Arkansas ACNP Programs

Beyond the two in-state options, online programs from nationally accredited institutions significantly expand choices for Arkansas nurses. Tuition for online programs ranges from $23,940 to $65,350 depending on degree level and institution. Read on for more details.

Quick Program Comparison Table

University	Tracks Offered	Clinical Hours	Format
Arkansas State University	MSN: $16K Certificate: $9K	500+	Fully online
UAMS	BSN-to-DNP: $39K Certificate: $12K	770 – 1,120	On campus

*UAMS costs reflect Arkansas resident and border-state resident rates. Non-resident tuition is higher.

Complete List of ACNP Programs for Arkansas

Key Takeaways: UAMS vs Arkansas State

The Affordability Leader: Arkansas State University offers one of the most competitively priced online MSN programs in the region, with a total estimated tuition of under $16,000.

Clinical Intensity: UAMS requires a significantly higher number of clinical hours (up to 1,120 for the DNP track). This is ideal for nurses looking for a residency-style experience with heavy emphasis on procedures like central line placement and ventilator management.

Border State Benefits: UAMS offers a major advantage for nurses in neighboring states; residents of Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas qualify for the in-state tuition rate of $525 per credit hour.

Certification Readiness: Both programs are specifically designed to meet the requirements for national certification through the ANCC or AACN, ensuring graduates are eligible for licensure in Arkansas and beyond.

Experience Requirements: Arkansas State requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of RN practice for admission, while UAMS requires 2,000 verified hours before a student can enroll in the Advanced Health Assessment course.

Arkansas AGACNP Admissions Comparison

University	Min. GPA	RN Experience Required	Key Prerequisites
Arkansas State University	3.25 (BSN or MSN)	1,500 Hours (prior to admission)	BSN from accredited program, Unencumbered RN License, Background Check, Liability Insurance.
UAMS (Little Rock)	3.0 (BSN or MSN)	2,000 Hours (prior to Advanced Health Assessment)	Statistics (Grade C+), ACLS (prior to clinicals), Academic Health Assessment course, Arkansas/Compact RN License.

All Relevant Programs for AR Nurses List

Arkansas State University ACNP Programs

Jonesboro | $380 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Arkansas State University offers two fully online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways, one at the MSN level and one as a post-master’s certificate. Both options combine core graduate nursing coursework with AG-ACNP seminars, practicums, and optional on-site skills labs to build advanced skills for managing acutely and critically ill adult and geriatric patients. The MSN track is designed for BSN-prepared nurses seeking their first NP role, while the certificate track serves MSN-prepared nurses who need focused AG-ACNP coursework and clinical hours to meet national certification standards...read more.

Chamberlain University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $760 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Chamberlain University supports experienced RNs in Arkansas with two distinct, fully online AGACNP tracks: a 3-year MSN and a sub-2-year Graduate Certificate for those already holding an advanced degree. These programs feature doctoral-level faculty and robust clinical support, including two required on-ground immersion events for essential skills validation, ensuring high clinical competency. The estimated cost for the Graduate Certificate is $32,680, offering a fast and cost-effective route for Arkansas nurses to gain specialization in acute care.

Purdue Global ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate

Purdue Global’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate offers Arkansas nurses a fully online pathway that includes virtual reality acute care simulations and guided clinical practice. Over roughly 1.5 years, students complete 57 credits focused on advanced assessment, pharmacology, diagnosis, and critical care management. Graduates in Arkansas are ready to manage complex acute and chronic conditions in adult and geriatric patients and seek AGACNP certification.

South College ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Nurses in Arkansas can pursue advanced acute care training through South College’s online AGACNP programs. Students select either a BSN-MSN degree or a post-graduate certificate pathway. The curriculum blends asynchronous learning with clinical practicums focused on high-acuity adult and geriatric care.

UAMS Adult-Gerontology ACNP Programs

Little Rock | $525 cpc | Certificate / DNP

The UAMS College of Nursing offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner options, a Post-BSN to DNP track and a Post-Graduate Certificate track, both focused on managing complex, critically ill adults in high-acuity settings. The DNP program spans 72–73 credits over about three years full-time (with a four-year part-time option), includes 1,120 practicum hours, and blends core DNP coursework, AG-ACNP specialty courses, and high-fidelity simulation using team-based learning and procedure labs. The post-graduate certificate provides a shorter, 22-credit specialty pathway with 770 practicum hours for nurses who already hold a graduate nursing degree, with tuition billed at $525 per credit for Arkansas and border-state residents and CCNE accreditation backing all graduate nursing programs at UAMS...read more.

Walden University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Arkansas nurses seeking to specialize in acute and critical care can choose Walden University’s fully online MSN-AGACNP, DNP-AGACNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate tracks, all backed by the Practicum Pledge® that helps secure preceptors and sites from Little Rock’s academic medical centers to Delta and Ozark rural hospitals. Students complete 640–1,000 faculty-supported clinical hours mastering advanced assessment, pharmacology, and management of high-acuity patients while benefiting from virtual simulation and flexible pacing options. This accessible, CCNE-accredited pathway equips Arkansas graduates to address critical provider shortages in trauma centers, cardiac ICUs, and underserved communities across the state.

