Missouri's career-focused community college with 95%+ employment rates and affordable pathways to success.
OTC provides accredited certificates, associate degrees, and technical education programs across seven major discipline areas: Health Services, Industrial & Engineering Technology, Human Services, Natural Resources & Agriculture, Business Management & Technology, Arts & Communication, and Transfer pathways. The college specializes in hands-on vocational training and offers high school dual-credit programs. In April 2021, Missouri's Coordinating Board approved OTC's four-year bachelor's degree program in respiratory therapy, making it one of the first community colleges in the state to offer a bachelor's degree.
The main Springfield campus features seven buildings including Graff Hall, Lincoln Hall (listed on the National Register of Historical Places), the Norman K. Myers building, and the Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing (opened 2022). OTC operates six locations across southern Missouri: Springfield, Richwood Valley, Table Rock, Lebanon, Republic, and Waynesville. The college offers flexible class formats including on-campus, online, and hybrid options to accommodate working students and adult learners.
Admissions is open and rolling; the application is free and takes minutes to complete. First-time college students, transfer students, returning students, and international students are all welcome. Selective admission programs may have additional requirements. OTC pairs applicants with admissions counselors who guide them through program selection, financial aid, and class scheduling. The college emphasizes affordability and offers extensive financial aid options.
OTC reports over 95% placement in dozens of career paths, with most career and technical programs achieving near-perfect employment rates. Graduates in licensed/certified programs average close to 90% pass rates on exams. Career Services offers free support to all students and alumni, including career assessments, résumé building, interview prep, and access to Handshake job board. The college's Dress 4 Success Career Closet provides free professional clothing for interviews and work.