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There is currently a high demand for skilled medical workers across the country, including in Arkansas.
One of the most in-demand career fields currently is patient care technician jobs.
These workers are essential for providing personalized care and basic services to patients under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Anyone interested in becoming a patient care technician in Arkansas should learn more about the salary projections and educational opportunities available in the state.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Patient Care Technician in Arkansas
5 Patient Care Technician Schools in Arkansas
Individuals who wish to become patient care technician technicians in Arkansas have several training programs and schools to choose from in the state.
These top five options offer various flexible learning options that include hybrid classes, in-person courses, and online school.
1. Arkansas College of Health Careers
This in-person comprehensive four-week training program is designed to provide students with the skills and education necessary to become patient care technicians in Arkansas.
The cost of tuition is $2,600.
The location of the college campus is 9714 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205.
The phone number for the admissions office is 501-319-7573.
2. Baptist Health College Little Rock
This comprehensive in-person program provides plenty of hands-on training and education to become a patient care technician in Arkansas.
These classes last for 22 weeks and meet four days per week.
The annual cost for tuition at the school is approximately $11,750.
The location of the school’s campus is 11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210.
The phone number for the admissions offices is 501-202-6200.
3. Northwest Arkansas Community College
Individuals who want to receive a quality patient care technician education online should consider enrolling in this program.
This comprehensive one-year course requires 300 hours of educational training and hands-on experience.
The tuition for the school is $2,495.
The school’s location is 1 College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712.
The phone number for the admissions office is 9513874243.
4. Arkansas State University
Individuals who want to study in a university environment with comprehensive hands-on training can enroll in this one-semester program to get the essential skills and education necessary to become a patient care technician in Arkansas.
The tuition for this university is $100 per credit hour.
The location of the university campus is 2105 East, Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401.
The phone number for the admissions office is 870-972-2100.
5. NPS
This online training option for Arkansas residents offers a comprehensive online patient care technician certificate.
The cost of this online course is $150.
The location of the main office is 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1025, Washington DC 20006.
The phone number for the admissions offices is 866-319-7052.
Patient Care Technician Schools in Arkansas – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas College of Health Careers | 9714 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | 11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210 |
| Northwest Arkansas Community College | 1 College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712 |
| Arkansas State University | 2105 East, Aggie Road, Jonesboro, AR 72401 |
| NPS | 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 1025, Washington DC 20006. |
Salary for Patient Care Technicians in Arkansas
The average salary for a patient care technician in Arkansas is $34,529 annually.
More experienced patient care technicians may make well over $40,000 per year depending on several factors, including the location of the job, any specialty they may possess, and length of experience.
The salary for a PCT may also vary depending on the state where the individual resides.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $31,954 |
| Fort Smith | $30,161 |
| North Little Rock | $31,954 |
| Fayetteville | $31,422 |
| Jonesboro | $31,757 |
| Pine Bluff | $30,904 |
| Springdale | $31,422 |
| Conway | $31,643 |
| Rogers | $31,236 |
| Texarkana | $31,470 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 2,170 | $31,580 | $15.18 | $35,620 | $25,710 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 1,480 | $29,630 | $14.24 | $34,530 | $24,780 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 790 | $28,640 | $13.77 | $33,290 | $25,790 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 810 | $30,270 | $14.56 | $36,440 | $24,640 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 4,480 | $31,390 | $15.09 | $34,860 | $28,070 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 440 | $28,960 | $13.92 | $33,860 | $24,980 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do patient care technicians need to retest once they pass the national nurses' aid exam?
Depending on the state and the employer, an individual may need to retake the exam every two years.
Make sure to research the ongoing educational requirements for becoming a patient care technician in Arkansas.
Most schools and programs can provide assistance or instruction for prospective students to ensure they understand the requirements and expectations of the job.
Some employers may require some ongoing education separate from studying for and retaking the nurses’ aid exam.
Once this information is entered into the system, it is accessible by the employer and to any state where the candidate applies.
How long does it take to pass a patient care technician training program?
The amount of time it takes to successfully complete patient care technician training depends on the program or school, and the individual enrolled.
Some programs only last for 20 weeks, while others may last for an entire semester or longer.
The online curriculum versus the in-person curriculum can be vastly different and contain different curricula and areas of study.
Be sure to find out how long the patient care technician training course lasts and which curriculums they offer to ensure you get the best training and education for the money.
What are the requirements to become a patient care technician in Arkansas?
A few requirements must be met to qualify to become a patient care technician in Arkansas.
Some prerequisites for enrolling in a program or classes include being at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED.
Individuals must also have certain vaccinations and a clean background check. Some institutions may require additional prerequisites.
Once an individual enrolls in a program, they must pass with a specific score.
Once they complete their training program successfully, they must pass the national nurses’ aide exam.
Before enrolling in a program, get a checklist of prerequisites that the school or program requests to ensure you can fulfill obligations before classes begin.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Patient Care Technician
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PCT Schools by State