Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

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Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences

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.

10/01/2026

101 Careers to Impact | Registered Nurse (RN)

📝 What they do:
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, coordinate treatment plans, educate patients and families, and serve as vital advocates throughout the healthcare journey. From hospitals and clinics to schools and community health settings, nurses are at the heart of improving health outcomes and patient experiences.

🎓 Education: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) preferred by many employers; ADN pathways are also available. RN licensure required through successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam.

📈 Outlook: Strong demand nationwide as healthcare needs continue to grow. Employment for registered nurses is projected to increase 6% through 2035, with approximately 180,800 openings annually.

💰 Salary (Kansas): Approximately $63K-$73K starting, with a median salary of about $79K annually. Experienced nurses and those in specialty, leadership, or advanced practice roles can earn $100K+.

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

09/30/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟
Meet Jason L., Health Science '21 and Nursing '22, Travel NICU Registered Nurse with HealthTrust!

Jason cares for critically ill newborns and has worked in multiple Level III NICUs while expanding his skills through travel nursing.

💬 "The Health Science and Accelerated Nursing programs provided a strong foundation and helped prepare me for a successful nursing career."

What he enjoys most:
"Watching patients grow stronger and ultimately go home with their families."

His advice to students:
"Research career paths, shadow professionals, and work closely with advisors who can help guide your goals."

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

09/29/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟
Meet Sierra C., Health Sciences '21 and BSN '22, Registered Nurse at Wesley Medical Center!

Sierra serves as a maternal transport nurse, helping high-risk mothers from rural communities receive specialized care when they need it most.

💬 "WSU gave me the foundational knowledge and understanding I needed before entering nursing practice."

What she enjoys most:
"Being present during some of life's most important moments and helping welcome new babies into the world."

Her advice to students:
"Stay steadfast and never give up. It may not seem worth it now, but it absolutely is."

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

09/28/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight 🌟

Meet Madison S., Health Sciences '24 and Nursing '25, Registered Nurse at Parkland Health Hospital in Dallas, Texas!

Madison works in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, caring for some of the most vulnerable patients and their families. At one of the nation's busiest hospitals for births, every day brings new learning opportunities and unique patient experiences.

💬 "My Wichita State education provided a strong foundation in healthcare and nursing, helping me develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue a career in neonatal intensive care."

What she enjoys most:
"I love how dynamic the NICU is. I'm constantly learning something new and caring for a wide variety of patients."

Her advice to students:
"It's never too late to find your passion. I changed my major three times before finding healthcare. Having a strong support system is also key to success."

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

09/22/2026

📅 Save the Date!

Join us for the Virtual Health Administration Career Panel on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM via Microsoft Teams.

Hear from Health Management and MHA alumni as well as hospital CEOs as they discuss career paths, leadership experiences, industry trends, and opportunities in healthcare administration.

✅ Free event
✅ Open to all students
✅ Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Register today by scanning the QR code or by visiting https://ow.ly/G3Ig50ZL3yR

09/21/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Amy Drassen Ham on being named a 2026 Kansas Board of Regents Faculty of the Year honoree!

A medical anthropologist and educator with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Drassen Ham has impacted thousands of students through innovative teaching, curriculum development, mentorship, and service. Her work focuses on improving healthcare through a deeper understanding of people, communities, and health behaviors, as well as risk reduction and interprofessional education, helping prepare future health professionals for success.

This prestigious recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to teaching, student success, research, and service to Kansas communities. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor! 👏

💛🖤

09/17/2026

Our faculty got a sneak peek at the future of healthcare education! 👏

Earlier this month, Dr. Nikki Keene Woods, Dr. Suzanne Hawley, Allison Apaza, and Dr. Matthew Bogner toured the Wichita Biomedical Campus, scheduled to open in 2027. The new campus will bring together the KU School of Medicine, KU School of Pharmacy, WSU Tech health programs, and the WSU College of Health Professions in one collaborative space.

Exciting things are ahead for healthcare education in Kansas!

09/15/2026

Celebrate National Online Learning Day with Wichita State's online health management programs.

Our BS in Health Management (AUPHA Certified) and Master of Health Administration (CAHME Accredited) prepare students to lead in today's healthcare environment. Designed for working professionals and future healthcare leaders, these flexible online programs build the skills needed to improve healthcare organizations and communities.

Graduates go on to leadership and administrative careers in hospitals, clinics, health systems, public health agencies, insurance organizations, and more.

Whether you're starting your career or taking the next step, Wichita State can help you reach your goals from anywhere.

Learn more: www.wichita.edu/healthadmin

09/11/2026

Copilot said:

101 Paths to Impact | Senior Underwriter (Medical Stop-Loss Insurance)

📝 What they do:
Senior Underwriters in Medical Stop-Loss Insurance help employers protect themselves from high-cost healthcare claims. They analyze claims experience, health risk data, demographic trends, and financial information to assess risk and determine coverage terms and pricing. Working closely with brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, and employer groups, they help organizations manage healthcare costs while ensuring access to quality employee health benefits. Their expertise supports informed decision-making in a complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

🎓 Education:
BS in Healthcare Administration, Health Management, Business, Finance, Actuarial Science, Risk Management, or a related field preferred. Strong analytical, financial, communication, and decision-making skills are essential. Industry certifications such as HIA, CEBS, RHU, or other insurance-related credentials can enhance career advancement opportunities.

📈 Outlook:
Strong demand as employers continue to seek innovative ways to manage rising healthcare costs through self-funded health plans. Growth in data analytics, population health management, and employer-sponsored healthcare benefits is increasing the need for experienced stop-loss underwriting professionals.

💰 Salary:
Typical starting salary ~$70–90K; median ~$110–140K; experienced Senior Underwriters and underwriting leaders can earn $160K+ depending on expertise, book size, and organizational responsibilities. (Ranges based on national stop-loss insurance and healthcare underwriting roles.)

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

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Suzanne R. Hawley, Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at Wichita State University, on presenting two research posters at the 5th Annual Su***de Research Symposium.

Dr. Hawley’s presentations focused on two important areas of public health research:

• Examining the Impact of Su***de Prevention Training Across Population Subgroups
• A Pilot Study Evaluating the Promotion of College Student Wellness in an Online Classroom Setting

These projects highlight Dr. Hawley’s ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based approaches to su***de prevention, mental health education, and student well-being.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hawley on this outstanding scholarly achievement and her continued contributions to public health research and education.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention ***deResearch

Address

Wichita, KS
67260

Website

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

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