Are you looking for a top-paying career that also provides you with job stability and emotional satisfaction in the state of Arkansas? If you are, an occupation you may want to consider is that of a registered nurse (RN). Not only do nurses in Arkansas enjoy much in the way of personal satisfaction and job security, but as an RN, you can also expect an average salary of $72,900 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Considering the low cost of housing, transportation, health, and overall living in Arkansas, this makes for a comfortable wage.
- 7.5% RN Job Growth
- $72,900 Yearly Salary
- 29,690 RNs Employed
Source: Projections Central, BLS
If this sounds like the perfect career for you, the first thing you need to do is decide on an appropriate program. Depending on your prior education and skills, you can choose to enroll in either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program or an LPN to ADN bridge program. Whereas an ADN program typically takes two years to complete, a bridge program lasts only around 12 to 15 months. Regardless of the path you choose, graduating from your program will grant you an associate degree in nursing. This degree is the minimum requirement for becoming an RN in Arkansas, just like in the rest of the U.S.
Once you earn your ADN, you will need to pass the licensing exam to obtain your RN license and begin searching for employment.
Related: Typical Course Outline of an ADN Program
The Best ADN Programs in Arkansas
Have you decided on pursuing an exciting career as an RN? If so, here are some of the finest schools to help you become a registered nurse in Arkansas:
Arkansas Northeastern College
2501 S Division St, Blytheville, AR 72315 (870) 762-1020Arkansas State University
2105 Aggie Rd, Jonesboro, AR 72401 (870) 972-2100Arkansas State University
1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653 (870) 508-6100Arkansas Tech University
1700 Helberg Ln, Ozark, AR 72949 (866) 225-2884Baptist Health College
11900 Colonel Glenn Rd #1000, Little Rock, AR 72210 (501) 202-6200College of the Ouachitas
One College Cir, Malvern, AR 72104 (501) 337-5000East Arkansas Community College
1700 Newcastle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335 (870) 633-4480National Park College
101 College Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 760-4222North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601 (870) 743-3000NorthWest Arkansas Community College
1 College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 (479) 636-9222Phillips Community College (PCCUA)
1000 Campus Rd, Helena, AR 72342 (870) 338-6474Southeast Arkansas College
1900 S Hazel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 (870) 543-5900Southern Arkansas University
100 E University St, Magnolia, AR 71753 (870) 235-4000UA Rich Mountain Community College
1100 College Dr, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-7622University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204 (501) 569-3000University of Arkansas at Monticello
US-425, Monticello, AR (870) 367-6811University of Arkansas Community College
2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501 (870) 612-2000University of Arkansas Community College
1537 University Blvd, Morrilton, AR 72110 (501) 977-2000
Job Outlook & Salary for RNs in Arkansas
RNs in Arkansas are in high demand, with a projected 7.5% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to Projection Central. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 29,690 RNs in the state, earning an average annual salary of $72,900, or $35.05 per hour.
Use our RN salary calculator to estimate your potential earnings based on location, experience, and education.
Explore salary trends for RNs in Arkansas's metro areas below:
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $37.64 | $78,290 |
| Pine Bluff | $36.75 | $76,440 |
| Jonesboro | $36.02 | $74,910 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers-MO | $34.37 | $71,490 |
| Hot Springs | $34.20 | $71,140 |
| Fort Smith-OK | $33.17 | $69,000 |
Source: BLS
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
For questions about nursing programs and licensure in Arkansas, please contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Address: 1123 S University Ave #800, Little Rock, AR 72204
- Phone: (501) 686-2700
- Fax: (501) 686-2714
- Website: healthy.arkansas.gov
Conclusion
ADN programs in Arkansas provide the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse, offering great starting salaries and job security. With many opportunities in the healthcare field, this path ensures a stable career and a rewarding profession.
