If a career as a medical assistant in Arkansas (AR) is of interest to you then you will be happy to know that the demand for medical assistants has been steadily on the increase over the last decade and is projected to grow by a further 29% over the coming years. This is much faster than average when compared with other roles in the healthcare industry.
If you wish to pursue a career as a medical assistant in Arkansas you will need to first complete a high school diploma. In order to become fully certified (CMA) you will also need to have graduated from an accredited medical assistant school.
Certification is not essential in Arkansas but it is generally preferred by employers.
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Arkansas
Medical assistant schools in Arkansas are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
There is currently only one such accredited school in Arkansas.
| College | Metro Area | Qualification | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville | Associates Degree | CAAHEP |
Medical assistant schools in neighbouring states: Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi
Medical Assistant Certification Requirements Arkansas
Medical assistant certification (CMA) in Arkansas is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification is granted following the successful completion of certification exams.
Only graduates of accredited MA programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exams. Applicants are also typically required to complete an unpaid internship as part of the certification process.
Certification is not essential in Arkansas but it will certainly enhance a candidate’s employment and career prospects.
Medical Assistant Salary in Arkansas
| Average Salary | $30,010 |
| Hourly Wage | $14.43 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $38,720 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $21,730 |
| #'s Employed | 3,290 |
According to the most recent Bureau for Labor Statistics data there are currently 3,290 people employed as MAs in Arkansas with an average salary of $30,010.
This equates to $14.43 per hour and is 10.6% below the national average.
The top 10% of earners for the career in Arkansas have an annual income of $38,720 whilst the bottom 10% earned $21,730.
Salary and Employment Data for main cities in Arkansas
| Area | Salary | Hourly Wage | # Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $31,170 | $14.98 | 710 |
| Fort Smith | $27,170 | $13.06 | 170 |
| Hot Springs | $28,210 | $13.56 | 100 |
| Jonesboro | $26,340 | $12.66 | 120 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $30,830 | $14.82 | 1,490 |
| Pine Bluff | $29,070 | $13.98 | 90 |
Related Healthcare Careers in Arkansas
Medical assistants in Arkansas earn 25.2% more than nursing assistants there and slightly more than emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
View the table below for more detailed career comparisons.
| Salary | # Employed | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | $30,010 | 3,290 |
| Nursing Assistant | $23,970 | 18,040 |
| EMT | $29,850 | 2,400 |
| Home Health Aide | $21,370 | 7270 |
| Surgical Tech | $40,960 | 1,120 |
| Dental Assistant | $33,860 | 2,750 |
| Physician Assistant | $82,050 | 500 |