Arkansas Department of Health

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ASBN - Veteran

For purposes of Arkansas licensure, a Veteran is an individual who has served on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces, for any length of time, and has been honorably discharged within one (1) year from active duty.

There are several situations in which a veteran would need licensure information; each situation below identifies services available in each of these circumstances.

Situation 1:

Are you a veteran that has been discharged within one (1) year from active duty and do you already have a nursing license in Arkansas?

• If you answer no- advance to Situation 2 below.
• If you answered yes to both of the questions in Situation 1 and  you wish to renew your active Arkansas license, click here for Licensure Renewal Instructions and note the following:

Renewal Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Renewal Licensure Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active duty member of the military of the United States or a veteran within one (1) year of discharge from service?”  You will select “Yes, Veteran within one (1) year of discharge" and upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

• Certificate of Release; or
• Discharge from Active Duty form (DD214)

Support Services available in Situation 1

• Opportunity for preferential processing during issuance of license once receipt of all required documents; and
• Opportunity for waiver of renewal continuing education requirements.

Situation 2:

Are you a veteran that has been honorably discharged within one (1) year from active duty and do you already have a nursing license in another state?

• If you answer no- advance to Situation 3 below.
• If you answered yes to both of the questions in Situation 2:
  • If your designated primary state of residence (PSOR) is a compact state and you maintain that state as your PSOR, you do not need to endorse your license to Arkansas as long as your license is an active multistate license. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are not included in the NLC. Map of Participating States.
  • If your designated (PSOR) is a non-compact state and you maintain that state as your PSOR, you will need to endorse your license to Arkansas.
  • If you change your designated (PSOR) to Arkansas and you wish to apply for  licensure by endorsement in Arkansas, click here for Licensure by Endorsement Instructions and note the following:

Licensure by Endorsement: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Endorsement Application. During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active duty member of the military of the United States or a veteran within one (1) year of discharge from service?”

Please select “Yes, Veteran within one (1) year of discharge and upload supporting documents." Supporting documents include one of the following:

• Certificate of Release; or
• Discharge from Active Duty form (DD214)

Support Services available in Situation 2

• Opportunity for preferential processing during issuance of license once receipt of all required documents; and
• Opportunity for waiver of renewal continuing education requirements.

Situation 3:

Are you a recent nursing education program graduate that has not taken the licensure examination? And, are you a veteran that has been honorably discharged within one (1) year from active duty?

• If you answered yes to both of the questions in Situation 3 and you wish to apply for initial licensure by examination in Arkansas, click here for Licensure by Examination Instructions and note the following:

Licensure by Exam: Application Information

You will submit the appropriate Initial by Exam Licensure Application.  During the process of completing your application you will answer an eligibility question that asks “Are you or your spouse currently an active duty member of the military of the United States or a veteran within one (1) year of discharge from service?” Please select “Yes, Veteran within one (1) year of discharge” and upload supporting documents. Supporting documents include one of the following:

• Certificate of Release; or
• Discharge from Active Duty form (DD214)

Resources:

• NCLEX Qualified Veterans Reimbursement Program

 

Military Education and Training

Arkansas State Board of Nursing allows an individual who has graduated from one of the listed military programs, to submit application and sit for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NCLEX®. If an individual is already licensed, refer to endorsement of a license. 

• Army Practical Nurse Program
  
  Address (and satellite tracks)
  
  JBSA Fort Sam Houston
  3490 Forage Ave, Suite 225
  San Antonio, TX 78234-7585
  Contact: Wilfredo E. Rivera, MAJ, AN, Deputy Director
  silva.w.rivera.mil@mail.mil
  Phone: 210.221.5848
  Fax: 210.295.5147
  School Phone: 210.295.4395
  www.cs.amedd.army.mil
   
• Air Force Nursing Services Practical Nursing Program
  Scott Air Force Base
  901 South Dr
  Scott AFB, IL 62225
  Phone: (618) 256-4241

Support Services available in Situation 3

• Opportunity for expedited temporary permit licensure, and
• Preferential processing during issuance of a permanent license once receipt of all required documents.