ACNP Programs in Arkansas (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Could working as an advanced practice nurse in a fast-paced ICU, CCU, or ER in Arkansas be the right career move for you? Yes, if you graduate from one of the ACNP programs in Arkansas! These programs are designed to impart the knowledge and skills you'll need to work with critically ill or injured individuals whose very lives may depend upon the quality of the care you deliver. You'll command a salary of $116,170 a year, and the need for your services is predicted to increase by 61 percent within the coming decade. Our guide to the best ACNP programs in Arkansas will tell you more.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Arkansas.)
1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock
Programs Offered: MNSc, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MNSc Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Acute / Primary Care Dual Certification Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The program admits new students in the fall semester each year. You may pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your goals. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years. Core courses and some clinical courses are offered in an online format. Minimal campus visits are required and typically occur at the beginning of specialty courses. The Specialty Coordinator negotiates clinical practicums. Whenever possible, preceptors and clinical sites in your geographic area are utilized to minimize travel requirements.
The Acute Care Pediatric NP pathway features a 45-semester credit curriculum. The Adult Gerontology Acute Care pathway requires 42 semester hours of credit. Students in both programs take core courses such as Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology, Evidence-Based Practice, and Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice & Research. Additionally, each pathway includes population-specific clinical courses and a minimum of 770 hours of preceptor-supervised clinical experience.
MNSc Admission Requirements: Applicants who wish to pursue the MNSc program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences must have an unencumbered Arkansas or Compact State RN license and present proof of having achieved a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended and must have a minimum GPA of 2.85 for regular admission. Students with a GPA of less than 2.85 may be considered for conditional admission. Applicants must also show proof of completing an ANCC-COA or academic (3-credit-hour) continuing education approved health assessment course and a basic statistics course with a grade of "C" or better. A minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience is recommended before admission. However, you may be accepted, but you must complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice as an RN before progressing to advanced health assessment theory and practicum courses, as well as clinical theory and practicum courses.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Baccalaureate-prepared RNs also have the option to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialize as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at UAMS through the BSN-to-DNP program. This program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, one of the top ACNP programs in Arkansas, offers options to specialize in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Acute Care, or to earn a dual degree in Primary and Acute Pediatric Care.
The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in as few as three years if you enroll full-time or in four years if you pursue the degree on a part-time basis. New classes are admitted each fall semester.
The post-baccalaureate DNP program features a hybrid format utilizing distance-learning modalities, which means you can study and learn close to home. Some campus visits are required to complete laboratory simulations. Experiential learning via clinical practicums occurs at clinical sites throughout the state.
Students in each pathway begin with the same coursework. Once core courses are complete, you will transition to specialty-focused nurse practitioner theory and practicum courses. A minimum of 72 credits is required to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Additionally, all students complete a minimum of 1,120 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at UAMS must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing earned from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program and an unrestricted Arkansas or Compact State RN license. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended and to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Proof of a completed health assessment course, current CPR certification, ACLS (for AGACNP candidates), and PALS certification (for PACNP candidates), a curriculum vitae or resume, and a professional goals statement are required. An interview and an admission essay may also be required.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The Post-Graduate Certificate program at UAMS offers an excellent opportunity for nurses who have already earned a master’s or DNP degree in nursing to earn the Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care NP certification. The program admits new students in the fall and spring each year.
The AGACNP and Pediatric ACNP pathways feature 26- and 23-credit curriculum plans, respectively. However, a GAP analysis will be completed to identify previous coursework. Any applicant who lacks core or foundational courses is required to complete these courses in addition to the required courses for the Post-Graduate Certificate program. The program features online coursework and clinicals in your hometown, when possible. Clinical practicums are arranged in collaboration with the Specialty Coordinator to ensure you have adequate experiences with qualified preceptors.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students who wish to pursue the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences must have a master’s degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in Arkansas. Candidates must provide a resume or curriculum vitae, a professional goals statement, and all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is one of the region's major academic health centers. The university has outreach programs in every county within the state as well as a regional campus in Northwest Arkansas.• If you are searching for an ACNP program at a school known for excellence in healthcare, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is an excellent choice. In addition to hospitals and clinics, UAMS also has institutes of excellence, including the Translational Research Institute, the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, the Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neurosciences Institute, the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, and the Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence!
• At UAMS, you will learn from dedicated, experienced faculty, like Laura Hays, Ph.D., APRN, who are renowned for their contributions to nursing. Dr. Hays has been selected as part of the 2025 class of Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing!
• Graduates of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' ACNP program have high job placement rates following program completion. This is an important factor to consider as job placement rates typically reflect how well employers feel students are prepared for their roles.
2. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a specialty in Adult Gerontology care. Through 100% online coursework, hands-on practicum experiences, and optional site-based skills labs, you will learn to care for patients from adolescence to geriatrics with acute, chronic, and critical illnesses. The program is a 41.5-credit pathway. The curriculum includes core courses, seminar courses, and practicum courses. Through the completion of six practicum courses, you will accomplish a minimum of 600 clinical hours. Students are asked to provide a list of potential clinical preceptors to the Clinical Coordinator, who will coordinate clinical assignments.
