Arkansas currently faces a physician shortage. As of 2024, the state ranked among the lowest in the nation in terms of per capita physician workforce. Arkansas needs to expand its physician workforce pipeline — but these healthcare providers are not created overnight.
This updated infographic outlines the multi-step journey to become a physician in Arkansas, emphasizing the extensive education and training required.
References
1 M*A*S*H* Summer Enrichment Camp. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/health-careers/high-school-students/mash/
2 ACHE welcomes MASH Camp students to explore healthcare careers through hands-on learning. Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. July 1, 2026. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://achehealth.edu/ache-welcomes-mash-camp-students-to-explore-healthcare-careers-through-hands-on-learning/
3 High school students. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/health-careers/high-school-students/
4 NYITCOM Project H.E.A.R.T. Henderson State University. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://hsu.edu/academics/aviation-science-and-nursing/henderson-nyitcom-pre-med-pathway/nyitcom-project-h.e.a.r.t/
5 Enrollment — Concurrent credit by state. ADE Data Center. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://adedata.arkansas.gov/statewide/ReportList/State/StudentCountConcurrentCredit.aspx?page=15
6 Students interested in a health career. University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://ualr.edu/cstem/interested-in-a-health-career/
7 Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, Liebolt Premedical Program. University of Arkansas. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://premed.uark.edu/index.php
8 MCAT coaching and tutoring program now accepting participants. University of Arkansas. November 14, 2022. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://news.uark.edu/articles/62627
9 Admissions requirements. Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://arcom.achehealth.edu/admissions/admissions-requirements/
10 Admissions requirements. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.alwmedschool.org/admissions/requirements
11 Apply. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://medicine.uams.edu/admissions/apply/
12 Arkansas Community Match Rural Physician Recruitment Program. Rural Health Information Hub. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/funding/3038
13 National Resident Matching Program. 2026 match results by state, specialty, and applicant type. March 20, 2026. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/2026-match-results-by-state-specialty-and-applicant-type/
14 National Resident Matching Program. 2017 match results by state, specialty, and applicant type. March 17, 2017. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2017/03/2017-match-results-by-state-specialty-and-applicant-type/
15 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Graduate medical education totals by state: academic year 2026-2027. Accessed October 5, 2026. https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Reports/Report/13
16 Arkansas Department of Health. Physician licensure information packet. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.armedicalboard.org/Professionals/pdf/MD_AppPack.pdf
17 Murphy B. DO vs. MD: How much does the medical school degree type matter? American Medical Association. April 28, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/do-vs-md-how-much-does-medical-school-degree-type-matter
18 License statistics. Arkansas Department of Health. Accessed October 5, 2026. https://armedicalboard.adh.arkansas.gov/Public/LicenseStatistics.aspx
19 Arkansas State Medical Board. Arkansas Medical Practices Act statutes and rules. August 19, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://www.armedicalboard.org/Professionals/pdf/MPA.pdf
