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Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

  • Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of a registered occupational therapist to provide hands-on services to help clients of all ages who are learning new ways to succeed in the occupations of life. OTAs work with clients that have physical, emotional, and mental challenges to make it possible for them to regain independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. Whether it’s a child with developmental delays, an adult recovering from an accident, or an older adult dealing with aging issues, an OTA will work with them to achieve wellness and independence.

    The Crowder College Occupational Therapy Program Associates Degree program that takes two years to complete once you have been accepted into the program. This program is a full-time program which is only available at the Crowder College Webb City campus and meets two full days each week. Courses of study are in a traditional classroom format along with community-based fieldwork components.

    Inquire about OTA program

    Cost of Attendance
    Plan of Study
    Degree Requirements
    Tuition & Fees

    Crowder College
    Occupational Therapy Assistant Program
    600 South Ellis Street
    Webb City, MO 65870
    (417) 673-2437
    ota@crowder.edu

    Application Information

    Current Application

    The application period for the Crowder College Occupational Therapy Assistant program will be open in March close the last Wednesday in July each year. All completed applications must be turned in or postmarked by the last Wednesday in July.

    The application packet takes up to 3 weeks on average to complete. The application includes an essay, references, and resume along with other components.

    The following Pre-Admission requirements are required for the Crowder College Occupational Therapy Program:

    BIOL 152 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    COLL 101 College Orientation
    ENGL 101 English Composition
    PSYC 101 General Psychology
    Approved Math Course

    All of the prerequisites do not have to be completed prior to applying to the program but do need to be completed by January if you are accepted into the program.

    General Education classes on the OTA Plan of Study must be passed with at least a letter grade of “C”. You will need to retake any courses and get a letter grade of at least a “C” before applying/reapplying to the program.

    All completed applications are scored based on the following criteria:

      • Either College Grade Point Average or ACT Score
        • College GPA of 2.75 calculated from any of the required general education courses completed in the OTA Associate of Science Degree Requirements.
        • ACT Composite Score of at least 18

    The following are extra considerations that provide extra points on your application. These are not required for application to the program:

      • College Degree
      • Medical Certificate/License
      • Crowder College Student
      • Taking OTA 199, the online 1 hour preOTA exploration course

    The top thirty (30) applicants may be invited to interview and new cohort will be chosen. Courses begin every Spring Semester with classes meeting two full days each week.

    APPLICATION CHECKLIST

    Each year’s application packet will include the required checklist with instructions and forms needed to complete the application.

    1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Crowder College.
    2. Completed and signed Application Due-Date Disclaimer.
    3. Meet with Crowder College Advisor
    4. Completed and signed OTA Application for Admission and Application Checklist.
    5. All Official Transcripts sent to Crowder College records department if attended any colleges other than Crowder College you must have a transcript sent from each separate college. (must have already completed step 1).
    6. Signed Limited Waiver of Confidentiality.
    7. Completed Essay.
    8. Completed Resume.
    9. Two  (2) references.
    10. Copy of current medical certificate/license, if applicable.

    OTA Faculty and Staff

    Thomas Green, M.Ed., COTA/L
    OTA Program Director | 417.673.2345

    Cindy Vincent, B.S., COTA/L
    Academic Fieldwork Coordinator | 417.673.2345

    Laura Nutting
    Administrative Assistant | 417.673.2345

    Accreditation Status

    Thank you for your interest in the Crowder College Occupational Therapy Assistant program, The occupational therapy assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD  20814.  ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is: (301) 652-AOTA,  its Web Address is: acoteonline.org. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

    Program results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) can be found online at NBCOT.

    American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): https://aota.org
    National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT): https://nbcot.org
    Missouri Occupational Therapy Association (MOTA): https://www.motamo.net
    Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE: https://www.acoteonline.org

    Fieldwork

    The fieldwork component of the Crowder College Occupational Therapy Assistant program consists of four fieldwork experiences which are completed outside of regular class time.

    First year after accepted into the program

    • The Fall semester includes a Level I fieldwork experience in a psycho/social based setting and involves both simulation and community-based components.

