Labette Community College Partakes in Rural Health Scholars Program in Effort to Meet Regional Health Care Needs

Parsons, KS – Labette Community College (LCC) is proud to announce its role in the Rural Health Scholars Program, an academic pipeline effort, led by Kansas City University (KCU), to undertake the shortage of health care professionals in rural communities.

This program provides a pathway for students from rural, medically underserved areas to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in just seven years—one year faster than the traditional route. Students can begin their academic journey at LCC, then transfer to either Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) or Pittsburg State University (PSU) for two years. Qualified students are then invited to apply for early admission to KCU, where they complete four years of medical or dental school.

LCC President Dr. Mark Watkins attended the program launch event at KCU’s campus in Joplin, Missouri, on Tuesday, July 22. Watkins participated in a campus tour and press conference to express excitement for the program on behalf of LCC.

LCC is one of eight community colleges in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma participating in this multi-institution initiative, which represents a bold step toward strengthening rural health care infrastructure. See the list of all participating institutions below.

• Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri
• Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas
• Allen Community College in Iola, Kansas
• Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas
• Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri
• Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas
• Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas
• Labette Community College in Parsons, Kansas
• Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas
• Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma

LCC’s involvement in the Rural Health Scholars program directly supports our mission to provide quality learning opportunities that empower students to succeed while enhancing the vitality of our service area. By helping rural students pursue careers in medicine and dentistry, we are investing in both individual achievement and the long-term health of the communities we serve.