Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$51,030

trending_down -18.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

10,110

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$300

Licensing fees

schedule

12-18 months for education program; 4-6 weeks for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arkansas, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which typically takes 12 to 18 months. After graduation, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The application for licensure is submitted through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, requiring a $100 fee and a state and federal criminal background check. Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing for multi-state licensure, but specific residency rules apply for endorsement applicants.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,700

25th percentile $47,210

50th (median) $51,030

75th percentile $59,410

90th (experienced) $63,370

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas State Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the first day of class for the practical nursing program. A state and federal criminal background check is required. A valid United States social security number is required. If an initial license is valid for less than two years, continuing education is not required for the first renewal. Arkansas is a compact state, but if your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold an active multistate license there, you cannot be issued an Arkansas license.

Source: Arkansas State Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas requires licensed practical nurses to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($100 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Arkansas State Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

What do licensed practical nurses earn in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $51,030. This trails the $62,340 national median by 18%. The range spans from $38,700 at the entry level to $63,370 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas? expand_more

Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($100), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a licensed practical nurse in Arkansas? expand_more

The typical timeline in Arkansas is 12-18 months for education program; 4-6 weeks for application processing. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a licensed practical nurse license in Arkansas? expand_more

License renewal in Arkansas requires completing 15.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.