Health Education and Human SciencesOctober 31, 2025

Five High-Need Health Care Careers in Arkansas

Written By: Meagan Cleveland

Healthcare is one of the most essential career fields you can pursue with many of its careers in high demand in Arkansas. 

The state has experienced a shortage of healthcare providers; the population has increased its medical needs; and rural areas present additional challenges. These obstacles have led to a high need for healthcare workers.   

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith can prepare students for careers in the healthcare field and offers five different options to pursue. According to the UAFS Health Sciences website, students can choose from programs including dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, radiography, surgical technology, LPN, EMT, or earn their master's degree in healthcare administration. Each of our programs is taught by experienced faculty in modern classrooms and laboratories with a focus on your success. 

Nursing 

Nursing careers are crucial to the healthcare system. Nurses care for patients through direct care, advocacy and emotional support, and promote health while preventing illness.  A 2023 Arkansas Hospital Association-commissioned study indicated a current shortfall of about 9,000 registered nurses in the state.   

The Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing at UAFS offers qualified students a pathway to becoming an RN either through the two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) or the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), according to the UAFS School of Nursing website. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

In 2023, the Nursing program at UAFS achieved an 87.1% NCLEX passing rate, a 94.3% completion rate, and an 87.9% employment rate. The average salary for nurses in Arkansas was $77,130 in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  

Dental Hygiene 

Dental Hygienists help prevent dental diseases through professional cleaning and educating patients on proper oral hygiene. Hygienists improve overall dental health and access to dental care. Graduates of the UAFS Dental Hygiene program serve as consumer advocates for oral health care. They are an integral part of the dental team, able to provide instruction and therapeutic services in the prevention of oral diseases.  

The median annual salary for dental hygienists in Arkansas is $83,760 as of 2024, according to the Department of Labor website.  

Since 2001, the UAFS dental hygiene program has exceeded the accreditation standards for the pass rate average on both the written national board for dental hygiene examination and the regional clinical examination. In 2023, the program saw a 100% pass rate. The UAFS Dental Hygiene program is accredited through the Commission on Dental Accreditation. 

Imaging Sciences 

Imaging Sciences provides crucial methods for diagnosing diseases and illnesses, monitoring health, and advancing understanding of the human body through noninvasive methods. The UAFS Imaging Sciences program offers an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography and a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences - diagnostic medical sonography (DMS).  

“Competitive radiography program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination in radiologic technology administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists,” states information on the UAFS website. 

The median salary for Arkansas careers in sonography was $78,600. The median salary for Arkansas careers in radiography was $60,430, according to the Department of Labor. 

Surgical Technology 

Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the safe and successful completion of surgical procedures. Surgical technologists provide support for surgical teams, keep a sterile environment, and assist in managing equipment/supplies.  

The program provides high-quality education in the field of surgical technology, preparing competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, and providing the health care consumer with highly competent and motivated practitioners, according to the UAFS Surgical Technology website.  

The average median salary for surgical technologists in Arkansas is $53,400. 

Healthcare Administration 

Healthcare administrators manage the business and administrative side of healthcare, ensuring facilities stay in compliance, run efficiently, and provide quality care. This allows doctors and nurses to focus on the needs of patients. 

Graduates of the UAFS Healthcare Administration program are equipped with the leadership, management, and strategic skills needed to succeed in hospitals, public health facilities, and other healthcare settings.  

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Arkansas median salary for healthcare administration is $110,680 with an expected job growth of 29% to increase through 2033. 

Regardless of the healthcare career chosen, Arkansas is a state with a high need for healthcare workers. If you are passionate about helping others, interested in learning more about healthcare, and want to find a career with job security, explore the Healthcare programs UAFS offers here.  

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