Ozarks Technical 
Community College

Associate in Science in Nursing FAQ

Have you considered becoming a Registered Nurse?

The health professions attract all kinds of people, and if you possess some of the following qualities, a career as a registered nurse may be for you:  a genuine desire to help others, the ability to work with others in a caring, friendly and patient manner, good communication skills, problem solving skills, detail oriented, confidence, motivation, and energy.

What is an RN?

An RN is a Registered Nurse who has been recognized and licensed by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

How do I become an RN?

In order to become an RN, you must first complete a professional nursing program that is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Then you must pass a licensure examination given by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Where can I work as an RN?

Registered Nurses are a very integral part of the healthcare team. Registered nurses can be found in many environments to include the traditional hospital and doctor's office. They are also employed in nursing homes, spending much of their time in administrative and supervisory tasks, others work in home health care, while others are employed in schools, clinics, retirement communities, and other community settings. Some even work for private companies as occupational nurses, providing health counseling and treatment to employees at worksites. Others act as health educators for patients, families, and communities. Many registered nurses obtain special certification in their area of interest, which might include adult health, maternal and child health, public health, surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and pediatric nursing, to name a few.

What type of nursing care do RN's provide?

Registered Nurses regardless of specialty or work setting, perform basic duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.

What do Registered Nurses do?

Job duties of a registered nurse generally include:

• Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions.
• Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, coordinate, and evaluate patient care in consultation with patients and their families.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to establish policies and protocols.
• Monitor, assess, address, document, and report symptoms and changes inpatient’s conditions.
• Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment.
• Assist in surgery and other medical procedures.
• May supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff.
• May develop and implement discharge planning process on admission of patients.
• May teach and counsel patients and their families on health related issues in collaboration with other health care providers.

What is the Career Outlook for a Registered Nurse?

The Missouri Career Report Card 2002-2012 Occupational Outlook ded.mo.gov/researchandplanning/pdfs/grade_a_2012.pdf lists Registered Nurses as the top "A+" career with over 21,000 expected job openings and a 22.65% job growth. An Associate Degree in Nursing is listed as the typical education required. The expected average annual salary for a Registered Nurse is listed at $44,830.

Where can I receive education to become a Registered Nurse?

Education and training to become a registered nurse can be received at Ozarks Technical Community College. The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program offered at OTC is a 36 week program for LPN's desiring a degree to become an RN. After satisfactorily completing this course of study you will then be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN. (Please see section 335.066 of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act for grounds of denial to take the exam www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/3350000066.HTM.) Both the Practical Nursing and the Registered Nursing degree programs are offered at Ozarks Technical Community College.

Is OTC's Associate of Science in Nursing program approved?

The OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program has received full approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

How long does it take to complete the Associate of Science in Nursing program?

The student must have an undisciplined license as a Licensed Practical Nurse to be admitted to the OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program. After the student completes the prerequisite courses (See Program Descriptions) the actual length of the Associate of Science in Nursing program is 36 weeks. The Associate of Science in Nursing program at OTC begins in August and completes the following May.

How can I be considered for admission to OTC's Associate of Science in Nursing program?

Admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing program will not be based on age, gender, race, marital status, religion, or disability, and completion of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admittance.  Admission to the nursing program is competitive and based on a completed application file by March 1st, and a point system and ranking procedure. Points are awarded based on: grades received for BCS 140/145, BCS 146/150, CHM 101, MTH 110, number of general education courses completed, HESI PN-NCLEX Exit Exam, Math for Medications test, professional references, handwritten Admission Questions, and a graduate of the OTC Practical Nursing program. A current undisciplined Missouri LPN license is required to be submitted to the OTC Allied Health office. 

How has the OTC ASN program provided a path for the OTC ASN students to transition from the ASN to BSN degree?

This transition is facilitated through an articulation agreement. Articulation agreements are written arrangements among educational institutions to ensure students a successful transition between them. The OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program has developed articulation agreements with the BSN program at Missouri State University and the BSN program at St. John's College of Nursing and Health Sciences/Southwest Baptist University to assist the graduates of the OTC Associate of Science in Nursing program to advance their education and nursing credentials.

Questions about Financial Assistance or Student Services?

Information about student services, refunds, and financial aid is included in OTC's college catalog. An itemized list of program costs is available on request from the Allied Health Office.

For more information including requirements for admission, cost, school policy, and application procedure, please call or write:

Allied Health Office
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 447-8954

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Ozarks Technical Community College will comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil and human rights. Educational programs, admission, and employment practices are free of any discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or handicap. The policy not to discriminate on the basis of sex or handicap is in compliance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, respectively.