UAFS restarts nursing degree program

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) seeks to address an estimated shortage of more than 200 nurses in the Fort Smith metro by restarting its nursing degree program, with Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Mercy Fort Smith participating in tuition reimbursement.

The UAFS on Monday (May 20) announced the return of an associate of applied science-nursing (AAS) degree in the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing approved the new degree plan on May 16, with previous approvals from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, according to UAFS.

UAFS hopes to have 20 students in the first semester, and grow the program to 30 students per cohort. The AAS in nursing allows students to work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and higher degrees.

According to the UAFS statement, clinics, hospitals and other healthcare operations in Fort Smith metro need more than 200 nurses. UAFS also noted that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that U.S. healthcare will face a shortage of 1.4 million nurses by 2029. UAFS said 50% of registered nurses are approaching retirement age.

“It’s the perfect time for the ADN program to return to UAFS,” said UAFS Program Director Brooke Gray. “Covid impacted every community and demonstrated the need for nurses at all levels, especially those bedside acute care professionals. This program breaks down potential barriers for students by allowing them to earn a degree in just two years and quickly enter the workforce.”

The two-year registered nurse (RN) program provides “an affordable and accelerated route for students aspiring to enter the nursing profession,” according to UAFS. The program also includes working with area healthcare providers in an effort to provide real world, practical training. Tuition is supported by Baptist Health, Mercy and scholarships from the UAFS Foundation, UAFS noted.

“In the River Valley, we are experiencing the nursing shortage like most hospitals in Arkansas and throughout the U.S.,” said Jeff Carrier, region president for Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Van Buren. “We are extremely grateful to partner with educators like UAFS to help close our nursing gaps. UAFS offers multiple programs to put more frontline caregivers at the bedside. Baptist Health is proud to offer scholarships and tuition reimbursements to our staff to complete their degrees, as well. We appreciate all UAFS and other local universities are doing to help educate and graduate more nurses year over year.  Together we will ensure qualified nurses are at the bedside caring for our community.”

The UAFS statement also said its nursing program graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN test, which is part of the process to become a registered nurse.

“UAFS boasts one of Arkansas’s highest NCLEX-RN pass rates, underscoring the program’s effectiveness,” UAFS noted.