Comprehensive guide to Arkansas's healthcare facilities including major medical centers, teaching hospitals, rural facilities, trauma centers, and specialized care across all 75 counties.
Arkansas features several nationally recognized hospitals providing world-class care in specialties ranging from cancer treatment to pediatric care.
📍 Little Rock
Arkansas's only adult Level 1 Trauma Center and premier teaching hospital. Designated Best Hospital in Little Rock metropolitan area by U.S. News & World Report 2024-2025. High-performing in 9 specialties and procedures including cancer care (top 10% nationally), heart care, and colorectal surgery.
📞 Contact: (501) 686-7000
🚑 Emergency: (501) 526-2000
📅 Appointments: (501) 686-8000
📍 Address: 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205
📍 Little Rock
Arkansas's only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. Nationally ranked in 7 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026. Features one of only two burn units in the United States treating both pediatric and adult patients.
📞 Main: (501) 364-1100
📞 Pediatrics: (501) 364-1202
📞 Specialty Care: (501) 364-4000
📍 Address: 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202
📍 Fayetteville
Ranked #1 hospital in Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report. Northwest Arkansas's only not-for-profit, community-owned and locally governed healthcare system. Recognized for Patient Safety Excellence, Pulmonary Care Excellence, and more.
📍 Address: Fayetteville, AR
Region: Northwest Arkansas
📍 Little Rock
600-bed faith-based not-for-profit hospital serving all 75 Arkansas counties. Level II trauma center nationally recognized by U.S. News for heart care, colorectal surgery, joint replacement, and stroke care.
📍 Address: 2 Saint Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR
Network: CHI St. Vincent Health System
📍 Little Rock
Major healthcare provider recognized nationally for surgical safety and stroke-care quality by American Heart Association. Part of Baptist Health system with facilities across Central Arkansas.
Region: Central Arkansas
Visit Website📍 Little Rock
Arkansas's only specialty hospital dedicated exclusively to cardiovascular care. Provides comprehensive cardiac services including diagnostics, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Arkansas teaching hospitals partner with the state's medical schools to train the next generation of physicians through residency and fellowship programs.
Total Arkansas Residency Programs: 54 programs across various specialties
Arkansas trauma centers provide critical life-saving care for severe injuries and medical emergencies.
Level 1 trauma centers provide the highest level of surgical care for trauma patients, with 24/7 availability of specialized surgeons and resources.
Level 2 and 3 trauma centers provide essential trauma care, stabilization, and transfer capabilities for critical patients.
Arkansas provides specialized pediatric care through dedicated children's hospitals and pediatric departments.
1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202
Arkansas's premier pediatric hospital with national rankings in 7 specialties. Full-service children's hospital with Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and comprehensive care.
Clinics: Multiple locations including West Little Rock and Southwest Little Rock
Springdale, AR
Full-service pediatric facility serving Northwest Arkansas with emergency care, specialty clinics, and primary care services. Extension of Arkansas Children's Hospital system bringing pediatric expertise to Northwest Arkansas.
The Little Rock metro area (including North Little Rock and surrounding counties) serves as Arkansas's medical hub with the state's largest concentration of hospitals and medical facilities.
Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale region) features a robust healthcare system serving the state's fastest-growing region.
Washington Regional is the only not-for-profit, community-owned and locally governed healthcare system in Northwest Arkansas.
Future home of Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (opening 2025 with waived tuition).
Comprehensive directory of hospitals across Arkansas's largest cities and regions.
Fort Smith is home to Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM).
Home to New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine campus.
Arkansas's rural healthcare system serves the 39.2% of the state's population (1.19 million people) living in non-metro areas. Critical Access Hospitals play a vital role in providing care to rural communities.
Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) provide essential healthcare services to rural residents throughout Arkansas. Established to aid in continuation of rural healthcare services.
Arkansas has 5 Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH) - a newer designation providing emergency and outpatient services without inpatient beds.
Founded in 2008, the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership strengthens rural healthcare through collaboration and shared resources.
North Arkansas:
East Arkansas:
West Arkansas:
South Arkansas:
Arkansas specialty hospitals focus on specific types of care including cardiac, surgical, rehabilitation, and long-term acute care services.
Essential information for patients and visitors navigating Arkansas hospitals.
Call ahead to confirm current visitor policies, especially for ICU and pediatric units.
