New UAFS degree program approved by state officials

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith received approval Oct. 31 from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer its first master’s degree, clearing a hurdle in the university’s efforts to begin the degree program.
 
UAFS began pursuing the offering of a master of science in Healthcare Administration after local hospital administrators urged the university to consider the degree due to a shortage of employees in the area. In May 2013, the University of Arkansas System’s Board of Trustees allowed UAFS to pursue a role and scope change to begin master’s degree programs at the university.
 
UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul B. Beran said the master’s degree is the latest effort by UAFS to respond to the needs of local industry.
 
“The offering of master’s degrees at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith marks the natural evolution of the university as it continues to connect education with careers,” Beran said in a statement. “The healthcare industry is one of Fort Smith’s fastest-growing fields, and our decision to provide these degree options reflects an analysis of the employer needs of local hospitals, which revealed that 71 percent of respondents said they would have positions for graduates of this program if it were offered now. This is a new and exciting development for UAFS and its rich history of providing skilled employees to local business.”
 
The degree program, which will be offered completely online, is pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, which will visit UAFS in April. UAFS hopes to begin the degree program in the fall, and graduates of the program can find employment in administrative positions in hospitals, community and home health clinics, assisted living centers, health departments and physician clinics.
 
Dr. Carolyn Mosley, dean of the College of Health Sciences, said the degree program will fill a void in the medical sector.
 
“There is a national, regional and local shortage of professionals in all areas of healthcare, and healthcare administration is one of those areas,” Mosley said. “Of the 30 healthcare facilities surveyed to determine if there was a real need for this degree, more than 100 vacant positions were identified and are expected to increase in the future. Subsequently, this program of study will provide the opportunity for graduates to earn salaries of $85,000 to $150,000, which will advance economic development and quality of place.”