Kansas Health Science University and Friends University unveil innovative revision of the Master of Health Care Leadership degree program

Wichita, Kan. – Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) and Friends University have expanded their partnership to offer an enhanced Master of Health Care Leadership (MHCL) degree program in Wichita. The updated program builds on Friends University’s existing MHCL degree and now allows students to complete health-focused courses at Kansas Health Science University’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KHSU’s KansasCOM).  

“This partnership with Friends University is a natural step towards KHSU’s mission to develop exceptional programs that produce health care leaders and expand health care access throughout Kansas,” said Kimberly Long, Ph.D., interim president of Kansas Health Science University. “KHSU is honored to partner with Friends University to offer students seeking administrative roles the valuable opportunity to learn side by side with student doctors, broadening their understanding of the health care field. By engaging directly with medical educators in the Health System Sciences curriculum, students gain an integrated view of clinical and operational perspectives and are better prepared to lead in a modern health care environment.” 

Through this partnership, Friends University remains the home institution where students are fully matriculated and from which they earn their degree. The curriculum combines health care specific business courses with leadership development to prepare students for administrative roles in today’s complex health care environment. As part of the revised curriculum, students complete the Health System Sciences I–IV courses at KansasCOM, equipping graduates with the practical understanding required to navigate Kansans’ evolving health care needs, address gaps in access, and lead interdisciplinary teams. These medically focused courses, taught by KansasCOM faculty, transfer back to Friends University and fulfill required components of the MHCL degree.  

The MHCL curriculum was developed with input from leaders in the health care industry and is designed to encompass all phases of health care leadership, including acute and long-term care, clinic and hospital management, and home health and hospice agencies. Core business courses are offered online and on campus for flexibility, while the Health System Sciences courses are completed in person at KansasCOM so students can learn directly from medical educators in a clinical education environment. This intentional blend of formats gives working professionals flexibility while preserving the valuable, hands-on aspects of health care training. 

“Our partnership with Kansas Health Science University’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine strengthens an already solid Master of Health Care Leadership degree,” said Jim Long, Ph.D., division chair of Business and Finance at Friends University. “It is rare to see a graduate business program that prepares leaders across varied health settings and also places them in state-of-the-art medical school classrooms. Learning in that patient focused, innovative environment gives our students a firsthand appreciation of the clinical perspective and inspires them to build more compassionate, sustainable health care organizations.” 

This partnership builds on the existing relationship between KHSU and Friends University. In April 2023, the schools announced a 3+4 program in which a select number of highly qualified Friends students who meet KansasCOM admission requirements can accelerate their career path by beginning their first year of medical school during their senior year of undergraduate studies. 

Learn more about the new Master of Health Care Leadership degree program. 

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About Kansas Health Science University
Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) is committed to developing strong, innovative education programs in emerging areas of health care. In 2022, KHSU welcomed the first class of students to the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first college of osteopathic medicine in the state. The college provides a comprehensive education that combines the core tenets of osteopathic medicine with curriculum focused on innovative technologies and community-based care. KHSU is part of The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges and universities working together to advance student success and community impact. Learn more. 

About Friends University

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Kansas Health Science University 
Carrie Lindeman 
316-393-1076
carrie@lindemancollective.com

Friends University 
Shaylee Gibbs 
316-295-5809  
shaylee_gibbs@friends.edu