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Arkansas Nursing License

Arkansas Nursing License

Arkansas is a great place to work as a nurse. In addition, demand for this versatile career is expected to continue to increase. However, how to become a nurse in Arkansas, obtain an Arkansas nursing license and renew the existing license? Find the answers in the article.

How do I become a nurse in Arkansas?

It takes three stages to become an entry-level nurse.

Pick your program

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN) are two different types of nurses (RN). Registered nurses must complete an associate’s degree (ADN) or bachelor’s degree program, while LPNs must complete a diploma program (BSN). An LPN program takes about a year to complete, while an ADN program takes two years and a BSN program takes four years.

Meet requirements

The LPN program typically has no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or a GED. ADN and BSN programs, on the other hand, almost always require that you have completed some undergraduate courses.

Pass the NCLEX exam

After completing your educational program, you must take the NCLEX (PN or RN) exam.

Advanced practice nurses

To work as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in Arkansas, you must be approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and meet a set of criteria. There are four stages to this phase.

You must obtain a graduate-level or higher post-baccalaureate degree. The Board must approve the program which must be registered with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the Department of Education in the United States.

As an APN in Arkansas, you can pursue a Certificate of Prescriptive Authority. To be eligible, you must have received at least three graduate credits in pharmacology and/or 45 continuing education contact hours in pharmacology (CE). You must also have achieved at least 300 hours of preceptorship experience, which included prescribing therapeutic devices, drugs and medicine under supervision.

Get national  qualification in one of four sub-specializations

The four options are:

  • NP – Nurse Practitioner
  • CNM – Certified Nurse Midwife
  • CRNA – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
  • CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist

The certification must be provided by one of the following agencies:

  • The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)
  • The AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners)
  • The AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses)
  • The NCC (National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties)
  • The PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board)
  • The AMCB (American Midwifery Certification Board)
  • The National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

Submit an application

You must have your social security number for this. For all specializations, you must complete the Advanced Practice Nurse Licensure Application and mail it to the Board along with the fee and supporting documents. The Board no longer provides paper certificates, so you’ll have to verify your status online.

One of the simplest ways of Arkansas nursing license verification is with the official Arkansas Board of nursing license verification.

If you need to have an Arkansas State Board of nursing license verification or if you want to check if someone you know is a licensed nurse you can just enter the name or license number and get information from the Arkansas nursing license lookup in seconds. Below you can find the answers for the most searched questions.

You’ll also have to go through a full criminal background check. If you meet the required criteria, you may also apply for your Certificate of Prescriptive Authority. Along with the requisite fees, you must have a Quality Assurance Plan. You need to complete these steps in order to appear on the Arkansas Board of nursing license lookup.

How do I renew my Arkansas nursing license?

The following is a step-by-step guide for Arkansas State Board of nursing license renewal.

The renewal must be completed within 60 days of the expiration date. The last day of the month of your birth is your expiration date. You can also check the status of your license renewal online. Additionally, you must fulfill the Board’s CE requirements. Every two years, 15 hours of contact hours based on practice are needed. Both your APN and RN licenses must meet these criteria.

You must also follow the national certification agency’s CE standards.

If you retain and want to keep your prescriptive authority, you must spend an additional 5 contact hours in pharmacotherapy relevant to your area of specialization.

You won’t get a letter reminding you that your license needs to be renewed. However, you will obtain a postcard renewal that your APN license is about to expire. The cost of renewing your APN license is $40, and renewing your RN license is $75.

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

University Tower Bldg.
1123 South University
Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: 501-686-2700
Fax: 501-686-2714

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