    Second Year after accepted into the program

    • The Spring semester includes a Level I fieldwork experience which is a weeklong in physical dysfunction, pediatric, or older adult community-based setting.
    • The Fall semester includes Level II fieldwork experiences which consist of a minimum of 16 weeks working fulltime under the supervision of an OT or OTA.

    Immunization and Certification Policy

    Fieldwork Partnerships

    If interested in supervising Crowder College fieldwork student contact Cindy Vincent:

    cindyvincent@crowder.edu

    Fieldwork Educator Resources
    Sample Fieldwork Objectives
    Sample Fieldwork Review

  • New – On-site cadaver labs provided for both EMT and paramedic students!

    This program consists of five, eight-week college semesters totaling 42 credit hours. The first three eight-week blocks are completed in the classroom and laboratory setting. The fourth and fifth eight-week blocks include skills training and clinical internships.

    Paramedic program students will participate in clinical rotations with whom Crowder College has contractual agreements. At the completion of the clinical hours, Paramedic Candidates will be eligible to sit for the National Registry Paramedic Exam (NRP).

    All prospective students should:

    Once steps have been completed please contact EMS Education for application to the program.

    Crowder College EMS Education
    601 Laclede Ave.
    Neosho, MO. 64850
    P: 417.455.5752

    Course Outline

    Program Goals

    A certified Paramedic is authorized, under the direction of a command physician, to provide Advanced Life Support services including rescue, triage, treatment and transport of emergency patients.

    Crowder EMS Education graduates will be able to provide basic and advanced life support to all age groups and populations under the direction of a physician in the emergency setting. Extensive didactic instruction, skill competency, field/hospital rotations and internship experiences will be completed to provide the student with the foundational knowledge and skills to successfully attain National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians-Paramedic certification and state licensure. The goal of Crowder’s paramedic program is to produce competent, entry level paramedics to serve in career and volunteer positions.

    Program Objectives

    Paramedic Program participants learn to:

    • Provide competent clinical pre-hospital care to the ill or injured
    • Master skills and concepts essential to the operation of EMS systems and other agencies
    • Interact effectively with other health-care professionals and patients
    • Link theoretical and practical experience and knowledge of health care with specific application to EMS

    Emergency Medical Technician
    Paramedic

    Program Prerequisites

    • Must be at least 18 years of age to enter the program
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Current EMT national certification and/or state licensure
    • Admission to the program
    • Current AHA Healthcare Provider Level CPR
    • Current and valid driver’s license
    • Verification of negative TB skin test and Hepatitis B series
    • Physical examination (form may be found in application to the program)

    Projected Costs

    Please see current tuition and fees for the EMT and Paramedic programs.

    Note: Tuition and fees may be subject to change.

    For questions regarding the traditional paramedic program, please contact EMS Education or call 417.455.5752

    What is the Difference Between an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and a Paramedic?

    Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

    EMTs usually complete a course (such as Crowder College’s) that is about 125-200 hours in length. Paramedic courses can be between 1,200 to 1,800 hours. EMT and paramedic courses consist of lectures, hands-on skills training, and clinical and/or field internships. EMTs are educated in many skills including CPR, giving patients oxygen, administering glucose for diabetics, and helping others with treatments for asthma attacks or allergic reactions. With very few exceptions, such as in the case of auto-injectors for allergic reactions, EMTs are not allowed to provide treatments that requires breaking the skin: that means no needles.

    Paramedic

    Paramedics are advanced providers of emergency medical care and are highly educated in topics such as anatomy and physiology, cardiology, medications, and medical procedures. They build on their EMT education and learn more skills such as administering medications, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management for patients, and learning to resuscitate and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks and traumas. Paramedic education programs can range 12-24 months in length. For more information on the roles of EMT’s and Paramedics, click on the link(s) below.

    Accreditation

    Crowder College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). Click our link to review Paramedic Program Outcomes (written and psychomotor pass rates and retention),

    Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

    25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 150
    Clearwater, FL 33763
    727-210-2350
    www.caahep.org

    To Contact CoAEMSP:

    8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 111-312
    Rowlett, TX 75088
    214-703-8445
    FAX 214-703-8992
    www.coaemsp.org

  • EMT
    Students practicing CPR

    New – On-site cadaver labs provided for both EMT and paramedic students!

