The Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus cardiac sonography program began classes in its new location in the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) Research Institute Health and Wellness Center at 1000 Fianna Way in Fort Smith in August.
“The new facility is a great upgrade for our students,” said Kristen Wendling, ATU-Ozark cardiac sonography chair. “We are excited about the partnership with ACHE and the opportunities this offers for both our students and the community. The new location provides added security and better accommodations for both the students and the volunteers who come to allow the students to practice their cardiac sonography skills.”
The new location provides students with access to an oversized lobby, grab-and-go food court and art gallery. These amenities, as well as seating areas outside the building, give students a chance to interact beyond the classroom during lunch and breaks.
“I can honestly say, walking into the new building where the Arkansas Tech-Ozark cardiac sonography program is now being held gave me a sense of pride, not only for myself, the students and faculty in our program, but also for ATU-Ozark,” said Phyllis Martin, a freshman in the program. “The ACHE staff have welcomed us to the new building and seem happy we are here, which gives all of us a sense of connection. It has made a positive impact on student motivation both in and outside the classroom leading to a well-rounded college experience.
“This is the perfect location and building for the cardiac sonography program,” continued Martin. “I know that all the students this year, including myself, are proud to be a part of this program, be able to have such a nice facility to attend classes in and, most of all, be part of ATU-Ozark making history with its new location.”
The ATU-Ozark cardiac sonography program is a specialty area of cardiac imaging utilizing ultrasound technology to evaluate a patient’s heart. The program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, provides educational training specialized in sonography for the heart.
In addition to its cardiac sonography program, ATU-Ozark serves the health care education needs of the region and state by offering programs in emergency medical technician/paramedic, health information, human services, medical assisting, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant, practical nursing, registered nursing, certified nursing and medicine assistant-certified.
Learn more about ATU-Ozark at www.atu.edu/ozark.
Learn more about the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education at www.achehealth.edu.
