Health Professions at Ozarks Technical Community College

Starting at $28,231 might seem low, but here's the crucial detail: Ozarks Technical's Health Professions certificate costs less than half the national median debt for this credential. At $13,917 in loans, graduates reach a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as salaries jump 42% to over $40,000 by year four. While the program ranks low nationally (5th percentile), it's actually typical for Missouri—sitting at the 60th percentile statewide—where healthcare wages simply run below the national average.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably, but the fundamental tradeoff appears sound: lower initial earnings in exchange for substantially lower debt. For Missouri families, particularly those receiving Pell grants (37% of students here), graduating with under $14,000 in loans versus the $27,000 national median makes this credential far more accessible. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding pathways to higher-paying positions within a few years.

If your child is committed to staying in Missouri and wants to enter healthcare without taking on crushing debt, this certificate delivers on that specific goal. Just recognize the earnings ceiling is real—this won't match what similar programs pay in higher-wage states—and verify the small sample reflects consistent outcomes rather than an unusual graduating class.