Below is exactly what Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Reviewed by Doug Doehrman, MD · Last reviewed April 25, 2026
Arkansas has no state-mandated topic requirements beyond the 15-hour total.
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
APRNs applying for Full Independent Practice in Arkansas must provide recent pharmacology CE
“For Full Independent Practice applications, APRNs must provide evidence of five (5) advanced pharmacology continuing education hours obtained within the last two (2) years”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Arkansas Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ANCC Contact Hour | ANCC contact hours from approved providers. National certification maintenance may fulfill CE requirements. |
Board-approved credit | Arkansas State Board of Nursing-approved continuing education activities. |
Physicians are responsible for retaining CME documentation and producing it on request. Requirements include course title, dates, hours, sponsoring organization, and accrediting body.
First-time renewal applicants may be exempt from the CE requirement for the initial renewal period.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your your license anniversary renewal.
Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.
“For Full Independent Practice applications, APRNs must provide evidence of five (5) advanced pharmacology continuing education hours obtained within the last two (2) years”ASBN APRN FIP Requirements