Application Fee
See agencyNurse Anesthetist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse anesthetist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Anesthetist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2) Satisfactory completion, beyond general nursing preparation, of a formal graduate level education program which meets the standards of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or other nationally recognized accrediting body. 3) Current certification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board. 4) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required. 5) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- Written and oral examinations required.
- License
- 2
Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2) Satisfactory completion, beyond general nursing preparation, of a formal graduate level education program which meets the standards of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or other nationally recognized accrediting body. 3) Current certification by a national certifying body recognized by the Board. 4) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required. 5) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- Written and oral examinations required.
- License fee: $125.00 initial, Renewal fee: $65.00 biennially, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 5
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 6
Certification: Certification required.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
Requirements: 1) Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license.
- 9
2) Satisfactory completion, beyond general nursing preparation, of a formal graduate level education program which meets the standards of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or other nationally recognized accrediting body.
- 10
4) Criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required.
- 11
5) Exam applicants must have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN.
- 12
License fee: $125.00 initial, Renewal fee: $65.00 biennially, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written and oral examinations required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) administers anesthetics under the supervision of a licensed physician, licensed dentist, or other person lawfully entitled to order anes
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$134,230 median (40% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Nurse Anesthetist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Written and oral examinations required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...; Must possess an active license as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas or privilege to practice on a Registered Nurse compact state license. 2)...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $134,230, Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas earn 40% below the national median of $223,210. Arkansas ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$134,230Hourly estimate
$64.53Difference: -$88,980
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Anesthetist Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $292,390 |
| #2 | Washington | $276,110 |
| #3 | Vermont | $272,180 |
| #4 | Alaska | $268,970 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $268,310 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Anesthetist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $134,230 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $221,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $203,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $197,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $225,440 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Texas | $227,580 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $151,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Building, Suite 800, 1123 South University, Little Rock, AR, 72204
Phone: 5016862700
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Anesthetist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Anesthetists.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Anesthetist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Anesthetist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Nurse Anesthetist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas is $134,230. Salaries range from $83,220 (10th percentile) to $218,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Anesthetist salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas earn 40% below the national median of $223,210, with a state median of $134,230.
How many Nurse Anesthetists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 320 Nurse Anesthetists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Anesthetist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Anesthetists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.arsbn.org/.
How often do you renew a Nurse Anesthetist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.