Start a Career in Radiology in Arkansas

Radiologic technology is a growing field, and it is expected to continue trending upward as the population of the United States grows and ages. Nonetheless, the number of qualified professionals working in this field has been declining, and in Arkansas, the decline has been slightly more rapid than it has been nationwide.

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Consequently, this is a great time to find a job in radiology science in the Natural State with a competitive salary. Arkansas is also a great place to train in radiology, with programs at respected institutions offering everything from radiography certificates to master’s degrees in radiology science.

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Salaries in Radiology Science

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in radiology science in Arkansas can earn an average annual salary of $48,680.

The state average is more than 20 percent below the current estimate of approximately $61,370 per year for radiologic technologists nationwide, while the average cost of the living index here is only 84.4 — more than 15 percent below the national average of 100.  More information on Rad Tech salaries in Arkansas.

Arkansas Radiologic Technologists Requirements

To work in radiology science in Arkansas, individuals must be licensed through a state exam or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Arkansas does have a reciprocity agreement with several states, allowing practitioners who are registered in Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia to practice in Arkansas, and vice versa.

Additional requirements include a Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMCBT) license to practice nuclear medicine, and a Limited Specialty License for those with a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential to practice cardiovascular radiography.

Radiologic Technology Schools in Arkansas

University of Arkansas: There are two paths in radiology science available at the University of Arkansas. The first is an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography (Radiologic Technology) offered through the Fort Smith campus. The second is a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences (BSIS) degree offered through their Diagnostic Medical Sonography program. This degree is intended for registered radiographers who want to expand their career opportunities.

Arkansas State University: Arkansas State University in Jonesboro offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (B.S.R.S.) degree. The program includes specialties in Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology (CVI), MRI, Mammography/Breast Ultrasound, Medical Imaging Informatics, Radiation Therapy, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

University of Central Arkansas: The University of Central Arkansas in Conway in cooperation with Baptist Health College Little Rock and St. Vincent Systems offers a Bachelor of Science in Radiography degree. Applicants must first be admitted to UCA, and maintain a 2.5 GPA to be eligible for selection to the radiography program.

Other Radiologic Technology Programs Options to Consider

National Park Community College in Hot Springs National Park and North Arkansas College in Harrison both offer Associate of Applied Science in Radiography degrees on small campuses in areas with great natural beauty. Hot Springs is the 11th largest city in the state, making it a good place to look for employment following graduation and licensing.

Baptist Health College in Little Rock offers two tracks in Radiography. A Bachelor of Science degree may be obtained with just two years of study through the University of Central Arkansas, or Henderson State University, both of which are affiliated with the college. Non-degree-seeking students wishing to enter the program must have an associate’s degree from a regionally accredited college with the required prerequisites. Baptist Health is a good option for individuals who want a fast track to a Bachelor’s degree or are looking for exposure to potential employers in the state’s largest city.

Out of state, there are some solid options in NashvilleKansas CityDallas, and Houston. Continuous accreditation status is an important factor to consider when applying for any program, which can be verified on the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology’s website.

Large Employers in Radiology

The large hospitals and clinics that employ significant numbers of radiologic technologists are somewhat concentrated in the capital city of Little Rock. However, there are several examples of large employers elsewhere listed here, and smaller clinics in less densely populated areas will also have limited positions for technologists.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
4301 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
501-686-7000

St. Vincent Infirmary, Little Rock
Two St Vincent Circle
Little Rock, AR 72205-5499
(501) 552-3000

Arkansas Heart Hospital, Little Rock
1701 South Shackleford Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72211
501-219-7000

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, Jonesboro
3024 Stadium Blvd.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
870-972-7000

Mercy Hot Springs Arkansas, Hot Springs
300 Werner Street
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913
501-622-1000

Professional Organizations

The Arkansas Society of Radiologic Technologists (ARSRT), the state chapter of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, is a great resource for new and continuing technologists. They permit employers to post free job postings via their website, and also provide information about licensure.

 

JRCERT Accredited Radiography Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas State University – Radiation Therapy

2713 Pawnee, Jonesboro AR 72401

Tel: (870) 972-3073

Program Name: Radiation Therapy

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 9 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 67%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 89%  Job Placement Rate: 95%

Tuition Fees: $10,401 Resident, $10,500 Non-resident

Arkansas State University – Radiography

P.O. Box 910, State University AR 72467-0069

Tel: (870) 972-3073

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 82 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 85%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 82%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $8,050 Resident, $8,000 Non-resident

Arkansas State University – Magnetic Resonance

P.O. Box 910, State University AR 72467

Tel: (870) 972-2772

Program Name: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Program Type: Bachelor of Radiologic Science

Duration: 20 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 71%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 93%  Job Placement Rate: 97%

Tuition Fees: $11,719

Baptist Health College Little Rock – Radiography

11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock AR 72015

Tel: (501) 202-7468

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 30 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 94.6%

Tuition Fees: $7,492 Resident, $7,492 Non-resident

Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI) – Radiation Therapy

4 Saint Vincent Circle, Little Rock AR 72215

Tel: (501) 660-7621

Program Name: Radiation Therapy

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 12 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 100%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $3,500 Resident, $3,500 Non-resident

CHI-St. Vincent Infirmary – Radiography

Two St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock AR 72205-5499

Tel: (501) 552-2971

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Certificate

Duration: 35 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 97%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $7,500 Resident, $7,500 Non-resident

National Park College – Radiography

101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park AR 71913

Tel: (501) 760-4285

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 42 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 64%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 79.4%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $3,510 Resident, $4,050 Non-resident

North Arkansas College – Radiography

1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison AR 72601

Tel: (870) 391-3319

Program Name: Radiological Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 40 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 80%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 76%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $3,792 Resident, $5,836 Non-resident

South Arkansas Community College – Radiography

311 S. West Avenue, El Dorado AR 71730-7010

Tel: (870) 875-7226

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 24 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 83.3%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 90%  Job Placement Rate: 90%

Tuition Fees: $2,738 Resident, $5,624 Non-resident

Southeast Arkansas College – Radiography

1900 South Hazel Street, Pine Bluff AR 71603

Tel: (870) 543-5941

Program Name: Radiologic Technology

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 30 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 62%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 100%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $4,500 Resident, $9,000 Non-resident

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith – Radiography

5210 Grand Avenue – P.O. Box 3649, Ft. Smith AR 72913-3649

Tel: (479) 788-7845

Program Name: Radiography

Program Type: Associate of Applied Science

Duration: 40 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 95%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 99%  Job Placement Rate: 100%

Tuition Fees: $5,425 Resident, $12,555 Non-resident

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Radiography

4301 West Markham – Slot 563, Little Rock AR 72205

Tel: (501) 686-6511

Program Name: Radiologic Imaging Sciences

Program Type: Bachelor of Science

Duration: 85 months

Program Effectiveness: Completion Rate: 87%  Credential Examination Pass Rate: 87.5%  Job Placement Rate: 98%

Tuition Fees: $7,840 Resident, $12,972 Non-resident