There were 25,210 Registered Nurses working in the state of Arkansas in 2019. In addition to that, 11,810 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses were also employed in Arkansas.

Should I Become a Nurse in Arkansas?

If you want to help people in distress without getting a medical degree, then a career as a nurse can be a very good option. Nurses all across the US are paid very well and if you want to join their ranks, then keep on reading.

Education Required Varies for RNs and LPNs
Training Helpful but not a compulsion
License/Certification required
Key Skills/Qualities Physical stamina, Patience, Dexterity, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)

$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Job Outlook (2018-28) 7% (Registered Nurses)

9% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Alaska $61,330 (Registered Nurses)

$40,760 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The job outlook is very encouraging for RNs and LPNs across the United States. Registered Nurses will enjoy a 7% growth in job opportunities during the ten-year period of 2019 and 2029. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses are projected to enjoy even better job prospects of 9%. These estimations have been provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Arkansas

There are certain steps that you will have to complete to become a nurse in Arkansas.

    1. Meet the Educational Requirements


The minimum education requirements differ for RNs and LPNs. Registered Nurses need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply for a job. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses can start working with a postsecondary nondegree award. Better educational credentials will improve your chances of finding work.

    1. Clear the NCLEX

Both RNs and LNs have to clear the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become eligible to apply for a license. Registered Nurses have to sit for the NCLEX-RN test, while LPNs have to clear the NCLEX-PN part.

    1. Get the State License

If you clear the NCLEX, you will have to apply with the state authorities to get a state-issued license. You will have to clear a background check and submit fingerprints to get your license.

    1. Get the State License

If you clear the NCLEX, you will have to apply with the state authorities to get a state-issued license. You will have to clear a background check and submit fingerprints to get your license.

Duration to Become a Nurse in Arkansas

Since the educational requirements are different for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, the duration to join the respective fields varies too. LPNs can start working in 1-2 years while it will take RNs anywhere between 4 to 6 years to look for jobs.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Arkansas?

In order to become a nurse in Alaska, candidates will have to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Meet the minimum educational requirements.
  • Clear the NCLEX stage
  • Pass background check
  • Enroll fingerprints
  • Get the state license
  • Look for jobs

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Arkansas?

Registered Nurses earned $78,330 while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses made $54,290 in mean annual income in Arizona in the year 2019. These figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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