UAFS official says restarted nursing program ‘progressing very well’

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) still has high hopes that its newly restarted associate of applied science-nursing (AAS) degree will help to meet the nursing needs of regional hospitals and clinics.

UAFS announced in May 2024 that it was restarting its AAS-nursing 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. The associate degree in nursing (ADN) allows students to work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and higher degrees.

At the time it restarted, UAFS administration said it hoped to have 20 students in the first semester and grow the program to 30 students per cohort. According to the UAFS statement, clinics, hospitals, and other health care operations in Fort Smith metro need more than 200 nurses. UAFS also noted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates U.S. health care will face a shortage of 1.4 million nurses by 2029. UAFS said 50% of registered nurses are approaching retirement age.

“Yes, hopes are still very high that the ADN program will meet the growing nursing needs in the Fort Smith community and beyond,” said Dr. Paula Julian, associate dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Sciences, and executive director of the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing. “With the strong foundation built through the nursing curriculum and the hands-on clinical experiences, we are confident that the graduates will be well-prepared and practice ready for the health care workforce. There is a lot of optimism about the program, which also plays a key role in helping to meet the demands for skilled and safe nurses in the community.”

The target for students admitted per semester is 20 traditional ADN and 10 (licensed practical nurse to registered – LPN-RN), for a total of 30 students, Julian said.

In fall 2024, eight traditional and eight LPN-RN students were admitted into the program. Of those, five traditional and all eight LPN-RN are still in the program. The program admitted 17 new traditional students for the spring semester, she said.

“The ADN program is progressing very well,” Julian said. “There is strong engagement and positive feedback from faculty, students, and our community of interest. The curriculum is being received positively and is meeting the needs of future nursing. Overall, it is going well and is making a positive impact.”

There are two programs in the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing: the bachelor of science in nursing program, which has a traditional, accelerated, and evening and weekend track; and the ADN, which has the traditional and LPN-RN track.

Multiple tracks within a school of nursing are beneficial in addressing the diverse needs of students and the community by offering tailored pathways that support different career goals and learning styles, Julian said.

“By providing various tracks, students can pursue the level of education that aligns with both their professional ambitions and the evolving health care demands of the community,” she said. “This flexibility allows the nursing program to produce well-rounded professionals capable of safe patient care.”