The MOKAN region anchors a growing biomedical industry. Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital continue to invest and build out regional health clinics and services across the region’s communities. The recent addition of Kansas City University of Biomedicine and the new College of Dental Medicine will further drive medical industry growth here and attract professionals and students alike.
Kansas City University (KCU) is a fully accredited, private, not-for-profit university strategically located on two Missouri campuses — in Kansas City and Joplin — to address the health needs of both urban and rural populations. KCU’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences, and Dental Medicine offer graduate degree programs in osteopathic medicine, clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, and dental medicine, as well as multiple dual-degree, fellowship, and research opportunities.
ACCESS Family Care Medical & Dental Clinics is a group of outpatient clinics that accept Medicare, Medicaid and private medical and dental insurance.
They have multiple medical and dental clinics, behavioral health care and a low-cost, patient-only pharmacy. They also offer telemedicine, which means you can, in many cases, talk with a nurse or doctor over the internet or phone when you can’t get to one of thier clinics.
– Lori Worthington
CEO
Joplin Regional Health Alliance
The MOKAN Region offers strong healthcare infrastructure with two major hospital systems—Mercy and Freeman Health Systems—alongside several rural hospitals, all strategically located near the center of the U.S., making the region ideal for healthcare service delivery, workforce access, and medical supply distribution.
With healthcare and manufacturing as its leading industries, the MOKAN region is primed for growth in medical device and equipment production—offering a unique opportunity for companies at the crossroads of innovation and industry.
Joplin is home to Kansas City University’s medical and dental schools—the first new medical school campus in Missouri in 50 years—drawing students from across the country and creating a steady pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals for regional employers.
From precision fabrication to sterile packaging, the MOKAN region’s manufacturing strengths are well-suited to support medical technology and bioscience firms seeking scalable, cost-effective operations in a central U.S. location.