Arkansas is located in the southern portion of the United States and is comprised of two distinct topographies – the highland region in the northwest and the lowlands in the southeast. Home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, the world’s only diamond-bearing site with public access, and a network of top-ranked higher learning institutions, Arkansas is rich in both natural and educational resources.
Health care in the state is handled through a system of nationally recognized, high performing hospitals. With a goal of improving the quality of life for its residents, public and private colleges and universities are dedicated to educating exceptional health care professionals to staff those facilities through quality programs.
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR
College of Nursing and Health Professions
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University provides quality health care education for this high-demand industry. With affiliations at over 500 health facilities, graduate students have an unmatched opportunity to make a positive difference in patient care.
All programs are fully accredited and offer challenging, yet rewarding, coursework and clinical experiences. Graduates from the College of Nursing and Health Professions have excellent career opportunities as top earners in their fields. Graduate degrees and certificate programs are available for:
-Physical Therapy.
-Communication Disorder.
-Nurse Practitioner.
-Nurse Anesthetist.
-Occupational Therapy.
-Social Work.
-Health Sciences Education.
-Health Care Management.
Employment positions for graduates across the region include: hospitals, schools, extended care facilities, outpatient facilities, private clinics and government agencies.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Health/Nurse Educator (MSN-AHNE)
The Master of Science in Nursing with emphasis on Adult Health/Nurse Educator prepares registered nurses for a career in health care education. Students gain knowledge in teaching and learning strategies, curriculum development and evaluation techniques. Nurse Educators will be prepared to teach licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, continuing education to licensed nurses, nurse administrators and advanced practice nurses.
The master’s level coursework requires 45 credit hours and is primarily completed online with occasional campus meetings. In addition, 420 clinical hours and practicum and a comprehensive exam must be completed to earn the degree.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Health/Nursing Administrator (MSN-AHNA)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult Health/Nursing Administrator provides nurses with the skills needed in leadership positions at a progressive health care system. With a foundation for doctorate study, graduates will be also be prepared for advanced practice roles. Management or administrative experience in a health care facility would be helpful for enhanced application of skills.
Proficiencies are gained in leadership, management, budget creation and implementation, quality control, health care law and financial management. Coursework requires a minimum of 36 online credit hours, 300 on-site clinical hours plus a pass a comprehensive examination.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Health/Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN-AHCNS)
The master’s level Adult Health/Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration may completed online as a part-time or full-time student. The CNS program trains advanced practice nurses for a role in diagnosing and treating adults with acute or chronic health/illness problems, disease management, health promotion and interventions to reduce risk behaviors.
A clinical field experience of 540 hours and a professional paper must be completed for the degree. The entire program must be completed within six years. Core competencies will include: Advanced assessment and implementation of nursing care, education/coaching of patients and families, collaboration with health care team, consultation techniques, research skills, leadership in innovation and an advocate for change for improved patient care.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
The Master of Science in Nursing with concentration as Family Nurse Practitioner prepares nurses for an advanced practice leadership role in a health care facility. The program prepares students to manage physical and mental medical problems through physical examinations, diagnostic testing and prescription of medications. Family Nurse Practitioners can serve patients of all ages and act as the primary health care provider.
The FNP track coursework is offered online with occasional class meetings and requires a minimum of 45 credit hours. A supervised field experience and comprehensive examination must also be completed prior to graduation.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Anesthesia (MSN-NA)
The master’s level degree program with specialization as Nurse Anesthesia prepares registered nurses administer general anesthesia following current techniques and safety practices. Students will demonstrate knowledge of equipment, standard precautions, drug management, pain management, advanced life support assistance and infection control measures. In addition, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are necessary program outcomes.
This MSN-NA degree is completed as a full-time student with a minimum of 88 credit hours of study over 28 months. Graduates are eligible for Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. Career opportunities are available for Nurse Anesthetists in hospitals, dental offices, primary care facilities and other health care units.
Accreditations
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
Contact Information
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467
Shipping Address:
104 N. Caraway Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-3112
http://www.astate.edu/college/conhp/
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
College of Education and Health Professions
The College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas has 4,500 registered and provides a unique opportunity with majors in both health and education. There are 19 programs offering bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees through five departments. The educational programs focus on careers in public school teaching at all levels, school researchers and administrators and special education. Health care fields of study include nursing, administrators, health educators and performance researchers.
