Established to address the growing need for highly-skilled and compassionate health professionals, the University recently founded the KCU College of Health Professions. This new College reflects KCU's dedication to addressing the health needs of patients, particularly throughout the four-state area, and commitment to increasing opportunities for more students to pursue education in the health sciences education – while strengthening the University's role as both a regional and national contributor to the health workforce.

The Master of Health Science in Anesthesiologist Assistant (MHS-AA) program is the first degree program to be housed within the new KCU College of Health Professions. As the University looks toward the future, additional programs will be developed to best meet workforce demands in an array of health care fields – ensuring future generations of health professionals ready to help change health care for good.  

KCU has appointed Richard Schooler, DO, to serve as founding dean of the new College of Health Professions. Dr. Schooler also serves as vice president of the KCU-Joplin campus. An alumnus from the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1980, Dr. Schooler has built a reputation as a trusted physician, educator and health care executive in the Joplin region over the past four decades. Now, as dean of the College of Health Professions, Dr. Schooler will lead future generations of students to success in essential health care careers. 

“It is an honor to help lead the College of Health Professions as we prepare to welcome our inaugural class of anesthesiologist assistants. We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to serve as essential members of anesthesia care teams. Their contributions will help strengthen access to care in both urban and rural communities across the region and beyond.” -Richard Schooler, DO