Hesston College is pleased to announce the addition of three new bachelor’s degree programs as well as a partnership agreement with Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) in coordination with one of the new programs.
With recent approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Hesston College will offer the following new programs beginning in fall 2025:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science
- Bachelor of Art in Sports Management
“Hesston College began pursuing these additional program offerings as part of our transition from a two-year to a four-year institution,” explained Dr. Ross Peterson-Veatch, Hesston College’s interim president. “Being able to now offer these in-demand programs is a big accomplishment in responding to student requests as well as achieving our strategic goals as a college.”
The new health science program prepares students for graduate-level study and careers in medicine, allied health and other pre-clinical fields. The curriculum blends science, mathematics, population health and health care systems with leadership development and applied learning. Building on the college’s strong reputation in nursing education, the program responds to the growing demand for well-rounded health care professionals equipped with both scientific knowledge and compassionate care, which is rooted in Hesston’s Christ-centered mission encouraging students to integrate faith and service in their careers.
With the launch of the health science program, the college also entered into a partnership agreement today with KHSU that seeks to address Kansas’ growing physician shortage. The agreement allows a select number of Hesston College students to accelerate their career path with a 3+4 program. Qualified students who meet admission requirements will have the opportunity to begin their first year of medical school in their senior year of undergraduate studies at Hesston College. After completing their first year at KHSU’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM), they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Hesston College, thereby having the opportunity to complete both undergraduate work and a medical degree in seven years.
“This partnership is an important initiative to help give Kansas-based students an advantage as it accelerates training, reduces student debt and helps expedite the development of a highly qualified workforce,” said Tiffany Masson, Psy.D., president of Kansas Health Science University. “While the shortage of physicians is expected to intensify in the years ahead, KHSU is committed to improving the health of Kansas for the long term by developing the next generation of physicians to serve our communities.”
“This agreement with Kansas Health Science University provides a wonderful opportunity for our students, our communities and our state,” Peterson-Veatch shared. “Hesston has a strong history of producing high quality nursing graduates, and we’re excited to now have the ability to launch the same quality pre-medicine students into their careers faster through this partnership.”
KHSU will reserve first-year seats in its college of medicine, beginning in the fall of 2027, for Hesston College students who meet specific course requirements within their undergraduate program and admissions criteria at KansasCOM. The students will have the opportunity to transition to KansasCOM in pursuit of their medical degree with the class of 2031.
Also under the health care umbrella, the addition of the health and human performance program offers a hands-on, experience-driven education with two specialized tracks in pre-athletic training and exercise science. Students apply classroom theory in a state-of-the-art exercise science lab, conducting experiments in VO2 max testing, cardiovascular testing, flexibility, strength, endurance, body composition and muscle strength testing. Pre-athletic training students gain practical skills in taping, wrapping, injury evaluation, rehabilitation and developing return-to-play programs, while exercise science students focus on designing strength and conditioning programs and preparing for National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) personal trainer certification. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, students graduate prepared to excel in athletic training, personal training and related health and performance careers.
Sports management is the new program derived as an off-shoot from the current business management program, but offering more emphasis in the highly sought after sports industry. A field projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next several years, this program provides a foundational education to begin numerous career options in the sports arena. The curriculum combines the study of business, management, mentorship, sports-related subjects and practical and project-based experience through community partnerships. Individual students will partner with an industry leader, allowing for collaboration in applied learning experiences and mentorship while also obtaining practical experience that can be used to build their resume and professional portfolio.
“These new programs are popular for student-athletes who want to pursue a professional path in sports beyond their time as an athlete,” says Peterson-Veatch. “As Hesston’s student body continues to grow with the move to four-year athletics, also beginning next year, we now have more options to meet the needs of our student-athletes and others who are drawn to the career paths available through these new programs.”