Pulaski Tech Receives $3 Million Federal Grant
The University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College will launch a physical therapist assistant program and simulation lab.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College has been awarded a $3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support the creation of a physical therapist assistant program and a new interprofessional simulation theater.
Why it matters
Central Arkansas currently lacks local training for physical therapist assistants, with existing programs located in Jonesboro and Ozark. This expansion aims to meet a growing national demand for these professionals.
The five-year grant received a near-perfect application score of 99 out of 100. It provides $424,000 for the first year of operations.
The players
University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
A technical institution located in North Little Rock that provides specialized career training programs.
U.S. Department of Education
The federal executive department responsible for providing grant funding to support educational programs.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
A major medical institution that will partner with the college to develop simulation lab collaborations.
The details
The college will renovate an existing building into an interprofessional simulation theater and partner with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to develop lab collaborations. Funds will also support the hiring of a new adviser and a social worker.
Timeline
Pulaski Tech announced the federal grant on Thursday.
National demand for physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 22% through 2034.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the 22% projected growth in physical therapist assistant demand by addressing the shift toward localized specialized healthcare training. It directly combats the hurdle of long-distance travel, which currently requires students to commute between 90 minutes and two hours for instruction.
Residents in Central Arkansas will gain access to local training without the current burden of traveling 90 minutes to two hours to reach existing programs. The addition of a new adviser and social worker will provide students with expanded support during their studies.
The takeaway
The grant allows North Little Rock to bridge a significant regional gap in healthcare education. Students looking to enter the therapy field will soon find career pathways available closer to home.
Further reading
For more information on support for student education, visit the Financial Aid section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ArkansasOnline.
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