6 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

If you're already a registered nurse in Arkansas, you have the opportunity to continue your education and open new doors for your career.

Aspiring nurses and seasoned healthcare professionals alike can fortify their careers in Arkansas through RN to BSN programs online.

Top Arkansas RN to BSN Programs Online

These affordable online RN to BSN programs stand as dynamic gateways for nursing professionals seeking to amplify their skills while staying rooted in the charm of the Arkansas landscape.

1. Arkansas Tech University

The RN to BSN program at Arkansas Tech University creates a seamless transition for RNs from the associate or diploma level to the bachelor's level.

Fully online, the program offers flexible enrollment options, a contemporary curriculum enhancing RN knowledge, and a one-year completion track.

The program nurtures leadership, management, research, and informatics skills, preparing students for advanced nursing roles.

2. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville offers a CCNE accredited RN to BSN online program through the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.

The program emphasizes utilizing existing practice experience to enhance analytical and critical reasoning.

With dedicated program advisors and flexible degree plans, students can complete their studies in eight-week terms, engage in evidence-based practice, and collaborate on a quality improvement project in their chosen area.

3. University of Arkansas, Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an accelerated online RN to BSN program catering to registered nurses who are graduates of associate or diploma programs.

The program can be completed in 12 or 18 months. The curriculum focuses on more than just core nursing topics, like health assessment, wellness promotion, research, leadership, and advocacy.

The program includes a BSN completion option and a ladder program for smooth progression from AAS to BSN, all accredited by ACEN.

4. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University's RN to BSN online program empowers working nurses to elevate their education and career prospects, preparing them for complex healthcare challenges.

The curriculum that can be completed in as little as 12 months fosters leadership, communication, and evidence-based practice skills, offering a solid foundation for further graduate studies.

Led by experienced faculty, the program enhances clinical knowledge, decision-making abilities, and patient advocacy, while opening doors to diverse nursing roles in healthcare settings.

5. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas offers an RN to BSN track for registered nurses with accredited associate or diploma degrees.

Qualified RNs are credited 41 hours toward their BSN degree, allowing them to complete the program in as little as 12 months.

The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, ethical decision-making, diversity awareness, collaboration, and advanced clinical practice.

This pathway prepares nurses to enhance healthcare through evidence-based care and meaningful communication, fostering inter-professional teamwork.

6. Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University's RN to BSN program, offered through the Patterson School of Natural Sciences, extends its reputable healthcare education into an online format.

With courses available online and structured in eight-week terms, the program accommodates working nurses.

Emphasizing leadership and ethical values from a Christian perspective, the program suits those who view nursing as a calling and are inclined to serve through both their skills and faith, even participating in medical mission trips.

Other Popular Online RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas students can also enroll in the easiest RN to BSN programs online outside the state. Here's a list of some of the best national programs.

Capella University

Capella University's RN-to-BSN program empowers working nurses to advance their careers with a flexible path to an accredited nursing degree.

With a curriculum focused on analytical and application skills, students gain a deeper understanding of contemporary care delivery issues and evidence-based practices.

This CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses to lead, make informed decisions, transform processes, apply health technology, and collaborate interprofessionally for enhanced patient and population outcomes.

Walden University

Walden University's RN to BSN completion program, accredited by CCNE, caters to busy working nurses through flexible formats and a rigorous curriculum.

With up to 135 possible transfer credits, the program offers a streamlined path for registered nurses with active, unencumbered licenses.

Focusing on improving health outcomes and advancing health equity, Walden's program equips nurses to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

The curriculum covers leadership, informatics, evidence-based practice, policy implications, communication, collaboration, and patient-centered care, preparing graduates to excel across diverse healthcare settings.

Drexel University

Drexel University's accredited online RN to BSN program stands out with a career-focused approach that prioritizes evidence-based and experiential learning.

With a transfer credit policy of up to 135 out of 180 required quarter credits and an accelerated 12-month option for the final nine nursing courses, flexibility is central.

The curriculum emphasizes practical clinical and leadership skills through interactive software and robust practice experiences.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland's Global Campus offers an accredited online RN to BSN program, designed to elevate your nursing career.

This program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, enhances clinical management, leadership, and public health nursing skills.

It prepares you for graduate studies and equips you to deliver evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is tailored for licensed registered nurses (RN), enabling them to attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in a more expedited timeframe.

Geared towards RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or equivalent, these programs serve as a pathway for enhancing their nursing expertise, clinical proficiencies, and overall career progression within the field.

Why Is RN to BSN Important?

Here's why pursuing an online RN to BSN degree in Arkansas is a great idea.

Graduates have enhanced career opportunities because they have the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various roles within the healthcare sector.

As healthcare practices and technologies rapidly evolve, the program ensures that nurses are able to adapt to modern healthcare.

They can stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and practices in the field, enabling them to provide high-quality care in contemporary healthcare settings.

Nurses with a BSN provide better patient care. The program focuses on enhancing nursing skills beyond the clinical aspects, emphasizing evidence-based practice, patient safety, and effective communication.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in Arkansas

Here are the requirements for enrolling in these online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas:

• possession of a current unencumbered U.S. registered nursing license
• graduation from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing or accredited by NLNAC/ACEN
• minimum GPA of 2.75, with the exclusion of courses not required for program entry
• completion or enrollment in all nursing pre-requisite courses at the time of application
• maximum of six outstanding hours of general education courses.

The requirements for individual programs will vary, with the shortest online RN to BSN programs often having fewer total requirements.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Enrich your nursing journey with the transformative RN to BSN degree in Arkansas.

Embrace the path to enhanced skills and opportunities as you embark on this educational adventure. Your future in nursing starts now.