MISSION:
In 2016, New York Institute of Technology partnered with Arkansas State University to open the state’s first osteopathic medical school with a goal of training physicians to help address the ever-growing need in our state. Additionally, NYITCOM at A-State is dedicated to helping improve health outcomes throughout the state through health education and outreach programs.
NYITCOM at A-State is “More Than a Medical School.” The Jonesboro-based institution is dedicated to training physician leaders who advocate for their patients and practice evidence-based medicine in a way that helps them meet some of the unique challenges that come with practicing in an area where health needs are so significant.
Arkansas annually ranks near the bottom among U.S. states in physicians per capita, and more than 30% of the state’s physician workforce is over the age of 60. In an effort to increase the number of Arkansans going into health care fields, NYITCOM at A-State actively engages in a number of pipeline programs through which K-12 and undergraduate students learn about career opportunities that exist in health care and are encouraged to pursue them. That includes a summer program through which high school students receive a stipend to do research with NYITCOM faculty, and a four-day medical-themed summer camp that is held in both Jonesboro and Arkadelphia.
In addition to its Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, NYITCOM at A-State offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences as well as Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic certificates.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:
- Support pipeline programs: Encourage K-12 and undergraduate students to pursue careers in health care through fun and engaging educational events.
- Establish a scholarship: Support students from Arkansas through their medical education to alleviate the financial impact of med school.
- Fund health outreach programs: Benefit communities and provide hands-on educational experience for medical students.
FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS:
- NYITCOM “Big Give”: The college’s annual 1,955-minute giving challenge that inspires alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff to show their pride and creates energy around philanthropy across all campuses.
OUR IMPACT:
- Graduating Physicians: While many members of its first six classes are still in residency, NYITCOM at A-State alumni are now practicing in Conway, Crossett, Highland, Jonesboro, Little Rock, McGehee, Piggott, Pine Bluff, Springdale and Wynne. Approximately 60 members of NYITCOM’s first three Arkansas classes are practicing or have committed to practice in the state.
- Addressing Primary Care: NYITCOM at A-State graduates are highly competitive in all specialties, and more than 65% have pursued family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics or OB/GYN, representing the biggest areas of need in Arkansas.
- Building a Health Care Pipeline: More than 800 high school students annually visit the NYITCOM campus to learn about health care career opportunities.
- Impacting Communities: Since establishing its Delta Population Health Institute in 2019, NYITCOM has served more than 5,000 Arkansans at free health screenings, partnered with more than 20 industries in the Delta to establish worksite health and wellness initiatives, and operates programs throughout the Delta region.
- Graduate Medical Education: Since opening in 2016, there have been 26 new residency programs in Arkansas, representing nearly 250 annual positions, many supported by NYITCOM’s influence.
FUNDING SOURCES:
- Tuition/Fees: 83%
- Other: 6%
- Auxiliary Income: 5%
- Grants: 2%
- Contributions: 2%
- Endowment Income: 2%
P.O. Box 119
State University, AR 72467
870.972.2656 | nyit.edu/arkansas | Facebook | Instagram | X
Established: 2016
Employees: 90
Service Area: Arkansas and the Delta Region
Leadership
Dean: Shane Speights, D.O., FAAFP
Dean’s Advisory Board:
Ritter Arnold
Chris Barber
Andrew Berner
Kent Bridger
Lynita Cooskey, Ph.D.
Elaine Gillespie, M.D.
Gary Harpole
Sam Lynd
Jerry Morgan
Mickey Seeman
Todd Shields, Ph.D.
Ramona Taylor
Mark Young
The 2025/2026 Arkansas Giving Guide is presented by Wright Lindsey Jennings. Click here to read a letter from our sponsors.