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Medical Education: Degrees & Certification Programs

Start your journey toward achieving your dream medical career with UA Cossatot! Whether you are working toward your EMT certification, entering into the field of nursing as an LPN, or wanting to become a physical or occupational therapy assistant, the rigorous classroom and in-field experience you will receive at UA Cossatot will ensure that you are prepared to enter into your chosen field at the end of your degree or certificate experience.

In addition to classes and training on the UAC campus, medical degree programs such as Radiology Tech and RN to BSN tracks are available through collaborative programs with other state-affiliated colleges and universities. Some areas of study in the medical professions also offer opportunities for receiving additional financial aid - such as through nursing scholarships.

Do you have questions regarding UAC’s medical programs? If so, feel free to email us with questions at Ask Medical Education. Are you ready to talk about your future in the medical field? Schedule an advising appointment today with Christina Cooper, Maressa Foster, or Rachel Servante. They are available by phone, video chat, or in-person at all three UAC campus locations

Explore the exciting degree and certificate programs offered by the UA Cossatot Medical Education Department using the drop-down menus below:

Certificates of Proficiency

Emergency Medical Technician

Degree: Certificate of Proficiency

Degree Plan (PDF)

CAREER OPTIONS: This course prepares students to site for both the Arkansas and National Registry EMT examinations. EMT-B's are the entry level for pre-hospital care. This covers all the skills necessary for the EMT-B to provide emergency medical care at ta basic life support level with an ambulance service or other specialized services. EMT certification must be renewed every two years by taking an EMT Refresher class.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program consists of a 150 hour course. Students must meet all admission requirements for the college, show proficiency in college reading based on placement scores or complete development courses, pass a criminal background check, and receive all required immunizations prior to enrollment into the EMT program. Students may enroll in College Reading and the EMT course during the same semester.

To meet the requirements of the Arkansas Department of Health, The EMT program follows a special calendar and class days are different from those followed by students in other programs. Regular class days are 2-3 evenings per week with clinicals at various times and locations. Students are required to be proficient in both cognitive and practical skills to pass this program. Students must maintain an average of 76% in all EMS coursework. Those who fail to maintain a 76% will be required to repeat the course with a 76% or better to be eligible for graduation.

GRADING SCALE FOR EMT PROGRAM: 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 76-79 = C; 70-75 = D (failing); 69 or below = F

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to an Arkansas college or university.

Technical Certificates

Health Professions

Degree: Technical Certificate - Pre-Health Professions

Degree Plan (PDF)

CAREER OPTIONS: The Technical Certificate in Health Professions offers basic medical knowledge for employment in the medical field.

PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Health Professions Technical Certificate is designed to provide students a basic medical education foundation and offers pathways to various medical education degrees. Some courses may not be transferable to all colleges in Arkansas. Please contact the Division of Medical Education to discuss your specific plan and where you are considering transferring.

TRANSFER OPTIONS:

Arkansas Tech University (ATU) to complete a Bachelor of Professional Studies.
If planning to transfer to an institution other than the ones listed above, students may visit https://acts.adhe.edu/studenttransfer.aspx to inquire about transferability of courses to any Arkansas college or University.

Gainful Employment Information

Practical Nursing (LPN)

Degree: Technical Certificate

Degree Plan (PDF)

NOTE: There is a special application and deadline for this program.

ADDITIONALLY: Currently, the COVID-19 vaccination series is not a requirement of the program or UA Cossatot. However, due to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, most of our clinical/fieldwork facilities have now issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Facilities are requiring everyone who comes to the facility to work as an employee, student, or contractor to be fully vaccinated. If you are not able to meet the facility’s mandate, you will not be able to attend clinical/fieldwork and therefore will not meet the course objectives and program requirements.

Application Period
11-Month Day Program--December 1st - March 1st of each year
18-Month Evening Program--March 2nd - August 31st of each year

Application portal is currently open!

APPLICATION PERIOD IS EXTENDED TO MAY 1, 2023

The Practical Nursing Program offers two educational formats for students, an 11-month day program that begins in August and ends in June and an 18-month evening program that begins in January and ends in June of the following year. Students successfully completing the Practical Nursing Program Course are awarded a Technical Certificate. The course of study meets the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, and after graduation, students are eligible to apply for the State licensing examination to become an LPN. If a student has been convicted of a crime, they may not be eligible to take the State licensing examination. The Division Chair of Medical Education at UA Cossatot answers all questions concerning eligibility for the Practical Nursing program at 800-844-4471 ext 1147. Due to the strenuous nature of nursing and practice-orientation of UA Cossatot, the college reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any student to enroll or continue in the nursing program. This determination is based on, but not limited to, the characteristics required of a clinical nurse. Eligibility determination is made by the faculty’s evaluation of a student’s ability to perform the clinical tasks necessary to complete the clinical and course objectives. These abilities are reevaluated after each course.

