Best X-Ray Tech Schools in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Key Takeaways

• The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS) is the primary accredited radiography program in Fort Smith and offers ARRT eligibility and strong clinical partnerships.
• Look for JRCERT accreditation to ensure you qualify for the ARRT certification exam in Arkansas.
• Most X-ray tech programs in the region take 21–24 months to complete and require competitive admission.
• Radiologic technologists in Arkansas earn a median annual salary of approximately $55,000–$62,000, with strong demand across regional hospitals and imaging centers.
• Choosing a school should involve comparing tuition, ARRT pass rates, clinical hours, and job placement outcomes.

Why Fort Smith Is a Strategic Place to Train as an X-Ray Tech

Fort Smith sits along the Arkansas–Oklahoma border, serving as a healthcare hub for western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Major employers such as Baptist Health–Fort Smith, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, and regional outpatient imaging centers create consistent demand for licensed radiologic technologists.

Because the city is mid-sized, students benefit from strong clinical exposure without the long waitlists common in larger metros. Training locally also helps graduates build connections that frequently lead to full-time job offers.

Best X-Ray Tech Schools in Fort Smith and Nearby

1. University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS)

Location: Fort Smith, AR
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
Accreditation: JRCERT-accredited
Program Length: Approximately 21–24 months

The UAFS Radiography Program is the leading option in Fort Smith for aspiring radiologic technologists. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive supervised clinical training at area healthcare facilities.

Why UAFS Stands Out

• Prepares graduates for the ARRT certification exam
• Structured clinical rotations in regional hospitals
• Competitive admission ensures small cohort sizes
• Strong local reputation among healthcare employers

Typical Admission Requirements

• Completion of prerequisite college coursework
• Minimum GPA requirement
• Background check and immunizations
• Selective application process

Graduates who pass the ARRT exam can apply for Arkansas state licensure and begin working as registered radiologic technologists.

Nearby Accredited Programs Worth Considering

If you are willing to commute or relocate within Arkansas, these programs also serve students from Fort Smith:

• Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus
• North Arkansas College
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock

While not all are located directly in Fort Smith, they offer alternative pathways, including bachelor's degree advancement options.

Program Comparison

SchoolDegreeAccreditationLengthClinical TrainingUAFSAAS RadiographyJRCERT21–24 MonthsLocal hospitals & imaging centersArkansas Tech–OzarkAASJRCERT2 YearsRegional clinical placementsUAMSBachelor’sJRCERTUp to 4 YearsMajor medical center rotations

What to Look for in an Accredited Radiologic Technology Program

1. JRCERT Accreditation

Accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology ensures your program meets national standards. It is essential for ARRT certification eligibility.

2. ARRT Exam Pass Rates

High first-time pass rates indicate strong academic preparation. Ask programs for their most recent five-year average.

3. Clinical Hour Requirements

Quality programs include significant hands-on imaging experience in real healthcare settings. Expect rotations in trauma imaging, fluoroscopy, mobile radiography, and surgical imaging.

4. Job Placement Support

Strong programs maintain relationships with local healthcare employers and provide resume preparation and interview training.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an X-Ray Tech in Arkansas

1. Complete high school or earn a GED. Focus on math and science coursework.
2. Enroll in a JRCERT-accredited radiography program.
3. Complete required clinical training hours.
4. Pass the ARRT certification exam.
5. Apply for Arkansas state licensure.
6. Maintain certification through continuing education.

This process typically takes about two years from program admission to licensure.

Cost and Financial Aid in Fort Smith

Tuition varies depending on residency status and program type. Community-based associate programs generally cost less than university-based bachelor’s degrees.

Financial aid options may include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Arkansas state grants
• Scholarships through UAFS
• Work-study programs
• Healthcare-specific scholarships from local hospitals

Prospective students should complete the FAFSA early and inquire about healthcare workforce incentives.

Career Outlook for Radiologic Technologists in Fort Smith, AR

Radiologic technologists in Arkansas earn a median annual wage in the mid-$50,000 range, with experienced technologists exceeding $60,000 depending on specialty and setting.

Top Employers in the Region

• Baptist Health–Fort Smith
• Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
• Outpatient diagnostic imaging centers
• Orthopedic specialty clinics

Advanced certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography can significantly increase earning potential and career advancement opportunities.

Is the UAFS Radiography Program Competitive?

Yes. Admission is selective and based on prerequisite GPA, application materials, and program capacity. Strong applicants typically:

• Maintain a competitive GPA in anatomy and physiology courses
• Demonstrate healthcare-related experience
• Apply early within the application window

Because openings are limited, early preparation is critical.

Advancement Opportunities After Graduation

After earning ARRT certification, technologists can pursue advanced modalities such as:

• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Mammography
• Interventional Radiography

Some professionals later complete bachelor’s degrees in imaging sciences or healthcare administration to move into leadership or education roles.

Choosing the Right X-Ray Tech School in Fort Smith

The best X-ray tech school for you will combine accredited training, strong clinical partnerships, competitive ARRT pass rates, and affordable tuition. For most students in Fort Smith, UAFS remains the top local choice due to its reputation, employer connections, and focused radiography curriculum.

By evaluating accreditation, clinical depth, cost, and career outcomes, you can confidently choose a program that sets you up for long-term success in Arkansas’s growing healthcare field.

Frequently Asked Questions about X-Ray Tech Schools in Fort Smith, AR

How long does it take to become an X-ray tech in Fort Smith, Arkansas?

Most accredited radiography programs near Fort Smith, including the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS), take about 21–24 months to complete once you are admitted. This includes classroom instruction, labs, and clinical rotations in local hospitals and imaging centers.

Which X-ray tech school should you choose in Fort Smith?

If you want to train and stay in Fort Smith, the main option is the JRCERT-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Radiography at UAFS. You can also look at nearby accredited programs such as Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus, North Arkansas College, or UAMS in Little Rock if you are open to commuting or relocating.

Do you need to graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program to work as an X-ray tech in Arkansas?

Yes, you should choose a JRCERT-accredited radiography program. This accreditation is the standard route to qualify for the ARRT certification exam. Passing the ARRT exam is typically required to get your Arkansas state license and work as a radiologic technologist.

How much can you earn as a radiologic technologist in Fort Smith, AR?

Radiologic technologists in Arkansas typically earn a median salary of about $55,000–$62,000 per year, depending on experience, employer, and shift. Pay can increase if you add advanced certifications in CT, MRI, or mammography and gain experience in high-demand settings like hospitals and trauma centers.

Is the UAFS radiography program hard to get into?

Admission to the UAFS radiography program is competitive. You are more likely to be accepted if you keep a strong GPA in prerequisites such as anatomy and physiology, complete all required documents on time, meet health and background check requirements, and show interest in healthcare through work or volunteer experience.

What steps do you follow to become a licensed X-ray tech in Arkansas?

You first finish high school or earn a GED, then enroll in a JRCERT-accredited radiography program such as UAFS. After you complete the program and required clinical hours, you take and pass the ARRT certification exam. You then apply for Arkansas state licensure and keep your credentials active through continuing education.