Top Nursing Schools in Arkansas: Your Guide to the Best Nursing Programs

Arkansas is home to several top-tier nursing schools that offer comprehensive training, hands-on clinical experience, and excellent career preparation for aspiring nurses. Whether you are pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an advanced nursing degree, Arkansas provides diverse options to fit your career goals.

This guide highlights the best nursing schools in Arkansas, including their degree offerings, clinical opportunities, and financial aid options. Each school features a live link to its website and a direct link to scholarship and financial aid resources to help you plan your education effectively.

Top Nursing Schools in Arkansas

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing

Location: Little Rock, AR

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing is one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the state, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The school is known for its high NCLEX pass rates, strong clinical partnerships, and extensive research opportunities.

Key Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for traditional and accelerated students.
RN to BSN program for registered nurses looking to advance their careers.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs with various specializations, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
PhD in Nursing for those interested in nursing research and academia.
Clinical training at UAMS Medical Center, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and other major healthcare facilities.

Visit UAMS College of Nursing
UAMS Financial Aid & Scholarships

University of Central Arkansas (UCA) School of Nursing

Location: Conway, AR

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) School of Nursing is known for its comprehensive nursing programs and high NCLEX-RN pass rates. UCA provides hands-on clinical experiences through its partnerships with hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state.

Key Highlights:

Traditional BSN program with a strong focus on evidence-based practice.
RN to BSN online program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement.
MSN and DNP programs in several specializations, including nurse education and family nurse practitioner.
State-of-the-art simulation labs that prepare students for real-world nursing challenges.

Visit UCA School of Nursing
UCA Financial Aid & Scholarships

Arkansas State University (A-State) School of Nursing

Location: Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University offers one of the most affordable and accessible nursing programs in the state. A-State is recognized for its commitment to rural healthcare and hands-on clinical training.

Key Highlights:

BSN program with a strong emphasis on community health and patient care.
Accelerated BSN option for students with prior bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
Online RN to BSN program with flexible scheduling for working nurses.
MSN and DNP programs focusing on nurse leadership, education, and advanced clinical practice.
Clinical experiences in rural and urban hospitals to provide well-rounded training.

Visit A-State School of Nursing
A-State Financial Aid & Scholarships

Harding University Carr College of Nursing

Location: Searcy, AR

Harding University is a private Christian university with a highly respected nursing program. The Carr College of Nursing integrates faith-based learning with rigorous nursing education.

Key Highlights:

Traditional BSN program designed for first-time nursing students.
RN to BSN program available in an online format.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at the graduate level.
Clinical training at major hospitals and clinics across Arkansas.
Faith-based curriculum that emphasizes compassionate patient care.

Visit Harding University Carr College of Nursing
Harding Financial Aid & Scholarships

Henderson State University Nursing Department

Location: Arkadelphia, AR

Henderson State University provides affordable and high-quality nursing education with small class sizes and a personalized learning experience.

Key Highlights:

Traditional BSN program with strong clinical training components.
RN to BSN online program designed for working nurses.
Strong focus on rural healthcare and public health nursing.
Partnerships with hospitals and community health centers for clinical experience.

Visit Henderson State Nursing
Henderson State Financial Aid & Scholarships

Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Department of Nursing

Location: Magnolia, AR

Southern Arkansas University offers affordable nursing programs with a strong focus on clinical excellence and job placement.

Key Highlights:

BSN program with hands-on clinical training.
RN to BSN program available in an online format.
Highly rated NCLEX pass rates among Arkansas nursing schools.
State-of-the-art simulation labs for real-world training.

Visit SAU Nursing Department
SAU Financial Aid & Scholarships

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) Department of Nursing

Location: Russellville, AR

Arkansas Tech University provides a strong nursing curriculum with a focus on clinical competency and leadership skills.

Key Highlights:

BSN program with a student-centered learning approach.
RN to BSN program available online for working professionals.
Simulation labs and extensive clinical placements for hands-on training.
Affordable tuition rates compared to other nursing schools in Arkansas.

Visit ATU Nursing
ATU Financial Aid & Scholarships

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) School of Nursing

Location: Fort Smith, AR

UAFS provides a strong foundation for nursing careers through its accredited BSN and RN programs.

Key Highlights:

Traditional BSN program with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate.
RN to BSN online program designed for registered nurses.
Affordable tuition and strong job placement rates after graduation.
Clinical training at regional hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Visit UAFS Nursing
UAFS Financial Aid & Scholarships

How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Arkansas

When selecting a nursing school, consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
NCLEX Pass Rates: Schools with high NCLEX pass rates indicate strong preparation for licensure exams.
Clinical Training Opportunities: Look for programs with hospital partnerships and real-world clinical experiences.
Financial Aid & Scholarships: Consider tuition costs and available scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs.
Flexibility: If you’re a working nurse, an RN to BSN online program may be the best option.

Conclusion

Arkansas offers a variety of high-quality nursing programs to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your education, these schools provide exceptional training, clinical experiences, and financial support to help you achieve your nursing career goals.

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