Springfield Thrives with Easy Access to World Class Healthcare

Located in the heart of the Ozarks region, Springfield, Missouri, boasts an unparalleled commitment to the well-being of our neighbors.

Residents of all ages are never more than a short drive away from preventive care and routine screenings, along with an abundance of urgent care and walk-in clinics. Our community is also home to two top-100 health systems and Level I trauma centers. 

Medical care is our city’s number-one growth industry, employing about 17% of our total workforce. The Queen City is home to physicians in every major specialty area listed by the American Medical Association. From dermatology to endocrinology, ophthalmology to gynecology, the diverse health needs of our residents are met with the highest quality care. In addition, our medical community has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in new, state-of-the-art facilities.

It’s no surprise that Springfield and Greene County have earned World Health Organization Safe Community and International Safe Community designations for our community’s efforts to prevent injuries and protect public health.

Let’s take a look at the many world class healthcare resources that make Springfield a great place to call home for your family. 

Healthcare: One of Springfield’s Top Industries

More than 30,000 hardworking individuals work in a range of healthcare professions across the Springfield metro area. Our community’s two largest employers are CoxHealth, with over 12,000 employees, and Mercy, with over 9,000. 

Other top local healthcare employers include Burrell Behavioral Health, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Lakeland Behavioral Health and Ozarks Community Hospital.

That’s good news for everyone who lives here, because you’ll never have trouble finding the right provider to meet your needs, along with dedicated nurses, therapists and other qualified health professionals. 

Hospitals, Clinics & Level I Trauma Centers

From emergency services to advanced specialty care for children and adults, Springfield’s health systems offer a range of medical services from highly trained and experiened providers. 

CoxHealth

With six hospitals and more than 80 clinics in Southwest Missouri, CoxHealth is our region’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system. Cox has earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Hospitals List for seven consecutive years. Both Springfield hospitals have earned Magnet status, which is the highest national and international honor which recognizes the role of registered nurses in quality patient outcomes. 

In addition to two hospitals – Cox Medical Center South and Cox North Hospital – CoxHealth also includes the Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as hospitals in Branson, Barton County and Monett. Patients have access to urgent care and walk-in clinics throughout the region, as well as a range of specialties, which include the following: 

  • Springfield’s Children’s Miracle Network hospital provides financial support for children’s healthcare needs. Pediatric services also include primary care, vaccinations, neonatal intensive care and urgent care.
  • The Hulston Cancer Center is Springfield’s first community hospital for comprehensive cancer care. Dedicated specialists provide routine screenings and advanced care for breast, colorectal, skin, lung, prostate and many other forms of cancer. 
  • The Women’s Center, located at the Cox South complex, provides well woman checkups, breast care including mammography, prenatal and childbirth and menopause care. 
  • Orthopedics at the Meyer Hospital include experts in sports medicine, along with foot and ankle repair, hand and upper extremity repair, joint replacement, rehabilitation and fracture care. 
  • The Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center includes cardiovascular screenings, heart attack care and recover, advanced heart surgeries and treatments for arteries, veins and lymph vessels. 

Mercy

Founded by Sisters of Mercy in 1891, Mercy Health System includes an 886-bed Springfield hospital and serves patients throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Mercy has earned the highest CMS Star Rating in our area, and has received recognition from the American College of Cardiology in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” issue. 

Jordan Valley Community Health Center

With comprehensive, affordable care throughout the region, Jordan Valley Community Health Center has clinics in Springfield, Lebanon, Marshfield, Republic and Hollister. Services include adult and family medicine, with virtual visits also available. Patients can access women’s care, pediatrics and senior care, with specialties including dental, vision, behavioral and pharmacy services.

Jordan Valley provides express care services to meet urgent medical and dental needs, such as sore throats, fevers, pain or swelling. Providers can connect patients to additional services related to other essentials. Mobile and school-based services are also provided. 

Ozarks Community Hospital

Ozarks Community Hospital serves urban and rural communities throughout Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas. Patients receive a comprehensive range of services, including pediatrics, lab services, sleep medicine and behvioral care. Other specialties include cardiopulmoary care, diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures. Therapies include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and pediatric speech and physical therapies. Telehealth appointments are available. 

Behavioral Health Services

Springfield is recognized for easy access to high quality mental health services from experienced, reputable providers. 

Burrell Behavioral Health

Burrell provides comprehensive mental health care for children, teens, adults and families. Patients can access therapy and counseling, as well as psychiatric services, residential treatments and addiction recovery. Facilities include developmental disability services, autism center, case management, integrated services and evaluations. 

Lakeland Behavioral Health System

Springfield is home to Missouri’s leading psychiatric hospital and treatment center, with comprehensive care for children, teens and adults. Patients receive individual and group therapies. Conditions treated include ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and dementia. 

Training the Next Generation of Healthcare Talent

The future of healthcare in Springfield is brighter than ever, thanks to advanced training for tomorrow’s leading health professionals. 

The Alliance for Healthcare Education is a nonprofit initiative established by Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical College, CoxHealth and Springfield Public Schools. It provides opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to explore careers in health-related fields. Students who complete the program gain valuable knowledge needed to prepare for careers in healthcare, or to qualify for admission to college-level health majors. 

Participating students complete 60 hours of instruction at the Springfield OTC campus, including hands-on lab activities, presentations from local health professionals and job shadowing at Cox South. Students can earn college credit in one of three specialty tracks: 

  • Certified Nurse Assistant certification
  • Emergency Medical Technician certification
  • Associate of Arts in Bioclinical Sciences

Get Your Free Relocation Guide Today!

Easy access to quality healthcare is just one of many reasons why Springfield is the fastest-growing metro area in Missouri. Families also enjoy world-class schools, abundant outdoor activities, convenient shopping and dining and exciting career opportunities

Discover everything that makes Springfield a great place to live, work, play, and learn in our informative 84-page relocation guide. Download your FREE copy today!

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