Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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
$113,660 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Nurse Practitioner licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $113,660, Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas earn 12% below the national median of $129,210. 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
$113,660Hourly estimate
$54.6412% below national median
Difference: -$15,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Practitioner Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $166,610 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $149,620 |
| #3 | Alaska | $145,450 |
| #4 | New York | $145,390 |
| #5 | Oregon | $144,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $113,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $126,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $108,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $119,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $125,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $129,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $126,670 | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Mississippi | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Louisiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Texas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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 |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner 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 Practitioners in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas is $113,660. Salaries range from $95,160 (10th percentile) to $141,760 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Nurse Practitioners in Arkansas earn 12% below the national median of $129,210, with a state median of $113,660.
How many Nurse Practitioners work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 3,350 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Practitioners 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 Practitioner license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.