University of Central Missouri and A.T. Still University Forge Strategic Healthcare Education Partnership

By Alex Greenwood, August 12, 2025

 

 

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) and A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU), a Kirksville, Missouri-based, nationally recognized leader in whole person healthcare education, have entered into a strategic partnership to create a robust pathway for students pursuing careers in healthcare professions.

Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, UCM and ATSU will collaborate to provide UCM biology students with streamlined access to advanced study in a variety of health sciences fields, including osteopathic medicine, dentistry, physician assistant studies, biomedical sciences and orthodontics. The partnership represents a significant step forward in preparing Missouri’s future healthcare workforce, particularly in addressing critical needs in rural health.

"ATSU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program in Kirksville is honored to partner with UCM to build a physician development pipeline program designed to better serve all of Missouri, including its many rural and Health Professional Shortage Areas," ATSU Missouri Campus President Gaylah Sublette said. "Such a talent pipeline has the potential to transform whole person healthcare at the community level, one patient at a time." 

 

“This partnership exemplifies the kind of collaboration that transforms lives and communities,” UCM Provost Tim Crowley said. “By aligning our strengths with those of ATSU, we’re opening new doors for our students and helping meet the healthcare demands of Missouri and the region.”

Missouri is facing a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. As of June 2025, 111 of the state’s 114 counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, and the state ranks fourth-lowest nationwide in HPSA designations. Missouri is currently short nearly 500 primary care physicians, a deficit projected to grow to more than 2,000 by 2026. These shortages are most acute in rural communities, where residents often have limited or no access to essential care. By creating pathways for UCM students into ATSU's health programs and expanding rural rotation opportunities, this partnership directly addresses the systemic workforce gaps facing Missouri’s communities.

 

In addition, the institutions are working to develop a rural health pipeline experience in collaboration with Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) in Warrensburg. This initiative will provide tiered programming for UCM students, including experiential learning alongside ATSU third- and fourth-year medical students and practicing physicians.

 

“ATSU has long been a target university for our students wanting to be healthcare professionals, so we are thrilled to now be partners with the oldest and most respected osteopathic medicine school in the country,” said Scott Lankford, chair of the UCM Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences. “Furthermore, ATSU’s portfolio of healthcare programs and shared mission to energize the rural healthcare workforce pipeline perfectly complements our students’ interests. Their commitment to our region began with third- and fourth-year medical student rotations at WMMC, and I am excited to add the brightest and hardest-working undergraduate trainees to the collaboration. “

The agreement includes specific addenda—some in the final stages of approval—that offer UCM students unique advantages such as early acceptance opportunities, guaranteed interviews and priority access to ATSU’s Still Scholars program. The Still Scholars program, in particular, provides preferred access to ATSU’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, including three guaranteed interviews and a significantly higher acceptance rate for UCM applicants than those applying through the standard route. 

 

Additional proposed addendum agreements will build tailored connections to other ATSU programs, including the Doctor of Dental Medicine, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Master of Science in Orthodontics.

 

This phased approach ensures a tailored pathway for a wide range of pre-health students, building a sustainable, long-term healthcare talent pipeline for the state of Missouri and the region. These benefits will significantly improve the likelihood of admission into competitive graduate healthcare programs, giving students a head start on their professional journey.

 

Founded in 1892, ATSU is the founding institution of osteopathic medicine and a national leader in graduate health education. UCM, a comprehensive university serving more than 13,000 students, continues to advance student success through innovation, strategic partnerships and experiential learning.

For more information, visit the UCM Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences online.

 

About A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

Established in 1892 by A.T. Still, DO, the founder of osteopathic medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) began as the nation’s first college of osteopathic medicine and has evolved into a leading university of health sciences comprised of a growing community with a rich history in education and osteopathic healthcare. Today, ATSU offers certificates and master’s degrees across health disciplines, and doctorates in athletic training, audiology, health administration, education, health sciences, medical science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental medicine, and osteopathic medicine.