To meet the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, the Practical Nursing Programs will follow a special calendar, and class days will be different from those followed by students in other programs. Regular class days will be 5-6 hours each; clinical days will be 8-12 hours each.

Practical Nursing Entrance Requirements

Applicants must be high school graduates or have equivalency certification (GED) and take the TEAS. Students are selected based on admission exam scores and prerequisite grades of "C" or better. Selected students must pass a criminal background check and random drug screen(s) throughout the year. Students must receive all required immunizations prior to entering the program. The College requires that all nursing students attain at least basic levels of performance in mathematics, reading, and English skills.

Deadline

Enrollment is limited. The application submission deadline is for the day program is March 1st of each year. The application deadline for the evening program is August 31st of each year. Students not selected must submit a new application each year.

Re-Admission Candidates

Re-admission into the program will be considered on a space available basis. A student who fails or leaves the program may be permitted one opportunity to re-enroll (regardless of which semester).

Students may NOT be candidates for re-admission if they committed any of the following violations while previously enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program:

Uncooperative attitude/behavior that was previously addressed with verbal and written warnings
Insubordination
Cheating
Falsification of records
Positive identification of drug activities including prescription medications (taking, selling, buying, distributing, etc.)
Violation of nursing ethics (breach of confidentiality, client abuse, etc.)
Endangering the health, safety, or life of a client or peer

Transfers

Due to differences in nursing curriculum in other nursing programs, Cossatot will not accept transfer credit or advanced placement for previously taken medical or practical nursing courses. Students who were enrolled in another program will follow the same requirements and admission procedures as students who have never attended another nursing program.

Practical Nursing Graduation Policy

Students must have successfully completed all courses with a grade of “C” or better. Upon completion, the student’s status will be submitted to the state board of nursing declaring that the student wishes to sit for the licensing examination. The student MUST achieve a score at or above the current national passing average on the final comprehensive assessment exam to complete the requirements for the final semester. The student will be allowed to take the final comprehensive exam a total of two times. Should the student not achieve the required score after two attempts, the student will not have completed the requirements for the course, and will not graduate or be allowed to sit for the NCLEX-PN. The student will be given an incomplete grade “I” for the final semester until the student can provide documentation of enrollment and completion of the ATI virtual NCLEX review with a coach. Once the student has followed all recommendations of the coach and the coach releases the student for testing, the student’s final grade will be posted and transcripts will be released to the ASBN for approval and authorization to test. If the student fails to do so, the student will need to reapply to the program and follow re-admission guidelines.

Practical Nursing Curriculum (Inclusive of Pre-Requisites)

Students must complete College Reading, Developmental Writing, and Essential Math courses with a “C” or higher or show scores on COMPASS or ACT indicating proficiency in these areas. Pre-requisites must be in progress or completed at the time of application deadline.

Pre-Requisite Requirements:
SPD 1003 Success Strategies (first semester)
MAS 1803 Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology (non-transferable) OR
BIOL 2064 Anatomy & Physiology I AND
BIOL 2074 Anatomy & Physiology II
MED 1223 Medical Math
MAS 1453 Medical Terminology

Forms

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the documents listed below. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download it here.

Each application submission requires a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00. Please be certain you are making payment for the program application of your choice.

*****PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CLICK THE REVIEW BUTTON AND REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION. ONCE YOU DO THAT YOU CAN THEN CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON! IF YOU DO NOT CLICK REVIEW FIRST YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE BLANK! ********

LPN Program Application Link (Outside link--You will be required to register and create an account on the application website.)
Medical Education Mental and Physical Abilities Statement (PDF)
Medical Education Criminal Background Policy (PDF)
Medical Education Substance Abuse Policy (PDF)
Medical Education Medical Document and Immunization Guide Preview (PDF)
LPN 11-Month Day Program Estimated Expenses (PDF)
LPN 11-Month Day Program Gainful Employment Information
LPN 18-Month Evening Program Estimated Expenses (PDF)
LPN 18-Month Evening Program Gainful Employment Information

Entrance Exam Information

TEAS exam must be completed on campus through one of the UA Cossatot Testing Centers.
NOTE: The Medical Education Division requires a minimum score of 60 on the TEAS to be considered for admission into the OTA, PTA, and LPN programs at UA Cossatot.

TEAS VI Instructions/Study Package (PDF)

Mandatory Program Orientation

All students accepted into a Medical Education program are required to participate in a mandatory online orientation module through Blackboard that will run for 8 weeks prior to the start of on-campus classes. Once accepted into the program, students will be enrolled into the module. Participation in the module is mandatory. Online orientation will require daily log in access, completion of program requirements, and uploading of documentation. Completion of these activities, as outlined in the module, is required to be eligible to begin the program. Instructions on how to access the online orientation module will be provided with the student’s acceptance letter.

