Best Nursing Programs in Bentonville, Arkansas: 2026 Complete Guide
Bentonville, Arkansas is rapidly expanding its healthcare infrastructure, creating strong demand for qualified nurses across Northwest Arkansas. Whether you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN), earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or pursue advanced practice roles, choosing the right nursing program is your most important first step.
Key Takeaways
- Bentonville students primarily attend top-ranked nursing programs in nearby Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale.
- The University of Arkansas and NorthWest Arkansas Community College offer the strongest RN and BSN pathways in the region.
- Local hospitals such as Northwest Health and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas provide strong clinical partnerships.
- RNs in Northwest Arkansas earn average salaries between $60,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials.
- Accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical opportunities, and flexibility options are critical decision factors.
Why Study Nursing in Bentonville, Arkansas?
Bentonville sits within one of Arkansas’s fastest-growing healthcare markets. The Northwest Arkansas metro area continues to see population growth, increasing demand for registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and specialty care providers.
Major healthcare employers serving Bentonville include:
- Northwest Medical Center System
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas
- Bentonville Schools Health Services
- Private clinics and specialty practices
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, registered nurses in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of approximately $65,000, with experienced nurses and BSN-prepared graduates earning significantly more. Nurses in high-demand specialties such as ICU, emergency care, and labor and delivery can exceed $75,000 annually in the region.
Top Nursing Programs Near Bentonville, Arkansas
While Bentonville does not host a standalone nursing university campus, several highly respected programs within 15 to 45 minutes serve local students.
1. University of Arkansas – Eleanor Mann School of Nursing (Fayetteville)
Distance from Bentonville: Approximately 30 minutes
Degrees Offered: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
Accreditation: CCNE Accredited
The University of Arkansas offers the most comprehensive nursing education in Northwest Arkansas. The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing consistently reports strong NCLEX pass rates and competitive admissions standards.
Why It Stands Out:
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Competitive clinical rotations at major regional hospitals
- Accelerated BSN option for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees
- Strong graduate-level pathways for advanced practice
Best For: Students seeking a traditional four-year university experience or long-term advanced nursing careers.
2. NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) – Rogers
Distance from Bentonville: 10 to 15 minutes
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), LPN to RN
Accreditation: ACEN Accredited
NWACC is the most accessible and cost-effective nursing pathway for Bentonville residents. Its Associate Degree in Nursing prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and enter practice quickly.
Why It Stands Out:
- Affordable tuition rates
- High clinical placement integration with local hospitals
- Smaller cohort sizes with personalized instruction
- LPN transition pathways
Many graduates continue their education through RN to BSN partnerships with the University of Arkansas and other institutions.
Best For: Students seeking a faster, lower-cost pathway into registered nursing.
3. Arkansas State University – Online and Regional Options
Delivery: Online and hybrid
Degrees Offered: RN to BSN, MSN programs
Accreditation: CCNE Accredited
For working nurses in Bentonville, Arkansas State University offers flexible online programs that allow professionals to advance their credentials without leaving employment.
Why It Stands Out:
- Fully online RN to BSN programs
- Competitive tuition for in-state students
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Best For: Licensed RNs looking to advance into leadership or specialty roles.
Comparison of Top Nursing Programs Near Bentonville
SchoolDegree OptionsAccreditationProgram TypeBest ForUniversity of ArkansasBSN, MSN, DNPCCNETraditional & AcceleratedAdvanced career pathsNWACCADN, LPN to RNACENTwo-year associateFast entry into RN workforceArkansas State UniversityRN to BSN, MSNCCNEOnline/HybridWorking nurses
Admission Requirements
While requirements vary, most nursing programs near Bentonville require:
- Completion of prerequisite science courses including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.0
- TEAS entrance exam scores
- Background check and immunizations
- CPR certification
BSN programs at the University of Arkansas are competitive and may require higher GPAs and interviews. Applying early and maintaining strong science grades increases acceptance likelihood.
Clinical Training and Local Partnerships
Strong clinical experience is the backbone of any top nursing program. Students near Bentonville benefit from placements at:
- Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville and Springdale
- Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas
- Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks
- Community health clinics and pediatric centers
These partnerships expose students to acute care, surgical care, maternity services, pediatrics, and emergency services. Programs with diversified clinical rotations better prepare graduates for specialty roles.
Career Outlook for Nursing Graduates in Bentonville
The demand for nurses in Northwest Arkansas remains strong due to population growth and healthcare expansion.
Average Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level RN: $58,000 to $65,000 annually
- Experienced RN: $70,000 to $80,000 annually
- BSN-Prepared RN: Higher leadership opportunities
- Nurse Practitioner: $95,000+
Graduates who earn BSN degrees often qualify for management tracks, public health roles, and specialty certifications. Hospitals increasingly prefer or require BSN credentials.
How to Choose the Best Nursing Program
When evaluating programs near Bentonville, focus on these criteria:
1. Accreditation
Ensure the program is accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Accreditation affects licensure eligibility and employment competitiveness.
2. NCLEX Pass Rates
High first-time NCLEX pass rates indicate strong curriculum and faculty preparation.
3. Clinical Experience
Look for diverse hospital placements and simulation lab access.
4. Flexibility
Working students should explore hybrid or online RN to BSN options.
5. Cost and Financial Aid
Community colleges offer lower tuition, while universities provide more advanced degree pathways. FAFSA, Arkansas state grants, and hospital tuition reimbursement programs can offset costs.
Specialty Opportunities After Graduation
Nursing graduates in Bentonville can pursue specialties including:
- Emergency and Trauma Care
- Pediatric Nursing
- Labor and Delivery
- ICU and Critical Care
- Public Health Nursing
- Nurse Education
Many hospitals in the region offer residency programs that help new graduates transition into specialty units with structured mentorship.
Online and Hybrid Nursing Options
Online programs are increasing in popularity, particularly for licensed RNs advancing their education. While core clinical training for initial RN licensure must be in-person, RN to BSN and graduate programs frequently combine online coursework with local clinical hours.
This flexibility is ideal for Bentonville residents balancing work and family commitments while advancing professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs in Bentonville, Arkansas
Are there nursing schools directly in Bentonville, Arkansas?
Bentonville does not have its own full nursing school campus. Most students choose nearby programs, such as NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Rogers and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, which are within a 15–30 minute drive.
What is the fastest way to become an RN near Bentonville?
If you want the quickest route to RN licensure, you can start with the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. This two-year program prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and start working, with the option to complete an online RN to BSN later.
Which nursing degrees can you earn near Bentonville?
Near Bentonville, you can earn an ADN at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, a BSN and accelerated BSN at the University of Arkansas, and online RN to BSN and MSN degrees through Arkansas State University and other regional schools.
What are the basic admission requirements for nursing programs in this area?
You usually need key science prerequisites, a minimum GPA of about 2.75–3.0, TEAS scores, a background check, immunizations, and current CPR certification. BSN programs may also expect a stronger GPA and may include an interview.
Where do nursing students in Bentonville complete clinicals?
You typically complete clinical rotations at regional hospitals and clinics, including Northwest Medical Center locations in Bentonville and Springdale, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, and local community health centers.
How much can you earn as a nurse in Northwest Arkansas?
In Northwest Arkansas, many entry-level RNs earn about $58,000–$65,000 per year, while experienced RNs often earn $70,000–$80,000. BSN-prepared nurses and advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, can earn higher salaries depending on role and specialty.
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