Radiographers working in Arkansas (AR) are responsible for the operation of x ray equipment to produce diagnostic images which are used to help radiologists and physicians to diagnose and treat patients.
Radiographers in Arkansas are also referred to as radiology technologists/technicians, rad techs and x ray technicians/techs.
The below overview of the top schools in Arkansas offering programs in radiology is intended to help you find the right school near you for your needs. Please note that throughout this page we may switch between the terms radiology tech schools in Arkansas and x ray tech schools in Arkansas.
Accredited Radiology Tech Schools in Arkansas
| College | City | Degree | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | State University | Bachelor's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Baptist Health College | Little Rock | Certificate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| CHI-St. Vincent Infirmary | Little Rock | Certificate | JRCERT, ARRT |
| East Arkansas Comm College | Forrest City | ARRT | |
| National Park College | Hot Springs National Park | Associate's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| North Arkansas College | Harrison | Associate's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| South Arkansas Community College | El Dorado | Associate's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| Southeast Arkansas College | Pine Bluff | Associate's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| University of Arkansas | Fort Smith | Associate's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock | Bachelor's Degree | JRCERT, ARRT |
The above table lists all schools in Arkansas offering programs in radiography which have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) as well as any American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognised programs in Arkansas.
There are currently 8 accredited or approved radiology tech schools in Arkansas.
Arkansas Requirements to Become a Radiology Tech
1. Graduate from a radiology program at an approved or accredited school in Arkansas. Most schools will offer the option of an associates degree and employers will usually have a preference for an associates degree or higher.
2. Once you have graduated from an approved program you will need to sit and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exams which are required for licensing. If you wish to specialise in nuclear medicine technology you will need to sit and pass the specialist exams set by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB). Exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centres throughout Arkansas.
3. Once you have successfully passed the ARRT or NMTCB exams you will need to apply for a license. Licensing is mandatory if you wish to work as a radiology tech in Arkansas. You may also apply for a limited license which will allow you to perform a limited scope of x rays such as chest, dental, orthopaedic, etc.
4. Once you have found employment as a radiology tech you must keep up to date with your states continuing professional development requirements.
If you have any queries relating to licensing, certification or continuing professional development for radiology techs you can contact the Arkansas Dept of Health Radiologic Technology Licensure Program on the details below.
State Board: Arkansas Dept of Health Radiologic Technology Licensure Program
Website: https://healthy.arkansas.gov
Phone: 501-661-2301
Radiology Tech Salaries in Arkansas
| Salary | $53,130 |
| # Employed | 2,300 |
| Hourly Pay | $25.55 |
| Top 10% | $74,420 |
| Bottom 10% | $37,040 |
At $53,130, or $25.55 per hour, the average annual salary for radiologic techs in Arkansas is over 20% below the national average of $66,490 per annum for the profession.
Over the past five years salary levels for radiology techs in the state have experienced a growth of by 10.9%, or $5,240.
Salary levels within the state will vary depending on your metro area, years of experience, and place of employment.
- The bottom 10% of earners (entry-level) made just $37,040 whilst the top 10% made $74,420 per annum.
- Those located in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers had some of the highest salary levels in the state at $56,690, whilst those in Jonesboro earned some of the lowest average salaries at $48,990 per annum.
The table below shows salary levels across the major metro areas in Arkansas;
| Metro Area | Average Salary | # Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $56,690 | 380 |
| Fort Smith | $55,830 | 230 |
| Hot Springs | $52,330 | 110 |
| Jonesboro | $48,990 | 210 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $55,430 | 660 |
| Pine Bluff | $53,970 | 50 |
Radiology Tech Employment in Arkansas
There are currently 2,300 people working as radiology techs in Arkansas (2021). The employment of radiology techs in Arkansas saw a decrease of -5.7%, or -140 jobs, in the 5 year period since 2016.
Going forward the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 6% nationwide between 2021 and 2031. This is around the same as for all other professions.
Similar careers in Arkansas
The table below compares radiology tech income and employment in Arkansas with other closely related careers.
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| Radiology Tech | $53,130 | 2,300 |
| Ultrasound Tech | $66,380 | 480 |
| MRI Tech | $60,970 | 360 |
| Cardiovascular Tech | $55,940 | 430 |
| Nuclear Med Tech | $71,150 | 160 |