$675,000 in Federal Funds for ATU Nursing Programs

Nursing Lab Fall 2019
File photo from fall 2019 of a class in progress at an Arkansas Tech University nursing skills lab.

Nursing students at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and Ozark will have enhanced access to simulated clinical situations as a result of federal funds secured by Congressman Steve Womack through the federal appropriations package passed earlier this month.

ATU will receive $675,000 and will utilize the federal funds to complete such projects as updating simulation rooms, purchasing hospital beds, upgrading computer laboratories and acquiring human patient simulators.

“The pandemic has showcased the necessity of highly-skilled medical professionals in all parts of the country, with nurses being among the most highly demanded personnel,” read a portion of the news release issued by Womack’s office announcing the funding.

According to the ATU Department of Nursing website, graduates earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will be “prepared for responsibilities as a professional nurse, to take the national exam required for licensure as a Registered Nurse and to pursue graduate study if desired.”

ATU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in nursing administration and emergency management programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Additionally, the ATU Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

At ATU-Ozark Campus, students may pursue a Certificate of Proficiency in nursing assistant, a Technical Certificate in practical nursing, an Associate of Applied Science degree in practical nursing and an Associate of Applied Science degree in registered nursing.

ATU-Ozark’s associate degree nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. All ATU-Ozark nursing programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

“Arkansas Tech University is grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership in securing these funds in support of Arkansas Tech University nursing students,” said Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “As a comprehensive regional university, we prepare highly-skilled nurses on our Russellville and Ozark campuses who move forward into a wide variety of careers within our health care system. These resources and the equipment they will provide will enhance the career readiness of our graduates and the outcomes for the patients they will serve.”

Learn more about nursing programs at ATU in Russellville at www.atu.edu/nursing.

Learn more about nursing programs at ATU-Ozark Campus at www.atu.edu/ozark.