Kansas City University

KCU Administration Building

KCU Joplin Campus

Kansas City University (KCU) is a private medical school with its main campus located in Kansas City, Missouri, and an additional campus in Joplin, Missouri. Established in 1916, KCU is one of the oldest and largest osteopathic medical schools in the United States. The university is dedicated to the education of students in the fields of osteopathic medicine, biosciences, and health sciences. It offers a variety of degree programs, including a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Master of Science in Biosciences, and combined degree options such as DO/MBA and DO/MS in Bioethics.

History

KCU was founded in 1916 as the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery. Throughout its history, the university has undergone several name changes and expansions to its academic programs and campus facilities. In the early 21st century, it expanded its educational offerings to include graduate degrees in the biosciences and health sciences, reflecting a broader focus beyond osteopathic medicine alone.

Campuses

KCU operates two campuses: the original campus in Kansas City, Missouri, and a second campus in Joplin, Missouri. The Kansas City campus is located in the historic Northeast area of the city, offering a blend of urban and suburban environments. The Joplin campus was established to address the shortage of primary care physicians in the rural parts of the Midwest and to contribute to the region's healthcare needs, especially after the devastating tornado in 2011.

Kansas City Campus

The Kansas City campus houses the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Biosciences, and the majority of the university's administrative offices. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs, research laboratories, and a comprehensive health sciences library.

Joplin Campus

Opened in 2017, the Joplin campus is home to the university's second College of Osteopathic Medicine. It was developed in partnership with Mercy Hospital Joplin, Freeman Health System, and other regional healthcare providers to train osteopathic physicians with an emphasis on serving rural and underserved populations.

Academic Programs

KCU offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program, which is a four-year professional degree program designed to prepare students for careers as osteopathic physicians. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on preventive medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system as a key element of health.

In addition to the DO program, KCU provides a Master of Science in Biosciences program, aimed at students interested in research and academic careers in the biomedical sciences. The university also offers dual-degree programs, allowing students to pursue a DO degree in conjunction with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science (MS) in Bioethics, among others.

Research and Community Engagement

KCU is actively involved in biomedical research, with a focus on areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular science, and infectious diseases. The university encourages student participation in research projects and offers opportunities for collaboration with faculty and other institutions.

Community engagement is a core component of KCU's mission. The university operates several community clinics and health initiatives, providing free or low-cost healthcare services to underserved populations. These programs not only serve the community but also offer valuable clinical experience to students.

Accreditation

KCU is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). These accreditations ensure that the university meets or exceeds standards for quality in educational practices and outcomes.

Notable Alumni

Over the years, KCU has produced a significant number of alumni who have made notable contributions to the field of medicine, healthcare, and community service. These include leaders in medical practice, research, and healthcare administration.