Exciting Partnership: UA-Fort Smith and Colleges of Health Education Streamline Admissions Interviews for Aspiring Students

FORT SMITH – The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) has teamed up with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education to streamline the admission process for UAFS students. This new agreement ensures that qualified students get an automatic interview for various graduate programs.

This partnership is designed to help students gain admission to the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Physical Therapy, the School of Occupational Therapy, and the Master of Science in Biomedicine program. It allows eligible applicants to skip the initial screening and go straight to an interview.

To qualify for an interview, students must complete specific prerequisite courses at an accredited institution. They also need to meet minimum GPA and entrance exam requirements set by each program.

“We currently have 29 UAFS graduates in our programs, and we want to increase that number,” said Christopher Smith, assistant provost at the Colleges of Health Education. He stressed the importance of strong relationships between the two institutions to foster growth in the health care sector.

Shadow Robinson, provost at UAFS, highlighted how regional partnerships can support local success. “Health care demand is rising,” he noted. “We aim to prepare our students for excellent job opportunities in our community.”

Colleges of Health Education President Kyle Parker pointed out that such affiliation agreements are uncommon. “We look for institutions that strive for excellence in their students,” he said, noting that last year, they received over 6,600 applications for their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program. “We select the best and brightest.”

The agreement remains in effect for three years, automatically renewing unless either institution opts to terminate it with proper notice. It also applies to students currently enrolled at UAFS during any termination.

This initiative is crucial as the healthcare industry faces a significant workforce shortage. According to a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. could see a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034. Programs like this may help bridge that gap and keep new healthcare professionals in the local area.

Overall, this collaboration not only provides UAFS students with valuable opportunities but also aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the River Valley region.

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