Updated June 2026 · 9 min read

CRNA Programs in Arkansas

Part of the CRNA Career Hub — browse every related guide in one place.

Arkansas has two accredited nurse anesthesia programs — the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Both are 36-month DNP programs with solid accreditation horizons, giving in-state applicants two genuine shots before they even look across state lines.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

The UAMS DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program is the state's academic-medical-center option, based in Little Rock. It runs 36 months full-time, accepts students for fall enrollment only, and holds COA accreditation through the fall of 2035 — a long, stable horizon that gives applicants confidence the program isn't facing a near-term review. As a health-sciences campus with its own teaching hospital, UAMS offers a deep clinical environment for anesthesia training.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro runs the state's second accredited pathway: a 36-month, full-time DNP in Nurse Anesthesia designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for the highest level of clinical anesthesia care. The program is COA-accredited with its next accreditation review scheduled for fall 2034. Jonesboro's location in northeast Arkansas also opens clinical and geographic options distinct from Little Rock.

Admission Requirements

Both Arkansas programs follow the national CRNA template. Expect to need a BSN with a competitive GPA, a minimum of one year of adult critical-care experience, and current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. The ICU requirement is non-negotiable, and the strongest applicants bring more than the minimum year, high-acuity unit experience, and the CCRN credential — see the CCRN guide. For the full checklist, review the general CRNA school requirements.

Application Strategy for Arkansas

Arkansas applicants are in a relatively strong position with two accredited DNP programs. Apply to both UAMS and Arkansas State to maximize your in-state odds, and note UAMS's fall-only enrollment when planning your timeline. To be safe in a competitive field, extend your list to nearby states such as Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas. Strengthen your file with the required ICU year (ideally more), the CCRN, and a sharp personal statement. For realistic expectations, see CRNA acceptance rates.

Bottom Line

Arkansas offers two accredited CRNA programs: UAMS in Little Rock (36-month DNP, fall enrollment only, accredited through 2035) and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro (36-month DNP, next review fall 2034). Two in-state options is a meaningful advantage, but you should still apply broadly to give yourself the best odds. For the bigger picture, see how to become a CRNA and the CRNA job outlook.