U.S. News and World Report has ranked the University of Arkansas among the top ten universities in the nation. The College of Education and Health Professions is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service.
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult Medical Surgical (MSN-CNS/AMS) (online)
The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers two concentrations in the Master of Science in Nursing in an online format. The first master’s degree program specializing in Clinical Nurse Specialists – Adult Medical Surgical prepares students to serve adult patients with both medical and surgical health issues.
Learning outcomes include:
-Problem identification and research findings critique.
-Collaboration skills in management of resources and cost-effective care.
-Application of ethical and legal principles.
-Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
-Advocacy for diverse populations.
-Leadership characteristics.
The program may be completed as a full-time student within four semesters. Part-time status may also be available but must be completed within six years.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator (MSN-NE) (online)
The second concentration available for the Master of Science in Nursing program is as a Nurse Educator. The student must be an experienced registered nurse and will assume a teaching role for future nurses. As a Nurse Educator, graduates will be eligible to work in colleges and universities, primary care clinics and continuing education programs.
As an advanced practice nurse, health care skills will include: Curriculum development, health care policies, ethics, physiology, testing and evaluation methods. Online coursework with periodic classroom sessions can be completed as a full-time or part-time student.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Room 324 Graduate Education Building
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-3208
http://nursing.uark.edu/msn/
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provides educational programs for nursing education, research and service in both undergraduate and graduate level programs. Education to prepare professional nurses as generalists, advanced practice, administrators and educators are available at the master’s level.
Research programs for the advancement of public health and wellness is paramount to all degree programs. Service participation by the faculty and student body is present through academic, professional and community organizations. Faculty members also provide nursing expertise as clinicians and other health care facilities in the community.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AG-ACNP) (online)
The master’s degree program specializing in Adult-Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares registered nurses with the skills needed to treat acute, complex and critical health needs of young adults, adults and gerontology patients. AG-ACNPs will be able to perform assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose illness/disease, establish a care plan and follow-up.
The coursework for this program is delivered through distance learning to accommodate working professionals. A clinical practicum is required prior to graduation. Career opportunities are available through hospitals, primary care facilities, academic settings and other health care organizations.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with emphasis on Family Nurse Practitioner is an online program that can be completed with full-time or part-time study. The FNP will provide health services to patients of all ages and genders. The curriculum includes training in theory, research methodology, management, physiology and pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, quantitative epidemiology and diagnostic reasoning skills.
Distance-learning coursework and clinical experience requires a minimum of 33 semester hours. The program must be completed within six consecutive calendar years.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FPMHNP) (online)
The MSN graduate degree program specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares students to diagnose mental illness, prescribe and manage medication, provide family and group therapy and give social skills training. The curriculum addresses skills such as nursing theory, research methodology, management for the professional practice, advanced nursing practice, clinical pharmacology and mental health diagnostics.
Coursework is completed online and a supervised practicum is also required. Upon completion of the graduate program, students can sit for national certification.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AG-PCNP) (online)
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner graduate program is for registered nurses looking to advance their knowledge as an advanced nurse specialist. Expertise in the care of older adults, young adults and adults with acute and chronic health concerns is provided through this online program.
Learning outcomes include:
-Assessment methods.
-Health promotion.
-Disease prevention.
-Management techniques.
-Order and interpret tests.
-Diagnose illness.
-Prescribe medications.
-Create a care plan.
-Follow-up procedures.
-Pain management.
-End-of-life management.
A field experience is required where students focus on learning the importance of social support, assessment of physical and mental health, impact of family on patient health and education techniques for complete patient care.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration (MSN-NA) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Administration is designed for nurses who with to advance their careers in leadership roles. Graduates will be skilled in communication, personnel development, conflict resolution, financial management, risk management, situation analysis and team building.
Students will perform an advanced practicum and learn administration, management and leadership duties. All coursework will be completed online. Graduates of the master’s program will be eligible for certification as a Nursing Administrator.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Educator (MSN-NE) (online)
Graduate nursing students specializing in the Nursing Educator MSN online program will be trained in theory-based instruction and examine learner characteristics, curriculum development and implementation, evaluation/testing methods and development of the educator position.
