{"id":6219,"date":"2017-07-18T19:16:10","date_gmt":"2017-07-18T19:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/academics.otc.edu\/bcs\/?page_id=6219"},"modified":"2024-03-14T19:31:42","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T19:31:42","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/academics.otc.edu\/bcs\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The following is a list of frequently asked questions for the BCS department.\u00a0 Click on each question to reveal the answer.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have questions about the At-Home Dissections for online Anatomy (BCS 165)”]<\/p>\n
Nope \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 The specimens are preserved and vacuum sealed, so they do not need to be refrigerated.<\/p>\n
The specimens can be thrown away in normal residential trash.<\/p>\n
You will receive instructions on how to keep specimens stored safety, but, you can learn about the potential safety concerns of the chemical used to preserve the specimens \u00a0here.<\/a><\/p>\n In our years of experience teaching this class, and in working with the Program Directors of the Health Sciences programs that require Anatomy as a prerequsite – we’ve determined that dissections are an essential component of the BCS 165 Anatomy class.\u00a0 Dissections provide students with first-hand experiences that simply can’t be simulated and that are foundational to a career in health care.\u00a0 As such, they are a required component of the course.\u00a0 Please contact your instructor or the department chair if you have ethical or religious objections to dissection.<\/em><\/p>\n Yes!\u00a0 Our friends at the OTC bookstore have put together this video to help walk you through the online ordering process,<\/a> which includes the option to have your materials shipped to your location.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 12\/7\/22<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have questions about the At-Home labs for Physiology (BCS 205)”]<\/p>\n No, all of the materials you’ll use can be stored safely at room temperature.<\/p>\n The sensory lab supplies include common kitchen flavorings like vanilla and lemon.\u00a0 The urine testing strips contain no hazardous chemicals (read more here<\/a>).<\/p>\n In our years of experience teaching this class, and in working with the Program Directors of the Health Sciences programs that require Physiology as a prerequsite – we’ve determined that some lab experiences are are an essential component of the BCS 205 Physiology class.\u00a0 The labs you will be doing at home will provide you with first-hand experiences that simply can’t be simulated and that are foundational to a career in health care.\u00a0 As such, they are a required component of the course.\u00a0 Please contact your instructor or the department chair if you have ethical or religious objections to these procedures.<\/em><\/p>\n Yes!\u00a0 Our friends at the OTC bookstore have put together this video to help walk you through the online ordering process<\/a>, which includes the option to have your materials shipped to your location.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 12\/7\/22<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Why does my degree program say A.S. in BCS if I want to be a _______(nurse, dental hygienist, PTA, etc.)?”]That can be confusing!\u00a0 Let us do our best to explain:<\/p>\n Most Health Sciences programs are selective admission, which means you cannot be placed into your prospective program until AFTER you have been officially selected. In the meantime, prospective Health Sciences students are placed into the Biological Clinical Sciences (BCS) degree. This allows you to be degree seeking for the purpose of Financial Aid while you complete your preadmission requirements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do I need to complete the BCS degree before I am allowed to apply to an Health Sciences program?”]For most students – No. You only need to complete the preadmission required courses for the particular program you\u2019re seeking.<\/p>\n For students working toward applying to the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program who do not already have an earned Bachelor’s degree, yes, completion of the AA.BCS is a prerequsite for the BSRT program.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do I have to take every class on my BCS degree program if I get accepted into my Health Sciences program?”]No.\u00a0 Once you are accepted into your Health Sciences program, you will have a new degree audit and a different list of classes to complete to earn your degree.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”If I were to complete the BCS degree, how will that help me in the job market?”]It depends on what your potential employer is looking for:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Does the BCS degree transfer to any bachelor\u2019s program? If so, which?”]The AA.BCS does transfer into OTC’s Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program.\u00a0 But, other than that<\/p>\n The BCS degree is NOT intended to be a transfer degree<\/strong>:<\/p>\n But, because many of the courses in the BCS degree are designated as MOTR courses, they are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements. For more information please see OTC’s CORE 42 website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Non-MOTR courses in the BCS degree may transfer, but you will need to confirm that with the institution you intend to transfer to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do you know of any employers or positions that require the BCS degree?”]No.\u00a0 The BCS degree will not provide you with a specific healthcare related credential or certification that is recognized by employers.