Licensing Agency

Arkansas issues nursing licenses through the State Board of Nursing and requires accredited education and passage of the national licensing examination for registered nurses. Hospitals and clinics require state licensure and documented competency for clinical practice. Advanced practice nurses must hold graduate degrees national certification and state recognition for prescriptive authority.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is required for license renewal and often includes specialty credits for specialty practice. Many nurses complete employer sponsored competency assessments and participate in quality improvement programs. Rural facilities emphasize cross training and continuing education to cover multiple clinical areas.

Sources: Arkansas State Board of Nursing | National Council of State Boards of Nursing