Additionally, prior to the start of classes, each program hosts its own mandatory on-campus 1-2 day in-person orientation. Please see tentative dates for on-campus orientation below:

LPN Day Program – 3^rd full week in July
LPN Evening Program – 2^nd full week in December

Students who are applying for a Medical Education Program are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly during the time frames mentioned above. Failure to complete any program requirements assigned or requested during this time may result in forfeiture of program acceptance.

Scholarship & Job Information

Search Thousands of Entry Level Jobs, Externships, & Scholarship Opportunities on CampusRN.

CampusRN has $15,000 in Scholarships Available to Nursing & Allied Health Students.

Associate of Applied Science

Registered Nursing

Degree: Associate of Applied Science

Degree Plan (PDF)

NOTE: There is a special application and deadline for this program.

Application deadline is August 31st of each year.

Deadline to take the NACE (RN pre-entrance exam) is September 8^th.

This program is a 12-month program that combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences. Eight community colleges with LPN programs have joined together to form the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium (ARNEC). ARNEC offers a new and innovative approach via a nontraditional delivery format of nursing theory by interactive video. The following institutions are members of the ARNEC program:

Arkansas State University (ASU) – Newport
Black River Technical College (BRTC) – Pocahontas
UA Cossatot (UA Cossatot) – Nashville/DeQueen
Ozarka College (OC) – Melbourne
Rich Mountain Community College (RMCC) - Mena
South Arkansas Community College (SACC) – El Dorado
University of Arkansas Community College at Hope (UACCH)
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM)

Each program will serve from sixteen to forty-eight students at each of the eight colleges. Theory (nursing lectures) will be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 3:30 – 8:30 PM and most clinical time will take place on weekends. This program was designed to meet the needs of working LPNs/LVNs. This program meets the requirements of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Graduates of the program receive an Associate of Applied Science degree which prepares them to take the NCLEX-RN (the Registered Nurse licensing examination). Due to the strenuous nature of the nursing curriculum, the admitting institution reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any student to enroll or continue in the nursing program. Eligibility is determined by the faculty’s evaluation of the student’s ability to perform the tasks and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse and to complete the clinical and course objectives. These abilities are re-evaluated during and after each course.

For more information, or to apply online, please visit the ARNEC website at www.arnec.org.

Note: The "Apply" button below links to UA Cossatot’s online admission application. You will also need to complete the ARNEC online application located on the ARNEC website.

Registered Nursing Entrance Requirements

Applicants must:

Complete an ARNEC online application located on the UA Cossatot website as well as additional packet information located on the ARNEC website at http://www.arnec.org.
Graduate from a State Board approved practical nursing program or be deemed qualified by a State Board to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and show successful completion of the NCLEX-PN exam.
Possess a valid, unencumbered LPN /LVN license.
Complete the required general education courses from an accredited college or university with a grade of “C” or better. Applicants may lack one of the required general education courses by August 31st. All required general education courses must be completed by the time nursing courses begin the following January.
Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or above in the required general education courses.
Submit an official high school transcript (or GED completion transcript) and official transcripts from all colleges attended by the date noted on the application packet.
All classes are taught in the English language. Students must be able to read, speak, write, and comprehend the English language proficiently. All international students and students who speak English as a second language must pass a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Take the pre-entrance exam.
Undergo a drug screen (per admitting institution protocol).

Students will be ranked and selected based on required general education course GPA and pre-entrance exam scores. Students must comply with the admission requirements set forth by the admitting institution in addition to the ARNEC requirements.

Acceptance

Applicants who are selected for admission must notify the ARNEC institution that they will be attending to verify and accept placement. Upon acceptance into the program, the student must provide the following:

Current American Heart Association: Healthcare Provider CPR course (AHA/BLS-HCP).
Current PPD Skin Test or Chest X-Ray.
Varicella titer showing immunity or series of injections.
Current flu vaccination.
Verification that the Hepatitis B series has been completed or started, or that a Waiver Claim Form is signed.
Students may lack one prerequisite course at the time of the August 31st deadline. This course must be completed by the end of the fall semester.
All required general education courses must be completed by the time nursing courses begin the following January.
Selected applicants must complete and pass a criminal background check. An instruction sheet will be provided to the applicant with the estimated cost.

Students selected for admission will receive a letter of acceptance into the program by mid-October, and will need to provide the admitting institution a signed letter stating that they are accepting the invitation and will enroll in the program. This letter will be provided in the student's Online Orientation Course, and after signing, he/she will need to upload the letter to the online course. The student will be provided notification if the letter was received via the online course. In the event that the student does not plan to enroll, the student needs to indicate so on his/her letter, or notify the institution so that an alternate student may have the slot. Each institution will have an alternate list of students in the case of a selected student declining his/her acceptance letter.