\u00a0 If an employer requires you to have an earned Associate’s degree, the BCS degree will fulfill that requirement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Which classes should I take first?”]If you know which selective admissions Health Sciences program you want to apply to, then you should use their preferred course sequence to plan your classes **<\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t sure which field of healthcare you\u2019d like to go into, we would suggest the following for your first semester if you are a full time (15 credit hours) student:<\/p>\n If you plan to take less than 15 credit hours your first semester, our suggestion would be to start at the top of this list (with BCS 102),then work your way down.\u00a0 If at all possible, taking both BCS 102 and BCS 165 your first semester is an excellent plan.<\/p>\n For a full listing of the suggested course sequence for this degree, please see\u00a0the OTC Catalog<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you have any questions about your path \u2013 please contact your Admissions Counselor or your College Navigator.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n **As you plan your preadmission courses please be aware of the following prerequisites in BCS courses:<\/p>\n If you would like to discuss a waiver for any of these prerequisites please contact the BCS Department Chair<\/em><\/p>\n NOTE:<\/strong> We also highly suggest taking BCS 102 (Navigating Bioclinical Science) in your first semester at OTC.\u00a0 This course will help explore different careers in healthcare to be sure you are on a path that is a good fit for you. It will also help you hone your study skills and be sure you have a solid plan in place to apply to your Health Sciences program of choice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I want a career in health care, but am unsure about my specific direction. How can I find out more about the different health care career options that are out there?”]No problem!\u00a0 We suggest you take BCS 102 (Navigating Bioclincial Science) as early in your academic career as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n Topics covered in the course include exploration of both healthcare and non-healthcare careers, alignment of personal attributes with potential career choices, academic and career planning, and essential skills for success in college and beyond. By the end of the course a student should be able to make informed decisions on their academic and career options.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How long will it take me to complete my program?”]The BCS degree is designed so that a full time student can complete it in 2 years.<\/p>\n But, each Health Sciences program differs in length – so please see the website of the particular program you\u2019re seeking at the following link:Health Sciences Programs<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What will it cost to complete the program of my choice?”]Current information about the cost of the BCS degree can be found in the “Program Snapshot” section of the BCS degree page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Current information about the cost of your Health Sciences program of choice can be found by selecting your program of choice from OTC’s Programs page<\/a> (and then looking for the “Program Snapshot” section of the page).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”There are several anatomy and physiology courses (BCS 115, RST 105, and BCS 165\/205) which sequence should I take?”]Great question!\u00a0 That can be confusing.. and your best plan is always to consult the preferred course sequence or degree audit of the program you are pursuing.\u00a0 But,\u00a0 here’s a quick overview of what type of student each of the courses IS and IS NOT intended for:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BCS 115 (Survey of Anatomy and Physiology)<\/span><\/p>\n RST 105 (Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology)<\/span><\/p>\n BCS 165 (Human Anatomy) and BCS 205 (Human Physiology)<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What is the employment outlook for a __________ (nurse, dental hygienist, MLT, etc.)”]Current information on the employment outlook for any OTC program can be found by:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What Health Sciences Programs does OTC offer?”]Please visit OTC’s Programs Page<\/a> to view all the certificates and degrees we offer – click on the the “Health Sciences” filter to view just the Health Sciences programs.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What does bioclinical sciences mean?”]The term “Bioclinical Science” (sometimes also referred to as Biomedical Science) is used to refer to science courses whose focus is only on the structure and function of the human body.\u00a0\u00a0These differ from other science courses that can focus on other living and non-living things.<\/p>\n Typically students who are seeking to enter a healthcare profession that requires only a certificate or undegraduate degree take bioclinical science courses.\u00a0 Students who are seeking to enter a healthcare profession that requires a graduate degree or post baccalaureate certification are typically required to take science courses from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics departments instead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Which of the BCS courses will transfer to MSU and other universities or allied health programs?”]The following BCS courses are MOTR courses, which means they are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.\u00a0\u00a0For more information please see OTC’s CORE 42 page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Courses that do not have the CORE 42 designation may still transfer. However, OTC encourages students to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer in order to be sure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can I take all of my required courses at one campus location? or online?”]All required courses for the BCS degree are offered in a seated and\/or hybrid format at the Springfield Campus.