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Arkansas RN Certification and Schools - AR

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

RN Education in Arkansas

According to the ASBN rules, a person seeking to become a registered nurse in Arkansas must be of good moral character, have completed high school or the equivalent, and have successfully completed an approved nursing program. They must also undergo a state and federal criminal background check.

There are 25 RN programs offered online or through Arkansas RN schools. Education programs may be through a two-year degree, three-year diploma or four-year degree, any of which can prepare you to pass the NCLEX. The two-year program culminates in an associate degree and the four-year in a bachelor of science in nursing. The three-year diploma is taught in a hospital setting, rather than a college or university. You also have the option of obtaining more advanced degrees in areas of specialization, such as family, pediatric, geriatric or other fields.
Fifty six percent of registered nurses in Arkansas have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Forty-two percent have at least some college.

Continuing Education Requirements/Licensure Renewal

Licenses must be renewed every two years through the ASBN. During each renewal period, RNs in good standing with active licenses are required to complete one of the following:

• Fifteen practice-focused contact hours from an organization approved by ASBN; or
• Certification or re-certification by a national certifying body approved by ASBN; or
• Academic courses in nursing or a related field.

Continuing education activities must be presented by a recognized provider, be relevant to the practice of nursing and provide for professional growth. Supporting documents are the responsibility of the nurse and should be original certifications of attendance or transcripts. Failure to complete continuing education requirements can result in loss of license.

http://www.arsbn.org/pdfs/rules_regs/2008/Rules_Chapter_2_Dec_2008.pdf

Largest Employers, Registered Nurse, Arkansas
Some of the largest employers in Arkansas are health care facilities. Baptist Health, Inc., is the fifth largest employer in the state. They are part of a large community of health care facilities that offer a variety of opportunities for RNs.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Jonesboro, Arkansas may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Baptist Medical Center and Arkansas Children's Hospital.