Arkansas State Board of Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Arkansas, the Natural State, is where Southern charm meets natural wonders. It’s home to the only active diamond mine in the U.S., the stunning Ozark Mountains, and the Buffalo National River. With over 3 million residents, it’s a place in high demand for healthcare services. If you plan to work in this state, it’s crucial to keep yourself informed about the Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewal process.

Here’s another interesting fact about Arkansas: 41% of the population lives in rural counties. As a result, loan repayment programs are available for nurses who work in rural areas experiencing shortages of healthcare workers.

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the Arkansas nursing license renewal process in three easy-to-follow steps.

Arkansas Nursing Facts

Below are the essential details of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewal process. Make sure to have them readily available as you work through the renewal steps.

Is Arkansas part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes. For information about licensure in other states, check out our nursing license renewal state guide.

How much do nurses in Arkansas earn?

• The average CNA salary in Arkansas is $32,050 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Arkansas is $49,360 per year.
• The average RN salary in Arkansas is $72,900 per year.
• The average APRN salary in Arkansas is $113,410 per year.

How can I contact the Arkansas Board of Nursing?

Phone Number: 501-686-2700

Fax Number: 501-686-2714

Email Address: asbn.info@arkansas.gov

Website: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/arkansas-board-of-nursing

Arkansas Board of Nursing Address

1123 S University Avenue, Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204

Arkansas State Board of Nursing License Renewal Steps

If your current nursing license is registered in this state, you can renew it by following the three steps below. But if you hold a license from another compact state, explore this guide for state-specific renewal information. If renewal is not an option, there are two other routes to consider:

• License endorsement: If you’re a nurse holding a license from another state, this option is for you.
• License by examination: If you’re new to the nursing profession and seeking your first-ever license, this option is for you.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

To start renewing your license, you need to know when it expires. In Arkansas, RNs renew their license every two years by their birth month. This means that your first license might be valid for 3 to 27 months, depending on your birth date.

To keep your nursing license active, ensure you renew it within 60 days before your expiration date, which aligns with the last day of your birth month. If your birth year is even, your license will expire in even-numbered years. For odd birth years, it will expire in each odd-numbered year.

If you’re an APRN, you’ll need to renew your RN license first. The APRN renewal link becomes available only after your RN license is renewed.

For CNAs, the renewal cycle is every 24 months. It’s important to note that the Arkansas State Board of Nursing doesn’t oversee CNA license renewal; That’s handled by the Arkansas Office of Long-Term Care.

If you hold an out-of-state multistate license, just stick to the renewal guidelines set by your home state. You’ll only need to consider Arkansas nursing license renewal when you officially make the Natural State your primary residence — which you can prove with voting records, tax documents, or having your driver’s license issued in the state.

If you’re still uncertain about when your license expires, just go to the Arkansas license verification portal. Choose your type of license, enter your name and license number, and then click the “Search” button. Your license details, including when it expires, will appear on the screen.

Now, if you happen to stumble upon this article when it’s too late — and your license already expired — don’t panic. You can still get it back by applying for post-expiration license renewal. Of course, you’ll have to submit extra documents and complete certain education requirements. But hey, it happens to the best of us!

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Your next step in the Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewaljourney is meeting all the necessary continuing education requirements. This ensures you stay in the know about the latest healthcare industry advancements and continue to refine your professional skills.

RNs and LPNs, to meet your continuing competency requirements, you can choose from the following options:

• Complete 15 practice-focused contact hours from a nationally recognized or ASBN-approved continuing education provider.
• Obtain certification or recertification from a national certifying body recognized by the ASBN during the renewal period.
• Take a nursing or related field course at an academic institution.

APRNs, if you have prescriptive authority, aside from RN requirements, you’ll have to complete additional requirements — five hours of pharmacotherapeutics education in your APRN specialty within the past two years. Note that two of these hours must cover professional boundaries and the prescribing rules for Arkansas APRNs.

CNAs, to renew your certification, you’ll need to provide proof that you’ve worked as a nursing assistant, providing nursing or nursing-related services for pay, for at least eight consecutive hours within the past 24 months.

Wondering where to find continuing education opportunities? IntelyEdu provides a variety of courses that are accredited by the ANCC. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

Step 3: File Your License Renewal Application

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewal process. To get started, visit the Arkansas Nurse Portal and log in to your account. Once you are 60 days from license expiration a renewal link will be available in your profile. Click on the renewal link to begin the process of submitting a renewal application.

If you changed your address, last name, or other license-related details, don’t forget to update it in the system. You can use this video to navigate the Arkansas nursing license renewal process.

Continue making your way through the application. At some point, you’ll reach the payment step. Here’s the fee schedule for Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewal:

• CNA: Free
• RN: $100
• LPN: $90
• APRN: $65 in addition to RN renewal fee

Once you’ve handled the processing fee, you’ll see the “Successful Payment” screen. Your final task is to save a receipt for your personal records.

Congratulations! Once your license is renewed, you’re ready to start applying for RN, LPN, CNA, or NP jobs in Arkansas. You can also check out great nursing opportunities in some of the Natural State’s largest cities:

• Little Rock
• Fayetteville
• Fort Smith
• Springdale
• Jonesboro

Find Great Nursing Jobs in Arkansas State

With your Arkansas State Board of Nursing license renewal complete, it’s time to open the door to exciting job opportunities. Check out the array of nursing jobs in Arkansas listed on IntelyCare and find the one that suits you best.