Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College have received grants from the MoExcels Workforce initiative and the McQueary Family to expand their nursing programs.

MSU will be expanding its BSN completion program to 240 students annually, and OTC will be created a pathway for ASN holders to transfer to Missouri State.

Even before COVID-19, hospitals cited needs for more staff, and this is designed to help fill that need.

The total changes are as follows:

• Double the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program across several years, from 72 students, to 144.
• Develop an accelerated BSN track with a target enrollment of 30 students.
• Develop an advising and study center for nursing students at OTC.
• Develop an alternative Associate of Science in Nursing cohort option at OTC.
• Develop the OTC ASN to MSU BSN pathway.