Arkansas, known for being The Land of Opportunity, offers an assorted composition of geography. Though its earliest industries were predominantly in fur trading and agriculture, Arkansas’ economy has continued to diversify and has now grown to include a large health care industry. The state is home to the University of Arkansas for Medical Science, which is composed of two divisions that have ranked highly on a national level. These two divisions are the UAMS Medical Center, which ranked in performance in cancer and nephrology, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, which has a strong wing in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery. There were 460 total diagnostic medical sonographers employed in 2013 in Arkansas.
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arkansas is lower than the national median average, but this is possibly because the cost of living in Arkansas is lower. For ultrasound technicians in Arkansas, total employment is expected to grow upwards, with a 23% increase between 2010 and 2020.
Certification Requirements in Arkansas
Although certification is not required for employment in Arkansas, those interested in becoming an ultrasound technician still have the option of enrolling in school to obtain a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educating Programs (CAAHEP) offers 3 accredited programs available in Arkansas. Those who would like to become licensed may do so under the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Ultrasound Technician Salary in Arkansas
The median annual salary earned by ultrasound technician in Arkansas was $56,000 in 2013 compared to the national median of $66,400. Ultrasound technicians in Arkansas who earned in the top 10% of workers averaged an annual salary of $77,300; while those in the bottom 10% earned $33,700. In the same year, technicians earned a median hourly wage of $26.92.
Between 2010 and 2020, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services estimates a 23% growth in total employment, with 440 total ultrasound technicians employed by 2020. Net replacement and growth are also projected to open 10 jobs annually.
Arkansas Diagnostic Medical Sonographers Salary by Local Area:
| Local Area | Median Hourly Wage | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (all) | $26.92 | $56,000 |
| Fayetteville – Springdale – Rogers, AR | $27.88 | $58,000 |
| Fort Smith, AR | $26.49 | $55,100 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $26.95 | $56,100 |
| Little Rock – North Little Rock – Conway, AR | $28.74 | $59,800 |
| Texarkana, TX | $26.87 | $55,900 |
Source: Arkansas Data Analysis (2013)
Recommended Schools in Arkansas
More Ultrasound Technician Schools in Arkansas
Other schools that offer programs for future ultrasound technicians include:
| School Name | School Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Main Campus | 2105 E. Aggie Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 |