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.
Salaries in Radiology Science
In Arkansas, the average annual salary is $58,700, with the lowest 10% earning $44,210 or less and the highest 10% earning $79,580 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the differences in wages between Arkansas and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.
National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Salary | 10% Earn Less Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $73,410 | $50,020 | $102,380 |
| Arkansas | $58,700 | $44,210 | $79,580 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region
| Region | 10% Earn Less Than | 25% Earn Less Than | Median Salary | 75% Earn More Than | 10% Earn More Than |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $50,020 | $60,690 | $73,410 | $84,670 | $102,380 |
| Arkansas | $44,210 | $49,400 | $58,700 | $66,910 | $79,580 |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | $36,820 | $45,220 | $50,370 | $60,040 | $61,650 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | $44,850 | $56,460 | $63,370 | $77,310 | $82,680 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $48,130 | $49,260 | $54,640 | $64,970 | $76,160 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $38,570 | $47,020 | $54,660 | $61,320 | $75,690 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $36,080 | $47,370 | $57,310 | $75,220 | $83,970 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $46,550 | $50,860 | $60,050 | $74,220 | $81,430 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $47,950 | $58,240 | $62,940 | $76,580 | $86,080 |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | $42,120 | $50,260 | $54,920 | $61,620 | $74,310 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | $36,600 | $50,100 | $60,030 | $60,030 | $78,180 |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | $39,020 | $44,840 | $50,860 | $59,740 | $63,800 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $50,660 | $54,060 | $67,280 | $77,590 | $81,440 |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area | $38,750 | $47,220 | $56,490 | $64,380 | $76,880 |
Radiologic technologist Trends in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the average annual salary is $58,700, with the lowest 10% earning $44,210 or less and the highest 10% earning $79,580 or more. Nationally, the average salary is $73,410, with the lowest 10% earning $50,020 or less and the highest 10% earning $102,380 or more. This data highlights the differences in wages between Arkansas and the national average, and it also breaks down salaries by percentiles for further detail.
Employment Trends
| Location | Year | Employment | Projected Employment | Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 2020 | 1,990 | 2,120 | 7% | 160 |
| United States | 2022 | 222,800 | 235,000 | 6% | 13,100 |
Source of the data:
- Arkansas: data for wages here and for employment trends here.
- U.S data: Bureau of Labour Statistics
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 Nashville, Kansas City, Dallas, 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