Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employment in medical and health services will increase by 18 percent by the year 2026.
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in nine disciplines that prepare students to fill that growing need and take advantage of that growing opportunity.
The deadline to apply for a spot in the next cohort of allied health students at ATU-Ozark Campus is March 15. To apply, visit www.atu.edu/ozark/academics, click on the program of interest and then click on application. All completed applications should be returned to ATU-Ozark Campus, Allied Health Secretary, 1700 Helberg Lane, Ozark, AR 72949.
ATU-Ozark offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in cardiac sonography, health information technology, human services, medical assisting, occupational therapy assistant, paramedic/emergency medical services, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing and registered nursing.
The cardiac sonography program is located at Chaffee Crossing just outside of Fort Smith. Program graduates are prepared to enter the health care field as registered cardiac sonographers. Cardiac sonography, also known as echocardiography, uses ultrasound technology to evaluate the heart. Using the same technology as an ultrasound, a cardiac sonographer acquires ultrasound images of the cardiac chambers, walls, valves and blood flow. Professionals in this field work closely with cardiologists in the interpretation of the images and in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases. The average hourly rate is $30.
Medical assistants perform essential tasks such as billing, coding and scheduling while also supporting the medical staff by performing medical tasks such as blood draws and checking blood pressures. Medical assistants are employed at doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, nursing care facilities and medical laboratories. The average hourly rate is $16.
ATU-Ozark’s occupational therapy assistant program is housed in Morton Hall in Russellville, behind St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Occupational therapy assistants directly assist patients who have lost or have seen their ability to perform daily tasks diminished. Work settings include the home, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and hospitals. The average hourly rate is $28. Adjustments to the application process have been made due to COVID-19 restrictions at facilities. Therefore, students are given the option of the observation hours (at 50 percent) or two letters of recommendation.
Physical therapist assistants aid physical therapists in reducing pain and restoring mobility to patients. They achieve those goals by using a variety of techniques and cutting-edge equipment. Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings including schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation clinics, sports and fitness clinics and private practice. The average hourly rate is $25. Adjustments to the application process have been made due to COVID-19 restrictions at facilities. Therefore, students are given the option of the observation hours (at 50 percent) or two letters of recommendation.
Practical nursing and registered nursing graduates work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, medical clinics, emergency rooms, rehabilitation centers and other health care venues. Work schedules are often flexible. The average hourly rate is $22 for a practical nurse and $33 for a registered nurse.
Students interested in enrolling in the programs listed above are required to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), which is designed specifically to assess a student’s preparedness to enter the health science fields. The test is comprised of 170 questions set up in a multiple-choice format with four-option answers. Questions are designed to test the basic academic skills required to perform in areas of reading, math, science, English and language usage. Students can only take the test one time and must have an application on file to be able to sit for the test.
The TEAS test will be administered March 19, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at 9 a.m.
All prospective PTA applicants are asked to test during the dates listed above. Prospective students unable to test during the dates listed above may utilize the dates listed below but need to contact Sharyl Moffit, administrative assistant in ATU-Ozark health sciences and wellness, at (479) 508-8500 or smoffit@atu.edu prior to taking the test.
The TEAS will also be administered April 9 and 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Individuals who have completed and submitted an application to study allied heath at ATU-Ozark will receive an email, to the address placed on the application, after March 15 with specific instructions for taking the TEAS.
For more information, contact the ATU-Ozark Office of Student Services at (479) 667-2117.