    Crowder offers both day and hybrid classes in Neosho, Cassville, Webb City, and Jane (McDonald County). Hybrid classes meet several times at the Jane (McDonald County) campus over 16 weeks; day classes at the Neosho campus meets two days/week. Candidates must be 18 years of age or turning 18 by the end of the course in order to qualify. Curriculum consists of 172 hours of classroom instruction and laboratory exercises, 36 ambulance hours, 12 emergency department hours and four hours in a 911 dispatch center. Hospital and ambulance rotations are available in Joplin, Neosho, Anderson, Miami, OK, Quapaw, OK, Grove, OK,and Rogers, AR.

    The cost of the program depends upon your residency status. (See Tuition & Common fees information). The program is nine (9) credit hours.  Other fees not included in the base tuition and common fees include lab fees of $150, facility use fee, uniform shirts, student liability insurance and FISDAP fee (for online clinical scheduling).

    Prospective students must pass a criminal background check conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol. Background check must be received no later than the first day of class, unless otherwise approve by the instructor. Law enforcement officials who are currently employed need not undergo a background check. The fingerprinting will cost $44.80 if you pay online when you register or, $52.50 if you pay at the time the fingerprinting is done. For more information regarding background checks, go to www.machs.mo.gov and select the fingerprint search portal. Any student who has been convicted of any felony drug, assault, or sexual offenses are deemed ineligible.

    The Emergency Medical Technician course is approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services through the Bureau of EMS unit. It contains curriculum and interventions currently considered to be within the scope of practice of an EMT. This course is designed to provide rescuers with the emergency medical knowledge and skills necessary to care for the sick and injured in a pre-hospital setting. Topics include the recognition and treatment of respiratory and cardiac emergencies, trauma, medical emergencies, environmental injuries, emergency childbirth, psychological emergencies and more. Students successfully completing this course are eligible to take the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. You must first be a licensed EMT prior to becoming a candidate for the paramedic program.

    All prospective students should:

    Once steps have been completed please contact EMS Education for application to the program.

    Crowder College EMS Education
    601 Laclede Ave.
    Neosho, MO. 64850
    P: 417.455.5752
    P: 417.389.7121

  • Certified Nursing Assistant

    Would you like to work in a field of growing employment opportunities that offers flexible hours, full time jobs with benefits and multiple career paths?

    The CNA certificate offers excellent job opportunities as well as an average wage of $18 per hour, with benefits and opportunity for advancement. Flexible hours and short-term training also make this type of position very appealing.

    Expected growth in Job Demand for CNAs is projected to grow, with over 216,000 jobs opening each year over the next decade nationally. *

    Flexible – Affordable
    Crowder College continues to offer programs at a fraction of the cost of private business colleges. The tuition rate allows students to take the program knowing that there won’t be a huge debt when completed.** Certificate seekers may qualify for financial aid.

    Opportunities

    CNA is 8 credit hours and the goal is to receive state certification to work as a CNA in a healthcare field.  The student will receive a state certification number.

    Certificate Requirements – Visit the most current catalog for requirements.

    Certification Component – Passing the Missouri certification is NOT a requirement for obtaining this certificate from Crowder College, however, the exam must be taken as part of the program. Most medical facilities require Missouri certification for employment so the intent of the program and the student is to pass the certification exam.

    STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK AND TB TEST.

    Contact information
    Email: AlliedHealth@Crowder.edu | Phone: 417.455.5429

    *Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023-24 Edition
    ** Tuition may be subject to change. This does not include fees and book costs.

  • Program Overview

    Students pursuing the Surgical Technology Associate of Applied Science will be able to provide quality patient care during the perioperative experience. This degree will prepare the graduate to work in several roles in the medical field including Scrub Tech, Circulator, Second Assistance, and Instrumentation Specialist.

    Mission Statement

    The mission of this program is “To prepare, at the minimum, entry level Surgical Technologist who are competent in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains to enter the profession”. After completing the Surgical Technology Program students will be able to perform competently and ready to sit for certification after completing graduation requirements for AAS. This will be accomplished by the program providing laboratory, classroom, clinical instruction and demonstrating established criteria in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills.

