BRTC serves approximately 3,000 students annually through its degree programs, technical courses, and community educational offerings.

BRTC was established in 1972 as Black River Vocational Technical School on land donated by the City of Pocahontas, Arkansas.

The college's main campus is on Arkansas State Highway 304 E in Pocahontas, covering 246,030 square feet (22,857 m2) in 20 buildings over 90 acres (360,000 m2).

BRTC also has one offsite location in Paragould about 40 minutes away from Pocahontas that offers technical and general education credit and workforce training.

The degree consists of a total of 60/61 hours in required courses and electives (which must be college transfer classes).