Best Medical Assistant Programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Arkansas Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

Arkansas
Arkansas Median Pay $37,150 $17.86 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas

In and around Fort Smith, medical assistants keep clinics moving—taking vitals and blood pressure, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups. Nearby programs combine practical labs with on‑site externships across local specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups, hospital outpatient departments so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use this guide to compare certificate, diploma, and associate tracks near Fort Smith, map out externships across Fort Smith clinics and regional health systems, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and explore opportunities across the Natural State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Fort Smith, Arkansas:

Medical Assistant Training near Fort Smith

#1

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK 51.8 miles away

Located in Tahlequah, OK Northeastern State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR 69.7 miles away

Located in Russellville, AR Arkansas Tech University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 5,993 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $8,508
  • Out-of-state tuition: $14,502
Contact
  • Administration Bldg 200, 1509 N Boulder Ave Russellville, AR 72801-2222
  • (479) 968-0389

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester

McAlester, OK 83 miles away

Located in McAlester, OK Kiamichi Technology Center-McAlester is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

De Queen, AR 90.6 miles away

Located in De Queen, AR Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Green Country Technology Center

Okmulgee, OK 91.1 miles away

Located in Okmulgee, OK Green Country Technology Center is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Carpenter, and Carpentry.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in Arkansas

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

Arkansas Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • Arkansas

Median Pay (2024) $37,150 $17.86 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$38,060 per year $18.30 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $30,620

$14.72 per hour

25th Percentile $34,910

$16.78 per hour

75th Percentile $40,140

$19.30 per hour

90th Percentile $45,750

$22.00 per hour

Arkansas vs U.S.

Median Wage -16.0%
$37,150

$17.86 per hour

Mean Wage -14.9%
$38,060

$18.30 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 4,990

Employment: 4,990 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
3.87
Employment RSE
5.2%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
4,990 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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