Pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can be a smart move for nursing professionals in Arkansas looking to expand their career opportunities. With the healthcare industry in Arkansas growing at a rapid pace, there are numerous positions available for nurses with advanced degrees. However, choosing the right MSN program can be challenging.
But don't worry, we're here to help! In this article, we'll investigate the top five best MSN programs in Arkansas. We'll provide you with essential information about accreditation, specialized tracks, and tuition costs to assist you in making an informed decision and achieving your nursing career goals.
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an MSN program that stands out for its emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and leadership development. The program is designed to prepare nurses to take on advanced roles in healthcare organizations and to promote patient-centered care. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at various healthcare facilities throughout the state.
School Details:
Campus:
Fayetteville, AR
Founded:
1871
Retention Rate:
82%
Admission Rate:
77%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
18:1
Students Enrolled:
27,558
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores (optional)
Tuition (in-state):
$8,256 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$22,068 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Arkansas State University's MSN program stands out for its flexibility, offering both online and on-campus options to accommodate the needs of working professionals. The program is designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare organizations and to promote evidence-based practice. Students can choose from a variety of specializations and have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at healthcare facilities throughout the state.
School Details:
Campus:
Jonesboro, AR
Founded:
1909
Retention Rate:
72%
Admission Rate:
78%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
16:1
Students Enrolled:
13,900
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition (in-state):
$5,742 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$11,784 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration
University of Central Arkansas
The MSN program at the University of Central Arkansas is distinguished by its focus on preparing nurses to become advanced practitioners who can provide high-quality, patient-centered care. The program emphasizes the integration of research, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration to promote improved patient outcomes. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at healthcare facilities throughout the state.
School Details:
Campus:
Conway, AR
Founded:
1907
Retention Rate:
72%
Admission Rate:
91%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
17:1
Students Enrolled:
11,487
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores (optional)
Arkansas Tech University's MSN program is notable for its focus on preparing nurses to become leaders in healthcare organizations and to promote evidence-based practice. The program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, and students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical placements at various healthcare facilities throughout the state. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with both online and on-campus classes, to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Students can choose from a variety of specializations and have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs to enhance their learning experience.
School Details:
Campus:
Russellville, AR
Founded:
1909
Retention Rate:
70%
Admission Rate:
97%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
18:1
Students Enrolled:
12,000
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0
Tuition (in-state):
$5,704 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$11,284 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The MSN program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is unique in its focus on preparing nurses to become clinical experts in their chosen field. The program offers a variety of specializations, including some rare specialties such as nursing informatics and neonatal nurse practitioner. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with both online and on-campus classes, and students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical placements at various healthcare facilities throughout the state.
School Details:
Campus:
Little Rock, AR
Founded:
1879
Retention Rate:
89%
Admission Rate:
38%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
10:1
Students Enrolled:
3,400
Type of Institute:
Public
Program Details:
Admission Requirements:
BSN, RN license, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores (optional)
Tuition (in-state):
$8,626 per year
Tuition (out-state):
$16,156 per year
Program Length:
2 years
Accreditation:
CCNE
Specializations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.