Arkansas State University says a feasibility study it commissioned has confirmed that the northeast Arkansas region needs a medical school.
The university says that starting a medical school would help meet demand for primary care physicians in the Delta region. The study says opening the school would also have a $70 million economic impact.
ASU and the Delta Regional Authority signed a contract with consultant Tripp Umbach to study the feasibility of launching an osteopathic medical school at the university.
Jonesboro isn't the only Arkansas city being considered for a medical school. The Fort Smith Regional Healthcare Foundation is also studying whether to create an osteopathic medical school in Fort Smith.