Start Your Career: By the Numbers
Apply To This ProgramTransfer
Potential to jump straight into UMKC’s PharmD program.
Connections
Small class sizes allow you to build strong relationships with your instructors and classmates.
Opportunities
Participate in a research course to complete a personal project.
Develop Skills to Support Safe and Effective Medication Use
Lay the groundwork to your career as a pharmacist at Ozarks Tech. Pharmacists play an important role in medicine. They ensure patients receive the appropriate medications in the correct dosages. Start your education at Ozarks Tech to build a strong foundation for transfer. By starting here, you can look forward to:
- Course flexibility
- Hands-on labs
- Small class sizes
- Undergrad research opportunities
Your courses meet requirements to apply for and transfer into UMKC’s Pharm. D program. If accepted, you can complete your PharmD right here in Springfield.
Program Information
View 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.
Program Outcomes
More opportunities for involvement
Find your community and get involved on campus. Student clubs are a great place to build friendships and professional connections in the field. You can also dive deeper into your studies with research opportunities
Ask about research opportunities
Thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree?
After your A.S., you may continue your education at a four-year institution. Bear in mind:
- Admission requirements vary
- Credits may transfer on a course-by-course basis
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Pre-Pharmacist (A.S.)
A.S. Degree: 69 Hours
The Associate of Science degree in Pre-Pharmacy will prepare student who intend to apply for a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program. This is not designed as a terminal degree, but a degree to fulfill the prerequisites for many area pharmacy schools. The requirements are consistent with the course requirements to transfer into University of Missouri – Kansas City, but students should investigate all institutions for their individual requirements.
General Education Requirements – 37 Credit Hours
General Education Requirements – 37 Credit Hours
CORE 42 is a statewide general education course of study intended to ensure that all graduates possess a common core of college-level skills and knowledge. CORE 42 specifies the basic competencies and knowledge areas that all students completing degrees at a Missouri public institution of higher education must complete. CORE 42 is comprised of dozens of courses distributed across five knowledge areas. These courses are designated with a Missouri Transfer (MOTR) course number, which guarantees the one-to-one transfer of these courses among all Missouri public institutions of higher education. Please refer to MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.
All knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicate all courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.
Mathematical Sciences- 8 Credit Hours
Mathematical Sciences- 8 Credit Hours
- MTH 140: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
This is the first course in a three-semester sequence. Topics include an introduction to analytic geometry, limits and continuity, the derivative and differential, the definite integral and applications.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MTH 131 or MTH 138 or satisfactory score on the ACT. - MTH 210: Statistical Methods
Statistical Methods
Students study basic concepts of statistics and probability applicable to all disciplines. Topics include distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, elementary probability, sampling, estimation of parameters, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MTH 128 or MTH 130 or satisfactory score on the ACT.
Written Communications – 6 Credit Hours
Written Communications – 6 Credit Hours
- ENG 101: Composition I
Composition I
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives.
or - ENG 100: Composition I With Support
Composition I With Support
This course introduces students to college-level reading, thinking, and writing through a series of composition-rhetoric assignments and activities that culminate in a research-supported project. Specifically, students apply critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions. As part of this process, students learn to evaluate sources and emerging digital tools for currency, feasibility, truthfulness, credibility, and accuracy. Ultimately, students learn to synthesize knowledge to solve problems. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and persuading) helps students to develop an essential skill set they can use in their future academic, civic, and professional lives. English 100 will be driven by the same course objectives as English 101 and satisfy the same requirement.
- ENG 101: Composition I
- ENG 102: Composition II
Composition II
This course continues developing students’ abilities to use research and writing to make informed and ethical arguments; effectively communicating these arguments to professional and expert audiences in a research-supported project. Moreover, the course further develops students’ skills in critical and creative thinking to evaluate problems, interpret evidence/data, and draw conclusions.
Emphasis is placed on honing skills of audience analysis, analytical reading, problem solving, research methods—including both primary and secondary research—and persuasive writing. Also, this course will acquaint students with patterns and conventions of multiple disciplinary communities. This writing process (thinking, researching, evaluating, and applying rhetorical strategy) prepares students for their academic and professional futures.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 or ENG 101. - ENG 150: Technical Writing
Technical Writing
This course emphasizes developing the student’s ability to write clearly, concisely and accurately. Students practice collecting, analyzing, interpreting and presenting information in a variety of technical documents used in professional settings while using proper research and documentation techniques, sound visual design principles and effective writing styles suitable for a specific communicative context. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on honing skills in audience analysis, analytical reading, critical thinking, research methods and clear writing.
Prerequisite(s): ENG 100 or ENG 101.
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours
- COM 105: Public Speaking
Public Speaking
This is an introductory course in research, composition, delivery, and evaluation of speeches for a variety of purposes and occasions. Students develop skills in critical listening and analysis through small group and individual activities.
