Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

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Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

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Preparing students to be clinical professionals and health services leaders. Check out their programs on our website!

The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) offers two Bachelor of Science degrees; Health Science and Health Management. Also housed within PHS is the Master's in Aging Studies and the Master's in Health Administration program.

10/30/2026

MHA faculty Allison Apaza, Dr. Amy Chesser, and Dr. Linda Moody represented the MHA program at our annual service event, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which was hosted by WSU this year.

As a faculty that is dedicated to the development of the next generation of healthcare leaders, this is a cause that is especially meaningful to us. We were proud to support the Alzheimer’s Association and its work to advance research, provide care and support, and improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

10/29/2026

101 Careers to Impact | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

📝 What they do:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) professionals are advanced practice nurses who provide expert patient care, lead healthcare teams, improve healthcare systems, and translate research into practice. DNP graduates may serve as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, healthcare executives, or faculty leaders, helping improve outcomes for patients and communities.

🎓 Education: BSN → MSN or DNP pathway culminating in a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Advanced practice roles require national certification and state licensure.

📈 Outlook: Demand for advanced practice nurses continues to grow as healthcare organizations expand access to care, address provider shortages, and focus on population health. Healthcare occupations remain among the fastest-growing career fields in the nation.

💰 Salary (Kansas): Earnings vary by specialty. In Kansas, advanced practice nurses can earn well into six figures. Nurse Practitioners earn a median salary of approximately $126K annually, while specialized roles such as Nurse Anesthetists may exceed $200K annually.

Start your journey at Wichita State
👉 wichita.edu/healthscience
👉 wichita.edu/nursing

10/27/2026

🌟Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Madison L., Health Sciences '18 and Nursing '19, Registered Nurse with Ascension Via Christi and current Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Wichita State!

Madison provides healthcare services for vulnerable populations while pursuing advanced nursing education.

💬 "WSU gave me a strong clinical foundation and critical thinking skills that I use every day as a nurse."

What she enjoys most:
"Providing quality care and treating every patient with dignity during challenging circumstances."

Her advice to students:
"Take advantage of every clinical opportunity. Some of the most rewarding roles aren't the ones you initially imagine."

👏 Start your journey at Wichita State
👉 wichita.edu/healthscience
👉 wichita.edu/nursing

10/26/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Lya N., Health Management '22 and MHA '24, Director of Operations with Sleeptopia!

Lya leads operational initiatives across multiple locations, helping improve efficiency, patient experiences, and organizational growth.

💬 "Wichita State gave me a strong foundation in healthcare administration and helped me develop the leadership skills that have been essential throughout my career."

What she enjoys most:
"Every day brings new challenges, opportunities to learn, and chances to help others grow."

Her advice to students:
"Build relationships, stay curious, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone."

👏 Start your journey at Wichita State
👉 wichita.edu/healthadmin

10/23/2026

🎉 Student Spotlight! 🎉

Meet Kristen Knott, an Online Bachelor of Science in Health Management student recently featured in an article about WSU’s Parents and Caregivers Community! 💛

Like many of our online students, Kristen is balancing work, raising a family, and earning her degree.

“I wanted to show my kids that no matter where you are in life, you can do anything,” Kristen said. “Regardless of how old you are, it’s not too late to go back to school.”

Programs like the Parents and Caregivers Community help make that possible.

“Parents need to know there is support and they’re not alone,” said Dr. Pamela O’Neal, associate director in the Office of Online and Adult Learning.

We’re so proud of Kristen’s progress and can’t wait to see where her future in healthcare takes her!

📸 Kristen Knott (right) with husband James, daughter Kenzie and son Brantley (courtesy photo)

Read the full story:
https://www.wichita.edu/about/wsunews/news/2026/10-oct/parents_2.php

10/21/2026

101 Careers to Impact | Medical Operations Manager

📝 What they do:
Medical Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day performance of healthcare organizations, clinics, and medical service lines. They coordinate staffing, patient flow, quality improvement initiatives, budgets, compliance efforts, and operational strategy to help healthcare teams deliver efficient, high-quality patient care.

🎓 Education: BS in Health Management, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. An MHA, MBA, or other graduate degree is often preferred for advancement into senior leadership roles.

📈 Outlook: Healthcare organizations continue to seek operational leaders who can improve efficiency, patient access, and care quality. Employment for medical and health services managers is projected to grow 23%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

💰 Salary (Kansas): Approximately $65K-$85K starting, with experienced Medical Operations Managers commonly earning $100K-$140K+ depending on organization size, scope of responsibility, and healthcare setting. Medical and health services managers nationally earn a median salary of approximately $118K.

Start your journey at Wichita State 👉 wichita.edu/healthadmin

10/16/2026

🎤 Healthcare careers aren't one-size-fits-all.

Join us on October 22 for a Virtual Career Panel featuring healthcare leaders and Wichita State alumni working in public health, healthcare administration, provider relations, healthcare operations, and executive leadership.

Hear from:
⭐ Kevin Strecker, CEO, Kansas Heart Hospital
⭐ Derik Flerlage, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
⭐ Gabrielle Owens-Bruce, Maximus
⭐ Justin Cerre, Medxcel
⭐ Andrea Dodson, Wesley Healthcare

Whether you're exploring career options, considering graduate school, or preparing for your first professional role, this is your opportunity to hear firsthand career advice and ask questions.

📅 October 22
⏰ 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
💻 Microsoft Teams
🔗 Register here: https://ow.ly/VRzL50ZUFqb

10/15/2026

101 Careers to Impact | Physician (MD)

📝 What they do:
Physicians (MDs) diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, perform procedures, and help patients prevent and manage disease. They work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and specialized care settings, serving as leaders in patient care and improving health outcomes across communities.

🎓 Education: Bachelor's degree → Medical School (MD) → Residency training (3-7+ years depending on specialty). Additional fellowship training may be required for some specialties.

📈 Outlook: Strong demand is expected as healthcare needs grow and the population ages. Physicians remain critical to expanding access to care, particularly in primary care and rural communities.

💰 Salary (Kansas): Approximately $200K-$250K+ for many primary care physicians, with specialists often earning $300K-$500K+ depending on specialty, experience, and practice setting.

Start your journey at Wichita State 👉 wichita.edu/healthscience

10/14/2026

Dr. Suzanne Hawley was honored to represent Wichita State University’s Department of Public Health Sciences at the 2026 Kansas Public Health Association (KPHA) Conference in Manhattan, KS!

It was a great opportunity to connect with public health professionals across Kansas while promoting WSU’s academic programs and mental health and su***de prevention resources through Suspenders4HOPE.

A conference highlight was hearing keynote speaker Dr. Dennys Lau, Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Public Health.

10/13/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Yuki T., Health Sciences '24, First-Year Medical Student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine!

Yuki is pursuing a career in medicine while building on the strong academic foundation and support system developed at Wichita State.

💬 "WSU gave me incredible mentors, lifelong friends, and access to resources that helped me succeed academically and professionally."

What she enjoys most:
"The hands-on learning opportunities, including simulation labs, ultrasound training, and small-group medical cases."

Her advice to students:
"Step outside your comfort zone. Some of your favorite memories and biggest opportunities will come from trying something new."

Address

Wichita, KS
67260

Website

http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=chp_phs&p=%2Findex

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