Featured
Travel Nursing in Arkansas
Arkansas is a compact license state with a healthcare market shaped by significant rural nursing shortages and a handful of strong urban medical centers. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock is the state's flagship academic medical center and a major employer of travel nurses. Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and Mercy Health also operate extensive hospital networks across the state, maintaining consistent demand for qualified nurses.
The Natural State offers one of the lowest costs of living in the country, making it an excellent destination for travel nurses looking to maximize savings. Housing costs in most Arkansas cities are a fraction of what nurses would pay in coastal markets, and agency stipends frequently exceed actual living expenses by a wide margin. The Ozark Mountains in the northwest, hot springs in the central part of the state, and a relaxed pace of life make Arkansas an appealing option for nurses seeking a quieter assignment with strong financial returns.
Quick Stats
Agencies
30+
Avg Weekly Pay
$1,800-$2,600/wk
Compact License
Yes
Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Arkansas immediately.
Top Cities
Little RockFayettevilleFort SmithSpringdaleJonesboro
Top Agencies for Arkansas
These agencies are known for strong Arkansas assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license from another compact state can practice in Arkansas without additional licensing. If your home state is not a compact member, you must apply for an Arkansas RN license through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). The endorsement application is submitted online and requires license verification, transcripts, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 3 to 5 weeks. Compact license verification is instant through Nursys.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Verify your compact license status before accepting an Arkansas assignment.
- Non-compact nurses should allow at least 6 weeks for the endorsement process.
- Arkansas requires a criminal background check through the Arkansas State Police and FBI.
- The ASBN website provides a streamlined online application process with clear instructions.
Popular Cities in Arkansas
Little Rock
Little Rock is the center of Arkansas healthcare, home to UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health Medical Center, and CHI St. Vincent. The state capital offers the widest variety of travel nursing assignments in the state, with ICU, ER, and surgical specialties consistently in demand.
Fayetteville
Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, and Fayetteville's Washington Regional Medical Center has expanded to serve the growing population. The area benefits from a strong economy driven by Walmart, Tyson Foods, and the University of Arkansas.
Fort Smith
Fort Smith sits on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and is served by Baptist Health Fort Smith and Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. The city offers very affordable housing and a moderate volume of travel assignments, particularly in med surg and ER.
Springdale
Part of the booming Northwest Arkansas corridor, Springdale is home to Northwest Medical Center. The area's rapid population growth has created healthcare demand that outpaces local nursing supply, generating consistent travel nurse opportunities.
Jonesboro
Jonesboro is Northeast Arkansas's regional healthcare hub, with St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital serving a large rural catchment area. Travel nurses here find steady demand with some of the lowest living costs in the state.
Popular Specialties in Arkansas
Med Surg
Medical-surgical nursing is the highest-volume travel specialty in Arkansas, driven by the state's older population and high rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
ER
Emergency departments across Arkansas, particularly in rural areas with limited staffing, consistently seek experienced travel nurses to maintain coverage.
ICU
UAMS and Baptist Health in Little Rock maintain busy ICUs that regularly rely on travel nurses for critical care staffing, especially during respiratory illness surges.
Telemetry
Arkansas's elevated cardiovascular disease rates create persistent demand for telemetry-trained nurses at hospitals across the state.
Housing Notes
Arkansas offers some of the most affordable housing in the entire travel nursing market. A one-bedroom apartment in Little Rock averages $750 to $1,000 per month. Fayetteville and Fort Smith range from $700 to $950. Smaller cities like Jonesboro can be even less. Agency housing stipends of $1,100 to $1,500 per week typically far exceed actual costs, making Arkansas one of the best states for maximizing stipend savings. Furnished apartments, extended-stay hotels, and short-term rentals are available in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas.
Nursing Schools in Arkansas
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing
Little Rock, AR
BSNMSNDNPPhD
AccreditedOnline
University of Arkansas Fayetteville Eleanor Mann School of Nursing
Fayetteville, AR
BSNMSNDNP
AccreditedCampus
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Arkansas, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,100-$2,800/wk |
| ER | $2,000-$2,600/wk |
| OR | $2,000-$2,700/wk |
| Med Surg | $1,600-$2,200/wk |
| Telemetry | $1,800-$2,400/wk |
| L&D | $1,900-$2,500/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary state of residence is another compact state, you can work in Arkansas under your multistate license immediately.
Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. Housing, food, and transportation are all well below national averages. Travel nurses consistently find that agency stipends exceed their actual expenses by a significant margin.
Little Rock offers the highest volume of assignments, followed by the Northwest Arkansas corridor (Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers). Fort Smith and Jonesboro also have regular openings, particularly in med surg and ER.
Yes. Arkansas has a graduated state income tax with a top rate of 4.4%. While this adds a tax burden compared to no-income-tax states, the extremely low cost of living more than compensates for most travel nurses.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get travel nursing tips, agency reviews, and job alerts delivered to your inbox.
Compare Agencies in Arkansas
Find the best travel nursing agency for your next assignment with side-by-side comparisons.