MSN Program Admission Requirements: Applicants seeking admission to the MSN program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program from a regionally accredited college or university, have a current, unrestricted RN license, and provide documentation of at least 1,500 hours of work experience as a registered nurse before admission. Candidates are required to complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.25 is required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Arkansas State University also offers a Post-Master’s Certificate program option, which is a great choice for nurses who wish to gain the knowledge and skills needed to earn an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP certification. The program takes an average of 16 months to complete and has several start dates each year. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible for the national board certification exams administered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The Post-Master’s Certificate program features online coursework and optional on-site skills labs on weekends. In-person clinical practicums enable you to gain hands-on experience applying the knowledge and skills you acquire in the program. To complete the Post-Master’s AGACNP Certificate, students must complete at least 21.5 credit hours. A GAP analysis will be performed to determine if an individual plan of study is needed. If the analysis determines that additional credits are necessary, they will be added to your personalized study plan. Students in the Post-Master’s Certificate pathway also complete 500 precepted clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, candidates must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and from a regionally accredited college or university, and a current, unencumbered RN license. Applicants must submit an online application, a satisfactory background check through Verified Credentials, and official transcripts reflecting a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average for all MSN coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Arkansas State University believes all students should have access to an affordable education. One way the school supports that belief is by offering the same affordable in-state tuition rates to all U.S. students. Currently, the per-credit-hour tuition rate is just $370!• As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to consider certification examination pass rates when choosing a school, as they typically indicate the quality of a program and the level of student preparation. Graduates of the Arkansas State University ACNP program have consistently achieved excellent first-time pass rates on national certification exams.
• ASU reports high retention and graduation rates among students in its ACNP program. This is another good indication of a high-quality program.
• When you pursue your degree at Arkansas State University, you will have access to dedicated faculty and staff whose commitment to the school, program, and your success is a top priority. From the time you are admitted, you will have a personal advisor who will serve as your primary source of information and other resources.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN ARKANSAS?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS EXPECT?
| Hourly | $41.09 |
| Weekly | $1,644 |
| Monthly | $7,120 |
| Annual | $85,470 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $41.09 | $1,644 | $7,120 | $85,470 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $46.49 | $1,860 | $8,060 | $96,700 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $54.88 | $2,195 | $9,510 | $114,150 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $61.12 | $2,445 | $10,590 | $127,130 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $73.04 | $2,922 | $12,660 | $151,920 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS?
| Hourly | $55.85 |
| Weekly | $2,234 |
| Monthly | $9,680 |
| Annual | $116,170 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ARKANSAS?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $60.23 | $2,409 | $10,440 | $125,280 |
| Fort Smith | $56.16 | $2,246 | $9,730 | $116,810 |
| Hot Springs | $53.34 | $2,133 | $9,250 | $110,940 |
| Jonesboro | $58.21 | $2,328 | $10,090 | $121,070 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $55.21 | $2,208 | $9,570 | $114,840 |
| Pine Bluff | $55.55 | $2,222 | $9,630 | $115,550 |
ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Arkansas ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $116,170 | $131,620 | -$15,450 | -11.74% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$49,310 | -29.80% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$36,120 | -23.72% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$32,770 | -22.00% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$32,390 | -21.80% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$32,310 | -21.76% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$31,350 | -21.25% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$30,140 | -20.60% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$24,150 | -17.21% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$23,930 | -17.08% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$22,130 | -16.00% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$21,960 | -15.90% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$20,540 | -15.02% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$19,670 | -14.48% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$19,620 | -14.45% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$18,130 | -13.50% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$17,840 | -13.31% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$17,750 | -13.25% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$17,010 | -12.77% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$15,290 | -11.63% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$14,940 | -11.40% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$14,760 | -11.27% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$14,700 | -11.23% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$14,380 | -11.01% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$13,820 | -10.63% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$13,070 | -10.11% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$13,000 | -10.06% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$11,510 | -9.01% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$11,410 | -8.94% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$11,190 | -8.79% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$10,400 | -8.22% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$10,150 | -8.04% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$9,760 | -7.75% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$9,690 | -7.70% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$8,790 | -7.03% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | -$8,470 | -6.80% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | -$8,380 | -6.73% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | -$7,930 | -6.39% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | -$7,760 | -6.26% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | -$7,640 | -6.17% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | -$7,450 | -6.03% |
| Florida | $122,630 | -$6,460 | -5.27% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | -$6,010 | -4.92% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | -$5,390 | -4.43% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | -$4,180 | -3.47% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | -$3,620 | -3.02% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | -$3,350 | -2.80% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | -$40 | -0.03% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$3,110 | +2.75% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$3,470 | +3.08% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$9,920 | +9.34% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ARKANSAS
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $116,170 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $72,900 | +$43,270 | +59.36% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $66,920 | +$49,250 | +73.60% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $49,360 | +$66,810 | +135.35% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,050 | +$84,120 | +262.46% |
ACNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ARKANSAS
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $168,760 | -$52,590 | -31.16% |
| Optometrist | $146,360 | -$30,190 | -20.63% |
| Pharmacist | $128,600 | -$12,430 | -9.67% |
| Podiatrist | $123,270 | -$7,100 | -5.76% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $116,170 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $112,550 | +$3,620 | +3.22% |
| Chiropractor | $110,110 | +$6,060 | +5.50% |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,680 | +$23,490 | +25.35% |
| Physical Therapist | $92,270 | +$23,900 | +25.90% |
| Physician Assistant | $88,720 | +$27,450 | +30.94% |
| Audiologist | $88,680 | +$27,490 | +31.00% |
| Radiation Therapist | $84,320 | +$31,850 | +37.77% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,060 | +$32,110 | +38.20% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,040 | +$38,130 | +48.86% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Arkansas?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Arkansas?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Arkansas?
| $55.85 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Arkansas?
| $2,234 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Arkansas?
| $9,680 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Arkansas?
| $116,170 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Arkansas?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +61.33% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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