SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Nearly 1,000 prospective students explored health care career opportunities during Ozarks Tech’s Health Services Open House, highlighting the college’s role as a leading provider of health care education and workforce training in southwest Missouri.
Held Friday, Sept. 25, on the Springfield campus, the event gave attendees a firsthand look at Ozarks Tech’s health sciences programs through interactive demonstrations, facility tours and conversations with faculty and current students.
The open house introduced prospective students to career pathways in direct patient care, diagnostic and laboratory services, pharmacy and health information management. Guests also learned about educational options ranging from short-term training and certificate programs to associate degrees and Ozarks Tech’s nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program.
Ozarks Tech continues to expand access to health care careers through innovative partnerships and educational pathways. As a founding member of the Alliance for Healthcare Education, alongside Missouri State University, CoxHealth and Springfield Public Schools, the college is helping create more affordable, streamlined routes into health care professions while reducing training costs and expanding access for students.
The college also serves as a gateway to advanced degrees through transfer partnerships, including pathways to the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s Springfield campus and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.
According to first day statistics from the Office of Institutional Research, more than 3,400 Ozarks Tech students are currently preparing for careers in nursing and other health care professions, representing a 16% increase in full-time equivalent enrollment during the 2026 fall semester. Interest among high school students is growing as well, with health sciences enrollment increasing 32%.
With one of the region’s most comprehensive health sciences offerings, Ozarks Tech prepares students for careers in nursing, respiratory therapy, dental care, sonography, radiography, pharmacy, surgical technology, Allied Health and more. Graduates go on to serve hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities and other health care providers across southwest Missouri, helping address critical workforce needs throughout the region.
