McPherson College and Wichita State Form Training Pact
The universities have created a guaranteed admission program for students pursuing athletic training degrees.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Financial Aid
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McPherson College and Wichita State University have launched a partnership that guarantees admission for five students into the master of science in athletic training program. The initiative aims to create a clear pathway for students seeking professional careers in the field.
Why it matters
This agreement strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two Kansas institutions by providing students with a dedicated bridge to advanced clinical education. It formalizes educational opportunities for those pursuing specialized healthcare roles.
The partnership includes a 350,000 square foot Wichita Biomedical Campus facility, where the program will relocate in summer 2027. Additionally, McPherson College recently completed $2.1 million in lab upgrades at Melhorn Science Hall.
The players
McPherson College
This private liberal arts college is located in McPherson, Kansas.
Wichita State University
This public research university serves as the primary location for the new athletic training collaboration.
The details
Interested students must complete the standard application and admission process for the master's degree program to secure one of the guaranteed spots. The curriculum will integrate traditional classroom instruction with hands-on clinical education and professional practice.
Timeline
Last spring, the institutions announced an MBA credit transfer pathway.
September 22, 2026, marked the official announcement of the athletic training partnership.
In summer 2027, the athletic training program will move to the Wichita Biomedical Campus.
Culture Shift
This partnership reflects a growing emphasis on inter-institutional cooperation within the Kansas higher education landscape. By aligning academic pathways, both schools are capitalizing on the trend of streamlining professional training to meet regional workforce needs.
Eligible students at McPherson College now have a predictable, structured pathway to reach their professional goals in athletic training. Furthermore, students can already take advantage of the existing program allowing nine credit hours to count toward an MBA degree.
The takeaway
This collaboration provides students with a clearer roadmap to graduate school and professional practice in the healthcare sector. Prospective students should consult academic advisors to ensure they meet the criteria for the guaranteed admission spots.
Further reading
For more on educational resources, visit Financial Aid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSN-TV.
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