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.

This is a direct entry program, meaning students are not required to have previous medical training. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Nursing Education and has received initial approval contingent on a successful site visit by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The program permits students to complete the registered nursing course in two years. Graduates who are eligible to apply should write the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate for RNs to increase much faster than the average field. Our graduates work in hospitals, inpatient and outpatient departments, physician offices, nursing care facilities, home health care services, government agencies and outpatient care centers.