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Power Up Your Future
Looking for an exciting career in a high-demand field? At Ozarks Tech, we teach you the hands-on skills you need to climb to the top as an electric utility line technician!
In our classes, you’ll learn how to:
- Climb electrical poles
- Run bucket trucks, digger trucks, and other electrical distribution related equipment
- Build and repair power systems
This program gets you ready for jobs with utility companies that offer apprenticeships. Space is limited – apply early!
Program Information
Explore our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about how to apply to Ozarks Tech.
The Electrical Distribution Systems program is a selective-admission program.
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.
Keith Dinwiddie
Technical Programs Director Lebanon Education Center
417-447-8146
Kara Williamson
EDS Administrative Assistant
417-447-7594
Accreditation
The associate of applied science program is accredited by The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). PMB 219; 8865 Norwin Ave, STE 27; North Huntingdon, PA 15642. 724.20.6477 atmae.org

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
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
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.
Electrical Distribution Systems (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 65 Hours
Electric utility line technicians install and repair poles, conductors, cables, and operate and maintain equipment used in electrical power and distribution systems. Students in this program will learn to climb wood pole structures, equipment operation, build and maintain electrical distribution systems, all while placing an emphasis on safe work practices and critical thinking skills. The degree program is intended to prepare individuals for employment at any utility offering an apprenticeship program. Program enrollment is limited and students are selected on a competitive basis.
Pre-Admission Recommendations – 22 credit hours
Pre-Admission Recommendations – 22 credit hours
The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the “CORE 42.” CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.
Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.
Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.
Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.
- EDS 151: Commercial Driver License
Commercial Driver License
- EDS 152: Commercial Driver License Lab
Commercial Driver License Lab
Written Communication – 3 Credit Hours
Written Communication – 3 Credit Hours
- ENG 100: Composition I With Support
Composition I With Support
or - ENG 101: Composition I
Composition I
- ENG 100: Composition I With Support
- ENG 102: Composition II
Composition II
- ENG 150: Technical Writing
Technical Writing
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours
Oral Communications – 3 Credit Hours

COM 200 is preferred.
- COM 100: Introduction to Communication
Introduction to Communication
- COM 105: Public Speaking
Public Speaking
- COM 200: Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Mathematical Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
- TEC 108: Applied Technical Mathematics
Applied Technical Mathematics
- MTH 110: Intermediate Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
- MTH 128: Contemporary Mathematics
Contemporary Mathematics
- MTH 128S: Cont Mathematics with Support
Cont Mathematics with Support
- MTH 130: Algebra for Calculus
Algebra for Calculus
- MTH 130S: Algebra for Calculus With Support
Algebra for Calculus With Support
- MTH 131: Trigonometry
Trigonometry
- MTH 138: Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
- MTH 140: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
- MTH 141: Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
Analytic Geometry and Calculus II
- MTH 210: Statistical Methods
Statistical Methods
- MTH 214: Discrete Mathematics
Discrete Mathematics
- MTH 215: Algebraic Structures
Algebraic Structures
- MTH 230: Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra
- MTH 240: Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
Analytic Geometry and Calculus III
- MTH 241: Differential Equations
Differential Equations
Natural Sciences – 4 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences – 4 Credit Hours
- TES 140: Technical Physics
Technical Physics
- BIO 105: Environmental Science
Environmental Science
- CHM 101: Introductory Chemistry
Introductory Chemistry
- CHM 160: General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I
- PHY 105: Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
- PHY 110: Introduction to Geology
Introduction to Geology
- PHY 115: Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Astronomy
- PHY 120: General Physics I
General Physics I
- PHY 220: Physics Engrs & Scientists I
Physics Engrs & Scientists I
- CHM 161: General Chemistry I Lab
General Chemistry I Lab
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences – 3 Credit Hours
- HST 120: U.S. History I: to 1865
U.S. History I: to 1865
- HST 130: U.S. History II: 1865-Present
U.S. History II: 1865-Present
- PLS 101: American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
Electrical Distribution Systems Program Requirements – 43 Credit Hours
Electrical Distribution Systems Program Requirements – 43 Credit Hours
- EDS 100: Intro to Elec. Distribution
Intro to Elec. Distribution
- EDS 120: Safety & Prevention Methods
Safety & Prevention Methods
- EDS 150: Equipment Operation
Equipment Operation
- EDS 160: Pole Climbing Skills
Pole Climbing Skills
- EDS 170: Overhead Power Distribution
Overhead Power Distribution
- EDS 200: Electrical Distribution II
Electrical Distribution II
- EDS 237: Transformer Theory
Transformer Theory
- EDS 246: Service Installation & Metering
Service Installation & Metering
- EDS 250: Gloving & Live Line Procedure
Gloving & Live Line Procedure
- EDS 260: Distribution Systems Maint.
Distribution Systems Maint.
- EDS 270: Underground Power Dist.
Underground Power Dist.
- EDS 290: Co-Op Ed/Intern
Co-Op Ed/Intern
- or
Communication Line Inst.
Locations Offered:
More Tools for Finding Your Path
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.
