How to Become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas

Medical assistants serve as the backbone of modern health care practices, bridging the gap between administrative efficiency and patient care. In Arkansas, these versatile professionals play an essential role in clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices, ensuring smooth operations while providing compassionate support to both patients and medical staff.

Whether you're drawn to the clinical aspects of patient care or excel at organizational tasks, a career as a medical assistant offers diverse opportunities to make a meaningful impact in Arkansas's health care community. This comprehensive guide outlines the educational pathways, certification options, and career prospects available to aspiring medical assistants in the Natural State.

Key Points:  

• Approximately 4,700 medical assistants work throughout Arkansas.  
• Medical assistants in Arkansas earn an annual mean wage of $35,560.  
• Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
• Medical assistants typically launch their careers after completing postsecondary education and earning optional certifications.  

What is a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistants are vital members of health care teams, supporting physicians and other professionals in both administrative and clinical capacities. They coordinate patient check-ins, document medical histories, prepare patients for exams, and assist with minor procedures. Medical assistants can specialize in administrative tasks like billing and scheduling or clinical duties such as taking vital signs and performing basic lab work.

Core responsibilities include:  

• Recording patient histories and updating medical records  
• Managing office workflows, including appointment scheduling and billing  
• Assisting physicians with basic medical procedures and patient care  
• Communicating effectively with patients to explain procedures and provide instructions  

Successful medical assistants possess strong organizational skills, empathy, and attention to detail. They balance technical knowledge with excellent patient interaction skills, making them indispensable in health care settings.

Steps to Become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas

1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent

Aspiring medical assistants in Arkansas must first earn a high school diploma or an equivalent credential like a GED. Enrollment in formal training programs requires this foundational qualification. While no specific high school courses are mandatory, classes in biology, anatomy, health sciences, and mathematics can provide a solid foundation for medical assisting curricula.  

Arkansas high schools, particularly those participating in the Arkansas Career and Technical Education Program, may offer health sciences pathways that give students a head start in medical assisting. Interested students should explore these opportunities.

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2. Complete an Accredited Medical Assisting Program

Enrolling in an accredited medical assisting program is crucial for launching a successful career. Although certification is not mandatory in Arkansas, most employers prefer candidates who have completed accredited training. Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are highly respected and ensure eligibility for national certification exams.

Medical Assisting Program Options

• Certificate or Diploma Programs: Lasting nine to twelve months, certificate and diploma programs focus on foundational skills for entry-level positions.  
• Associate Degree Programs: Associate degrees, which take approximately two years to complete, provide a more comprehensive education that can lead to advanced roles or further studies.

Accredited Programs in Arkansas

• Arkansas Tech University (ATU) – Ozark Campus: ATU offers a CAAHEP-accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Medical Assisting. The two-year program combines online coursework, in-person lab sessions, and at least 160 hours of clinical externships.  
• Eastern College of Health Vocations: This Little Rock-based institution offers an ABHES-accredited diploma program emphasizing hands-on training for both clinical and administrative roles.  

Paying for Your Education

Investing in a medical assisting program is made easier with available financial aid. Arkansas residents can apply for the AR Futures Grant, which covers up to 100% of tuition for high-demand fields like medical assisting. Some Arkansas institutions also offer in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states, further increasing affordability.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Hands-on experience is crucial for preparing for a medical assisting career. Accredited programs typically include clinical externships or internships, allowing students to work in real-world health care settings under the supervision of experienced professionals.  

Clinical Training Opportunities in Arkansas

• Arkansas Tech University students complete externships at facilities like Mercy Medical Clinics, Russellville Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic, and Johnson Regional Medical Center.  
• Many medical assisting programs collaborate with local health care providers to offer placements in outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices.

For those not enrolled in programs with externships, volunteering or job shadowing at local health care facilities can provide valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities enhance practical skills and help build connections within the health care community.

