MedPro International is placing foreign-educated healthcare professionals in exciting positions throughout the United States. This week we take a closer look at Wichita, Kansas.
‘Air Capital of the World’
What started as a trading post in the 1860s is now considered a regional center of culture, media, and trade. Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas, in the heart of the Midwest. The city sits on the banks of the Arkansas River and is home to several universities, museums, theaters, parks, and entertainment venues, providing plenty of diversion and enrichment. Though Wichita is the birthplace of two iconic American fast food chains, Pizza Hut and White Castle, the city by the river isn’t known for its burgers and pan pizzas. Wichita was given the nickname “Air Capital of the World” in 1929 by the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce in reference to the large number of aeronautical corporations in the city. The industry still plays a major role in Wichita’s diverse economic base.
Economy
Aircraft manufacturing and aircraft assembly command a large presence in Wichita. Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation are the city’s top employers, followed by the Wichita Unified School District 259. But the region is also a leader in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, energy, IT systems and support healthcare, and transportation and logistics.
Local Medical Facilities
Ascension Via Christi Hospital Wichita is ranked #1 in Wichita and #4 in the region by U.S. News and World Report. Other high-performing facilities include Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa Hospital, Kansas Spine and Specialty Hospital, Kansas Surgery and Recovery Center, and NMC Health-Newton, Wesley Healthcare Center, in addition to 11 facilities servicing the area.
Quality of Life
- Cost of Living: 18.4 percent below the national rate
- Population: 395,699 based on the 2020 Census
- Median Home Price: $138,100
- Median Household Income: $53,466
- Per Capita Income: $29,812
- Live below the poverty line: 15.5 percent
- Median Age: 35.3
- Average commute time: 18.8 minutes
Schools
Wichita is home to three institutions of higher education: Friends University, Newman University, and Wichita State University.
- The Wichita Unified School District, Wichita USD 259, enrolls 46,908 students in 89 schools.
- Overall grade: B- (Niche.com)
- Student-Teacher ratio: 10-1
- Serving: PreK through High school
Transportation
For the most part, Wichita is a car city. The metro area is spread out, and public bus service is limited. The downtown area has a free Q-line trolley and designated bike lines.
Top Attractions:
Once known as “Cow Town” for serving as a railhead for cattle from Texas, Wichita is now a bustling Midwest metropolis with plenty of attractions.
Keeper of the Plains This 44-foot tall steel sculpture at the confluence of the Big and Arkansas rivers in downtown marks sacred Native American ground and is home to the Mid-America All-Indian Museum.
Exploration Place The Sedgwick County Science and Discovery Center is the premier science center in Kansas. Permanent exhibits include Design Build Fly, which allows visitors to design an airplane seat and test landing gear, and Keva, which allows visitors to build structures using wooden planks. Exploration Place also shows temporary exhibits such as Artic Adventure and Expedition Dinosaur.
Douglas Design District Eat, drink, and shop on this three-mile stretch just east of downtown. DDD is home to 300 locally-owned businesses, including breweries, pizzerias, furniture stores, and boutiques. You can also take a self-guided tour of the area’s many murals.
The Wichita Gardens This 17-acre botanical oasis has numerous gardens (butterfly, memorial fountain, woodland, Shakespeare) and is a great way to unwind and enjoy nature.
Arkansas River Trail The 9-mile path is the longest and most popular multi-use trail in Wichita. Open for hiking, running, and biking. Leashed dogs are welcome as well.
Old Cowtown Museum Take a step back onto the old frontier at this one-of-a-kind museum. Historic structures with period furnishings, clothing and domestic textiles, tools and machinery, farming equipment, and rolling stock are all on display, along with photos, letters, and documents.
Are you a Foreign-Educated Registered Nurse or Allied Health Professional looking to work in the U.S.?
MedPro International is a Joint Commission-certified and leading provider of placement services to facilities across the U.S. We have successfully placed more foreign-educated healthcare professionals than any other company in our industry.
To find out more, APPLY NOW or call us at (800) 886-8108.
