Top Arkansas RN to BSN Programs
Increasingly, nurses who began their healthcare careers by earning an associate's degree are headed back to school to earn BSN degrees to can advance their careers. Choosing to complete a BSN degree not only boosts a nurse's career prospects, but it can also increase their earning potential and put them in a position to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) down the road. In response to the growing demand for BSN degrees, colleges and universities have made it easier than ever before for RNs to earn these degrees. Today, nurses can complete their BSN degrees online and from the comfort of their own home. However, with so many programs out there, finding the top RN to BSN can be a painstaking process. That's why we've put together a list of the top online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas.
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Arkansas
Deciding which RN to BSN program you'll attend is a decision that should be taken seriously. While you sift through Arkansas' top RN to BSN programs, take the following into consideration:
- Tuition and associated fees
- Class sizes
- Program accreditation
- Retention rate
- Student satisfaction rate
- Partnership with local hospitals
- Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)
- Acceptance rate
- Instructor experience
- Cost of living in the immediate area
- Length of time the program has been operating for
Testing and Certification
Before students who have graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can become fully licensed RNs, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Students who enroll in RN to BSN programs need not take the exam again after finishing.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas
1. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is a public research university that's located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. ASU offers students a 33 semester credit-hour online/in-class RN to BSN program that assists RNs with ADN degrees in earning their bachelor's degree in nursing in as little as twelve months. Students can enroll in ASU's online RN to BSN program four times a year. Once enrolled, students will take courses like Community Nursing, High Acuity Nursing, Cultural Competence in the Health Profession, and more. ASU maintains local relationships and partnerships with more than 500 clinical sites.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
- Bernard's Medical Center
- Arkansas Children's Hospital - Jonesboro Clinic
Tuition:
Both in-state and out-of-state students can expect to pay $8,541 in tuition. Additional fees like parking, immunizations, books, etc. are not included in this figure.
2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a public university specializing in Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. UAMS offers a 26 semester credit-hour RN to BSN degree program that can be completed in just 12 months. Each course is just 7.5 weeks in duration and the entire program can be completed online. Students have the opportunity to enroll in AUMS's RN to BSN program five times per year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital
- Baptist Health Extended Care Hospital
- Arkansas Heart Hospital
Tuition:
The total cost of AUMS's BSN to RN program will depend on how many credits the student enters the program with. Roughly speaking, in-state students can expect to pay approximately $7,800 in tuition plus additional fees whereas out-of-state students can expect to pay $15,600 in tuition plus fees.
3. Arkansas Technical University
Arkansas Technical University is a public university located in Russellville, Arkansas that offers an online RN to BSN program consisting of 5 core nursing courses, 2 practicum/clinical courses, and 2 nursing electives. The program has been designed for students to complete in as little as one year. A few courses that students will encounter during the program include Nursing Informatics, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Research. The program is open for enrollment three times each year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Saint Mary's Regional Health System
- Millard-Henry Clinic
- Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic
Tuition:
In-state students can expect to pay roughly $6,960 plus additional fees; out-of-state students can expect to pay $13,920 plus additional fees.
4. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas that offers a 41 semester credit-hour RN to BSN bridge program that students can complete in roughly one calendar year. The program can be completed entirely online, making it a great choice for working students. Students who enroll in the program will encounter courses like Caring for a Child Bearing Family, Caring for Adults with Chronic Health Problems, and Concepts for Professional Nursing.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Conway Regional Health System
- Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway
- Conway Behavioral Health Hospital
Tuition:
Tuition cost is $8,550
5. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public research institution with locations in Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Arkansas which offers students an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online. Students can choose to complete the 37 semester credit-hour program in three, four, or five semesters. During the program, students will take courses like Pharmacology in Nursing, Adult Health & Illness, and others. After students have completed the online portion of the program, they'll be expected to carry out 75 clinical hours of evidence-based practice.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Veterans' Healthcare System of the Ozarks
- Mercy Hospital - Fort Smith
Tuition:
Students attending UA's RN to BSN can expect to pay around $9,000 in tuition, plus additional fees.
