Best AGNP Programs in Arkansas (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
As a graduate of one of the AGNP programs in Arkansas, you'll find job opportunities open to you in hospitals, clinics, community organizations, government agencies, and skilled nursing facilities. You'll make $117,560 a year and enjoy job security since employment slots for adult gerontology nurse practitioners in the Natural State are predicted to jump by 61 percent in the decade to come. As an AGNP, you'll have two practice options: You can choose to specialize in acute care and work with patients affected by critical illnesses and injuries, or you can choose to specialize in primary care and teach patients how to manage chronic conditions. Learn more with this list of the best AGNP programs in Arkansas.
FOLLOWING ARE THE BEST AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the best campus-based and online AGNP programs in Arkansas.)
1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who loves caring for adults and geriatric patients? Have you dreamed of going back to school and earning a doctoral degree in nursing? If so, earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner could be the perfect choice! The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers an excellent post-bachelor's degree program that can help you achieve your goals.
The UAMS AGNP program in Arkansas is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who want to achieve a terminal nursing degree and become certified as either an Acute Care or Primary Care Adult-Gerontology NP. The BSN-to-DNP program admits students in the fall of each year. Three- and four-year study plans are available, allowing you to choose a schedule that works best for your lifestyle and needs.
The AGACNP and AGPCNP pathways each feature a 73-credit curriculum. The first four semesters consist of the same coursework for both specialties and include classes such as Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning.
In the fifth semester, you will begin specialty-focused nurse practitioner theory courses and clinical practicums. The program includes 1,120 clinical hours. Clinicals occur at various facilities each semester. Clinical assignments are arranged collaboratively with clinical faculty and completed under the direct supervision of approved preceptors.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at UAMS, candidates need proof of earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited nursing program and have a current Arkansas or Compact State RN license.
Admission to the program is competitive. Candidates are ranked by their GPA, which is calculated on the last 60 hours of BSN coursework. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required, but the higher your average, the more competitive your application becomes. You must also show proof of completion of a Basic Statistics course with a letter grade of “C” or better.
Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, proof of at least 2,000verified hours of work experience (two years of clinical experience preferred), an admissions essay, a curriculum vitae or resume, a Professional Goals Statement, and may be asked to participate in an admissions interview. Finally, all candidates for the AGNP program must submit proof of BLS and ACLS certification prior to beginning any clinical specialty courses.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is one of the area's largest academic health centers. In addition to clinics and hospitals, the school offers institutes of excellence, including the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.• UAMS is one of only eight nursing programs in the country that includes a center of excellence, the Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence. No wonder this school makes the list of the top AGNP programs in Arkansas!
• As a student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, you will learn in one of the region’s major academic health centers. The school has outreach programs in every county within the state and has a regional campus on its Northwest Arkansas campus.
• Graduates of the AGACNP program at the University of Arkansas have excellent success rates on national certification exams. According to school records, nearly 100% of graduates pass the exam on their first attempt!
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
MSN Program Details: Arkansas State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with the option to specialize as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. With an average of two start dates per semester, you can choose a time to begin your studies that works best for you. Additionally, you can complete the program in as few as 24 months.
This AGNP program in Arkansas features 100% online coursework, making it an excellent choice for busy students. Students complete 41.5 credit hours. The curriculum includes core, support, and seminar courses, as well as clinical practicum courses. The program includes 750 hours of guided clinical practicum.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN AGNP program requires having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program, an unencumbered RN license, and documentation of at least 1,500 hours of RN work experience. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 grading scale is required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you already hold a master’s degree in nursing and you wish to earn an Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP certification, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Arkansas State University is a great option. The program offers several start dates each year, features online coursework, and can be completed in just 16 months.
To earn the Post-Master’s Certificate, you must complete at least 21.5 credit hours. A GAP Analysis of your MSN transcripts will determine if an individual plan of study is required to meet program requirements. The curriculum consists of six clinical courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. You will complete at least 500 clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged collaboratively with program faculty and completed under the supervision of approved preceptors.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program at a regionally-accredited college or university and a current, unrestricted RN license Candidates are required to submit an online application and application fee. Additionally, you must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended and have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA for all MSN coursework.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• U.S. News & World Report has ranked Arkansas State University in its Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs category. This recognition is an impressive factor to consider, as U.S. News uses a broad range of indicators of excellence when ranking schools and programs.• Arkansas State University has a good reputation for preparing well-educated, professional nurses who are sought after in the industry. This is just one reason why ASU is an excellent option for an AGNP program in Arkansas!
• At Arkansas State University, AGNP students learn from dedicated, experienced faculty with a broad range of clinical expertise. Their knowledge and personal insight will help prepare you to practice with confidence as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
• If you want to become an AGNP but worry about the cost of your education, Arkansas State University has options! Financial aid advisors are available to speak with you about scholarships, grants, and other opportunities to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses so you can focus more on your studies and worry less about finances!
