The College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences offer pre-professional curricula for students interested in professional areas requiring a background in science and/or technology as well as in the liberal arts. 

Pre-Professional Health Programs

Pre-Professional Health is specialized career advising for those students wanting to become medical doctors–MD and DO, veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and podiatrists.

Students interested in pursuing careers in the following disciplines who are new freshmen or transfer students with less than 45 credit hours are advised by professional advisors in the Trojan Academic Advising and Support Center:

• Pre-Medical
• Pre-Dental
• Pre-Vet
• Pre-Pharmacy
• Physician’s Assistant
• Optometry
• Occupational and Physical Therapy

Students who have reached approximately 45 hours will be advised by the Pre-Professional Advisor in the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences (Dr. Johanna Miller Lewis, FA 210D). 

Keep in mind, all professional schools in the health field have a different set of requirements, but all institutions require a combination of chemistry, physics, and biology courses. This includes completing core courses early in a student’s academic career in order to graduate in four years. Consequently, students should be advised for pre-professional disciplines in their freshman year.

Allied Health Programs

Allied Health programs at UA Little Rock are designed for students pursuing careers as radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, etc.

Students who wish to complete an undergraduate degree in a health profession at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences can earn a high-quality degree from both institutions in the most efficient manner possible. Students first earn the Associate of Arts in General Studies from UA Little Rock and are then eligible for admission consideration to the UAMS degree programs. 

Students interested in pursuing one of the AAGS 2+2 UAMS Degree programs must speak with a Discovery Advisor in the Trojan Academic Advising and Support Center. 

The UA Little Rock and UAMS partnership is known as the AAGS 2+2 UAMS Degree in:

• Bachelor of Science – Cytotechnology
• Bachelor of Science – Dental Hygiene
• Bachelor of Science – Medical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Science – Nuclear Medicine Imaging Sciences
• Bachelor of Science – Ophthalmic Medical Technology
• Bachelor of Science – Radiologic Imaging Sciences
• Bachelor of Science – Respiratory Care

Learn more about the degree programs at 2 + 2 AAGS to UAMS Allied Health.

Paying for a Degree in Health Professions

Arkansas Health Education Grant 

Prospective students should be aware of financial assistance opportunities through the Arkansas Health Education Grant Program (ARHEG) at scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships/detail/arkansas-health-education-grant-arheg1. 

The ARHEG provides assistance to students seeking professional training in dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, and chiropractic medicine to allow them to attend out-of-state institutions. Students are encouraged to visit with ARHEG to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements and inquire about the availability of funding for that particular year.