The MOKAN region is home to a growing health care ecosystem that supports both patient care and business expansion. Anchored by two major medical systems and an extensive network of clinics, the region provides quality health services to residents while offering employers access to a stable, skilled, and compassionate workforce.
Our region is also home to Kansas City University’s (KCU) Joplin campus, which is Missouri’s first new medical school in 50 years and a cornerstone for future health care talent in the area. KCU’s College of Dental Medicine, alongside its osteopathic and biomedical science programs, is designed to educate physicians and dentists committed to serving rural and underserved communities across our tri-state region.
Additionally, Crowder College and Missouri Southern State University offer students hands-on training in programs such as nursing, radiology, emergency medical services, nutrition, health care administration, and other related fields. These programs cultivate a pipeline of qualified professionals ready to meet the demands of hospitals, clinics, and health service providers.
Contact the MOKAN Partnership at 417.624.4150 to learn how your next health care investment can thrive in southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma.
The 100-acre campus features 240 hospital beds, a 24/7 med-flight helicopter, and some of the most advanced medical technology in the region, including robotic surgery equipment and a linear accelerator.
With more than 70 specialties, Freeman Hospital offers expertise in cardiac and vascular care, orthopedics, sports medicine, women’s services, mental health services, and more through their skilled, dedicated caregivers.
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
Director
Joplin Regional Alliance for Health
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.
