduation: NCLEX and Arkansas RN Licensing

Completing an accredited nursing program is only the first step. To practice as an RN in Arkansas, you must:

  1. Apply for licensure with the Arkansas Board of Nursing
  2. Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE
  3. Pass the NCLEX-RN (national first-time U.S.-educated rate 86.7% in 2025; 91.2% in 2024, NCSBN)
  4. Receive your Arkansas RN license and begin practicing

Arkansas License Details

License Renewal

2 years

CE Hours

15 hours per renewal

NLC Compact

Yes — practice in 40+ compact states

Accredited Programs in Arkansas

Programs in Arkansas start as low as $14,560 in total tuition (ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)).

See all 173 nursing programs in Arkansas →

What GPA do you need for nursing school in Arkansas?
GPA requirements vary by degree level. LPN programs typically require a 2.5 minimum; ADN programs at community colleges require 2.7–3.2; BSN programs at universities usually require 3.0–3.5, with competitive programs often accepting students with 3.5+. Arkansas has programs across all levels — higher-demand programs tend to have higher effective GPAs due to waitlists and competitive applicant pools.
What prerequisites do you need for nursing school in Arkansas?
For most ADN and BSN programs in Arkansas, you will need Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, and introductory Psychology or Sociology. Many BSN programs also require Chemistry and Statistics. Complete these at an accredited community college if you haven't already — grades matter, so retake a course if you scored below a B.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Arkansas?
The fastest path is an LPN certificate (9–18 months). An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 18–24 months. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes 3–4 years (or 12–18 months if you're already an RN pursuing the RN-to-BSN). Time-to-degree depends on prerequisite completion, part-time vs. full-time enrollment, and whether the program has a waitlist.
Do you need healthcare experience to get into nursing school in Arkansas?
Most nursing programs prefer but don't require prior healthcare experience for ADN admission. BSN programs at competitive universities often weigh healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, hospital volunteering) heavily in holistic review. LPN programs typically accept applicants directly from high school. Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) usually require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.
How do you apply to nursing school in Arkansas?
For community college ADN programs: submit a general college application, complete required prerequisites, and submit the nursing program-specific application (usually a separate form with GPA ranking or points system). For university BSN programs: apply through the university admissions process, then apply separately to the College of Nursing. Apply early — many Arkansas programs have rolling admissions and fill quickly.
What is the NCLEX exam for nursing in Arkansas?
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardized exam all RN graduates must pass to receive a license in Arkansas. After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you apply to the Arkansas Board of Nursing (https://www.arsbn.org) for licensure, register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, and pass the exam. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024.
Is nursing school hard to get into in Arkansas?
Competitiveness varies significantly by program type. LPN programs are generally accessible for prepared students. ADN programs at community colleges often have waitlists — your GPA and prerequisites determine your place in the ranking. BSN programs at major universities are the most competitive. The key levers: maintain a 3.0+ GPA in prerequisites, gain clinical experience, and apply to multiple programs at different selectivity levels.

Sources

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Registered Nurses, September 2024.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — May 2024.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NCLEX Statistics, 2023.
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet, updated 2024.
  • Arkansas Board of Nursing — license renewal and CE requirements.

Compare nursing programs in Arkansas

Arkansas nursing reference

NCLEX pass ratesRN salary data$77,720 average (BLS).Nursing schoolsScholarshipsLicense requirementsHow to become a nurseNursing shortage & outlookFor working adultsLPN to RNRN to BSNFNP programsPMHNP programsNurse midwife programsMSN programsDNP programsCRNA programs

Nearby States

LouisianaMississippiMissouriOklahomaTennesseeTexas

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