Ozarks Technical 
Community College

Tech Prep Student FAQ

What is Tech Prep?

Technical Preparation is part of a nationwide initiative to help students identify and build career skills while still in high school. A sequenced course of study usually begins in the 11th grade and continues through two years at a technical community college. Students enroll in programs that provide technical preparation in selected career fields and receive FREE college credit for work completed at the high school level. Tech Prep programs are designed to link the last two years of high school with at least two years of study at post-secondary institutions.

What are the benefits of participating in the Tech Prep program?

In today's competitive job market, the more skills you have, the more opportunities available. The more opportunities, the wider variety of choices and options you will have when you decide what you really want to do. Tech Prep positions you for a jump-start into a chosen career field and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Ozarks Technical Community College. College courses articulated in high school are completely FREE of charge to those involved with this exciting program.

How do I earn college credit?

Students begin the process by enrolling in the Tech Prep program online at www.catema.net/ozarks.  Click on "New Student" after your teacher has created a class and complete the required registration form.   An overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required, as well as a 3.0 in classes you wish to articulate. Once coursework is complete and you have graduated, you will receive a confirmation letter from OTC, to be presented to your advisor during the enrollment process. You will then fill out an application to have those credits applied to your OTC transcript. An official high school transcript must be on file in order for you to receive your FREE college credits.

What is a Tech Prep consortium?

Federal regulations dictate that to receive funding for Tech Prep, schools must be part of a Tech Prep consortium consisting of at least one secondary and one post-secondary institution.

Can articulated credits be used at other community colleges?

There is no specific agreement with other community colleges; however, community colleges generally transfer credits from institution to institution. The student should check with the individual college for further information.

How is the college notified regarding current Tech Prep students?

High school students enroll in the Tech PrepProgram online at www.catema.net/ozarks and receive their confirmation letter when they graduate from high school.  Their high school instructor will recommend them for college credit through CATEMA.

What happens to the articulated credits if a student decides to transfer to a four-year college?

Credits earned in Tech Prep programs are applied to the student's transcript after admission and registration at OTC. Later transfer to four-year colleges will be in accordance with the particular four-year colleges transfer standards of admission.

Do students have to maintain a certain grade point average to be given credit in a Tech Prep program?

Program requirements for Tech Prep students are to maintain an overall high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher and a 3.0 GPA or higher in class(es) wanting to articulate and will be recommended for credit by their instructor.

How do students receive information about Tech Prep?

Students may get more information about Tech Prep programs by contacting their school guidance counselor or the Coordinator of Tech Prep based in the community college that serves their area. Information may also be found at this web site or by calling the Ozarks Tech Prep Consortium office at 417-447-8212.

How do Dual Credit and Tech Prep Credit differ?

Tech Prep credits are earned by taking courses in high school that are similar to college courses, therefore eliminating the need to repeat high school courses in college. Tech Prep articulated courses are FREE credits. Earned credits are posted to the student's transcript after meeting all Tech Prep program requirements and upon enrollment at OTC.

Dual Credit provides opportunities for qualified high school juniors and seniors to take college courses in their local schools, during the regular school day. Students can earn simultaneous OTC and high school credit for these college courses, often at a reduced tuition rate.