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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1879
Founded
Public medical school
Type
3,021
Total Students
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Arkansas's leading academic health center, driving innovation in medical education and patient care.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) stands as Arkansas's premier academic health center, dedicated to advancing health through integrated education, research, and clinical care. With a vibrant community of over 3,000 students, UAMS is a pivotal institution for aspiring healthcare professionals and a cornerstone of the state's medical infrastructure.

Tracing its origins back to 1879, UAMS began as a medical school founded by a visionary group of eight physicians. From these humble beginnings with just 22 students, the institution steadily expanded its mission. Key milestones in its growth include the establishment of the School of Pharmacy in 1951 and the School of Nursing in 1953, which solidified its status as a comprehensive medical sciences campus. This rich history reflects a continuous commitment to evolving with the needs of healthcare and education.

Today, UAMS boasts a robust array of colleges, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Related Professions, Public Health, and an independent Graduate School, offering diverse pathways for students. Its dedication to interprofessional education ensures that future clinicians are equipped for collaborative patient care. Furthermore, UAMS Medical Center proudly serves as the state's only adult Level 1 trauma center, providing life-saving advanced care, while the university's impactful research initiatives continue to push the boundaries of medical knowledge and treatment, cementing its role as a vital research leader.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1879, UAMS has grown into Arkansas's premier academic health sciences university.
  • Educates over 3,000 students across its comprehensive colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Health Related Professions, Public Health, and a dedicated Graduate School.
  • Home to the state's only adult Level 1 trauma center, providing critical advanced care.
  • Pioneered interprofessional education, bringing together various health disciplines for collaborative learning.
  • Evolved from a small medical school into a major research leader and academic health center under visionary leadership.
  • Strategically expanded with a regional campus in Fayetteville to extend its impact across Arkansas.
  • A hub for medical innovation and patient care, deeply integrated with the state's healthcare infrastructure.

Timeline

1879
Founded by eight physicians as a medical school, opening with 22 students.
1951
School of Pharmacy established, marking its transformation into a medical sciences campus.
1953
School of Nursing established, further broadening health education offerings.
1956
University moved to its current West Markham campus and assumed control of City Hospital (now UAMS Medical Center).
1970
School of Health Related Professions approved, expanding its allied health programs.
1980
Institution officially renamed University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
1995
UAMS Graduate School gained independent status from the University of Arkansas.
2003
College of Public Health opened.
2009
Dan Rahn became Chancellor, under whose leadership UAMS opened a regional campus in Fayetteville and became the state's only adult Level 1 trauma center.
2018
Cam Patterson succeeded Dan Rahn, becoming the institution's next chancellor.
🏛️
147 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

🏥

College of Medicine

The foundational school, established in 1879 as a medical school.

💊

College of Pharmacy

Established in 1951, it transformed UAMS into a comprehensive medical sciences campus.

💉

College of Nursing

Established in 1953, contributing significantly to nursing education and healthcare.

🏫

College of Health Related Professions

Approved in 1970, offering a wide range of allied health programs.

🎓

UAMS Graduate School

Granted independent status in 1995, focusing on advanced research and academic degrees.

🏛️

College of Public Health

Opened in 2003 and later named for Fay W. Boozman, addressing critical public health needs.

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