DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State and Fort Hays State are discussing opening a specialized school for medical training in Dodge City.

The talks are in the early stages but representatives of both schools have met with Dodge City officials. The Dodge City Daily Globe reports (http://bit.ly/1RlE9jr ) the universities are considering the former St. Mary of the Plains complex for a school to train physician assistants, nurses and physical therapy.

State Rep. Bud Estes of Dodge City says the two universities are only exploring the possibility. He says the new school would partner with the city, Ford County and the local hospital in a separate facility that would be a branch of the Wichita State and Fort Hays State.

St. Mary of the Plains College closed in the late 1990s because of declining enrollment.