Little Rock's World-Class Health Care

Health Resources

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, try a new sport or take a walk in a Little Rock neighborhood as part of one’s health journey. But when an ailment or injury needs more than a home remedy, there are plenty of resources available in Central Arkansas. More than 20 major hospitals and medical facilities are located in the Little Rock metro, many serving residents from around the state every day. Little Rock is a leader in medical research in Arkansas as the home of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. More than 31,000 Little Rock residents work in the health care field, and the industry is expected to grow by nearly 11% by 2028, according to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

Arkansas Children’s

A pediatric hospital with a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, Arkansas Children’s is among the largest pediatric hospitals in the country, serving infants, children, teens and young adults up to age 21. Arkansas Children’s is the leading provider of comprehensive cardiovascular care for infants up to young adults and has over 80 specialty clinics, for everything from cancer and blood disorders to endocrinology, diabetes and obesity care. State-of-the-art technology and specialists’ expertise helped the hospital become among Best Children’s Hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 list for its work in cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, neonatal care, nephrology, orthopedics, and pulmonology and lung surgery.

Arkansas Heart Hospital

With a five-star Center for Medicare and Medicaid rating, recognition from Newsweek for being among the World’s Best Hospitals and a spot among Becker’s Healthcare’s Top 22 Patient-Recommended Hospitals in the U.S., the Arkansas Heart Hospital is a health care destination. Advanced technology and surgical techniques provide the best care possible in this recovery hospital. A specialized screening program developed at the hospital, called Keep the Beat, provides patients with a quick and easy assessment that includes a personalized cardiovascular risk profile.

Baptist Health

The largest private, not-for-profit hospital in Arkansas is Baptist Health Medical Center. A National Research Corporation Consumer’s Choice Award-winner of more than two decades, Baptist Health is known for its top-of-the-line technology, including its choice to become the first U.S. hospital to adopt the EleGard Patient Positioning System for CPR. First opened in 1920, the Baptist Health facilities in Little Rock provide care in a comforting, inviting and less institutional-feeling environment. The hospital delivers more babies than any other in Arkansas, and offers innovative technology like the Angel Eye Camera System, which allows parents and families to check in on their baby in the NICU any time.

CARTI

A premier cancer treatment provider, CARTI is an independent and not-for-profit provider that treats all types of adult cancers through a range of therapeutics including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and diagnostic radiology. CARTI has more than 20 clinics across the state in addition to its Little Rock location, ensuring high-quality care is available for all Arkansans. Board-certified physicians, including by the American Board of Radiology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Medical Oncology and the American Board of Diagnostic Radiology, offer expert care in a variety of specialities, including imaging, audiology, interventional radiology and surgical oncology. Patients can explore their genetic risks or fight their cancer battle with the help of CARTI providers and staff.

CHI St. Vincent

As part of a faith-based network of primary care and specialty clinics, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary serves Arkansans seeking advanced care, with specialties in heart care, neuroscience and orthopedics. The hospital has a Level 2 Trauma Center designation. Specialty nurses helped CHI St. Vincent earn its reputation as one of the top hospitals for joint replacement, thanks to their gentle approach that ensures patients are ready physically and emotionally for their surgeries. The Joint Academy at St. Vincent offers a 24/7 hotline with personal assistance from orthopedic nurse care coordinators, part of the hospital’s holistic approach to health care.

John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital

Providing 24/7 care, the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital offers primary and specialty care for those who have served the country. Providers at the VA hospital, which is accredited by the American Heart Association, the Commission on Cancer and the Joint Commission, specialize in audiology to speech pathology and prosthetics to mental health care. Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs are also available for veterans. The VA Central Arkansas Health Care System is one of the largest and busiest VA medical centers in the United States and conducts research in a variety of fields.

UAMS

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences leads health care education in Arkansas. The teaching hospital boasts the only adult Level 1 Trauma Center in the state, as well as adult sickle cell and adult spina bifida clinics, ALS treatment centers, liver and kidney transplant and high-risk pregnancy programs. Founded in 1879 by eight physicians, UAMS has been offering top-of-the-line care to Arkansans for more than a century. The hospital offers patient- and family-centered care and advances medical knowledge through its constant research.