A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About A T Still University of Health Sciences
Pioneering health education since 1892 as the world's first osteopathic medical school.
A. T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) stands as a beacon of innovation and legacy in health education. Founded in 1892, ATSU holds the distinguished honor of being the world's first osteopathic medical school. With over 3,700 students, this private institution continues to shape the future of healthcare professionals, driven by a commitment to whole-person care and community service.
The university's roots run deep, beginning in Kirksville, Missouri, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. Initially known as the American School of Osteopathy (ASO), it swiftly grew, graduating its first class in 1894 and later expanding its faculty with formally trained physicians like William Smith. Over the decades, the institution evolved through several name changes, reflecting its growth and increasing scope, from Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery to its current comprehensive identity as A. T. Still University.
ATSU's impact extends beyond foundational medical education. Early in its history, in 1908, it established a nursing program, demonstrating a broad commitment to health professions. A pioneer in community health, ATSU launched its first rural clinic in 1949, expanding to 10 clinics serving 43,000 patients by 1960—a testament to its dedication to underserved populations. Modern ATSU encompasses diverse academic strengths, including the College of Graduate Health Sciences (established 1999) and the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (opened 2013), continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape and provide a rich learning environment for its students.
Key Highlights
- ✦Established in 1892 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still as the world's first osteopathic medical school.
- ✦Educates over 3,717 students across various health science disciplines.
- ✦Pioneered community-focused healthcare, establishing its first rural clinic in 1949 and operating 10 by 1960.
- ✦Holds an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its educational and research missions.
- ✦Initiated a nursing program in 1908, showcasing early foresight in diverse health professions education.
- ✦Benefited from a 1960 Rockefeller family donation to build the Timken-Burnett Research building.
- ✦Opened the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) in 2013 on its Kirksville campus.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
3 notable schools within A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
The foundational and primary osteopathic medical school, tracing its origins to the 1892 American School of Osteopathy, the world's first.
College of Graduate Health Sciences (ATSU-CGHS)
Established in 1999, offering advanced studies and graduate programs in various health science fields.
Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH)
Opened in 2013, this school provides comprehensive dental education and clinical training on the Kirksville campus.
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