North Arkansas College, UAMS sign new online transfer agreement

North Arkansas College in Harrison has signed an agreement with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) that allows Northark Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) graduates to transfer to a corresponding online Bachelor of Science degree program through UAMS.

This is the first 2+2 partnership between the two institutions and the first MLT online bachelor degree option offered in the state. The 2+2 means students attend Northark for two years and then transfer to UAMS for two more years to earn the bachelors’ degree.

Under the terms of the agreement, any student transferring from Northark to UAMS who has completed courses identified in the MLT 2+2 Degree Plan Checklist, completed required transfer procedures and gained admission to UAMS will receive full transfer credit for previously earned hours in his or her major field of study. The medical laboratory sciences program is in the UAMS College of Health Professions.

“This transfer agreement builds a direct path to a bachelor’s degree at Arkansas’ only health sciences university,” said Dr. Randy Esters, Northark president. “It’s paramount for us to guide our students on their educational pathways with ease and guaranteed transfer credits, and this agreement allows them to complete their next degree without leaving home.”

“Our ability to address the state’s health care workforce needs now and in the future is strengthened when UAMS can join with great partners like North Arkansas College,” said Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., UAMS provost and chief strategy officer. “This partnership benefits those students we hope will become much-needed medical laboratory scientists going to work in community hospitals and clinics in Arkansas.”

Northark’s MLT program has experienced a 100% job placement rate for several years, with most students receiving job offers before graduation. This agreement will increase the number of skilled workers to meet the increasing demand.

Founded in 1974, North Arkansas College is a public two-year college offering transfer and technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of proficiency, customized business and industry training, adult basic education (GED) classes and non-credit community education courses. In addition, partnerships with area universities provide the opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree in Harrison, Arkansas.