Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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
$77,130 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of 77,130, Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $93,600. Arkansas ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$77,130Hourly estimate
$37.0818% below national median
Difference: -$16,470
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | 123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | 112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | 110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $77,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $79,770 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $79,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $74,470 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $78,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $90,010 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $81,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | 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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $77,780 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $50,480 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $37,680 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Arkansas is 77,130. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $99,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 77,130.
How many Registered Nurses work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 28,320 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.arsbn.org/.