The following is from UAMS College of Health Professions Student Affairs Policy 02.16.01 (revised Feb. 11, 2021).
All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to demonstrate fluency (speaking) and literacy (reading and writing).
Test of English as a Foreign Language
The primary means to document fluency and literacy is to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language.
A minimum score of 213 is required on the computer-based version of the examination, 79 on the Internet-based version of the examination (subtest score minimums: 15 reading, 15 listening, 18 speaking, 17 writing), or total score of 550 on the paper version with 55 or greater in each of the four subtest scores (listening, structure / writing, reading and speaking).
UAMS College of Health Professions programs have the option of setting higher score requirements.
The test must have been taken within the two years immediately preceding the requested semester of admission.
An official copy of the TOEFL score, issued by the Educational Testing Service must be sent directly to UAMS by the Educational Testing Service. A photocopy of the scores sent to the student is not sufficient. No action will be taken on an application containing a photocopied test score.
International English Language Testing System
As of February 11, 2021, the International English Language Testing System test score will be accepted.
The minimum score on the IELTS test is 6.5.
Please note that departments within the UAMS College of Health Professions have the prerogative of setting higher score requirements.
The IELTS test must have been taken within the two years immediately preceding the requested semester of admission.
An official copy of the IELTS score, issued by the British Council must be sent directly to UAMS by the British Council. A photocopy of the scores sent to the student is not sufficient. No action will be taken on an application containing a photocopied test score.
Petitioning for a TOEFL Waiver
At the discretion of the program admissions committee within the UAMS College of Health Professions and approval of the UAMS College of Health Professions associate dean for student affairs, the TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants to programs in the UAMS College of Health Professions who meet any of the following criteria:
- Received a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university to include six semester credits of English Composition.
- Graduated from a U.S. high school having completed a minimum of three full years in residence and having completed two years of regular English courses with B or better grades.
- Scored 21 or greater on the English component of the ACT exam.
- Maintains a current U.S. certification to practice in the related discipline in which further coursework will be completed and has practiced in this discipline in the U.S. for at least two years.
Administrative Waiver
The applicant does not meet stated waiver qualifications; however, should the program chairmen, through program processes, believe there to be no deficiency in the area of English fluency and literacy the opportunity exists for a petition under administrative waiver. The chairman / program director requesting the administrative waiver will closely monitor student progress and develop a plan of action should one be deemed necessary.
A waiver is not automatically granted. Each petition is reviewed on an individual basis, and the department chair / program director and/or associate dean for student affairs may request additional supporting documentation and/or demonstration of the applicant’s ability to write, speak, and comprehend the English language.
Procedures
Applicant must submit the completed TOEFL / IELTS Waiver Request Form to their department chair / program director. The program chair / director will review, make a decision, sign, date and submit the form to the associate dean for student affairs or the student services specialist assigned to their program.