HOW MUCH DO AGNP GRADUATES MAKE IN ARKANSAS?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS EXPECT?
| Hourly | $41.58 |
| Weekly | $1,663 |
| Monthly | $7,210 |
| Annual | $86,490 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF AGNP PROGRAMS IN ARKANSAS EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $41.58 | $1,663 | $7,210 | $86,490 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.05 | $1,882 | $8,160 | $97,860 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $55.54 | $2,222 | $9,630 | $115,520 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $61.85 | $2,474 | $10,720 | $128,650 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $73.91 | $2,957 | $12,810 | $153,740 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS?
| Hourly | $56.52 |
| Weekly | $2,261 |
| Monthly | $9,800 |
| Annual | $117,560 |
HOW MUCH DO AGNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ARKANSAS?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $60.95 | $2,438 | $10,560 | $126,770 |
| Fort Smith | $56.83 | $2,273 | $9,850 | $118,200 |
| Hot Springs | $53.97 | $2,159 | $9,360 | $112,260 |
| Jonesboro | $58.90 | $2,356 | $10,210 | $122,510 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $55.87 | $2,235 | $9,680 | $116,210 |
| Pine Bluff | $56.22 | $2,249 | $9,740 | $116,930 |
AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. OTHER SALARIES
AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. AGNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Arkansas AGNP Annual Salary | Average National AGNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $117,560 | $133,190 | -$15,630 | -11.74% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. AGNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $167,450 | -$49,890 | -29.79% |
| Nevada | $154,110 | -$36,550 | -23.72% |
| Washington | $150,720 | -$33,160 | -22.00% |
| New Jersey | $150,340 | -$32,780 | -21.80% |
| Oregon | $150,250 | -$32,690 | -21.76% |
| Massachusetts | $149,280 | -$31,720 | -21.25% |
| New York | $148,050 | -$30,490 | -20.59% |
| Connecticut | $141,990 | -$24,430 | -17.21% |
| New Mexico | $141,770 | -$24,210 | -17.08% |
| Minnesota | $139,950 | -$22,390 | -16.00% |
| District of Columbia | $139,780 | -$22,220 | -15.90% |
| Rhode Island | $138,340 | -$20,780 | -15.02% |
| Hawaii | $137,460 | -$19,900 | -14.48% |
| Arizona | $137,410 | -$19,850 | -14.45% |
| Delaware | $135,910 | -$18,350 | -13.50% |
| Iowa | $135,610 | -$18,050 | -13.31% |
| New Hampshire | $135,520 | -$17,960 | -13.25% |
| Texas | $134,770 | -$17,210 | -12.77% |
| Wisconsin | $133,020 | -$15,460 | -11.62% |
| Maryland | $132,670 | -$15,110 | -11.39% |
| Utah | $132,500 | -$14,940 | -11.28% |
| North Dakota | $132,430 | -$14,870 | -11.23% |
| Pennsylvania | $132,110 | -$14,550 | -11.01% |
| Illinois | $131,540 | -$13,980 | -10.63% |
| Alaska | $130,790 | -$13,230 | -10.12% |
| Vermont | $130,710 | -$13,150 | -10.06% |
| Montana | $129,200 | -$11,640 | -9.01% |
| Idaho | $129,110 | -$11,550 | -8.95% |
| Oklahoma | $128,880 | -$11,320 | -8.78% |
| Wyoming | $128,080 | -$10,520 | -8.21% |
| Indiana | $127,830 | -$10,270 | -8.03% |
| Maine | $127,440 | -$9,880 | -7.75% |
| Ohio | $127,360 | -$9,800 | -7.69% |
| Colorado | $126,450 | -$8,890 | -7.03% |
| Nebraska | $126,130 | -$8,570 | -6.79% |
| North Carolina | $126,040 | -$8,480 | -6.73% |
| Georgia | $125,580 | -$8,020 | -6.39% |
| South Dakota | $125,410 | -$7,850 | -6.26% |
| Virginia | $125,290 | -$7,730 | -6.17% |
| Michigan | $125,090 | -$7,530 | -6.02% |
| Florida | $124,090 | -$6,530 | -5.26% |
| Kansas | $123,630 | -$6,070 | -4.91% |
| Louisiana | $123,010 | -$5,450 | -4.43% |
| Mississippi | $121,790 | -$4,230 | -3.47% |
| South Carolina | $121,220 | -$3,660 | -3.02% |
| Missouri | $120,950 | -$3,390 | -2.80% |
| West Virginia | $117,600 | -$40 | -0.03% |
| Arkansas | $117,560 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Kentucky | $114,410 | +$3,150 | +2.75% |
| Alabama | $114,040 | +$3,520 | +3.09% |
| Tennessee | $107,510 | +$10,050 | +9.35% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ARKANSAS
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $117,560 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $72,900 | +$44,660 | +61.26% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $66,920 | +$50,640 | +75.67% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $49,360 | +$68,200 | +138.17% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,050 | +$85,510 | +266.80% |
AGNP SALARY IN ARKANSAS VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ARKANSAS
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $168,760 | -$51,200 | -30.34% |
| Optometrist | $146,360 | -$28,800 | -19.68% |
| Pharmacist | $128,600 | -$11,040 | -8.58% |
| Podiatrist | $123,270 | -$5,710 | -4.63% |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $117,560 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $112,550 | +$5,010 | +4.45% |
| Chiropractor | $110,110 | +$7,450 | +6.77% |
| Occupational Therapist | $92,680 | +$24,880 | +26.85% |
| Physical Therapist | $92,270 | +$25,290 | +27.41% |
| Physician Assistant | $88,720 | +$28,840 | +32.51% |
| Audiologist | $88,680 | +$28,880 | +32.57% |
| Radiation Therapist | $84,320 | +$33,240 | +39.42% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,060 | +$33,500 | +39.85% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,040 | +$39,520 | +50.64% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits AGNP 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 AGNP Schools Are There In Arkansas?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Hour In Arkansas?
| $56.52 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Week In Arkansas?
| $2,261 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Month In Arkansas?
| $9,800 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Adult-Gerontology NP Make Per Year In Arkansas?
| $117,560 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For AGNPs 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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