Arkansas nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Arkansas license by endorsement: the application fee ($125 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Arkansas State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $125 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $125 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. State and federal fingerprint check required; out-of-state applicants use an ASBN-supplied ink card; vendor fees extra. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit. One-time, nonrenewable permit up to six months; requires unencumbered active license elsewhere; $30 fee; invalid on disqualifying background result. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $100 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 15 contact hours. Per renewal: 15 practice-focused contact hours, OR current national certification, OR one college nursing credit course with grade C or better. |
How to get your Arkansas license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Arkansas without applying again. If you move your residence to Arkansas, you apply for a Arkansas license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $125 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Arkansas
- Initial license is valid 3 to 27 months depending on birth date; renewals follow a staggered biennial birth-date system.
- Applicants out of nursing practice more than five years need an Arkansas-approved refresher course or recent graduation.
- Applicants convicted of offenses listed in ACA 17-3-102 are ineligible, with a waiver process available.
What RNs earn in Arkansas
The BLS median for registered nurses in Arkansas is $37.08 per hour, about $77,130 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Arkansas.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $39.50 | $82,170 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $38.38 | $79,830 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $37.85 | $78,730 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $37.02 | $77,000 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $36.99 | $76,930 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Arkansas · Arkansas state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/ (board website)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/lice (endorsement application, Nursys verification, state notes)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/fees (fees, renewal fee)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/lice (background check)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/ASBN.7.28.2026.Final_.17CARpt.121.Licens (temporary license)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/lice (renewal)
- healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/nursing-arkansas-state-board/educ (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Arkansas nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $125 for an RN and $125 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Arkansas a nurse licensure compact state?
Arkansas is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Arkansas while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit. One-time, nonrenewable permit up to six months; requires unencumbered active license elsewhere; $30 fee; invalid on disqualifying background result. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Arkansas nurses need?
RN renewal requires 15 contact hours of continuing education. Per renewal: 15 practice-focused contact hours, OR current national certification, OR one college nursing credit course with grade C or better. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Arkansas license?
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Arkansas licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
Moving to Arkansas? See what RNs get paid near you.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
95+ Registered Nurse roles in Arkansas, sent free by email
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your RN pay reportArkansas · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Veterans Health AdministrationFayetteville, AR · 2 postings$53.99/ hr$35–$75
- Acadia HealthcareConway, AR · 2 postings$40.25/ hr$36–$44
- CommonSpirit HealthSHERWOOD, AR · 7 postings$39.07/ hr$33–$53
- Management Health Systems, LLCSearcy, AR · 2 wage offers$33.50/ hr$32–$35
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer published or reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
12 RN postings with published pay in Arkansas, 10 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 12 RN roles
- RN Nights Behavioral HealthPermanent$36.00–$44.50/ hour
- RN PRN Behavioral HealthPer diem$36.00–$44.50/ hour
+ 10 more in your report. Each one has pay, shift and start date.