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Why Kansas?

With exceptional faculty, top-ranked programs and groundbreaking research institutes and centers, KU Medical Center embraces excellence. Our hard work aims to improve health, not only in our state but also in our region, nation and world.

Why Kansas? In a state often recognized for wheat and and The Wizard of Oz, the University of Kansas Medical Center has achieved national acclaim for its health education and research.

In the heart of the Heartland, KU Medical Center maintains three separate campuses: an urban environment in Kansas City, Kansas; a big city with rural roots in Wichita; and special emphasis on rural health in Salina. 

The University of Kansas in Lawrence is a one-hour drive from the Kansas City campus and about twice that time to Wichita and Salina. Separated by distance but not by purpose, the University of Kansas maintains an illustrious and historic reputation in many artistic, scientific and career-launching fields.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

KU Medical Center participates in the national college and university rankings conducted by U.S. News & World Report. In the last two years, here are some of our top-level results compared to other public institutions:

  • No. 6: Best Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs
  • No. 9: Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
  • No. 11: Best Nursing Graduate Programs: Nurse-Midwifery
  • No. 22: Best Undergraduate Nursing Program
  • No. 42: Best Medical Schools: Research
  • No. 47: Best Online Programs: Masters of Science in Nursing

U.S. News also recognized our health care partner, The University of Kansas Health System, with a "Best Hospital in Kansas" designation for the University of Kansas Hospital. It's an honor the hospital has earned for 12 years in row.

Though the hospital has a separate governing board and administrative system from KU Medical Center, it's a vital component in clinical experiences. To have the hospital receive these awards every year they have been presented means our students are receiving exceptional guidance in both classrooms and clinics.

Our health care partner, the University of Kansas Hospital

U.S. News rankings are important because they are based on a data-driven analysis of performance measures. For hospitals, that includes patient outcomes, nursing quality and the range of programs offered in any one specialty. They are also based on program reputation. The goal is to help patients with the most complex conditions find the most advanced care.

Of the more than 4,500 hospitals evaluated, few rank in multiple specialties. The University of Kansas Hospital, under the auspices of The University of Kansas Health System, ranked in seven adult medical and surgical specialties in the 2021-22 report. They include: 

Living in Kansas

If your vision of Kansas comes from the movies, you might be surprised to learn what Kansas City, Wichita and Salina have to offer. These cities have thriving arts communities, beautiful parks and a wide assortment of things to do during your free time.

Known for bebop and barbecue, Kansas City offers the diversity and excitement of a large city with the charm and convenience of Midwest living.

Kansas City

Nicknamed "The Air Capital of the World," Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and offers all of the amenities of a big city with a small-town feel.

Wichita

Home to a population of 46,000 people, Salina has a welcome reputation as a vibrant arts community with true rural Kansas feel.

Salina