Coined the “Early Assurance Program,” Talladega College and the Arkansas College of Healthcare Education proudly announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining an agreement to establish a program that provides two pathways for Talladega College students to gain admission into a participating Arkansas College of Health Education (ACHE) program. The collaboration aims to prepare and cultivate more diverse professionals in the field of healthcare management.
Based on eligibility, students have two options under the Early Assurance Program, which includes the guaranteed placement program and the second pathway, a guaranteed interview program.
Participating ACHE programs include, the Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (P.T.), the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (O.T.), and the Masters of Science in Biomedicine (M.S.B.).
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, President of Talladega College, is thrilled about the partnership and sees the bridge program as a value-add for all parties involved. “I am excited to witness the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between Talladega and ACHE. This partnership opens doors of opportunity for Talladega College students to pursue advanced degrees and further their academic and professional aspirations.”
ACHE is an accredited private institution sitting on hundreds of acres in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dedicated to healthcare and wellness, the ACHE is committed to making a difference in the community by educating and training a diverse group of qualified healthcare professionals. Not only that, ACHE’s mission seeks to support research efforts that advance scientific discoveries and improve healthcare outcomes. The institution boasts a newly constructed 317,000-square-foot research facility on its campus for biomedical research purposes and targeted health and wellness initiatives. Students attending ACHE become prepared for a range of healthcare careers, including healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems, preventative medicine, comprehensive patient care, physiotherapy, and various other healthcare sectors.
However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, large shares of African Americans hold positions in healthcare as nursing assistants, licensed nurses, or home health aides.
The lack of diversity in healthcare management has left a significant window of opportunity, and the partnership between ACHE and Talladega College seeks to advance those efforts.
“I hope that this partnership will increase the representation of minorities in healthcare professions through this educational pipeline,” says Dr. Alison Brown, Dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
ACHE has also embraced this priority as an ethical and business imperative by acknowledging the critical role that minority healthcare providers play in reducing the disproportionate stress of diseases plaguing communities of color.
“At the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE), we understand the importance of fulfilling our mission to address health disparities in rural and underserved communities by recruiting, educating, and graduating competent and compassionate healthcare professionals,” says Dr. Christopher Smith, ACHE director of diversity, equity and inclusion.
It isn’t just students that are benefitting from Talladega’s collaboration with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. The partnership will also forge pathways for employers within the healthcare field to bridge representation gaps by shifting resources in the direction of diversity. Dr. Smith iterates that learning and engagement will come from all sides of the healthcare spectrum.
“Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion through action allows ACHE to further equip its stakeholders with the knowledge and resources to create an environment where all feel welcomed, supported, and valued,” said Smith.
For more information on the Arkansas College of Health Education, visit Arkansas College of Health Education.
