Are you asking yourself, “Is Arkansas a compact nursing state?” Yes, it is. Harding University’s ABSN program prepares you to pass your NCLEX-RN exam, so you can apply for your NLC, which allows you to practice in any other compact nursing state.
Is Arkansas a Compact Nursing State?
Is Arkansas a compact nursing state? Yes, which means it participates in the Nursing Licensure Compact. Arkansas has maintained full participation status with the NLC since 2018. If you earn a nursing license in an NLC state, you can legally practice as a nurse in all other NLC states.
Harding University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN, the nurse licensure exam in the U.S. After completing an Accelerated BSN curriculum of online coursework, in-person nursing labs and clinical experiences, you will be well prepared to take the NCLEX and earn a nursing license.
Since Harding University is in Arkansas, you will also be eligible to practice in other compact nursing states.
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact
The NLC allows nurses to practice across state borders, even if they do not live in that specific state. This means that nurses do not need to obtain additional licenses if they want to move and pursue different opportunities or become a travel nurse.
The NLC standardizes nurse licensing credentials across participating states. Nurses must maintain a primary state of residence, the state in which they’ve earned their license, to obtain a multistate license. To practice in multiple states with a multistate license, nurses’ primary state of residence must also participate in the NLC.
What is a Compact Nursing State?
A compact nursing state is a state that participates in the NLC. According to the Nursing Licensure Compact, 43 jurisdictions have enacted the NLC. Your nursing license earned in an NLC state allows you to practice as a nurse in all other member states.
You can travel to pursue opportunities and maintain a more flexible career path as a nurse in an NLC state. If you move, you will not have to delay or stop working while re-applying for licensure. A multistate license is also beneficial for individuals who live close to state borders, broadening their employment opportunities.
What Are the Benefits of the Compact Nursing State for Nurses?
If available to you, it is very beneficial to be part of the compact for nurses. Through telehealth appointments, you can work remotely with patients located in different states. You can also become a travel nurse more quickly without the hassle of obtaining additional licenses.
Since your license transfers between compact states, you can search for job opportunities in many different NLC states. With only one license to apply for and renew, you will also be able to save time and money with a multistate license.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Arkansas to Begin Your Nursing Career?
Beginning your nursing career in Arkansas is a great choice. There are many opportunities for nurses in Arkansas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28,320 nurses currently work in the state, and 11,220 are located in Little Rock. Since there will also be a growing need for additional nurses in the future, choosing a nursing education in Arkansas is worth considering.
Want to learn more about attending nursing school out of state in Arkansas
Eligibility Requirements for an Arkansas Compact Nursing License
To be eligible for an Arkansas Compact Nursing License, you must first declare Arkansas as your home state or primary state of residence. This is the state where you live for legal purposes. You may be asked to provide proof, like a driver’s license or voter registration card.
To have a valid RN license in an NLC state, you must first pass the NCLEX-RN. This thorough exam determines if you have all the necessary knowledge and skills to practice as a registered nurse. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can apply for a multistate license with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Even though you passed your NCLEX-RN, you might not be eligible for a multistate license. If this is the case, you can apply for a single-state license. To determine if you are eligible, you must meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements. These are a set of standards that all nurses in the NLC must meet.
There are 11 different ULRs you must meet, or you will not be eligible to receive a multistate license. To find the most updated version, check the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website. Requirements include:
- Submission to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks
- No participation in an alternative program
- A valid U.S. Social Security number
How to Apply for a Compact Nursing License in Arkansas
To apply for a compact nursing license, there are a few steps to ensure a smooth licensing process. Steps include:
- Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including all ULRs.
- Complete the online application on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website.
- Upload all required documentation to Arkansas’s website.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Monitor your application’s status.
- Obtain your Arkansas compact license after your application is approved.
Common Questions About Arkansas’s Nursing Compact Status
After learning about the definition and benefits of an NLC, you may have a few questions about Arkansas’s nursing compact status.
Yes, nurses from other NLC states can work in Arkansas if they have earned a multistate nursing license in another NLC state.
Can Nurses from Other Compact States Work in Arkansas?
What Happens if a Nurse Moves to Arkansas from a Non-Compact State?
If you live in a non-compact state and are considering moving to Arkansas, a compact state, you must choose one of two options to continue practicing as a nurse. First, you can apply for an Arkansas single-state license. This will allow you to practice throughout the state of Arkansas. Second, you could apply for a multistate nursing license if you meet all the requirements.
Looking for the right nursing school for you? Learn why Harding was named the best nursing school in Arkansas
Earn Your Nursing Degree at Harding University
The first step to getting your compact nursing license is earning a nursing degree. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or college credits, you might be eligible to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing in as few as 16 months through Harding University’s ABSN program. Our ABSN curriculum prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN through online coursework, nursing labs and clinical rotations.
Contact us to learn more about Harding University’s ABSN program to begin earning your nursing degree.