Note: All students admitted to the Arkansas Rural Nursing Education Consortium LPN/LVN to RN program must read the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act, ACA §17-87-312, (provided in course syllabi each semester) and submit a signed statement indicating that they understand that graduating from a nursing program in Arkansas does not assure the Arkansas State Board of Nursing's approval to take the licensure examination.

Academic Progression

In order to progress in the nursing curriculum, the student must meet the following criteria: The student must maintain a 2.0 “C” (on a 4.0 scale) in all general education and nursing classes, including nursing practicum, to progress to the next semester. Nursing courses require students to achieve at least a 78% (lowest “C” grade) to progress. See Graduation Policy below to review the final comprehensive exit exam that must be passed for program completion.

Grading Scale for ARNEC LPN to RN Program*
90-100 = A
84-89 = B
78-83 = C
70-77 = D (failing)
69 or below = F
*This program is a consortium of eight two-year colleges and therefore has a common grading scale approved by the ARNEC board.

Re-Admission Candidates

Re-admission will be decided by the admitting institution. A student who fails or leaves the program for any reason will be permitted one opportunity to re-enroll (regardless of which semester). The student has the right to appeal to the administration of the admitting institution and should follow that institution’s appeal procedures.

Transfers

Due to differences in nursing curriculum in other nursing programs, ARNEC will not accept transfer credit for previously taken Registered Nursing courses. Students who were enrolled in another program will follow the same requirements and admission procedures as students who have never attended another nursing program. If an enrolled ARNEC student needs to transfer to another ARNEC member institution, then permission may be granted from the institution that the student wishes to transfer to, based on space availability and the institution’s requirements for transfer students.

Advanced Placement of Students

Refer to the Advanced Placement of Students policy in the admitting college’s catalog.

NOTE TO ALL APPLICANTS: ARNEC faculty reserves the right to alter the curriculum and admission policies whenever change is deemed necessary.

Graduation Policy

Students must have successfully completed all general education courses and all nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better. Upon completion, the student’s status will be submitted to the state board of nursing declaring that the student wishes to sit for the licensing examination. Students MUST achieve a score at or above the current national passing average on the final comprehensive exit exam to complete the requirements for the NCLEX-RN Preparation course. The student will be allowed to take the final comprehensive exit exam a total of three times. Students cannot sit for each exam attempt more than once per day.

Should the student not achieve the required score after the third attempt, the student will be given an incomplete grade “I” for the final semester until the student can provide documentation of enrollment and completion of the ATI virtual NCLEX review with a coach. Once the student has followed all recommendations of the coach and the coach releases the student for testing, the student’s final grade will be posted and transcripts will be released to the ASBN for approval and authorization to test.

Due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., unacceptable criminal background check), graduation from the ARNEC LPN/LVN to RN Transition program does NOT automatically enable the student to sit for the NCLEX-RN. This is determined by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Forms

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the documents listed below. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download it here.

RN Online Application
ARNEC Estimated Expenses (PDF)
Medical Education Mental and Physical Abilities Statement (PDF)
Medical Education Medical Document Checklist (PDF)

Mandatory Program Orientation

Additionally, prior to the start of classes, each program hosts its own mandatory on-campus 1-2 day in-person orientation. Please see tentative dates for on-campus orientation below:

RN Program - TBA

Scholarship & Job Information

Search Thousands of Entry Level Jobs, Externships, & Scholarship Opportunities on CampusRN.

CampusRN has $15,000 in Scholarships Available to Nursing & Allied Health Students.

Transfer Agreements

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Degree: Associate of Applied Science Degree

Degree Plan (PDF)

NOTE: There is a special application and deadline for this program.

Application Period
December 1st - March 1st of each year.
Online application portal is currently open.

APPLICATION PERIOD IS EXTENDED TO MAY 1, 2023

If you are missing 1-2 classes, reach out to your adivsor today!

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a healthcare field that works to help individuals to maximize their function in the performance of their every-day activities. This career allows individuals to make a lasting difference in helping people to regain their independence and get back to enjoying life to the fullest. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, provides rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at UA Cossatot combines classroom instruction with clinical (fieldwork) experiences. The program consists of two portions which include the general education core and the OTA program courses. Course structure in the curriculum of the OTA program is custom designed to maintain compliance with the standards as established by the American Occupational Therapy Association and ACOTE. The hallmark of the OTA program is the students's ongoing involvement in the experiential and service learning that occurs throughout the program. Students successfully completing the OTA program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) in Occupational Therapy.

The OTA program is limited to 15-18 students each year. Applicants will be ranked according to required general education course GPA, pre-entrance exam scores, interview score, profession material review score, and three (3) letters of recommendation. UA Cossatot and the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will not discriminate in the selection of students to the OTA program. Students not accepted into the upcoming class are encouraged to re-apply prior to the next application deadline.

