Ozarks Tech looks to grow nursing program sixfold

Ozarks Technical Community College is amid the state approval process for an initiative that would grow the capacity of an associate degree nursing program sixfold.

The plan calls for the expansion of available seats in the associate of science in nursing direct entry program to 150 from 24, according to a news release. The Missouri Board of Nursing gave initial approval to the expansion in early March, and a confirmation site visit is scheduled to be performed this summer.

"We have been working intently toward the growth of this high-demand program, which will be greatly beneficial for future nursing students in our region," Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon said in the release.

Higdon also thanked the Alliance for Healthcare Education for its work in the initiative. "This expansion will pay dividends to the people of southwest Missouri as they seek medical care in the future,” he said.

Students in the program have financial aid options that include the A+ Scholarship Program and the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, Ozarks Tech officials say.

Through the expansion, the ASN-D program at Ozarks Tech would have five cohorts of 30 students each, giving capacity for 150 students to enroll annually, according to the release. New students begin every eight weeks under the model, which Ozarks Tech officials say is unique to the region.