Review Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in AR

A Closer Look at Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

One of the huge benefits of completing an RN to BSN program is that much of the hands-on work was already completed when preparing to become a registered nurse. Therefore, much of what’s left to do to get your BSN can be completed online, affording you the flexibility you need to continue working and balancing other responsibilities. However, there’s always the possibility that the program you choose will require some in-person or on-site lab or clinical work. If you’re worried about program quality, don’t be. As long as the online program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) you will get the same quality education from the comfort of your own home as you would in a traditional in person program.

To qualify for an RN to BSN program, you’ll need to have an unencumbered RN license. Some programs require you to have your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a year of professional experience. Below are a few accredited programs to help you get an idea of what an RN to BSN program typically looks like.

Answering Key Questions for Prospective Students

Whether you’re curious about how long an RN to BSN online program takes or what financial aid options are available, you most likely have some questions. To make your research easier, we’ve compiled the answers to the most asked questions by prospective online RN to BSN Arkansas students like you.

How will an RN-to-BSN program in Arkansas prepare me for more opportunities?

Typically, more education means more responsibility, and in the case of nursing, it also means higher-quality care and greater preference from employers. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), higher-educated nursing teams have been shown to result in better patient outcomes. In order to address the need for improved outcomes, hospitals are seeking to hire more BSN-educated nurses. AACN reported that in 2019, 40.6% of hospitals and other healthcare settings required new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while 77.4% of employers expressed a strong preference for BSN program graduates. This shows that BSN-prepared nurses are preferred not only for clinical nursing roles but also have an advantage when it comes to management and non-traditional nursing positions.

How long is an RN-to-BSN program in Arkansas?

Since students in bridge programs are already licensed nurses, they can complete their degrees much more quickly than those who are new to the field. Online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas typically take about 1-2 years to complete, though this can differ from program to program. For a better idea of how long a program might take, below are the average timelines for five RN to BSN online programs in Arkansas:

• Arkansas Tech University: 12 months
• University of Arkansas Little Rock: 12-18 months
• University of Central Arkansas: 12-24 months (full-time or part-time)
• Arkansas State University: 12-15 months
• Ouachita Baptist University: 9-12 months

How much do RN-to-BSN programs cost in Arkansas?

Like the average program length, the cost of getting an RN to BSN online in Arkansas differs from school to school. On average, students across three of the best online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas pay $277 per credit hour—see the exact breakdown below:

• Ouachita Baptist University: $275 per credit hour
• University of Arkansas Little Rock: $280 per credit hour
• Arkansas State University: $276 per credit hour

It’s important to note these numbers only include tuition. You may also be responsible for distance learning fees, books and course materials, among other costs.

What requirements do I need to meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Arkansas?

The general requirements to get your RN to BSN online in Arkansas include a working computer, an unencumbered nursing license in the state of Arkansas, an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school or university, and an application fee. Like everything else, the exact requirements will vary from program to program. For example, the University of Central Arkansas also requires applicants to have worked 1,000 hours as a nurse in the previous 12 months. Be sure to check each program’s admissions requirements before applying.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Arkansas?

When looking at online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas, there are some objective traits of a good program, such as accreditation, a high-quality curriculum, affordability, and student support resources. However, you also want to determine how well a program’s format corresponds to your preferred learning style.

For example, all classes are asynchronous at the University of Arkansas. For some students, this format would provide the flexibility and independence they need to balance work, school, and family obligations. For others, that lack of real-time, face-to-face interaction with their professor and peers could cause confusion, a lack of motivation, and even a lower GPA.

RN to BSN Salary Expectations and Career Opportunity

While BSN degrees require more time to complete than a standard RN program or associate degree, they also come with several benefits. In Arkansas, BSN-prepared nurses make quite a bit more per year. The average salary for RN-educated nurses is about $66,000, while nurses with their BSN make close to $83,000 per year.

Obtaining your BSN may also lead to earlier and better career opportunities. As mentioned above, many organizations either prefer or require that their nurses have their BSN degree, as studies have shown that BSN-educated nurses offer higher levels of patient care over those with just a diploma or associate degree. There are also many potential jobs that require a BSN degree, such as nurse managers, nurse educators, case management nurses, clinical nurse leaders, quality improvement coordinators, and nursing research assistants. Some states also require a BSN for jobs such as being a school nurse, correction nurse, flight nurse, or public health nurse.

Whichever path you decide on, being a nurse will always provide opportunities to increase your level of education and build your career in a fulfilling role that will be in demand wherever you live.