The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is developing a comprehensive plan to respond to the increasing demand for high quality health care services in Arkansas. This plan builds upon UCA’s historically strong health professional programs and includes aggressive growth of programs in nursing and physical therapy.
The university is exploring the creation of a center for preventative and restorative health and wellness on the campus. The center would emphasize multidisciplinary health care services and outreach activities that will promote optimal health throughout the lifespan. Creation of a center for preventative and restorative health and wellness will also provide research and training opportunities in which students will gain necessary clinical skills while also serving the community. This initiative will be a collaboration of all existing health care disciplines including nursing, physical therapy, communication sciences and disorders, occupational therapy, family and consumer science, kinesiology and physical education, health sciences, and psychology and counseling.
The university also plans to conduct feasibility studies (1) to add degree programs in health information technology and health services administration; (2) in the field of optometry; and (3) for other ways to serve the rural areas of the state.