Arkansas Online NP Programs
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“NPs, especially in rural areas, play a crucial role in providing primary care, chronic disease management, and preventative care.”
Mark Foster, DNP, Chair of Graduate Nursing Studies, Arkansas State University
Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Arkansas provide a flexible and convenient pathway for individuals looking to advance their careers in healthcare. These programs offer a wide range of specializations, such as family practice, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology, allowing students to tailor their education to their personal interests and professional goals. With healthcare demand on the rise, especially in rural areas, these online programs help prepare nurse practitioners to meet the needs of a growing and diverse patient population. Graduates acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality, accessible care throughout the state, thereby helping to address the healthcare provider shortage in underserved regions.
In Arkansas, nurse practitioners are crucial in filling gaps in healthcare, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to primary care is limited. These professionals often serve as patients’ first point of contact, offering critical services and improving health outcomes. As of 2022, Arkansas had approximately 3,000 nurse practitioners, and the workforce is expected to expand significantly.
According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), the number of NPs in the state is projected to increase by 61 percent by 2032, reaching around 4,840. This growth surpasses the national average and underscores the increasing need for nurse practitioners to help meet the healthcare demands in the state.
Meet the Expert: Mark Foster, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Mark Foster is a dedicated nursing educator, clinician, and academic leader currently serving as the chair of graduate nursing studies and assistant professor of nursing at Arkansas State University. With over two decades of experience in nursing education and clinical practice, he has been instrumental in curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and research initiatives.
Dr. Foster holds a doctor of nursing practice from the University of Southern Indiana and both MSN-FNP and BSN degrees from Arkansas State University. His research focuses on telemedicine integration, patient simulation in clinical education, and advancements in primary care practices.
Beyond academia, Dr. Foster remains actively engaged in clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner, ensuring his teaching reflects real-world healthcare challenges. He has contributed significantly to the field through national conference presentations, textbook reviews, and service on multiple professional committees. A member of esteemed organizations such as the National League for Nursing and the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association, he is committed to advancing nursing education and practice.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Arkansas?
Dr. Foster: There are a variety of public and private nurse practitioner programs across the state. These programs include a comprehensive approach to NP education and are offered in various modalities to meet student needs.
To become a nurse practitioner in Arkansas, individuals must first become a registered nurse (RN), complete a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, and obtain certification in a specialty area (such as family practice, pediatrics, or acute care).
NPs, especially in rural areas, play a crucial role in providing primary care, chronic disease management, and preventative care. With physician shortages in Arkansas, the expansion of NP practice authority across the state has greatly benefited the state’s healthcare system. Arkansas NP programs offer robust and extensive training to adequately prepare NP’s to meet the needs of patients across the state.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Foster: Nurse practitioner students should be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding career. Programs are rigorous, therefore, students must be dedicated and possess good time management and organizational skills. Students should gain work experience as RNs to establish foundational knowledge in their clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and confidence in patient care.
Key foundational knowledge within the 3Ps—pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment—is essential to student success. Bedside nursing experience is invaluable for those choosing to pursue the NP role. Students need to explore a program’s curriculum and course offerings to ensure they choose the optimal specialty that meets their specific goals and aligns with their professional and educational aspirations.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Arkansas (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| Harding University |
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| University of Arkansas at Fayetteville |
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NP Practice Authority in Arkansas
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Arkansas?
| United States | Arkansas | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 3,350 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $116,030 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $95,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $102,040 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $113,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $129,050 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $141,760 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
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Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.