PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Kickstart your career in nursing at Ozarks Tech! This program prepares for a career as a practical nurse (LPN). LPNs do many important tasks. Their work may include:
- Checking patients’ vital signs
- Helping patients get dressed
- Creating care plans with the help of a registered nurse (RN).
LPNs can find work in nursing homes, home healthcare, doctors’ offices and other healthcare settings. Many students work as an LPN before becoming an RN. The Practical Nursing Program focuses on hands-on care, and students get practice during clinical rotations. Graduates apply to write NCLEX-PN exam to become an LPN. This program requires a separate application process. View application details. Begin your journey to becoming an LPN and gain the hands-on skills you need to succeed.
The Practical Nursing Program is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
Program Contact
Dr. Michelle Crum
Practical Nursing Program Director – Springfield Campus
417-447-8851
Dr. Kristall Fears
Practical Nursing Program Director – Table Rock Campus
417-447-2643
Tracie Liska
Practical Nursing Program Director – Lebanon Center
417-447-6609
Accreditations and Outcomes
Accreditation
All three Practical Nursing programs are fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Admissions
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
COSTS & OPTIONS
Not Sure Which Career is Right for You?
PROGRAM DETAILS
Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.
Nursing—Practical Nursing Certificate
Nursing—Practical Nursing Certificate
Program Description
Certificate: 49 Hours
All three Practical Nursing programs are fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and offered in a hybrid course delivery option. A grade of "C" or better is required for all Practical Nursing Program required courses. Graduates receive a certificate and are eligible to apply to the Missouri State Board of Nursing for permission to write the NCLEX-PN exam and become licensed as a Practical Nurse. Employment options for graduates include long-term skilled care, hospital acute care, home health care, doctors' offices and clinics, hospice, or industrial nursing. Graduates may also use a Practical Nursing Certificate as a stepping stone to further their education and progress to an Associate of Science in Nursing degree.
Students may take the "Program Specific Courses" only after they have been admitted into the program. A separate application process is required for acceptance into this program. Refer to the "Application Information" tab on the program website, at https://academics.otc.edu/lpn/ for admissions requirements. Complete application information can be obtained on the OTC web site or from the Health Sciences office. A new class begins each fall and spring semester at the Springfield campus, each fall semester at the Table Rock campus, and each spring at the Lebanon center.
MO State Board of Nursing, PO Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-0681 https://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Pre-Admission Requirements - 17 Credit Hours
Note: Contact the Health Sciences Office if BCS 132, BCS 165, and BCS 205 have been completed more than five years ago.
Nursing - Practical Nursing Program Requirements - 32 Credit Hours
REQUEST INFORMATION
*Notices and Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.