Accreditation

The associate-degree-level Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at UA Cossatot is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE can be reached by phone c/o AOTA at (301) 652-AOTA. ACOTE can also be reached through their webpage www.acoteonline.org. The UA Cossatot OTA Program was reaccredited in 2018-2019 for a 10 year accreditation period.

Upon completion of the OTA program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and will be eligible to be licensed in the state they desire to practice in. All states require a license to practice as a COTA; state licenses are based at least in part on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
301-652-AOTA
www.acoteonline.org

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
One Bank Street
Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: 301-990-7979
Email: info@nbcot.org
www.nbcot.org

Special Requirements for Program Progress and Completion

Grading Scale for OTA: 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 76-79 = C; 70-75 = D (failing); 69 or below = F

The OTA program is housed at UA Cossatot’s Little River Campus in Ashdown, Arkansas. This program awards an Associate of Applied Science and is a two and a half year program. Following the completion of pre-requisite courses, students are accepted into the technical portion which begins each August and ends the following December. Students must complete all prerequisite courses with a "C" or better to be eligible to apply to the program.

To meet the requirements of ACOTE/AOTA, the OTA program will follow a special calendar, and class days will be different from those followed by students in other programs. Because this program is very intense and a large amount of material is covered in a short period of time, attendance in class and clinical (fieldwork) is critical. An attendance policy will be in effect throughout the OTA program.

Classroom days are approximately 6-8 hours with clinical/fieldwork days 8-12 hours each. Days and hours may vary depending on the course you are in and the required clinical hours. Clinicals and workshops may be required on weekends as well but students are given plenty of notice so arrangements can be made. Some of the clinical sites are some distance from the campus, ie, Texarkana, De Queen, Nashville, Hope, Paris, etc. Students are required to arrange transportation on their own to clinical sites as well as mandatory workshops or class trips out of town. All students must complete 16 weeks of Level II Fieldwork within 18 months of completing the didactic portion of the program in order to be eligible to graduate from the program.

Students are required to maintain a minimum of 76% in both theory and clinical (fieldwork) to progress and complete the program. Failure to successfully complete any of the program courses will prohibit the student from continuing in the program and the student will be administratively withdrawn. Any student who fails a course or leaves the program for any reason will be permitted one (1) opportunity to re-enroll. As courses are taught in a prescribed sequence and only taught once each program year, students will be required to wait until the following year to re-enter the program (see OTA Program Student Handbook for information on re-admission).

All courses in the OTA Program at UA Cossatot are enhanced with the use of the Blackboard Learning Management system. In addition to the use of Blackboard throughout the program, during the last semester of coursework, students will complete the OTA 2402 Professional Issues in Occupational Therapy Course in an on-line format while completing their Level II Fieldwork rotations. The online course is completed through Blackboard and can be accessed utilizing the provided Microsoft Office 365 package and student provided tablet computers. This course is designed to facilitate the transition from student to entry-level clinician.

Due to the strenuous nature of the OTA program and practice-orientation, the College reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any student to enroll or continue in the OTA program. This determination is based on, but not limited to, the characteristics required of a clinical OTA. Eligibility determination is made by the faculty’s evaluation of a student’s ability to perform the clinical tasks necessary to complete the clinical and course objectives. These abilities are reevaluated after each course.

Due to differences in curriculum in other OTA programs, the UA Cossatot OTA program does not accept transfer students into the technical portion of the program Students who were enrolled in another program will follow the same requirements and admission procedures as other students. Students who previously attended an OT or OTA program are required to provide a "letter of good standing" from the institution previously attended.

Application Process

Each student must meet UA Cossatot’s current placement scores admission requirements and have completed or are currently enrolled in all prerequisite courses, as well as any developmental courses, needed prior to the application deadline. Students wishing to apply to the OTA program should complete the online application form below and follow the instructions on each of the following application requirements. Students should contact the Medical Education academic advisor to review the content of any prerequisite courses taken at another institution for potential transfer of credit to ensure content meets accreditation and transfer standards. All activities and materials must be completed and received by the academic advisor for Medical Education by the March 1st deadline. Additional information on progression through the program and graduation requirements are available in the UA Cossatot Academic Catalog and the OTA Program Student Handbook and Policy Manual.

OTA Program Application

OTA Online Application Link (outside link--You will be required to register and create an account on the application site.)
OTA Program Application Checklist (PDF)

*****PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CLICK THE REVIEW BUTTON AND REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION. ONCE YOU DO THAT YOU CAN THEN CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON! IF YOU DO NOT CLICK REVIEW FIRST YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE BLANK! ********

Each application submission requires a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00. Please be certain you are making payment for the program application of your choice.

