Entry requirements for Arkansas State University
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:Successful admission to the Arkansas State University Graduate SchoolHave a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.Current unrestricted/unencumbered (clear/active) license as a registered nurse in one of the states/compact states or one of the protectorates of the United States, with eligibility for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri R. N. license.Proof of Liability Insurance and Health InsuranceAn application demonstrating a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on undergraduate course work or 3.25 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work on a 4.0 scale will be reviewed, but not guaranteed for an interview. No transfer credits will be accepted.All official transcriptsGraduate Record Examination (GRE) on application within 5 years of application demonstrating:A combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 preferred.An analytical writing section score.A minimum of one (1) year full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical care setting at the time of admission. Critical care experience must be within two (2) years of application. Critical care setting examples include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Neuro Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic or Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Burn/Trauma Intensive Care, Neonatal or Pediatric Intensive Care. A-State Nurse Anesthesia Option does not accept Emergency Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Operating Room or Obstetrical - Labor & Delivery Unit experience.Completion of an approved 3-credit hour graduate level descriptive and inferential statistics course with a grade of “B” or higher. ELFN 6773 is an A-State online course that is accepted but students may call for a list of other approved courses.Three references, which should be written by current and/or former supervisors and/or faculty and completed on the program’s recommendation forms.Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certifications on application.Current TB Test, Flu Vaccine, Tetanus, MMR, and Hepatitis B VaccineA satisfactory Physical Exam report (See: Important Files on website for form)CCRN or Cardiac Surgery Certification on applicationSuccessful completion of a Background Check, Drug Test, and Interview Process.Interview is by invitation only and is not guaranteed on application.
Application Deadline
15/09/2026
Further information
If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might have a chance to explore pathway options at Arkansas State University. If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.