$35K median salary • Top employers hiring now
Arkansas's healthcare industry employs approximately 180,000 workers across a largely rural state. UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) in Little Rock serves as the academic anchor, while Baptist Health and Mercy operate extensive regional networks. The state faces significant rural health challenges with 74 of 75 counties classified as medically underserved. Healthcare represents a growing economic sector as Arkansas works to improve its 48th-ranked health status.
Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Arkansas employers.
New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.
Understanding the AR healthcare job market:
Arkansas's healthcare industry employs approximately 180,000 workers across a largely rural state. UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) in Little Rock serves as the academic anchor, while Baptist Health and Mercy operate extensive regional networks. The state faces significant rural health challenges with 74 of 75 counties classified as medically underserved. Healthcare represents a growing economic sector as Arkansas works to improve its 48th-ranked health status.
AR salary ranges by experience level:
Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas pay highest CMA wages. UAMS offers state employee benefits adding significant value beyond base salary. Faith-based systems (Baptist, Mercy) offer competitive packages. Rural facilities pay less but cost of living is extremely low—89% of national average means modest salaries stretch much further.
Arkansas healthcare features academic excellence and extensive faith-based clinic networks hiring CMAs:
60 hires/yr
Little Rock, statewide clinics
Arkansas's only academic medical center with extensive clinic network. CMAs work in specialty and primary care practices. State employee benefits including pension and tuition assistance.
75 hires/yr
Little Rock, statewide
Arkansas's largest healthcare system with extensive clinic network. CMAs staff numerous primary care and specialty practices. Faith-based mission with comprehensive benefits.
35 hires/yr
Rogers, Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas
Growing with booming Northwest Arkansas economy. Extensive clinic network serving Walmart headquarters region. CMAs benefit from competitive wages in growth market.
40 hires/yr
Little Rock, Hot Springs, statewide
Part of CommonSpirit Health national network. CMAs staff primary care and specialty clinics. Catholic mission with strong community ties.
25 hires/yr
Little Rock, Springdale
State's only pediatric hospital with clinic network. CMAs specialize in pediatric clinical skills. Nationally ranked with meaningful work and excellent benefits.
22 hires/yr
Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas
Independent community hospital with growing clinic network. University of Arkansas town with college-town culture. CMAs enjoy NW Arkansas lifestyle.
Where the jobs are in Arkansas:
| Region | Annual Openings | % of State |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock Metro | 285+ | 55% |
| Northwest Arkansas | 105+ | 20% |
| Fort Smith | 40+ | 8% |
| Jonesboro | 35+ | 7% |
| Pine Bluff | 25+ | 5% |
| Texarkana | 30+ | 6% |
“UAMS gave me state benefits I couldn't find anywhere else—pension, tuition assistance, job security. As a CMA in family medicine, I do vitals, injections, EKGs, and patient education every day. The academic environment means I'm always learning something new.”
Crystal H.
Clinical Medical Assistant
UAMS Family Medicine
Started at $30K with state benefits worth $8K+ annually. Using tuition assistance for nursing degree.
“Northwest Arkansas is exploding with growth—Walmart, Tyson, and JB Hunt are all here. Mercy's clinics can't hire CMAs fast enough. I got promoted to lead within 18 months. The clinical work is hands-on and rewarding every day.”
Brandon L.
CMA Lead
Mercy Clinic
Advanced to lead role at $40K in Arkansas's fastest-growing region.
Arkansas's healthcare industry employs approximately 180,000 workers across a largely rural state. UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) in Little Rock serves as the academic anchor, while Baptist Health and Mercy operate extensive regional networks. The state faces significant rural health challenges with 74 of 75 counties classified as medically underserved. Healthcare represents a growing economic sector as Arkansas works to improve its 48th-ranked health status.
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