2 Best CRNA Schools in Arkansas – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Is attending a CRNA program in Arkansas a good career move? Absolutely! Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists play a vital role throughout the Natural State’s healthcare sector, providing analgesia and monitoring oxygenation wherever surgical procedures occur. You’ll be qualified to work in a variety of practice settings, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and cosmetic surgery practices. CRNAs in Arkansas make excellent compensation, too: on average, they earn $176,770 annually. CRNA programs in Arkansas are academically demanding, though, so you’ll have to be prepared to give your studies your all. Discover more by reviewing this list of the 2 best CRNA schools in Arkansas for 2025.



RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS

WHAT ARE THE BEST CRNA SCHOOLS IN ARKANSAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 2 Best Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Programs in Arkansas (Online & Campus).)

1. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro


Programs Offered: DNP


About the School: Arkansas State University nursing school was established in 1982 and since then the school has produced more than 9000 nursing professionals who are serving the health needs of their communities. Among the best CRNA schools in Arkansas, the school has been a sought-after choice for CRNA students in AR. CRNA students leave the school, equipped with the skills and knowledge to positively influence nursing anesthesia.

Program Overview: Arkansas State University’s CRNA program is a 36-month program that requires the completion of 114 credits. The full-time program prepares you for the CRNA certification exam. The curriculum is designed to include the DNP core courses, nursing anesthesia-related courses, clinical experiences, and the DNP project.

The first year of the program teaches you the theoretical foundation for doctoral nursing practice and also includes courses in physical & biophysical sciences, advanced clinical anatomy, leadership, policy & healthcare system, healthcare finance, informatics, translational research, and advanced pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology.

During the second year, you’ll start with clinical courses while also covering theoretical topics, including healthcare ethics & genetics, principles of curriculum design instruction & evaluation, and the basic & advanced principles of nursing anesthesia. In the third year of the program, you’ll mainly focus on your clinical training and completion of the DNP project.


Admission Requirements: To apply to Arkansas State University CRNA program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. Further, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in the U.S. This CRNA program in Arkansas also requires you to have at least one year of critical care experience as a nurse. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit your resume, a professional goal statement, three references, and all your previous transcripts.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Arkansas State University CRNA Students

• Arkansas State University CRNA students complete clinical skills at prominent clinical sites in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Some of the sites include Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital, St. Bernard Medical Center, and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, to name a few.
• Arkansas State University CRNA program is taught in small-sized classes under the mentorship of an expert faculty. The program’s faculty members are committed to the academic and professional success of CRNA students.
• Arkansas State University CRNA program is offered at affordable tuition costs. Further, the program provides financial aid opportunities to help you bring down the cost of your CRNA education.


2. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Little Rock


Programs Offered: DNP-NA


About the School: If you are seeking to enter one of the CRNA schools in Arkansas that offers an interprofessional learning environment, then what better than applying to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences? A school that produces clinicians and leaders, here, CRNA students are groomed to lead interprofessional healthcare teams and transform the lives of their communities.

Program Overview: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences CRNA program is a 95.5 credit program spanning three years of full-time study. The program includes DNP core courses and nurse anesthesia-related courses. The coursework covers topics such as research methodology, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, theoretical foundations for ANP & research, healthcare informatics, healthcare analytics for nursing practice, advanced health assessment, and economics for complex organizational systems. This certified registered nurse anesthetist program in Arkansas also includes courses in quality outcomes management and basic and advanced principles in nursing anesthesia. The coursework also requires you to complete anesthesia practicum experiences and a DNP project.


Admission Requirements: Admission into the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a competitive process. The program is open to BSN graduates who have a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, an active and unencumbered RN license is required. Your application should include official transcripts, recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a personal statement. The program also requires applicants to have at least one year of work experience in critical care.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences CRNA Students

• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is one of the major academic health centers, offering ample interprofessional learning opportunities. Further, the school’s wide partnerships allow CRNA students to collaborate on research projects.
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences boasts excellent pass rates not only on the CRNA certification exam but also on the other APRN certification exams. The positive academic outcome is a great indicator of the superior quality of education CRNA students can expect at this nursing school.
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences employs an accomplished faculty comprising experienced practitioners. Further, many faculty members hold leadership positions in state and national nursing organizations.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What are the Total Number of Accredited CRNA Schools in Arkansas?

As per the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), currently there are 2 accredited CRNA schools in Arkansas that offer a total of 2 Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Program Type #
MSNA0
DNAP2
Post-Master's Certificate 0
DNAP Completion 0
Total2



Nearby States


Popular Related Articles