Arkansas boasts charming small towns, large city life, and numerous recognized hospitals and health care facilities throughout the state. Some of the jobs in the most demand for nurses include respiratory therapist technician, x-ray technicians, speech pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), surgical technologists and radiologists.

Becoming a Nurse in Arkansas

Arkansas offers students a wide variety of nursing education, from the University of Arkansas school of nursing to National Park Community College in Hot Springs. The University of Arkansas offers a wide range of nursing degrees and license programs, from the LPN/LVN to a doctoral degree in nursing. Park Community College provides students with certificates and an associate’s degree in nursing, with a specialty in surgical nursing. Another choice, the University of Central Arkansas, offers adult care, anatomy, family care and physiology options, with a BSN in nursing.

Nursing Jobs in Arkansas

Statewide, the average salary for LPN, RN and specialty nurses is $67,000 per year, depending upon degree or license earned, years in the field, expertise, and size and location of the health facility. As an example, a pediatric RN in Arkansas can earn about $62,000 per year, whereas a critical care ICU RN can earn approximately $75,000 per year. Some of the largest health care employers in this state include Baxter Regional Medical Center, located in Mountain Home; St. Joseph’s Mercy Health System, with community clinics located in Hot Springs Village, Malvern, Murfreesboro, Glenwood and Mt. Ida; and Baptist Health, with locations in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkadelphia and Heber Springs.