RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
Currently, there are almost 25,000 nurses working in Arkansas. Despite these numbers, the state is predicting that there will be a shortage of at least 10% by 2020 (O*net, 2013). As a result of earning your BSN, you may be able to position yourself in one of the more rewarding positions reserved for Baccalaureate prepared RNs, making your educational advancements worthwhile.
We at BestNursingDegree.com intend to help you find the best nursing program for your individual situation. We have found all of the RN to BSN programs available to RNs in Arkansasa, which are presented on this page. Now that you don’t have to spend your time searching the web for schools, you can use your time obtaining the information you need to take the next step in your nursing education.
Feel free to review the school listings, paying special attention to the featured schools, which often offer flexible online courses to help you meet your goals without sacrificing your current responsibilities.
In order to decide which schools you are interested in, simply submit a request for information to each school that offers the type of RN to BSN program you prefer.
You can be well on your way to earning your Bachelor’s of Science sooner than you may have thought, simply by taking advantage of the work we have already done on your behalf.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
The Department of Higher Education in Arkansas has a loan program for nurses to seek their bachelor’s degree to become nurse educators. They can receive up to $10,000 per academic year if they meet the qualifications. For each year a graduate teaches full-time in nursing education a year of their loan will be fully forgiven. There are also a number of scholarships and financial aid resources available from various organizations.
Numerous university RN-BSN online programs, plus part-time and full-time campus programs are available, which can all be found here on the BestNursingDegree.com website.
Requirements for an RN to enter a BSN program include an active Arkansas RN license, being a graduate from an accredited nursing school with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 and a minimum of 12 credit hours of general education. Official transcripts are required. Core courses must also be completed before beginning the BSN nursing classes, and often include classes in English, writing, and public speaking.
Some of the common Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing courses include:
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
- Informatics for Professional Nursing
- Scope of Professional Practice
- Law, Ethics, and Issues and Professional Nursing Practice
- Community Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Professional Practice
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Practicum
Arkansas universities have student advisors who can assist students with their goals. Their campuses have counseling centers, health centers and several student activities and organizations. Receiving your baccalaureate degree can open new doors of opportunity for advancement healthcare and better paying positions, and you should have supportive resources along the way.
Careers for RN to BSN graduates in Arkansas
Arkansas’s employers have made significant changes in order to attract and retain quality nursing staff, such as implementing flexible scheduling, expanding individual orientations and mentoring, and creating family friendly work environments. Career ladders have been developed, continuing education is offered, hospital benefits have been re-examined and many hospitals are committing to a low nurse–patient ratios in the name of safe staffing. As you expand your education, you may be more attractive to hospitals and other work settings, affording yourself opportunities for career advancement.
The annual salary for registered nurse in Arkansas has risen to $67,720 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors that affect salaries include location of employment, years of experience, advanced certifications and education.
There are multiple job openings for BSNs that may not be available to those nurses without a Bachelor’s degree in many areas, such as public health, administration, management and nursing education. Some other unique positions that may require a BSN are found in Flight/Transport Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Oncology Nursing, Trauma Nursing and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing.
Additionally, there are case manager positions throughout the state in home healthcare, nursing homes and hospice. Nurses with a baccalaureate degree may have more opportunity to advance in management, obtain higher-paying positions and to obtain positions as clinical coordinators.
RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas State University (ASU) Located in John Grisham’s hometown of Jonesboro, ASU is a public university offering a two-year RN-to-BSN program. ASU allows students to tailor their clinical experience to professional goals. All classes are completed online. Prospective student must complete a specified list of prerequisites before entering the program.
University of Arkansas System: All of the University of Arkansas system schools offer RN-to-BSN programs with the following specifications:
- UA – Fayetteville: This program requires seven semesters of part-time to full-time study.
- UA – Fort Smith: RN-to-BSN students complete all courses online.
- UA – Monticello: Students have the option of completing a one-year or two-year plan of study.
University of Central Arkansas: Home to more than 11,000 students, UCA gives students in the RN-to-BSN program the option of using credits earned toward a Master of Science in nursing program. Up to nine credits can be applied. UCA is located in Conway.
Potential Places to Work in Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS): Named the top hospital in the Little Rock metro area by U.S. News & World Report, UAMS has several specialty Centers of Excellence and includes satellite facilities throughout the state. The hospital was recently named as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals by The Joint Commission.