Before selecting the link to complete the online application, please have the following information available in order to successfully complete the application:

prerequisite course completion dates and colleges where taken
employment history including dates
colleges attended and dates of attendance
name for references (instructor or employer) with contact information including name, title, company name, email, and phone number
PDF of any professional licensure

OTA Program Documents

OTA Welcome Letter (PDF)
OTA Estimated Expenses 2022-2023 (PDF)
Medical Education Criminal Background Check (PDF)
Medical Education Medical Document and Immunization Guide Preview (PDF)
Medical Education Mental and Physical Abilities Statement (PDF)
Medical Education Substance Abuse Policy (PDF)
OTA Program Student Handbook and Policy Manual 2022-2023 (PDF)
OTA Program Student Handbook and Policy Manual 2021-2022 (PDF)

TEAS Exam Information

TEAS exam must be completed on campus through one of the UA Cossatot Testing Centers.
NOTE: The Medical Education Division requires a minimum score of 60 on the TEAS to be considered for admission into the OTA, PTA, and LPN programs at UA Cossatot.

TEAS VI Instructions/Study Package (PDF)

Mandatory Program Orientation

Additionally, prior to the start of classes, each program hosts its own mandatory on-campus 1-2 day in-person orientation. Please see tentative dates for on-campus orientation below:

OTA Program – 1^st full week in August

OTA Program Graduation and NBCOT Pass Rates

Graduation Rates

Graduation Year	Students Entering/Graduating	Graduation Rate
2020	14/10	71.4%
2021	13/9	69.2%
2022	11/7	64.0%
Total (3-YEAR AVG)	38/26	68.4%

Data for program evaluation is collected and reviewed for the academic year and are reflected as above. Data is collected and reviewed per academic year. The total number of graduates from the UA Cossatot OTA Program during the 3-year period of 2019-2021 was 33, with an overall 3 year graduation rate of 76.7%. The graduation rate is determined by the number of students who started the program and completed Level II Fieldwork requirements to graduate within 150% of the published length of the program.

NBCOT Exam Pass Rates

NBCOT Pass Rate 2022: 88% pass rate
NBCOT Pass Rate 2021: 91% pass rate

The program’s passing percent data is calculated on the number of New Graduates who passed the NBCOT exam regardless of the number of attempts during the testing year to meet ACOTE’s reporting standard (A5.6). For questions about the reporting standard, please contact ACOTE.

To access certification exam pass rate information for UA Cossatot, please use the following link to NBCOT: NBCOT School Performance Select “Arkansas,” then “OTA Level Program” and “year” to see current exam pass rates.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Degree: Associate of Applied Science Degree

Degree Plan (PDF)

NOTE: There is a special application and deadline for this program.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is now 18 months in length (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall)

Application Period
December 1st - March 1st of each year.
Online application portal is currently open.

APPLICATION PERIOD IS EXTENDED TO MAY 1, 2023

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a field dedicated to the improvement of function and is one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, provides rehabilitative services to individuals with orthopedic, neurologic, medically complex, and developmental conditions.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at UA Cossatot combines classroom instruction and laboratory simulation with clinical experiences. The Program consists of two portions which include the prerequisite general education coursework and, once admitted into the Program, the technical coursework extended over an 18 month period. (Semesters: Fall, spring, summer, Fall.) Students admitted into the Program will attend coursework on the Ashdown campus, in lecture or lab practice, Monday through Friday from 8 am – 5 pm. Students successfully completing the PTA program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS).

The PTA program is limited to 16 students each year. Applicants will be ranked according to required prerequisite course GPA, Anatomy and Physiology GPA, reference input, pre-entrance exam scores and interview scores. Applicants must also pass a Physical Performance Test to ensure that the essential functions can be performed for the safety of the applicant and their peers if admitted to the program. UA Cossatot and the Physical Therapist Assistant Program will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or age in the selection of students to the PTA Program. If you would like to be considered for the next class, you must complete a new online application and meet all application deadlines.

Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination or attain state licensure.

Accreditation Status:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at UA Cossatot is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 870-584-1497 or email jsanderson@cccua.edu.

Admission Criteria

The UA Cossatot Physical Therapist Assistant Program admission criteria requires applicants to pass the Physical Performance Test, successfully complete, with passing grade, all pre-requisite coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA in Anatomy & Physiology I and a minimum 3.0 GPA in Anatomy & Physiology II. In order to receive credit for Anatomy & Physiology course, both must be taken from the same institution. All materials must be received by the Program on or before the application deadline. The admission procedure is based on a point system using the following criteria:

PTA courses: Intro to PTA and Pathophysiology GPA          25%
Anatomy and Physiology I and II GPA        20%
Reference       15%
Entrance Exam: TEAS 15%

Upon calculation of the above points, the highest ranking applicants will be selected for an interview. Applicants will be notified if an interview has or has not been granted. The interview will account for the remaining point value available:

Interview score 25%

After scores have been calculated, the top 16 applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the PTA Program. However, applicants must opt to accept the offer if they wish to enroll. Up to eight alternates will also be chosen according to the next ranking scores in the event an applicant is unable to enroll.

