Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Ophthalmologist Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for ophthalmologist in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Ophthalmologist in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional conduct. 3) Must complete a criminal background check. 4) Must be a graduate of an approved medical school and request the school to provide a certified copy of your transcript to the Board. 5) Must have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an accredited medical program in the United States. 6) Must present indisputable identification. 7) Must have taken and passed within three attempts all steps of the USMLE (or other approved examination, such as FLEX, NBME, NBOME, COMLEX, LMCC or State Examination taken prior to 1975). 8) International Medical Graduates must: a) Have completed three years of internship or residency in an ACGME approved program in the United States.
- Or Have served three years as an intern or resident in a postgraduate medical education program outside the United States and have completed at least one year of fellowship training in an ACGME approved program in the United States and received board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Or Have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an ACGME approved program in the United States and be currently enrolled in a postgraduate training program in Arkansas. b) Have taken and received a Standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification. c) Have taken and passed all steps of the USMLE with no more than three attempts per step.
- Examinations required.
- License
- 2
Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional conduct. 3) Must complete a criminal background check. 4) Must be a graduate of an approved medical school and request the school to provide a certified copy of your transcript to the Board. 5) Must have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an accredited medical program in the United States. 6) Must present indisputable identification. 7) Must have taken and passed within three attempts all steps of the USMLE (or other approved examination, such as FLEX, NBME, NBOME, COMLEX, LMCC or State Examination taken prior to 1975). 8) International Medical Graduates must: a) Have completed three years of internship or residency in an ACGME approved program in the United States.
- Or Have served three years as an intern or resident in a postgraduate medical education program outside the United States and have completed at least one year of fellowship training in an ACGME approved program in the United States and received board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Or Have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an ACGME approved program in the United States and be currently enrolled in a postgraduate training program in Arkansas. b) Have taken and received a Standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification. c) Have taken and passed all steps of the USMLE with no more than three attempts per step.
- Examinations required.
- License fee: $500.00 ($400 application plus $100 CCVS Assessment), Temporary license: $50.00, License renewal fee: $220.00, Late fee: $50.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
3) Must complete a criminal background check.
- 6
7) Must have taken and passed within three attempts all steps of the USMLE (or other approved examination, such as FLEX, NBME, NBOME, COMLEX, LMCC or State Examination taken prior to 1975).
- 7
Or Have served three years as an intern or resident in a postgraduate medical education program outside the United States and have completed at least one year of fellowship training in an ACGME approved program in the United States and received board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- 8
Or Have completed at least one year of internship or residency in an ACGME approved program in the United States and be currently enrolled in a postgraduate training program in Arkansas.
- 9
License fee: $500.00 ($400 application plus $100 CCVS Assessment), Temporary license: $50.00, License renewal fee: $220.00, Late fee: $50.00.
Exam and processing details
- State Examination taken prior to 1975)
Continuing education and program notes
- certified copy of your transcript to the Board
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| CCVS Assessment), Temporary license | $50.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$249,140 median salary
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 34 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional...; Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required State Examination taken prior to 1975).
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional...; Must be at least twenty-one years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character and have not been guilty of acts constituting unprofessional...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (CCVS Assessment), Temporary license: $50.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Medical Board and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
The median salary for Ophthalmologists in Arkansas is $249,140. Arkansas ranks #21 among 34 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$249,140Hourly estimate
$119.78National comparison unavailable
National benchmark data is missing for this profile.
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOphthalmologist Salary Ranking
#21 of 34 statesfor Ophthalmologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ohio | $367,750 |
| #2 | New Hampshire | $358,490 |
| #3 | New York | $348,610 |
| #4 | California | $340,300 |
| #5 | Maine | $329,590 |
Nearby States Comparison
Ophthalmologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $249,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | N/A | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $297,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $247,950 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $212,890 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $279,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $208,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961802
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $53,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $99,330 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Ophthalmologist in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Ophthalmologists in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Ophthalmologists.
What education do you need to become a Ophthalmologist in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Ophthalmologist licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Ophthalmologist salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Ophthalmologists in Arkansas is $249,140.
How many Ophthalmologists work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 40 Ophthalmologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Ophthalmologist license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Ophthalmologists in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.armedicalboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Ophthalmologist license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.