    Acceptance into the Program

    Crowder College accepts twenty (20) students per year into the Surgical Technology program. A new cohort begins each fall semester. Students can only take “Program Specific Courses” once they have been accepted into the program. This program requires a separate application in addition to general admissions to Crowder College. 

    Program Application

    Explore our Program Options

    Plan of Study
    Surgical Technology Flyer

    A.A.S. Degree: 63 Hours

    Upon completion of Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

    Accreditation

    The Surgical Technology program at Crowder College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

    Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

    9355 113th St. N #7709
    Seminole, FL 33775
    727.210.2350

    ARC/STSA

    1751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 339
    Parker, CO 80138
    303.741.3655

    Program Outcomes

    The Surgical Technology Program at Crowder College is accredited through the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

    Crowder College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be: February 14–15, 2028. For more information, go to: https://www.crowder.edu/about-crowder/

    Crowder College Surgical Tech students

    Contact Us

    Get in touch with an advisor today!

    Phone: 417.680.3202
    Email: Joplin@crowder.edu

  • This certificate program prepares students for employment as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) by developing in students the personal traits and professional skills required to perform as competent entry-level PCT in the hospital setting beyond the training of CNA.

    Patient Care Technicians are passionate about helping and assisting both patients and their nursing team. These caring individuals help keep patients comfortable by meeting their needs while providing support to the patient’s entire care team for a well-rounded approach to patient care. A Patient Care Technician is also trained to check vital signs, collect samples and conduct certain medical tests for lab work. With compassion and diligence, PCTs work to closely monitor patients to inform the medial care team of any changes or progression.  

    Suggested Plan of Study

    Fall Semester – 8 Hours

    • CNA 101 CNA Techniques
    • CNA 105 CNA Clinical Experience

    Spring Semester – 9 Hours

    • ALLH 106 Phlebotomy
    • ALLH 107 EKG
    • ALLH 110 Patient Care Tech

    Total Hours Required = 17

    Contact Information

    Email: AlliedHealth@Crowder.edu | Phone: 417.455.5429

  • CMA

    What is a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)?

    Crowder College offers a Certified Medical Assistant certificate that provides students with the broad range of health, science, and office skills that are helpful for different medical facilities. This is an excellent job for people that like helping others in many different ways.

    Potential CMA job duties include:

    • Recording patients medical history, vitals, or test results.
    • Operating equipment to administer diagnostic tests.
    • Authorizing prescription refills and providing information to pharmacies.
    • Contacting medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
    • Explaining treatment procedures, medications, diets, or instructions to patient.
    • Collecting blood, tissue, or other specimens, logging the specimens, and preparing them for testing.

    Places where CMAs work:

    • Medical assistants
    • Phlebotomists
    • Health information technicians
    • Medical secretaries
    • Physical therapy aides
    CMA Flyer

    Why Choose Crowder?

    One Semester Program

    The CMA certificate can be completed in just one semester!

    A+ Eligible

    Whether you make use of A+, scholarships, or just Crowder’s low tuition, Crowder provides an affordable way to continue your education!

    Work-Based
    Learning

    A clinical internship is part of the program to give students hands-on experience.

    Apprenticeship Program with Freeman Health System

    A partnership between Crowder College and Freeman Health System provides students the opportunity to combine on-the-job training and a classroom experience while getting paid and having tuition costs at Crowder College covered. Learn more about this program by visiting Freeman Health Education Department, 417.347.5830.

    Contact Information

    Phone: 417.455.5429
    Email: AlliedHealth@crowder.edu

  • Program Application
    Pet Adoption

    A Rewarding Career

    Crowder College’s Veterinary Technology program is a seventy-eight (78) credit hour curriculum to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. This program which is accredited through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Registered Veterinary Technicians in Missouri must graduate from an AVMA accredited program, pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam, and the Missouri State Exam.

    Upon successful completion of these board examinations, graduates are certified to work with a licensed DVM in a companion animal, exotic, equine, and food animal practices, performing medical nursing and technical procedures. Positions are also available in teaching and research institutions, as well as in industry.