Call 911 for:
Emergency Department Tips:
Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville is ranked #1 in Arkansas by U.S. News & World Report. However, "best" depends on your specific needs:
For specialized care or complex conditions, UAMS Medical Center serves as the state's premier academic medical center with 65 residency/fellowship programs and high-performing rankings in 9 specialties.
Arkansas has two Level 1 Trauma Centers, both located in Little Rock:
1. UAMS Medical Center - Adult Level 1 Trauma Center
2. Arkansas Children's Hospital - Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center
Other trauma centers: CHI St. Vincent Infirmary (Little Rock) is a Level 2 Trauma Center, and Baxter Health (Mountain Home) is a Level 3 Trauma Center. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 - EMS can arrange helicopter transport to appropriate trauma centers.
Arkansas has 108+ hospitals statewide, including:
By region:
According to Cause IQ, Arkansas has 94 hospitals and primary care medical facilities. The Arkansas Department of Health maintains an official facilities list covering all 75 counties. About 39.2% of Arkansas's population (1.19 million people) live in rural areas served by these facilities.
Arkansas's largest hospital systems include:
1. UAMS Health (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)
2. CHI St. Vincent (CommonSpirit Health)
3. Baptist Health
4. Northwest Health
5. Arkansas Children's
Other Major Systems:
Yes, Arkansas has two full-service children's hospitals operated by Arkansas Children's healthcare system:
Arkansas Children's Hospital - Little Rock
Arkansas Children's Northwest - Springdale
Additional pediatric services: Arkansas Children's operates multiple clinic locations including West Little Rock Clinic and Southwest Little Rock Clinic, providing convenient access to both primary and specialty pediatric care throughout Central and Northwest Arkansas.
The hospitals provide comprehensive pediatric care from newborn through age 17, with services including emergency care, surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, and outpatient specialty clinics.
Arkansas has an extensive rural healthcare network serving 39.2% of the state's population (1.19 million people) in non-metro areas:
28 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)
Small hospitals (up to 25 beds) located at least 35 miles from other hospitals, providing emergency care, primary care, and short-term hospitalization. Examples include:
5 Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH)
Newer designation providing 24/7 emergency and outpatient services without inpatient beds, offering sustainable rural emergency care model.
Arkansas Rural Health Partnership
⚠️ Rural Hospital Challenges: About 50% of rural hospitals in Arkansas are vulnerable to closure (highest percentage in the nation). However, state and federal initiatives are working to support rural healthcare:
Important: Rural hospitals often operate with limited hours or by appointment. Always call ahead (Arkansas area codes: 501, 479, 870) to verify hours and services before visiting.
Arkansas has three medical schools with a fourth opening in 2025, partnering with teaching hospitals statewide:
Medical Schools:
Primary Teaching Hospitals - Little Rock:
Northwest Arkansas Teaching Sites:
Regional Teaching Affiliations:
Residency Programs: Arkansas has 54 total residency programs across various specialties. UAMS is the largest with 65 ACGME-accredited programs. Recent expansion includes 22 new family medicine residency positions in South Arkansas (funded 2025) to improve physician recruitment in rural areas.
The teaching hospital network ensures medical students and residents gain clinical experience across urban, suburban, and rural settings throughout Arkansas.
Choosing the right hospital depends on your specific healthcare needs, location, and insurance coverage:
For Emergency/Trauma Care:
For Specialized Care:
By Geographic Location:
Insurance & Financial Considerations:
Quality Indicators to Consider:
Tip: For non-emergency situations, consult your primary care physician for hospital recommendations based on your specific condition. They can refer you to the facility and specialists best suited to your needs and can coordinate care across Arkansas's healthcare network.
Proper preparation can help ensure a smooth hospital visit. Here's what to bring:
Essential Documents (ALWAYS BRING):
Medical Information:
For Planned Admissions:
DO NOT BRING (Leave at home):
For Emergency Department Visits:
Arkansas-Specific Tips:
If you have concerns about care quality, safety, or patient rights at an Arkansas hospital, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start at the Hospital Level
Step 2: Arkansas Department of Health
If hospital-level resolution fails, file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Health:
Step 3: Federal Agencies (if applicable)
Other Resources:
When Filing a Complaint, Include:
⚠️ Important Rights:
Last updated on November 24, 2025