5 Best RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas (Online & Campus) – 2024
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Why should an ADN-prepared registered nurse in Arkansas consider continuing their education by entering one of the many RN to BSN programs in Arkansas? Two reasons: salary and job security. RNs in the Natural State with ADNs make significantly less money than the $70,040 annual salary that RNs with BSNs earn. And healthcare employers in Arkansas (as well as in the rest of the U.S.) have a marked preference for BSN-enabled registered nurses. Maximize your earning potential and your career advancement opportunities by learning more about the 5 best RN to BSN programs in Arkansas for 2024.
What are the 5 Best Accredited RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas for 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 5 best RN-to-BSN programs in Arkansas (Online & Campus).)1) University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, Fayetteville
Type: Online
Program Overview: The school of nursing at the University of Arkansas strives towards providing a robust footing in nursing with its rigorous teaching and student-centric online nursing programs. This RN to BSN is designed for working registered nurses who hold an active nurse license. The coursework builds up on your past education and experience and takes it further by making you proficient in critical thinking, decision making, and evidence-based practice. To graduate you must complete eleven BSN courses. All these courses are offered completely online, making it convenient for you to pursue current work commitments. Each course is eight weeks long. You can complete this program in one year of full-time study.
Key Highlights
• You will complete 75 clinical hours in an evidence-based project by collaborating with a mentor. You can decide on the project, based on your interests and professional goals.
• Your 37 BSN credits will be held in escrow until you successfully complete the program.
2) University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
Type: Online
Program Overview: UAMS's College of Nursing, since its inception has added several feathers to its cap that add value to the credibility of the college and provide an enriching platform for students to nurture their career aspirations. The college is a Center of Geriatric Nursing of Excellence that goes to show the high quality of education it offers. If you are looking at strengthening your knowledge and skills as a professional nurse, then completing an RN to BSN course in Arkansas can give your career and expertise, quite a boost. This 100% RN to BSN program requires you to complete at least 26 nursing credits through the university. Each course takes 71/2 weeks to complete.
Key Highlights
• If you are keen on an advanced nursing degree, then the RN to MSN bridge program, offered by the college will be apt. This completely online program lets you choose from seven specialties, all this, while you continue working full-time.• The college requires you to complete a clinical that is facilitated by the course faculty and a preceptor.
3) Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, Jonesboro
Type: Online
Program Overview: Arkansas State University, armed with excellent faculty trains students to become holistic nurses. Graduates are taught the significance of healing the mind, body, and soul in treating a patient. By pursuing RN to BSN education in Arkansas, registered nurses can widen their job prospects and be eligible to work in a variety of work settings such as hospitals, clinics, home health facilities, rehab centers, public healthcare and in the education sector. You can complete this 100% online program from the comfort of your home with just 12 months of full-time study. The coursework trains you to provide effective care to individuals, families and the community at large.
Key Highlights
• To graduate you must complete a self-designed capstone course in consultation with the faculty. This way you gain hands-on experience in the topic of your interest.• The college fosters student participation in nursing organizations such as ARBSN, National Student Nurse Association, Arkansas Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau.
5) University of Central Arkansas, Conway
Type: Online
Program Overview: UCA has been training nurses since 1967 with a goal of transforming the lives of patients. To get onto the fast track of professional nursing all you need is a computer, an active nurse license, and self-motivation. This RN to BSN program in the ‘Natural State' will require completing 30 credits of BSN coursework from the university. This includes courses in health policies and issues, a transition to professional nursing, pathophysiology, nursing research, healthcare informatics, health assessment across the lifespan, community health nursing and leadership and management in nursing. You can complete this program part-time (24 months) or full-time (12 months).
Key Highlights
• Whatever schedule you may choose, you must know that each nursing course is offered only once in a year, except for the course that helps you transition from RN to BSN, which is offered at the beginning of your first semester.• Based on your prior degree you can transfer 41 credits towards your BSN.
5) University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Fort Smith
Type: Online
Program Overview: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith has been ranked as one the most affordable online RN to BSN programs in the nation. Its RN to BSN track expands on your past knowledge as a registered nurse and allows a transfer of 35 credits which are held in escrow until you complete the required courses. To earn your degree, you must complete 120 credits in total, out of which at least 40 must be BSN courses through the college. With two start dates, the coursework teaches you to use critical thinking, evidence-based practice, effective communication skills, and practice nursing that is culturally and ethnically sensitive.
Key Highlights
• Upon completion of the program, you will be able to work in various clinical areas such as cardiac, community, critical, forensic, emergency, gynecology, surgical, oncology, organ transplant, pediatrics, psychiatric, pharmaceutical, trauma and orthopedics.• Graduates can expect to find employment at prominent healthcare facilities in the state, including Mercy, Sparks, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Northwest Health Systems, Northwest Medical Center, Washington Regional Center, and Peachtree Hospice.
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