FORT SMITH, AR. — Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of four new advanced programs designed to meet the growing needs of healthcare, public health, and organizational leadership. Beginning in summer 2026, ACHE will introduce the Doctor of Executive Leadership (DEL), Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), followed by a new Physician Associate (PA) degree program planned for fall 2028.
The programs have been developed by ACHE’s academic leadership team, a highly regarded and widely recognized group of industry leaders known for creating innovative, outcomes-driven healthcare and leadership programs grounded in real-world practice. These programs reflect ACHE’s continued commitment to preparing highly skilled professionals and leaders who are equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments, improve population health, and strengthen communities locally and beyond.
The Doctor of Executive Leadership (DEL) is a fully online, asynchronous doctoral program designed for senior leaders working in healthcare and related fields. Grounded in ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and real-world application, the DEL prepares executives to lead organizational innovation, improve system performance, and drive meaningful change in rapidly evolving environments. The 42-credit-hour program will welcome its inaugural class this June.
The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program is designed for practicing Physician Associates (PAs) seeking advanced training in leadership, research, and clinical specialization. Delivered through an online, asynchronous format, the DMSc program develops scholar-practitioners who are prepared to lead healthcare organizations, advance the PA profession, and contribute to healthcare innovation at national and global levels. Depending on the selected track, the program can be completed in as few as seven to twelve months and will launch in June.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Leadership for Rural Health and Sustainable Development is a fully online, part-time program focused on preparing mid-career professionals for leadership roles in rural health and population-based initiatives. The program emphasizes evidence-informed decision-making, data-driven leadership, and sustainable solutions to complex public health challenges facing rural communities. The DrPH program will begin in August.
In addition to these doctoral programs, ACHE is planning the launch of a new Physician Associate (PA) degree program in 2028. The program will further expand educational and career opportunities for future healthcare providers while supporting workforce needs across the region.
Together, these new programs represent a significant expansion of ACHE’s academic portfolio and reinforce the institution’s mission to educate healthcare professionals and leaders who serve with excellence, integrity, and purpose.
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education has applied for Accreditation – Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Arkansas Colleges of Health Education anticipates matriculating its first class in May 2028, pending achieving Accreditation – Provisional status at the January 2028 ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation – Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
