UPCOMING COURSES STARTING SOON!
The following courses will be starting soon. Get started now and explore your best fit and options for financial assistance.
Certified Nurse Assistant – CNA begins September 11, 2023
Medical Assistant Certification Program begins August 17, 2023
Workforce and Short-Term Training offers courses to help start or advance your career, obtain certifications or maintain your license in healthcare or dental assisting.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS), “employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.3 million new jobs” and is projected to be among the fastest-growing industries in the economy.
Healthcare and Dental Certifications
Virtually all our healthcare and dental courses lead to industry-recognized certificates or credentials. Exceptions are those courses which are prerequisites to taking a certification course. Our Expanded Function Dental Assisting (EFDA) classes can help you learn new and specialized skills. Check our list of courses and register today!
Start the Registration Process NOW!
Click to start the registration process. You will be taken to an electronic application and signature form. You may be asked for name and email information prior to seeing the application form. Fill out the application and submit online to our Healthcare office. We will contact you within a few days of receipt of the application. Print the Health form and have your physician fill-out and sign.
This registration form is for all Allied Health programs.
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Stay up to date with news on upcoming healthcare courses and exams, not to mention events and career info you can use!
Healthcare FAQ’s
The following are Frequently Asked Questions regarding our allied health programs offered at the Center for Workforce Development. For specific course information, use the appropriate buttons above to find and read more. If you do not see your question answered, please contact our office at 417-447-8888 or at cwd@otc.edu.
What is unique about OTC’s Center of Workforce Development (CWD) Allied Health Programs?
OTC’s Allied Health Programs are non-credit and certificate-based, offering career entry into the healthcare industry. Our current offerings reflect healthcare jobs that are in high demand in the Ozarks Region and allow you to enter the healthcare career field in a short amount of time.
Is previous medical experience required to apply for these programs?
No. It is helpful if you have some basic knowledge of general math or medical terminology, but not required.
Can I receive financial aid or use my A+ money for any of your programs?
Currently we are not able to participate in any federal student loan or A+ programs. We do work closely with different government agencies to help students find any educational funding currently available.
How long do your programs last?
Our programs run anywhere from 8 weeks to 1 year, depending on the program you choose. Some of our classes are offered in a traditional classroom or “seated” format. Other classes are offered as “hybrids” that utilize a combination of seated and online instruction. We are working towards converting the majority of our programs to a hybrid format.
Am I guaranteed a job after I complete one of your programs?
Although we cannot guarantee your employment, we can tell you that our programs are for jobs that are in high demand in the Ozarks Region. We work with several facilities for clinicals and students often find employment at these locations. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (bls.gov), healthcare is one of the fastest growing professions.
How much can I expect to make once I complete a program?
Salary is dependent on many things. Your entry wages will be influenced by both the program or class certificate you obtain AND whether you have previous medical experience. On average, we have found hourly rates in the Ozarks region to range from $9 – $16/hr.
Do I receive a certificate or national certification with any of your programs?
Our CNA program leads to a certification with the State of MO only. Other programs noted below lead to national certifications. In some cases, your tuition will cover your first attempt at the certification exams.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Medical Coding
- Certified Nurse Assistant:
What is included in the cost of the program?
In addition to the program instruction itself, your tuition will cover the cost of the Random Urine Drug Screen and Criminal Background checks which are a requirement of each program. Depending on the specific program and whether or not there are clinical requirements, books, scrubs or shoes may be included. Each program description will outline what is or isn’t included.
Why is it required that I take a random drug screen and have a background check?
Both patients and employers count on healthcare workers to be “on-task” and of trustworthy character – someone with whom you would trust your own self or loved ones.
To maintain that high standard of care, many employers at our clinical sites AND certification programs utilize drug screens and background checks as a safeguard.
Please know, that not every legal infraction is a barrier to entry in our programs. If you have concerns, please discuss them with our staff. Likewise, medications which have been prescribed by a physician, for specific medical conditions, will not typically be an issue. In some cases, additional justification from your physician may be required.
As part of the high standard of care expected of healthcare workers, we anticipate you will complete all paperwork with honesty and integrity.
Do I get to walk in the OTC commencement ceremonies?
Currently we do not participate in OTC graduation ceremonies. We plan a graduation event for our students who meet all required components and complete their chosen program.