Coffeyville, Kan. – Tuesday, July 22, Kansas City University (KCU) formally announced the launch of its Rural Health Scholars Program during a special press conference held at the KCU-Joplin campus. Coffeyville Community College (CCC) is proud to be partnering in this initiative, designed to accelerate students from rural and medically underserved counties into careers in medicine and dentistry.
The event included a ceremonial signing and remarks from institutional leaders across the four-state region. CCC leadership, President Dr. Marlon Thornburg, and Vice President of Academic Services Dr. Aron Potter, joined representatives from KCU, Missouri Southern State University, Pittsburg State University, and fellow partner colleges to mark the beginning of a program that offers rural students a clear and supported path to becoming osteopathic physicians or dentists.
"CCC is excited to be a partner with Kansas City University and our regional universities on this rural healthcare initiative. Assisting area students to reach their goal of becoming a physician or dentist is important to address the workforce needs of our area and, more importantly, to encourage our graduates to return to their home communities!”, said President Thornburg.
A Fast-Track to Healthcare Careers for Rural Students
The KCU Rural Health Scholars Program provides an accelerated academic pathway:
- Year 1: Students begin at CCC after graduating from high school.
- Years 2–3: Students transfer to either Pittsburg State University or Missouri Southern State University to continue pre-professional coursework.
- Year 4+: Eligible students receive a guaranteed interview for early acceptance to KCU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine or College of Dental Medicine, without needing to take the MCAT or DAT.
If accepted, students complete their third undergraduate year before matriculating to KCU for their professional medical or dental training.
“Kansas City University is a progressive institution with a beautiful campus in Joplin. Having the opportunity to go to medical school within an hour of their home community will be attractive to area students and families", President Thornburg added.
Designed for Rural Students, Built for Rural Communities
To be eligible, students must graduate from a high school in a designated rural, medically underserved county in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Arkansas. Academic requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.25, strong performance in math and science, and an ACT composite score of 24 or higher.
CCC is one of a select group of institutions participating in the Rural Health Scholars Program, which aims to address physician and dentist shortages by cultivating talent directly within rural communities.
More Information
Students and families interested in learning more about the Rural Health Scholars Program at CCC can contact Advisor Melissa Harrison at [email protected] and 620-252-7066 or visit www.coffeyville.edu.
