Higher Ed
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Education doesn't have to have a set ending point. Those looking to get more experience or prepare to enter a certain professional sphere have several 417-land learning options.
COX COLLEGE
Cox College offers six programs to help individuals continue or start their careers in the health care profession. Programs offered include undergraduate nursing, radiologic sciences and imaging (RSI), undergraduate medical assisting, and research and graduate studies. Each offer one to three-degree options—associates, bachelors, and masters—and the college has a 96 percent job placement rate. More than 900 students are currently attending this private college. Fall enrollment was 915 students. Tuition cost ranges between $25,000-$45,000.
Cox College’s Medical Assisting program, a year-long program, has a 100 percent pass rate on the RMA. Seventy-five percent of its courses are online. Whether online or in-person, all courses are small, giving students easy access to instructors. Students find their practicum at designated CoxHealth sites.
A two-year program, the X-Ray Technology program at Cox College is cohort style. The longevity of the program is greater than 30 years. After graduation, students can bridge into specialty programs.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is a full-time seated program requiring 40 dedicated hours a week. During the program, students earn certifications in abdomen, obstetrics, and gynecology, vascular, and echocardiography. Students spend their time at CoxHealth, Jordan Valley, and Freeman Health Systems. The program guarantees a 100 percent job placement rate and 100 percent employer and graduate satisfaction.
The last of four programs, the Undergraduate Nursing program, is the largest Cox College offers. The LPN program is an evening and weekends-only program, and the ASN program is an evening/weekend program. Weeknight classes meet twice per week with a Saturday clinical. They’re the most popular because they allow students to keep their jobs while attending school. For those holding a bachelor’s degree, Cox College offers a 16-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing accelerated program. Most clinicals are at CoxHealth, where 90 percent of graduates secure a job.
COLLEGE OF THE OZARKS
College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and financial responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 1 Most Innovative School in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2019 and No. 1 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly.
OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE TABLE ROCK CAMPUS
Ozarks Technical Community College Table Rock Campus helps students earn a bachelor’s degree at another institution through Associate of Arts transfer programs. The Table Rock Campus is home to Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs, which prepare LPNs and RNs to meet the health care needs of the community. In 2019, the Table Rock Campus added three new programs: construction technology; heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; and computer information systems. Tuition cost range between $108–216 per credit hour. Total enrollment in 2018 was 510 students.
Accolades: Ozarks Technical Community College is a 2017 Aspen Institute Program finalist. Distinguished local alumni include State Representative Diane Franklin, State Representative Elijah Haahr and entrepreneurs Paul Sundy and Rick Hughlett.
TANEY COUNTY UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
Courses at Taney County University of Missouri Extension are not for college credit. Instead they provide professional development and enrichment. Most classes have fees, but some are free.
Programs cover topics in agriculture, lawn and garden, emergency management, home and consumer life, nutrition and health, family, natural resources, business and career, 4-H youth development and Master Gardener. Through MU extension, area child care providers can obtain continuing education hours through a series of classes. Staff also assist community organizations looking for federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or needing help with strategic planning, board and resource development, organizational management and more. Class locations vary.
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Missouri State University is a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including a professional doctorate. The university educates students to be global citizen scholars committed to public affairs. Missouri State University will be the university of choice to develop successful students who excel academically and in ethical leadership, cultural competence, and community engagement.
