Respiratory Therapy Program Earns State Approval for Fall 2027 Launch

Written By: Rachel Putman

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has received approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer its planned Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy, clearing another milestone in the university's efforts to address a critical health care workforce shortage in the River Valley.

The board approved the program Oct. 23, following approval from the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees in September. 

The university plans to welcome its first cohort in fall 2027, pending completion of the remaining accreditation requirements.

Cheryl E. Earls, executive director of respiratory therapy at UAFS, is leading the program's development, including curriculum planning, clinical partnerships and preparation of the laboratory space where students will train.

"To educate respiratory therapists who are going to stay in the region is really, really critical for our future," Earls said.

The program will prepare students for careers in respiratory care through classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training and clinical experiences with regional health care partners. The first cohorts will be limited to 12 students to provide individual support and establish a strong foundation for the program.

Construction is already underway on the program's laboratory space, supported by funding from the Windgate Foundation.

The university's next steps include completing the CoARC self-study process and undergoing an accreditation site visit. The self-study is expected to be completed in January, with a site visit expected this spring.

For Earls, who has spent more than a decade in respiratory care leadership in the River Valley, the program represents an opportunity to train health care professionals who can build careers close to home.

"One of the things that excites me the most is that young people can come here, get a great associate degree, and have a well-paid, stable career for the rest of their lives," Earls said. "And they can stay in the area where they live and where they want to be with that career, too."

Read more about the program's development, clinical partnerships and planned launch here!