(a) There is created within the Department of Higher Education the Arkansas Academic Physician Program.
(b) To ensure academic success and completion of medical, pharmacy, or nursing school, the Arkansas Academic Physician Program shall provide academic support for students preparing to matriculate at a medical school in this state accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to seek accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
(c) The program shall offer tutoring, group study, test-taking strategies, and supplemental instruction to promote collegiality and enhance the student's ability to master the basic sciences and increase the applicant pool.
(d) The program aims to offer premedical, prepharmacy, and prenursing students in Arkansas from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to engage in a variety of clinical hands-on experiences.