PCT EXTERNSHIP
Patient Care Technician Externship in Arkansas
Your complete guide to arranging a self-managed 100-hour externship across The Natural State. Build clinical skills, employer connections, and a pathway to employment.
100
Hours Required
4-8
Weeks Typical
88
AR Hospitals
1,200+
Annual Openings
Self
Managed
Who this training is for
Ideal for candidates with prior PCT clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Arkansas employers.
New to the field? If you have no prior experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship to build hands-on confidence needed to complete the program and prepare to challenge the AMCA PCTC.
Externship Disclaimer
EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site at a hospital or healthcare facility. EHired provides state-specific resources and guidance, but placement is not guaranteed.
What is a PCT Externship?
A Patient Care Technician externship is a 100-hour hands-on clinical experience where you apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings. During your externship in Arkansas, you'll work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in hospitals, dialysis centers, or long-term care facilities.
Hospital Settings
Medical-surgical units, emergency departments, ICUs, and specialty floors at major Arkansas health systems.
Dialysis Centers
DaVita and Fresenius operate dialysis centers across Arkansas, offering specialized renal care experience.
Long-Term Care
Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers throughout Arkansas provide extended patient care opportunities.
PCT Externship Sites in Arkansas
Explore potential externship locations across four regions of The Natural State
Little Rock Metro (Pulaski, Saline)
State capital with UAMS Medical Center (academic medical center) and Baptist Health Little Rock. Highest concentration of healthcare jobs in Arkansas.
Hospitals: UAMS Medical Center, Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, CHI St. Vincent, Arkansas Children's Hospital
Dialysis: DaVita (10+ centers), Fresenius (8+ centers) in Central Arkansas
Long-Term Care: Major LTC presence; Arkansas Health Center, NHC Healthcare, Baptist Health Extended Care
💡 Tip: UAMS is Arkansas's only academic medical center—excellent for students seeking teaching hospital experience.
Northwest Arkansas (Benton, Washington Counties)
Fastest-growing region in Arkansas with Mercy Northwest Arkansas and Washington Regional. Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt headquarters drive population growth.
Hospitals: Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Washington Regional Medical Center, Northwest Health (Springdale, Bentonville)
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Northwest Arkansas locations
Long-Term Care: Growing LTC sector serving expanding population
💡 Tip: NWA is booming—less established healthcare workforce means more extern opportunities.
Fort Smith/River Valley (Sebastian, Crawford)
Western Arkansas with Mercy Fort Smith and Baptist Health Fort Smith serving the River Valley region.
Hospitals: Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Baptist Health-Fort Smith, Sparks Health System
Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius Fort Smith area locations
Long-Term Care: River Valley nursing facilities; Arkansas Valley, River Valley Health & Rehab
💡 Tip: Fort Smith is a mid-sized market—easier to build relationships with hiring managers.
Northeast/Delta Arkansas (Craighead, Jefferson)
Agricultural region with St. Bernards Medical Center (Jonesboro) and Jefferson Regional Medical Center (Pine Bluff).
Hospitals: St. Bernards Medical Center, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Dialysis: Limited dialysis presence—DaVita and Fresenius scattered locations
Long-Term Care: Rural nursing homes serving aging agricultural communities
💡 Tip: Rural Arkansas has significant healthcare worker shortages—strong job prospects.
What You'll Learn During Your Externship
Clinical Skills
- • Vital signs measurement and documentation
- • Patient positioning and transfers
- • Basic wound care and dressing changes
- • Specimen collection procedures
- • EKG electrode placement
Professional Development
- • Healthcare team communication
- • Electronic health records (EHR)
- • HIPAA compliance in practice
- • Infection control protocols
- • Patient advocacy skills
Ready to Start Your PCT Career in Arkansas?
Free to enroll. Free to learn. Pay only when you're ready to certify.
No credit card required • No FAFSA • No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PCT externships in Arkansas: