How to Get Into Nursing School in Arkansas (2026 BSN Admissions Guide)

Arkansas has a focused set of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs, anchored by UAMS, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Central Arkansas, plus strong regional and private options. Because the field is smaller, knowing each school's specific requirements gives you a real advantage. Here's how to get in.

1. Hit the GPA targets

Arkansas BSN programs look at both your cumulative GPA and your prerequisite GPA. Typical minimums range from 2.5 to 3.0, but admitted students usually land well above the floor.

• UAMS requires a 2.5 cumulative and prerequisite GPA (and waives the TEAS when both GPAs are 3.4+).
• The University of Arkansas (Eleanor Mann School of Nursing) expects roughly a 3.0, with competitive admits scoring around 70+ on the TEAS.
• A grade of C or better in each prerequisite is standard.

2. Prepare for the TEAS (and check the exceptions)

Most Arkansas programs use the ATI TEAS entrance exam. A few important nuances:

• The University of Central Arkansas requires no entrance exam at all: admission is GPA-driven.
• The University of Arkansas requires both the TEAS and CASPer (a situational-judgment test).
• Several programs accept a "Proficient" TEAS level (around 59%+) rather than a fixed numeric cutoff.

Always confirm the exact requirement per school, because they differ more than you'd expect across Arkansas.

3. Complete the prerequisite sequence

Common Arkansas prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, Human Growth & Development, and English Composition. Note that the University of Arkansas uses College Algebra rather than Statistics. Science courses older than a set number of years (often 5–7) may need to be retaken.

4. Plan your application timeline

Arkansas programs run on varied cycles: some admit once per year, others each Fall and Spring. The University of Arkansas applies through NursingCAS. Map out each school's deadline early; missing a single annual cycle can cost you a full year.

5. Round out a competitive file

• A focused personal statement helps in holistic review.
• Healthcare experience (CNA, volunteering) strengthens borderline applications.
• Keep immunizations, background check, and transcripts ready, since many programs require them at or shortly after admission.

Compare your odds across every Arkansas school

Requirements vary widely from UAMS to UCA to the regional campuses. Not sure where you stand? Check your admission chances free to see your fit in minutes. Then start with what GPA you need for nursing school and our nursing prerequisites checklist. Then use the Nursing School Planner to check your GPA and prerequisites against real Arkansas BSN requirements and see your fit for each program, or browse all Arkansas nursing programs together.

*This guide is for planning purposes only. Always confirm current requirements on each school's official admissions page before applying.*