UAFS students who meet criteria guaranteed interview at Arkansas College of Health Education

University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) signed a three-year agreement with Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) to guarantee admissions interviews for students who achieve specified academic standards. The initiative, effective for students graduating in fall 2025, targets pre-med students and aims to bolster the local healthcare workforce. ACHE encompasses various medical programs, including osteopathic medicine and physical therapy. Vice Chancellor Shadow Robinson highlighted the competitive admissions process, noting ACHE receives over 6,000 applications annually for a limited number of interviews. He anticipates that five to ten current students will qualify under the new criteria, reflecting a strong interest in healthcare professions.

The agreement responds to an expected increase in healthcare needs in the River Valley over the next decade, with demographic projections indicating a significant rise in the population aged 65 and older. Robinson emphasized the importance of preparing students to meet this growing demand for healthcare services in the region. This partnership represents a strategic move to enhance local healthcare access and professional development for aspiring medical students.