Registered Nursing

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Registered nurses (RNs) are the largest healthcare profession in the world. Often, they are the most hands-on member of a medical team. Nurses are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They typically care for patients by helping them take medications, recording their conditions, counseling family members and much more. Nurses are needed in a variety of settings. As an RN you can find work in many health care settings, including:

  • Hospitals
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Nursing care facilities
  • Home healthcare services
  • Government agencies

We offer two paths to an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The first is for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or paramedics who want to earn an ASN. The program permits a qualified LPN to complete the ASN nursing courses in 32 weeks. The second option is a direct entry program. This path allows you to earn your ASN without previous medical experience.

Our courses are primarily offered online but may require clinical practice on campus or at a local healthcare facility. Upon program completion you are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a registered nurse.

Dr. Tena Wheeler
ASN Department Chairperson
417-447-8950

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Accreditation

The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Ozarks Technical Community College at the Springfield campus located in Springfield Missouri is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

The Associate of Science in Nursing program at Ozarks Technical Community College at the Table Rock campus located in Hollister, Missouri is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400; Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000

The programs are fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate of Science in nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program
at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

 

Accreditation 2023 – 2031

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.

Mission Statement

The mission of the OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program is to prepare students for a career in professional nursing and provide an accessible, transformative education that promotes further academic study. The purpose of the program is to graduate an entry level, professional nurse who can deliver nursing care and promote health for the people of Southwest Missouri.

Program Outcomes

Student Achievement & Outcomes

Ozarks Technical Community College
Associate of Science in Nursing
Program Outcomes
By Calendar Year

NCLEX-RN First Time Test Pass Rates – Expected Level of Achievement 80%

2020 – 92.8%
2021 – 86.9%
2022 – 90.5%

ASN Program Completion Rate- Expected Level of Achievement – 65% 

2020 – 67%
2021 – 66.5%
2022 – 50%

Job Placement- Expected Level of Achievement – 80%

2020 – 98%
2021 – 100%
2022 – 98%

View program outcomes

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

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.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Science in Nursing 

Registered Nursing
  • Become a registered nurse after working as a licensed practical nurse
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

65 credit hours
4 semesters

$17,048.00*
to
$20,926.00*

Associate of Science in Nursing

Registered Nursing - Direct Entry
  • Become a registered nurse without having previous medical experience
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

65 credit hours
4 semesters

$14,343.00*
to
$18,237.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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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—Registered Nursing (A.S.N.)

A.S.N. Degree: 65 Hours

The Associate of Science in Nursing program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The program has received approval by the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education. This program is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing. The program is designed as an LPN to RN program or Paramedic to RN program that permits the qualifying LPN or Paramedic to complete the RN nursing courses in 36 weeks. Graduates are eligible to apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Graduates may go to work in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient departments, physician offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services, government agencies, and outpatient care centers. MO State Board of Nursing, PO Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102, (573) 751-0681.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all Nursing-Registered Completion (ASN) program required courses.  

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.

Practical Nursing Program Electives Credits: 7

  1. Must be completed prior to or be enrolled in before "completed application file" deadline.
  2. Recommended to be completed prior to admission to the ASN program.

Nursing - Registered Direct Entry (A.S.N.)

A.S.N. Degree: 65 Hours

The Associate of Science in Nursing - Direct Entry program is two years in length.  Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examiniation for Registerd Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Graduates may go to work in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient departments, physician offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services, government agencies, and outpatient care centers.

A grade of "C" or better is required for all Nursing-Registered Direct Entry (A.S.N.) Program required courses.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000

The program has been approved by the Missouri Board of Nursing, PO Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656  573.751.0681  https://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp

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*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.