4. Obtain Certification

Arkansas does not require certification for medical assistants, but earning a credential can significantly boost employability and demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence. The most widely recognized certifications include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the CMA credential is highly respected by employers nationwide.  
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): Offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT), the RMA credential is available to graduates of accredited programs or those with relevant work experience.  
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): Through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the CCMA certification emphasizes clinical skills like taking vital signs and assisting with procedures.  
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA): Provided by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the NCMA certification is available to Arkansas candidates meeting education or experience requirements.  

The CMA (AAMA) credential is particularly popular in Arkansas due to its rigorous standards and employer recognition. PSI Services LLC operates testing centers throughout the state that administer certification exams. Exam fees range from approximately $100 to $250, with discounts available for students or association members.

5. Launch Your Medical Assisting Career

After completing your education and obtaining certification, you'll be ready to join Arkansas's growing medical assisting workforce. The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow by 16% by 2031, reflecting the increasing need for preventive and outpatient care.  

Major Employers in Arkansas

• CHI St. Vincent Health System: A large network of hospitals, clinics, and specialty care facilities  
• Baptist Health: One of Arkansas's largest health care providers, offering diverse medical assistant roles  
• Mercy Medical Clinics: Provides both administrative and clinical opportunities  
• Healthy Connections: A network of federally qualified health centers serving urban and rural areas  

Medical assistants in Arkansas typically work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or physician offices. The average annual salary for medical assistants in the state is $35,560, with experienced professionals earning up to $41,600. Urban areas like Little Rock and Fayetteville often offer higher wages compared to rural regions.

6. Maintain Certification and Advance Your Career

To remain certified, medical assistants must fulfill continuing education requirements. The CMA (AAMA) credential, for example, requires 60 continuing education units (CEUs) every five years. CEUs must include coursework in clinical, administrative, and general medical topics.  

Continuing Education Resources in Arkansas

• Arkansas State Society of Medical Assistants (ASSMA): Offers workshops and networking events to help professionals stay current in their field  
• Arkansas Rural Health Partnership (ARHP): Provides training and resources tailored to health care workers in rural areas  

For those seeking career advancement, additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical billing can lead to specialized roles or higher salaries.

Conclusion

Becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas offers strong job growth, competitive wages, and meaningful work in the health care industry. Completing an accredited program, gaining practical experience, and obtaining certification positions you for success in this rewarding field. With continued professional development, medical assistants in Arkansas can achieve long-term career growth and make a positive impact on their communities.

Licensure in Arkansas

Medical assistants in Arkansas are not required to obtain state licensure. However, many employers prefer or require national certification. Certification exams typically cost between $100 and $250. For more information, explore state-specific medical assistant requirements.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Arkansas?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assistants in Arkansas earn an average hourly wage of $17.10, equating to an annual mean salary of $35,560. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and additional certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Arkansas?
Certificate or diploma programs typically take around one year, while associate degree programs require two years.

What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?
Accelerated programs can allow students to complete training in four to six months, depending on their schedule and dedication.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?
CMAs (Certified Medical Assistants) often earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants due to their additional credentials and demonstrated expertise.

How much does a certified medical assistant get paid in Arkansas?
Certified medical assistants in Arkansas can expect to earn salaries on the higher end of the state's average range, which is $35,560 annually. Experience and location also influence earning potential.

Starting Your Medical Assistant Journey in Arkansas

Medical assisting combines the satisfaction of direct patient care with the stability of an in-demand profession. The role offers diverse opportunities to work in various health care settings, from small private practices to large medical centers, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your career goals and work-life preferences. Whether you're drawn to the clinical aspects of patient care or the organizational challenges of medical office management, this career path provides room for specialization and growth.

Ready to take the first step? Explore accredited medical assistant programs in Arkansas to find the training program that aligns with your schedule, budget, and career aspirations. Each program offers unique advantages, from flexible scheduling to hands-on clinical experience, helping you build the foundation for a rewarding career in health care.