CertOutlook

Medical Assistant in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$37,150
trending_down -16.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering
4,990

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$120

Licensing fees

schedule
4-24 months (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in Arkansas

To become a Medical Assistant in Arkansas, individuals are not required to obtain a state license from the Arkansas State Medical Board. However, employers strongly prefer and often require graduation from an accredited medical assisting program and national certification. Key steps include completing a high school diploma or GED, enrolling in an accredited medical assisting program (typically 4-24 months), and passing a national certification exam such as the CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA). While there is no state reciprocity for licensure, national certifications are widely recognized.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,620
25th percentile $34,910
50th (median) $37,150
75th percentile $40,140
90th (experienced) $45,750

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Arkansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing bodyArkansas State Medical Board
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited medical assisting program is strongly preferred by employers and may be required for national certification.
ExamNational certification exams (e.g., CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA)) are not state-mandated but are industry standard. ($120)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMedical assistants in Arkansas are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Some programs may have age requirements (e.g., over 18), background checks, and health screenings.

Source: Arkansas State Medical Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
112,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
811,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 0.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a medical assistant career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a medical assistant in Arkansas? expand_more
To become a medical assistant in Arkansas, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of an accredited medical assisting program is strongly preferred by employers and may be required for national certification.), and pass the National certification exams (e.g., CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA)) are not state-mandated but are industry standard..
Can I work as a medical assistant in Arkansas without a license? expand_more
Arkansas does not require a state license for medical assistants. Note: Medical assistants in Arkansas are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Some programs may have age requirements (e.g., over 18), background checks, and health screenings.
How much do medical assistants make in Arkansas? expand_more
The median medical assistant salary in Arkansas is $37,150 per year. — 16% under the $44,200 national average. New medical assistants start around $30,620; seasoned professionals can reach $45,750.
What are the fees to become a medical assistant in Arkansas? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($120) and required training.
How many months or years does medical assistant certification take in Arkansas? expand_more
In Arkansas, becoming a medical assistant generally takes 4-24 months (program dependent), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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