Applicants that are not selected will be notified of such and advised in the re-application process.

Application Process

**The selective admissions process aims to improve retention, graduation, and NPTE pass rates as well as provide the ability to assess applicants’ communication and professionalism. The selective admissions process additionally aims to ensure students are prepared for the rigor of the program.

In order to be considered for acceptance into the Program, applicants are required to comply with the admission criteria and degree plan as outlined on this webpage.

Students wishing to apply to the PTA program should complete the online application form below and follow the instructions on each of the following application requirements. Online applications must be submitted by the March 1st deadline. This same deadline is enforced for all other materials/requirements.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent from all transferring institutions directly to the UA Cossatot registrar by email at transcripts@cccua.edu

PTA Physical Performance Test

Applicants must pass the Physical Performance Test to ensure that the essential functions can be performed for the safety of the applicant and their peers if admitted into the Program. The Physical Performance Test consists of assessing blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, basic range of motion and mobility of the arms, legs, and spine, observing for abdominal hernia, performing basic body mechanics with up to 50 pounds of weight, and ability to push a wheelchair with a 150 lb. mannequin. This Physical Performance Test must be taken each time a student applies to the Program and must be scheduled in advance with the Program Advisor.

Please contact the PTA/OTA academic advisor, Maressa Foster, at 870.584.1461 or mfoster@cccua.edu to schedule.

Physical Performance Test Dates:

February 7, 2023 (Tuesday)
February 14, 2023 (Tuesday)
February 21, 2023 (Tuesday)

The cost of the test is $60 which is paid (by credit or debit card only) at the time of check-in for the Physical Performance Test. Individuals that do not pass the Physical Performance Test will be advised of the area(s) in which they did not pass. These individuals may retake the test on any scheduled date by utilizing the same process (link above) and paying again at the time of testing.

Application Checklist

PTA Program Application Checklist (PDF)

PTA Program Online Application

Each application submission requires a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00. Please be certain you are making payment for the program application of your choice.

Before selecting the link to complete the online application, please have the following information available in order to successfully complete the application:

prerequisite course completion dates and colleges where taken
employment history including dates
colleges attended and dates of attendance
name of reference (instructor or employer) with contact information including name, title, company name, email, and phone number
PDF of any professional licensure

PTA Program Online Application (outside link--You will be required to register and create an account on the application website.)

PTA Program Documents

PTA Program Estimated Expenses 2023-2024 (PDF)
PTA Program Estimated Expenses 2022-2023 (PDF)
PTA Program Student Essential Functions (PDF)
PTA Program Handbooks
UAC Institution Policies

Pre-Entrance Exam Information

TEAS VI Instructions/Study Package (PDF)

Mandatory Program Orientation

Additionally, prior to the start of classes, each program hosts its own mandatory on-campus 1-2 day in-person orientation. Please see tentative dates for on-campus orientation below:

PTA Program – 1^stfull week in August

Graduation Rates

The average graduation rate for the years 2021 and 2022 is 86.9%.

National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rate

The program's passing percent data is calculated by the number graduates who take and successfully pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

The average first-time pass rate for the years 2021 and 2022 is 71.4%.
The average ultimate pass rate for the years 2021 and 2022 is 100%.

Employment Rates

The program's employment rates are calculated by the number of eligible graduates who sought employment and were employed as a PTA within one year of graduation.

The average employment rate for the years 2021 and 2022 is 100%.

CAPTE PTA Student Financial Fact Sheet

For Additional Information Contact:
Physical Therapist Assistant Program
UA Cossatot
1411 N. Constitution Avenue
Ashdown, Arkansas 71822

Program Director
Jennifer Sanderson, PT, MS
jsanderson@cccua.edu
870-854-1497

Director of Clinical Education
Heather Orr, PTA, BAAS
hnorr@cccua.edu
870-854-1487

Health Insurance
The College does not provide student health services on any of the campuses. Student health insurance is not required by the Program but is highly recommended. Health insurance will not be provided by UAC. Students will be responsible for the selection and premiums of their own health insurance policy if they so choose.

Immunization Requirements
The Division of Medical Education has outlined the required immunizations and timelines for obtaining those for program students in the Medical Education Medical Document and Immunization Guide Preview.

Professional Liability Insurance
Students are provided with professional liability insurance courtesy of the College with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate.

Background Checks
The PTA Program complies with policies of the institution and has an established Medical Education Background Check Policy that ensures the safety of all stakeholders.

