Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.
Jobs (AR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | Arkansas is a compact state; licensure by endorsement is available for nurses establishing residency or from non-compact states.Reciprocal states: Arkansas is a compact state. Licensure by endorsement is available for nurses licensed in other jurisdictions, provided their primary state of residence is Arkansas or a non-compact state. Verification of licensure from the original state is required, often through Nursys.com. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Arkansas? See whether Arkansas recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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