How to Choose the Best ACNP Program for You in Arkansas

Arkansas offers one on-campus ACNP program through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, alongside several online options available to Arkansas residents. Program costs range from approximately $8,170 for post-master’s certificates to $65,350 for DNP programs, depending on the institution and degree level you choose.

TLDR: Quick Decision Guide

Choose Arkansas State University if you want the most affordable option with 100% online flexibility, team-teaching model, and optional weekend skills labs.

Choose UAMS if you prefer on-campus education at Arkansas’s premier academic health center with access to cutting-edge research institutes, hands-on simulation experiences, and direct pathways to employment at clinical rotation sites.

Choose Chamberlain University if you value dedicated clinical placement support through the Practicum Commitment® with doctorally-prepared, board-certified NP faculty.

Choose South College if you want the fastest MSN completion time (21 months) with asynchronous online coursework.

Choose Purdue Global if you’re interested in innovative VR acute care training with an Oculus headset for immersive clinical skills practice.

Choose Walden University if you need the most entry pathway options (6 different tracks) including RN-to-MSN and fast-track certificate options for current NPs.

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Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificates provide the fastest pathway for MSN-prepared nurses to add ACNP certification. These programs focus exclusively on acute care specialty coursework, building on your existing advanced practice foundation.

Program Options & Costs

Most Affordable: Arkansas State University – $8,170 (21.5 credits minimum)

• Duration: 16 months (1.5 years)
• Format: 100% online with optional weekend skills labs
• Key Feature: Individual gap analysis determines exact coursework needed
• Note: Certificate programs are NOT financial aid eligible

Campus-Based Option: UAMS – $11,550 (22 specialty credits)

• Duration: 12 months (3-4 semesters depending on gap analysis)
• Format: On-campus with active learning strategies
• Key Features: Team-based learning, task trainers, simulation experiences
• Clinical Hours: 770 hours across three practicum courses
• Special Benefit: Arkansas residents AND border state residents (Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas) pay in-state tuition

Purdue Global – $23,940 (57 quarter credits)

• Duration: 1.5 years
• Format: Fully online with mandatory VR immersive learning
• Key Feature: Innovative Oculus headset VR acute care skills training
• Requirements: Minimum one year full-time acute care RN experience (2,000 hours)
• Note: Not available to residents of DC, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, or Guam

Walden University – $31,170

• Standard Track: 1.5 years (38 credits)
• Fast-Track: 1 year (18 credits for licensed FNPs/AGPCNPs)
• Format: 100% online with virtual skills labs
• Key Feature: Practicum Pledge® for clinical placement support
• Clinical Hours: 640 hours (standard) or 500 hours (fast-track)

Chamberlain University – $32,680

• Duration: 22 months (1 year 10 months)
• Format: 100% online with required on-ground immersions
• Key Features: Two on-ground immersion events, intensive certification review
• Clinical Hours: 700 hours
• Faculty: All doctorally-prepared, board-certified nurse practitioners

South College – $34,450–$35,930

• Duration: Varies by individual pace
• Format: Online asynchronous coursework
• Credits: 53 credits total
• Requirements: 800 hours acute care RN practice before first practicum

Certificate Program Summary

Arkansas State University offers the most affordable certificate at $8,170, making it ideal for budget-conscious students. UAMS provides the only on-campus option with exceptional clinical training facilities and typically takes just 12 months. Walden’s fast-track option (1 year) is the quickest route for currently licensed FNPs or AGPCNPs who want to add acute care certification. All programs require gap analysis to determine if additional foundational courses are needed beyond specialty coursework.

Key Consideration: Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, so plan alternative funding in advance.

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

MSN programs serve BSN-prepared nurses seeking their first nurse practitioner credential in acute care. These comprehensive programs include core graduate nursing courses, advanced practice foundations, and ACNP specialty training.

Program Options & Costs

Most Affordable: Arkansas State University – $15,770

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits: 41.5 credits
• Format: 100% online with optional weekend on-site skills labs
• Tuition: $380 per credit hour (includes standard fees)
• Team-Teaching Model: Regular contact with experienced faculty
• Clinical: Supervised practicums in authorized states
• Admissions: Minimum 3.25 GPA, 1,500 hours RN practice required

Fastest Completion: South College – $51,450–$53,695

• Duration: 21 months (quickest MSN option)
• Credits: 79 credits (40 core + 39 ACNP concentration)
• Format: Online asynchronous with clinical practicums
• Special Requirement: 800 hours acute care RN practice (ICU, step-down, trauma, ER) before first practicum
• Admissions: 3.0 GPA minimum

Chamberlain University – $42,230

• Duration: 3 years (8 semesters)
• Credits: 48 credits
• Format: 100% online with required on-ground immersion events
• Clinical Hours: 700 hours
• Special Features: Two on-ground immersions for skills assessment, intensive certification review
• Practicum Commitment®: Dedicated clinical placement support

