The University of Arkansas RN-to-B.S.N. Online program helps registered nurses build on an associate degree or nursing diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eleanor Mann School of Nursing faculty teach the online courses, while students complete two clinical experiences in their own geographic area. Flexible plans allow students to work with an adviser on a pace that suits their circumstances. Applicants should review university admission, nursing licensure and recent-practice requirements before applying.
- Program
- RN to B.S.N. Online
- Credential
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Location
- Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- November 1, 2026 (Spring 2027 program admit date)
- Length
- As little as one year, with three- to five-semester plans
Casper Requirement for University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online)
University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online) does not require Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Casper is not listed in the RN-to-B.S.N. admission criteria. The shared online nursing application guide places Casper instructions under LPN Entrance Exam.
University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online) Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- University of Arkansas undergraduate application/New Student Center
- Applications open
- Fall 2027 university transfer application opened July 15, 2026
- Application fee
- $40 for Arkansas residents or $55 for out-of-state applicants
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 program admit date | November 1, 2026upcoming |
| Summer 2027 program admit date | March 1, 2027upcoming |
| Fall 2027 program admit date | June 1, 2027upcoming |
Select RN to B.S.N. Online in the university application to receive its nursing questions. Allow 4-6 weeks for program application processing. The general university transfer application deadline for Spring 2027 is December 15, 2026, later than the RN-to-B.S.N. page's November 1, 2026 program admit date; use the program-specific date when planning an RN-to-B.S.N. start.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online)
- Degree / credits
Completion of an accredited, state-board-approved RN program; the option is designed for RNs with an associate degree or nursing diploma.
- Residency
RN licensure must be in Arkansas or a compact state that covers Arkansas; students arranging local clinical experiences must check program authorization and placement.
- Citizenship
International applicants' eligibility may depend on visa status; contact International Admissions.
Admission pathways
- Practicing RN: Active, unencumbered RN license and qualifying practice or refresher-course documentation
- Final-semester nursing student or recent graduate: Admission may be conditional on program completion and subsequent RN licensure
Other requirements
- RN licensure: Maintain an active, unencumbered license throughout enrollment once licensed
- Clinical compliance: Provide required drug screens, background checks and other clinical paperwork
- Technical standards: Review program standards and arrange needed accommodations before courses begin
Selection Factors University of Arkansas Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English | 6 credits |
| College algebra | 3 credits |
| Core laboratory sciences | 8 credits |
| Fine arts | 3 credits |
| Humanities | 3 credits |
| U.S. history or government | 3 credits |
| Social sciences | 9 credits |
| Additional sciences | 8 credits |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Electives | 8 credits as needed |
GPA
- How it is calculated
University transfer GPA is cumulative across college coursework.
- Minimum
- 2.0 for automatic new-transfer admission
The nursing school sets no additional RN-to-B.S.N. GPA minimum. Applicants below the university threshold may seek admissions-board review.
Admissions tests
- NCLEX-RN (required for some applicants): Final-semester applicants must provide their scheduled exam date and later report the licensure outcome
- ACT, SAT, Next Generation Accuplacer or Classic Learning Test (required for some applicants): University entrance scores may be requested of transfer freshmen with fewer than 24 transferable credits who are not eligible for test-optional review
- TEAS (not required): TEAS is not listed in the RN-to-B.S.N. program criteria
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Established RNs provide employer verification of 1,000 RN practice hours within 12-24 months of starting, or qualifying state-board-approved RN refresher-course documentation. The program FAQ says work hours are waived for new graduates.
Supplementary application
Complete nursing questions within the university application and submit official transcripts from every institution attended. Practicing RNs provide employment verification; eligible nursing students provide a program director's or dean's good-standing verification and, after graduation, final transcripts and NCLEX information.
How applicants are ranked
The university first determines general admission eligibility. The nursing department then verifies program criteria; its admission committee reviews complete packets, with acceptance dependent on application quality and available space.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online)
- Program length
- As little as one year, with three- to five-semester plans
- Structure
Nine online professional nursing courses totaling 30 credits, plus applicable general education requirements and 36 escrowed nursing credits toward the 120-credit degree
- Campuses
- Online
Two local practicums include a mentor-supported quality-improvement project.
Campus and facilities
Courses are asynchronous and require no campus visit; students complete clinical experiences in their geographic area and take the lead in seeking sites and preceptors, with school support and approval.
Tuition and Funding at University of Arkansas
- Undergraduate nursing tuition: $329.22 per credit
- Clinical practicum fee: $171.10 per credit for 6 credits
- Library fee: $4.41 per credit
- Network/data systems fee: $12.10 per credit
- Off-campus fee: $30 per credit
- Off-campus facilities fee: $2 per credit
- Orientation: $50
- Graduation: $100
- Name badge: $20
- Practicum liability insurance: $7.45
- Uniform: approximately $200
- Background check: $59.50
- Drug screen: $46
- Textbooks, vaccines, CPR, health insurance and clinical transportation: varies
Approved online-program students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency; listed expenses are estimates.
University of Arkansas's Mission and Values
The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing aims to transform lives through nursing education and inspire nursing leadership to improve society's health and well-being.
How to Prepare Your University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online) Application
- Check university transfer eligibility and request every official transcript
- Confirm RN licensure or the new-graduate route
- Obtain employer practice-hour verification or eligible refresher documentation
- Compare completed courses with the RN-to-B.S.N. degree requirements
- Choose a start term allowing application processing time
- Begin considering local practicum sites and preceptors
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Arkansas RN-BSN (Online)
Is Casper required?
It is not listed in RN-to-B.S.N. admission criteria.
Can I apply before RN licensure?
Eligible final-semester students may apply; new graduates may take up to six nursing credits before licensure.
Is there a nursing-specific GPA minimum?
No; meet university admission standards.
Must I visit campus?
No.
Where are clinical courses completed?
In the student's geographic area.
How long does it take?
Three- to five-semester plans are available.
Sources
- RN to B.S.N. Online — Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
- RN to B.S.N. Frequently Asked Questions
- Eleanor Mann School of Nursing — Undergraduate Catalog
- RN to B.S.N. Fees and Expenses
- University of Arkansas Transfer Admissions
- University of Arkansas Online Nursing Application Guide
- RN to B.S.N. Student Handbook
Last updated: September 26, 2026