Substance Abuse Policy
There will be random drug screens for all students throughout the program of which cost will be the responsibility of the students. See the Medical Education Substance Abuse Policy (PDF)

Non-Discriminatory Policy
The program complies with the College Non-Discriminatory Policy.

Clinical Education Resources

PTA Program Concerns/Complaints

Professional License Requirements Notification

UA Cossatot programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensures in Arkansas and may not meet education requirements for a license in another state. UA Cossatot make every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure information is current, however, licensure regulations are frequently revised. In compliance with federal regulations, UA Cossatot has provided the following information about whether a student’s successful completion of our program enables or qualifies him/her to take professional licensing exams necessary to practice their chosen professional discipline in other states?

The provided tables indicates one of the following:

YES= the program does satisfy educational requirements for licensure in the given state

NO=the program does not satisfy educational requirements for licensure in the given state. Additional requirements are necessary.

Has Yet To be Determined= we have not yet determined if the program satisfies educational requirements in a particular state.

If you have questions about professional licensure requirements in your chosen field, you should discuss the issues with your program advisor, program director, or review the specific state information provided below.

University of Arkansas Cossatot Health Science Licensure Programs
State of Student Location	EMT Certification	Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)	Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)	Practical Nursing Program: Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)	ARNEC Program: Registered Nursing (RN)
Alaska	To be determined	YES	YES	To be determined	To be determined
Alabama	"	YES	YES	"	"
Arkansas	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Arizona	To be determined	YES	YES	To be determined	To be determined
California	"	YES	YES	"	"
Colorado	"	YES	YES	"	"
Connecticut	"	YES	YES	"	"
Delaware	"	YES	YES	"	"
Florida	"	YES	YES	"	"
Georgia	"	YES	YES	"	"
Hawaii	"	YES	YES	"	"
Iowa	"	YES	YES	"	"
Idaho	"	YES	YES	"	"
Illinois	"	YES	YES	"	"
Indiana	"	YES	YES	"	"
Kansas	"	YES	YES	"	"
Kentucky	"	YES	YES	"	"
Louisiana	"	YES	YES	"	"
Massachusetts	"	YES	YES	"	"
Maryland	"	YES	YES	"	"
Maine	"	YES	YES	"	"
Michigan	"	YES	YES	"	"
Minnesota	"	YES	YES	"	"
Missouri	"	YES	YES	"	"
Mississippi	"	YES	YES	"	"
Montana	"	YES	YES	"	"
Mexico	"			"	"
North Carolina	"	YES	YES	"	"
North Dakota	"	YES	YES	"	"
Nebraska	"	YES	YES	"	"
New Hampshire	"	YES	YES	"	"
New Jersey	"	YES	YES	"	"
New Mexico	"	YES	YES	"	"
Nevada	"	YES	YES	"	"
New York	"	YES	YES	"	"
Ohio	"	YES	YES	"	"
Oklahoma	"	YES	YES	"	"
Oregon	"	YES	YES	"	"
Pennsylvania	"	YES	YES	"	"
Rhode Island	"	YES	YES	"	"
South Carolina	"	YES	YES	"	"
South Dakota	"	YES	YES	"	"
Tennessee	"	YES	YES	"	"
Texas	"	YES	YES	"	"
Utah	"	YES	YES	"	"
Virginia	"	YES	YES	"	"
Vermont	"	YES	YES	"	"
Washington	"	YES	YES	"	"
Wisconsin	"	YES	YES	"	"
West Virginia	"	YES	YES	"	"
Wyoming	"	YES	YES	"	"

OTA Program

The UAC OTA Program is accredited by ACOTE (Accreditation Coucil for Occupational Therapy Education).
The following State License Statement is provided by (ACOTE)

ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational programs satisfy the states’ educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Students graduating from an ACOTE® accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant educational program are eligible to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, please refer to the AOTA State Licensure webpage.

PTA Program

The program has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, the District of Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands secondary to its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, based on the following:
CAPTE accreditation of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program satisfies state educational requirements in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, students graduating from CAPTE-accredited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs are eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and apply for licensure in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information regarding state qualifications and licensure requirements, refer to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website.

Updated 8.18.2020

Medical Education Faculty and Staff

Kim Dickerson, Medical Education Division Chair
Christina Cooper, Advisor
Maressa Foster, Advisor
Rachel Servante, Advisor
Kathy Richards, Medical Education Pre-requisites
Jacynda Davis, Director of Nursing Programs
Carolin Hockersmith, LPN Program; RN Clinical Coordinator
Jeannie Stevens, LPN Program
Stacy White, LPN Program
Melissa McCoy, LPN Program Clinical Coordinator
Michelle Martin, LPN Program
Jennifer Sanderson, PTA Program Director
Heather Orr, PTA Program Director of Clinical Education
Tamla Heminger, OTA Program Director
Arwen McDaniel, OTA Program Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Waco Jackson, EMT Program