Walden University – $44,950 (BSN to MSN) or $65,100 (RN to MSN)

• BSN to MSN Duration: 2 years (58 credits)
• RN to MSN Duration: 2.5-3 years (84 credits with foundational courses)
• Format: Online with virtual skills labs
• Clinical Hours: 640 hours (four practicum courses)
• Special Feature: Walden Grand Rounds for real-life scenarios
• RN to MSN: Designed for associate degree or diploma RNs

MSN Program Summary

Arkansas State University provides the most affordable MSN at $15,770 over 2 years—an exceptional value for Arkansas residents. South College offers the fastest completion at just 21 months but at a higher cost ($51,450–$53,695). Chamberlain balances cost and quality at $42,230 with strong clinical placement support and hands-on immersion experiences.

For RNs without BSNs, Walden’s RN-to-MSN bridge program ($65,100) provides a complete pathway including 26 credits of foundational coursework before beginning graduate-level study.

Key Consideration: All MSN programs require significant RN experience (800-1,500 hours) and most require acute care experience specifically. Plan to complete these hours before admission or during early coursework.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

DNP programs represent the terminal practice degree in nursing, preparing advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, leadership, and scholarly work. These programs integrate advanced clinical training with systems-level competencies, evidence-based practice implementation, and quality improvement expertise.

Program Options & Costs

Campus-Based Option: UAMS – $37,800–$38,325

• Duration: 3 years full-time (4-year part-time option available)
• Credits: 72-73 credits
• Format: On-campus at Arkansas’s major academic health center
• Clinical Hours: 1,120 practicum clock hours
• Tuition: $525/credit for Arkansas residents and border states
• Skills Training: Hemodynamic monitoring, central line placement, suturing, ventilator management, lumbar puncture, paracentesis
• Career Advantage: Many students receive job offers from clinical rotation sites
• Special Access: Translational Research Institute, Reynolds Institute on Aging, Rockefeller Cancer Institute
• Requirements: 2,000 verified RN hours before Advanced Health Assessment course

Walden University – $58,000 (MSN to DNP) or $65,350 (BSN to DNP)

• BSN to DNP Duration: 3 years (90 credits)
• MSN to DNP Duration: 2.5 years (80 credits)
• Format: Online with two on-campus clinical intensives
• Clinical Hours: Minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours (400 at DNP level)
• DNP Project: Three-course sequence (15 credits)
• Special Features: Quality improvement focus, healthcare transformation emphasis
• Flexibility: Additional field experience credits available for those with <600 prior clinical hours

DNP Program Summary

UAMS offers the most affordable DNP at $37,800–$38,325 and provides unmatched clinical training at one of the region’s premier academic health centers. The on-campus format includes access to specialized institutes, advanced simulation labs, and direct mentorship from clinical researchers. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced procedures and frequently secure employment at rotation sites before graduation.

Walden provides online flexibility for working nurses, with MSN-to-DNP completion in 2.5 years for those who already hold master’s degrees. The BSN-to-DNP pathway takes 3 years and includes all specialty training plus doctoral-level competencies in a single program.

Key Consideration: DNP programs require significantly more clinical hours (1,000-1,120) compared to MSN programs (640-700). UAMS requires clinical sites to differ from your workplace, ensuring diverse training experiences across Arkansas facilities.

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Making Your Decision

Choose Based on Your Priority:

Affordability: Arkansas State University offers the lowest costs across all degree levels – $8,170 (certificate), $15,770 (MSN)

Speed: South College MSN (21 months) or Walden Fast-Track Certificate (1 year for current FNPs/AGPCNPs)

On-Campus Experience: UAMS provides the only Arkansas-based campus program with exceptional clinical facilities and research access

Clinical Support: Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® or Walden’s Practicum Pledge® offer dedicated placement assistance

Innovation: Purdue Global’s VR training technology provides cutting-edge simulation experiences

Flexibility: Multiple online options from Arkansas State, Chamberlain, South College, and Walden accommodate working professionals

Additional Factors to Consider:

Accreditation: All programs listed maintain CCNE or ACEN accreditation and prepare graduates for ANCC/AACN certification exams

Clinical Placement: Some programs find placements for you (Chamberlain, Walden), while others require student involvement (South College, Arkansas State in authorized states only)

Acute Care Experience: Most programs require 800-2,000 hours of RN experience, with several specifically requiring ICU, ER, or acute care unit experience

State Authorization: Arkansas State requires clinical completion in authorized states; Purdue Global is unavailable in certain states; verify your state’s eligibility before applying

Financial Aid: MSN and DNP programs qualify for federal financial aid; certificates do NOT qualify (important budget consideration)

The right ACNP program balances cost, format, timeline, and career goals while providing the rigorous clinical training needed for acute care practice. Arkansas nurses benefit from strong in-state options at UAMS and Arkansas State University, plus diverse online programs offering specialized features to match individual learning preferences and professional circumstances.