Natural Sciences – 17 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences – 17 Credit Hours
- BCS 165: Human Anatomy
Human Anatomy
Microscopic and macroscopic examination of the human body structures and systems are the focus of this course. Students evaluate the integration of the various systems within the entire body. The laboratory provides an opportunity for identification and evaluation of representative human models and slides and dissection of comparable mammalian organ systems.
- BIO 160: General Biology I
General Biology I
This course is an introductory biology course for biology majors and minors. It provides an introduction to the concepts of biological structure and function at the molecular and cellular level, genetics and evolution. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate in the laboratory the principles presented in lecture.
- CHM 160: General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I
This course is a study of the fundamental laws and theories of chemical structures and reactions. Topics include: atomic theory, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, properties of gases, liquids, and solids, periodicity, bonding, thermodynamics, and properties of solutions. This course is recommended for all those majoring in Science as well as Chemistry majors and minors.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MTH 110 or higher, or satisfactory score on the ACT. - CHM 161: General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab
The lab emphasizes proper laboratory technique, synthesis, physical studies, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and data manipulation and statistical analysis. This course is recommended for all those majoring in Science as well as Chemistry majors and minors.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MTH 110 or higher, or satisfactory score on the ACT. - PHY 120: General Physics I
General Physics I
This is an algebra based physics course. Students learn about the principles and applications of mechanics, wave motion and heat. Laboratory activities give students an opportunity to demonstrate physics principles presented in lecture. This course is designed for earth science, biology, chemistry, health and medical majors.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in MTH 130 or equivalent (MTH 131 recommended).
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
This introductory course familiarizes students with American and Missouri government constitutions, institutions, policies and processes. Students develop an understanding of the foundations, environment, and principles of democracy with key concepts about voting, political parties, campaigns, and interactions between the branches of government. The course emphasis is on the values, rights, and responsiblities that shape public decision making of active and informed citizens in the American political system. This course meets instruction requirements (Missouri Revised Statute 170.011.1) in the Constitution of the United States and the state of Missouri.
- HST 120: U.S. History I: to 1865
U.S. History I: to 1865
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from pre-Columbian societies through the Civil War, including formative political, social, economic and cultural developments. It also introduces students to history as an academic discipline and requires analysis, synthesis and evaluation of primary and secondary materials in reading, discussion and writing. HST 120 will satisfy the Missouri state law requiring instruction in the United States and Missouri Constitutions.
Program Specific Courses -32 Credit Hours
Program Specific Courses -32 Credit Hours
- BCS 200: Microbiology
Microbiology
This course entails a study of the structure, growth, control, classification and identification of microorganisms. In the laboratory students learn basic aseptic techniques and become familiar with common laboratory procedures.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165. - BIO 170: General Biology II
General Biology II
This is the second half of a two-semester biology course sequence. This course introduces the student to the biology of organisms including; evolutionary history, diversity, structure and function of major taxa, and ecology. Laboratory work provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the principles which are presented in lecture. Laboratory acitvities include computer simulations of complex systems and dissection of different organisms.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BIO 160, or Department Chair approval. - CHM 170: General Chemistry II
General Chemistry II
This science majors course will include topics such as kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, solubility equilibrium, complex ion formation, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in CHM 160. - CHM 171: General Chemistry II Lab
General Chemistry II Lab
This science majors course will include topics such as kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibrium, solubility equilibrium, complex ion formation, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in CHM 160 & CHM 161. - CHM 242: Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I
A lecture/lab course that studies the chemistry of carbon compounds from a functional group perspective. Emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms and synthetic application in lecture while analytical and synthetic techniques will be emphasized in lab.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in CHM 170 and CHM 171. - CHM 243: Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry II
This course will further develop knowledge of organic chemistry with a greater emphasis on functional group reactivity, mechanisms, and multistep synthetic sequences. The topics include: aromatic compounds, including phenols and aryl halides as well as a thorough discussion of delocalized chemical bonding; aldehydes and ketones; amines; carboxylic acids and their derivatives. There will be enhanced requirements for naming compounds, elucidating structures via spectroscopy and actual synthesis in the lab.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in CHM 242 - HSC 120: Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology
This course introduces the basic word structure in medical terminology with an emphasis on word roots, prefixes, and suffixes using a body systems approach. Topics include conventional pathology, pharmacology, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, surgical nomenclature, and abbreviations related to each body system. Includes applications and activities that reinforce word building, pronunciation, spelling, and medical terminology commonly used in healthcare.
- BCS 205: Human Physiology
Human Physiology
This course examines the organization and function of the human body as a whole and the interrelationships of the various systems. The laboratory teaches the fundamental techniques necessary for the study of life processes. Laboratory activities give the students an opportunity to illustrate principles presented in lecture.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of "C" or better in BCS 165.
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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.