Graduates of the Nurse Educator degree program will find employment opportunities in primary care clinics, staff education programs, colleges and universities and continuing education programs. All courses are delivered in a distance-learning system.
Master of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PNP) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with concentration in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is designed for registered nurses to assess patients, diagnose illness or injury, prescribe medications and prepare a plan of care for infants, children and adolescents. Students must follow the coursework curriculum that includes theory and research in nursing, advanced nursing practice, professional practice management, physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, pediatric health assessment, developmental and well child management and pediatric acute care. Employment opportunities are available at hospitals, primary care facilities, community outreach programs and Pediatric private practice clinics.
A supervised practicum is required. Completion of the degree program qualifies graduates to sit for the national certification exam for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Upon receipt of certification, application for an Advanced Practice License and Prescriptive Authority in the State of Arkansas can be made.
Master of Science in Nursing: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-WHNP) (online)
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing degree program provides specialized training in women’s health issues for registered nurses. Core courses are structured online with a minimum of 31 semester hours of study. The curriculum prepares students for advanced nursing practice with learning outcomes such as nursing theory, research, professional practice management, clinical pharmacology, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, community concepts, health assessment and diagnosis for gynocologic health issues.
In addition to online coursework, a field experience is required prior to completion of the program.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
4301 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-7000
http://nursing.uams.edu/
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Enhancing the health and well-being of the public is a primary goal of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas. By providing exceptional degree programs and preparing professional leaders, communities can become healthier. Emphasis on cultural competence, ethical practice, communication and collaboration, and lifelong learning is promoted in all health-related professions.
Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are available in several specialties including: Adult Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Community/Family Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner. All programs are nationally accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
All of the MSN majors/tracks are designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who are seeking the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The MSN program is designed for the working RN with all nursing courses offered online. Periodic visits to the Conway campus are required for each course. The Nurse Educator Certificate is also available with any MSN major/track or can be obtained as a post-MSN certificate. UCA’s MSN curriculum prepares the graduate to be an expert provider of care in acute, ambulatory and community care settings, as well as, a leader in institutional and professional settings.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Medical Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN-AMS/CNS) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with concentration in Adult Medical Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree. All coursework is completed online to accommodate students working in the profession. This track is for the nurse who seeks an advanced nursing degree with a surgical specialty. The curriculum prepares the CNS to be an expert in:
-Problem identification.
-Collaboration skills and cost-effective care.
-Application of ethical and legal principles.
-Problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
-Advocacy for diverse populations.
-Adult Medical Surgical procedures.
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Nurse Practitioner (MSN-ANP) (online)
The Adult Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing program is delivered online for experience registered nurses. The degree curriculum prepares the Nurse Practitioner as a specialist in adult and older adult health care. Skills needed for this track include diagnosis of illness or ailment, management of acute, episodic and chronic illness, plus the promotion of health and prevention of disease. Opportunities for Nurse Practitioner positions are available at hospitals, primary care facilities, community outreach programs and private practice clinics.
A supervised practicum is required prior to completion of the program. A certification examination may be taken to with specialty as an Adult Nurse Practitioner.
Master of Science in Nursing: Community/Family Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN-CNS) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing degree with emphasis in Community/Family Clinical Nurse Specialist is a recent emerging advanced nursing practice role. Students of this specialty are registered nurses that are committed to improving patient care with a focus on quality care and safety. Diverse populations in a variety of community settings are treated with this new practice.
The coursework is completed online for this program. Skills are similar to other CNL series for problem identification and solutions, cost-effective care in underserved communities, application of ethical principles, decision-making abilities and advocacy for diverse populations.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) (online)
The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for the graduate student who is interested in serving families and patients of all ages. Students are registered nurses who wish to become advanced practice nurses. The online curriculum track focuses on diagnosis and management of acute, episodic and chronic illness. Family Nurse Practitioners encourage optimum health through a proactive approach to health care and disease prevention. Employment opportunities are available at hospitals, primary care facilities, community outreach programs and private practice clinics.
A supervised field experience is required prior to completion. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact Information
Burdick Hall 222
Conway, AR 72035
(501) 450-3123
http://uca.edu/chbs