Arkansas Clinical Nurse Specialist License Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Arkansas
Entry-level CNS practice requires a collaborative practice agreement with a physician; full independent practice (no CPA) is available only after 6,240 hours per Ark. Code § 17-87-314 (Acts 412 of 2021 & 872 of 2023).
Prescriptive Authority: Collaborative Practice Agreement required; Schedule III-V only
1 Education Requirements
Degree Required
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Requirements
- Complete accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program
- Hold active RN license in the state
- Clinical hours as specified by program
2 National Certification
Certification Body
ANCC or AACN
Required
Yes
American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
3 Fees
Initial Licensure
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Total | $125 |
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $65 |
Continuing Education Requirements
Pharmacology: 5 hours required
Prerequisites
To become a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Arkansas, you must first hold an active RN license. Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you may hold a multistate RN license.
State Board of Nursing
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Other APRN Types in Arkansas
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 7 official sources • Last verified: June 2026