\u00a0 Almost all of the required courses can also be completed online – with the exception of BCS 200 Microbiology – which is not offered in a 100% online format (at the request of transfer institutions and OTC’s Health Sciences programs).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Table Rock Campus, and the Lebanon, Waynesville, Ft. Leonard Wood, and Republic locations offer some of the required courses for the BCS degree in a seated and\/or hybird format.\u00a0 Please see the course schedule<\/a> for information on which classes are available for a given semester.<\/p>\n You should check with the Health Sciences program of your choice for more information and where\/in what format their courses are offered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 12\/7\/22<\/em><\/p>\n NOTE: Not all courses will be offered in all formats every semester.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Do I need to purchase all my materials before the first day of class?”]Yes!\u00a0 This is the best way to ensure that you start the semester on the right foot.<\/p>\n If you are unable to purchase the required materials before your first class, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to ask if any accommodations can be made.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How many people are accepted into the _________ program?”]Because cohort sizes can vary, the website and\/or program director of your program of choice is your best resource for this type of question.<\/p>\n But, you can also to ask this question – and any others you have –\u00a0 at a Health Sciences Program Informational Session.\u00a0 Visit the Informational Sessions page<\/a> for more information and a schedule of these sessions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What does my GPA need to be to get into _________ program?”]For the BCS degree:\u00a0 you must maintain an institutional GPA of 2.0 (see Requirements for the Associate of Arts Degree for more information<\/a>)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For your intended Health Sciences program, please select the particular program you\u2019re seeking at the following link: Health Sciences Programs<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 7\/22\/21<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What are appropriate study and test-taking skills for these courses?”]See the student resources tab on the BCS departmental website.\u00a0 (Study Skills)<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Are tutors available to help with these courses?”]Yes! Free tutoring is available (both in-person and online) for:<\/p>\n We also offer one-on-one Academic Coaching (study skills) appointments<\/a>.<\/p>\n Please see the OTC Tutoring website<\/a> for specific information on location and availability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 71\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Can I take BCS 165 & 205 or BCS 200 & 210 or BCS 205 & 210 at the same time?”]Typically, No.\u00a0 However, if you have taken the classes before or are already working in an allied health field you may be eligible for a prerequisite waiver.\u00a0 Please contact the BCS Department Chair for more information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How do I apply to my prospective program?”]Check out the “Application Information” on the particular program you\u2019re seeking at the following link: Health Sciences Programs<\/a><\/p>\n Your College Navigator is also a great resource for learning about the application process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”How can I find out more information about my prospective program?”]<\/p>\n Select the particular program you\u2019re seeking at the following link: Health Sciences Programs<\/a><\/p>\n Your College Navigator is also a great resource for learning about your prospective program.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”What should I do if I\u2019m flunking a class?”]If you are not doing well in a class because you are not understanding the course material, your best resources are:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are not doing well in a class because of life stressors, your best resources are:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are not doing well in a class because of technology issues, your best resources are:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No matter what the reasons may be\u00a0 – PLEASE reach out and let someone know you are struggling.\u00a0 We are here to listen and to help!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n last updated 1\/31\/23<\/em>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] FAQs [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The following is a list of frequently asked questions for the BCS department.\u00a0 Click on each question to reveal the answer.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”I have questions about the At-Home Dissections for online Anatomy (BCS 165)”] What is in the kit? dissection specimens: fetal pig, kidney, brain, heart, eye dissection kit (scalpel, pins, probe, etc.) PPE…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\nWhat if I am uncomfortable doing a dissection at home?<\/em><\/h4>\n
I am taking an online class because I don’t live near OTC, can the lab kits be shipped?<\/em><\/h4>\n
What is in the kit?<\/em><\/h4>\n
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Will I have to store the materials in a special way?<\/em><\/h4>\n
What chemicals will I be exposed to?<\/em><\/h4>\n
What if I am uncomfortable doing a lab at home?<\/em><\/h4>\n
I am taking an online class because I don’t live near OTC, can the lab kits be shipped?<\/em><\/h4>\n
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More Information<\/h4>\n
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