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Small class sizes allow you to build strong relationships with instructors and classmates.
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Courses available in seated and online formats.
Prep
Build a strong foundation of knowledge before entering your chosen program.
Your Foundation for Future Health Studies
Looking into health care options at Ozarks Tech? Start your journey with the Bioclinical Sciences (BCS) program. If you’re looking to a future in health care but not planning on an advanced medical degree like an MD, the BCS program is your ideal starting point.
You’ll build foundational knowledge in topics like human anatomy, physiology and microbiology. These courses build your understanding of:
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The normal structure and function of the human body
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The disease process and infectious agents that cause diseases
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Higher order thinking skills as applied to common health care situations
Many students complete the BCS program and then go on to enter Ozarks Tech Health Science degrees. You can even graduate with both the BCS degree and a health sciences degree for more career options after graduation!
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information and learn more about how to apply to Ozarks Tech.
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
View Program Outcomes
Student Outcomes / Right-to-Know – Ozarks Technical Community College
Pursuing an Advanced Medical Degree?
If you’re considering an advanced medical degree (such as an MD) there are also program options for you! Check out similar programs or schedule an appointment to find your perfect path.
Looking for something a little different?
Check out similar programs that might be the right fit for you.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Bioclinical Science (A.A.)
A.A. Degree: 60 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus, Richwood Valley Campus, Table Rock Campus
The Associate of Arts in Bioclinical sciences provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills applicable to broad range of applied health sciences professions. It is not designed to be a directed path of study for any one particular health science program, nor is it an appropriate choice for students with an end goal of a advanced medical degree (such as a MD). Students with a goal of entering a selective admissions health science program should follow the recommended prerequisite course sequence provided by that program to ensure they are taking the appropriate courses.
Bioclinical Science Certificate
Certificate: 32 hours
Location: Springfield Campus, Richwood Valley Campus, Table Rock Campus
The certificate in Bioclinical sciences provides students with basic knowledge and skills applicable to broad range of applied health sciences professions. It is not designed to be a directed path of study for any one particular health science program, nor is it an appropriate choice for students with an end goal of a advanced medical degree (such as a MD). Students with a goal of entering a selective admissions health science program should follow the recommended prerequisite course sequence provided by that program to ensure they are taking the appropriate courses.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions for the Bioclinical Sciences degrees.
That can be confusing!
Most of our Health Service programs are selective admission. This means you cannot be placed into your prospective program until after you have applied and been officially selected. In the meantime, Health Science students are placed into the Bioclinical Sciences program.
For most students – no.
Students applying to the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree must complete the Associate of Arts in Bioclinical Science (AA.BCS.).
For all other selective-admission health science programs, you only need to complete the preadmission courses required for the particular program you are applying to. View required preadmission courses on the page for your prospective program. Once accepted into your program, you are not required to complete any remaining courses for the AA.BCS. program.
The BCS degree will fulfill the requirement of any job that requires you have earned an associate degree.
Completing the BCS degree will not provide you with a specific health care related credential or certification that is recognized by employers.
The AA.BCS contains all the prerequisite courses needed to apply to Ozark Tech’s Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) program.
The BCS degree is not intended to be a transfer degree. Many of the courses are designated as MOTR. MOTR courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.
If you intend to pursue an advanced medical degree like an MD, Ozarks Tech does have program options to begin your education. Schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor or college navigator to discuss the best option for you.
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Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.