    A Great Place to Learn

    Crowder College offers a fantastic atmosphere for aspiring Vet-tech’s. The campus houses several barns with corrals, over 300 acres of farm land, an outdoor dog kennel as well as an indoor small animal kennel. Inside the Agricultural Science Center labs offer hands on experience with a surgery, anatomy lab x-ray and field technology.

    VTNE pass rates 2024-2026

    The College is home to a wide variety of animals, domestic and occasionally exotic, that are housed and well cared for in roomy clean enclosures or in open pasture lands. Small animals like cats and dogs are brought in from shelters where they risked being euthanized due to space restrictions or health problems. At Crowder the animals are rehabilitated and loved by students & staff – and then through a strict process found good homes.

    Acceptance into the Program

    Crowder College accepts eighteen (18) students per year into the Veterinary Technology program. The number of general education classes a student has completed, his/her grade point average, experience in the field, and letters of recommendation will all be considered when deciding whether or not to accept a student.

    Students must have successfully completed a college biology or zoology class to apply for the program. Students must also be at the level of Crowder’s Math 100, English 101, and at a reading level greater than or equal to LOC 90 to be considered for acceptance into the program.

    Program Requirements

    Applicants must complete BIOL 101 or 110 with a minimum grade of a “C” by the end of the semester in which the application is submitted.
    Applicants must be eligible to take MATH 100, ENGL 101, and have college-level reading skills by the end of the semester in which the application is submitted.
    Applicants must have worked with or observed clinical practice for a minimum of 40 clock hours and have that verified by a veterinarian.
    An ACT test result and a copy of all college transcripts must be submitted with the application.
    Three letters of recommendation must be submitted with the application, one of which is written by a veterinarian.
    A minimum of a 2.75 cumulative GPA is necessary for consideration.
    Applicants will be evaluated during an interview process.

    For more information about the program please call 417.455.5772.

    Suggested Plan of Study – AAS Veterinary Technology

     The Crowder College mission is “Crowder College: Building a civil, serving, literate, learning community of responsible citizens.” In addition to this mission, The Crowder College Veterinary Technology Program strives to instill the importance of ethical behavior and an attitude of life-long learning, while training students to provide the highest quality of animal care, alleviate animal suffering, and promote public health. 

    Summer internship Highlights

    Vet Tech printable flyer

    Program Cost

    Crowder College Mission Statement:

    Building a civil, serving, literate, learning community of responsible citizens.

    The Crowder College Veterinary Technology Program strives to instill the importance of ethical behavior and an attitude of life-long learning, while training students to provide the highest quality of animal care, alleviate animal sufferings, and promote public health. 

  • Pre-Vet

    The Pre-Veterinary Medicine program prepares a pathway to transfer to a 4-year university to major in Veterinary Medicine. Students should consult their advisors, as well as the institution to which they intend to transfer to finish their degree. This will insure all prerequisite courses will transfer appropriately.

    Course Catalog – Crowder College

  • Today, agriculture is not just about cows and plows, land and tractors. It’s no longer only about long hours in the field, with low wages and back-breaking labor. As one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, the field of agriculture has become as diverse as the individuals who work in it, encompassing computers, transportation, accounting, and international trade, just to name a few. Bilingual agriculture majors are especially valuable to employers. The potential for career success and job opportunities for these individuals is limitless. You can learn more about career opportunities, salaries, and more at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.  A rewarding future in agriculture is awaiting you!

    Associate of Arts Degree

    Agriculture: Ag Business
    Agriculture: Ag Education
    Agriculture: Agronomy
    Agriculture: Animal Science
    Agriculture: Poultry Science

    Associate of Applied Science Degree

    Agribusiness Technology-Marketing & Management
    Agribusiness Technology-Agronomy Emphasis
    Agribusiness Technology-Livestock Production Emphasis

    Associate Degree in General Agriculture

    An Associate Degree in General Agriculture is designed for transfer to a four-year college or university upon completion. At Crowder, this degree provides you with a basic knowledge of a wide variety of agricultural topics that serve as the foundation for a future Bachelor’s degree, or even more.

    Four-Year Agriculture Degree Through Pathways

    Missouri State University
    Via various methods of delivery such as Internet, Intense Weekend Classes, Video and Interactive Television students are able to stay on the Crowder College campus and earn a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture through Missouri State University Pathways Program.