Arkansas has one in-state Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program, offered by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
That single option covers DNP-level primary care, acute care, and dual certification tracks, along with a post-graduate acute care certificate pathway.
Because Arkansas does not offer an MSN-level PNP program, many nurses will need to compare UAMS against online national programs, especially if they want more flexible start dates or a master’s-level entry point.
Compare Arkansas PNP Program Options
| School | Est. Tuition | Format | Key Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAMS | $48K–$76K (DNP) | Primarily In-Person | Primary Care, Acute Care, Dual |
| Maryville University | ~$42K (MSN) | 100% Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Walden University | ~$45K (MSN) | Online | MSN, DNP, Certificate |
| Rasmussen University | ~$51K (MSN) | Online | MSN, Certificate |
Online PNP Programs in Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) offers the only in-state PNP training option and provides one of the most flexible DNP pathways in the region.
Students can choose from three BSN-to-DNP sub-tracks:
- Primary Care PNP
- Acute Care PNP
- Dual Certification (Primary + Acute Care)
UAMS also offers:
- a Post-Master’s Second Specialty DNP for certified APRNs
- a Post-Graduate Acute Care PNP Certificate (~$9,450 resident)
The BSN-to-DNP pathway takes about 3 years full-time (4 years part-time) and includes more than 1,000 clinical hours across multiple practicum sequences.
The dual certification track is a standout option. It prepares graduates for both primary care and acute care certification exams in a single program, which is uncommon at the state level.
Clinical training is highly structured:
- rotations occur at different sites each semester
- faculty complete two site visits per term
- students cannot work as RNs on the same days as clinicals
Admissions are more rigorous than most programs:
- 2,000 verified RN hours required
- notarized employment verification
- March 1 deadline (fall-only admission)
Border-state residents (LA, MO, MS, OK, TN, TX) qualify for in-state tuition rates, which expands access beyond Arkansas.
Review the full UAMS PNP program page for complete curriculum and admissions details.
National Online Programs
Maryville University PNP Programs
St. Louis | $900 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN to DNP / BSN to MSN / DNP
Arkansas nurses looking for flexible educational options can utilize Maryville University’s PNP programs to earn a degree or certificate entirely online. The curriculum is specifically structured to help Arkansas students master pediatric assessment and clinical decision-making through 750 hours of local practicum experience. This CCNE-accredited program provides a high-quality alternative for Arkansas practitioners, featuring competitive tuition rates and multiple entry points throughout the year.
Purdue University PNP Programs
West Lafayette | $500 to $600 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Arkansas nursing professionals looking for career advancement can pursue Purdue University's Primary Care PNP options offered at the MS, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's levels. Each pathway pairs flexible distance learning with extensive hands-on preceptorships requiring between 630 and 1,000+ supervised clinical hours. This comprehensive clinical education empowers Arkansas graduates to deliver high-quality primary care to pediatric populations in diverse practice settings.
Rasmussen University PNP Programs
Bloomington | $915 cpc | Certificate / BSN to MSN
Rasmussen University’s Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs are presented as fully online options for Arkansas nurses seeking advanced pediatric training. Students in Arkansas can choose between the MSN-NP and Post-Graduate Certificate pathways, both of which include four community-based practicums and a short on-campus residency. However, the school also notes that the program does not meet licensure requirements in Arkansas, so prospective students should verify APRN eligibility before applying.
Walden University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Minneapolis | $785 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / BSN to MSN
Walden University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs provide Arkansas students with a flexible online pathway into pediatric primary care. The MSN, DNP, and certificate tracks all include advanced pediatric theory, clinical decision-making, and supervised practicum work. Arkansas nurses should verify that their chosen track aligns with local licensure and certification expectations before applying.
Choosing a PNP Program in Arkansas
- Choose UAMS if you want a low-cost, in-state DNP program with strong clinical oversight and multiple specialty track options.
- Choose an online program if you need:
- an MSN-level PNP pathway
- multiple start dates instead of a fall-only cycle
- more flexible scheduling while working full-time
Online MSN-Level PNP Programs for Arkansas Nurses
Arkansas does not offer an MSN-level PNP program, so nurses who want a master’s entry point must consider online options. These programs allow students to complete coursework remotely while arranging clinical placements locally.
- Choose Maryville University if you want multiple start dates, no campus visits, and a faster MSN timeline (as short as 20 months).
- Choose Walden University if you need flexible pacing and structured clinical support through a dedicated placement system.
- Choose Rasmussen University if you prefer a competency-based format with guided practicum support, but confirm Arkansas licensure eligibility before applying.
Before applying, confirm that the program accepts students from Arkansas, supports local clinical placement, and meets Arkansas APRN licensure requirements.
Certificate PNP Programs in Arkansas
UAMS offers one of the most affordable acute care PNP certificates in the country.
| School | Track | Est. Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAMS | Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care PNP | ~$9.5K | ~18 months |
This pathway is designed for nurses who already hold a master’s or doctoral degree and want to add acute care PNP certification.
For primary care PNP certificates, Arkansas nurses will need to consider online options such as Maryville or Rasmussen.
Should You Stay in Arkansas or Choose an Online PNP Program?
UAMS is the only in-state option, but it offers one of the most comprehensive DNP-level PNP pathways in the region. The right choice depends on structure, flexibility, and entry point.
Stay in Arkansas if you:
- want in-person clinical coordination in Little Rock
- prefer a DNP pathway with strong faculty oversight
- qualify for in-state tuition rates
Consider an online program if you:
- need an MSN-level pathway
- cannot wait for a fall-only admission cycle
- want flexibility while working
Many Arkansas nurses expand their search to states such as Texas and Tennessee.
Clinical Placements and Preceptor Support
UAMS arranges clinical placements locally in the Little Rock area.
Students:
- rotate to different clinical sites each semester
- gain exposure across multiple care settings
- receive structured faculty oversight
Faculty complete two site visits per semester, which is more hands-on than many programs.
PALS certification is required before beginning specialty clinical coursework.
Admissions at a Glance
| Program | Min GPA | Deadline | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN-to-DNP PNP | 3.0 | March 1 | 2,000 RN hours, statistics, health assessment |
| Second Specialty DNP | 3.0 (grad) | March 1 | Active APRN license, transfer credits allowed |
| Acute Care Certificate | Not stated | Rolling | Master’s or DNP required |
UAMS uses a fall-only admission cycle, so missing the March 1 deadline means waiting a full year.