Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Information

Why is OTC Concerned about TB?

Section 199.290 of the Missouri Revised Statute requires that all institutions of higher education in Missouri implement a targeted tuberculosis (TB) testing program for all on-campus students.

In compliance and because we feel a responsibility to the health and well-being of our students and community, OTC adopted the Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Testing policy for students.

 

*At OTC we consider all students “on-campus” students, regardless of physical address, as they are all allowed to utilize campus resources*

What Are My Next Steps?

If you answered yes to any TB Screening questions on your OTC admissions application, the college requires additional information. You may register for classes at OTC for one semester. You must complete the following steps prior to registration in your second semester of classes at OTC.

Here are your next steps:

  1. Print the TB Clinical Assessment form
  2. Have your healthcare provider or county Health Department complete the form. Since only some health departments provide screenings, you should contact your local health department for information.
  3. Return the completed form and any additional documentation requested to the Office of Admissions.
  4. If you tested for TB within the past 12 months, we may be able to accept documentation from your healthcare provider. The document must have been completed by a healthcare provider within the past 12 months and must clearly indicate positive or negative results.

*Note: the college may require additional documentation depending upon the information provided on your TB Clinical Assessment or the results of your TB test.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. Find more information about TB through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/

How can I prevent catching TB?

  • Do not enclose yourself in small, stuffy areas with anyone who has active TB until they receive treatment for at least two weeks.
  • If you are around someone with TB, wear face masks and take other protective measures until they receive treatment.
  • Encourage untreated people with TB to begin treatment to stop its spreading.

Can I still register for classes at OTC?

You will be able to enroll classes for one semester at OTC. OTC must receive and approve required documentation prior to registration in your second semester of classes at OTC.

Where can I test for TB?

Contact your healthcare provider for possible TB testing availability.

Options for TB testing in the Springfield area:

  1. CVS Minute Clinic locations
  2. Walgreens Health Clinics

Why am I being asked to get the TB skin test if I did not click "Yes"?

  • Unfortunately, the TB screening process is not an OTC policy, it’s a policy that OTC must follow per Missouri Revised Statute, even if the questions were answered “Yes” in error on the OTC application. The Admissions application is considered a legal document so making sure all of your answers are true and correct is vital.
  • Due to HIPPA (health privacy laws), we do no know which question you answered yes to, only that you have answered yes to one or more questions on the application
  • Students may attend one semester with OTC without having documentation on file, but we will need your TB test results before you can register for your second semester at OTC.
  • Once you have completed the test, you may take a photo of the results and email the results to tb@otc.edu

What if I have been tested for TB before?

In some cases, we may accept documentation of prior TB screening that the student completed within the past 12 months. The document must have been completed by a healthcare provider within the past 12 months and must clearly indicate positive or negative results.

*Note: the college may require additional documentation depending upon the information provided on your TB Clinical Assessment or the results of your TB test.

What if the TB skin test is negative?

Submit the TB Clinical Assessment form after your healthcare provider completes it. You must submit negative skin test results prior to registration for your second semester of classes.

What if the TB skin test is positive?

If you test positive, OTC will require additional documentation and steps beyond the skin test results. You will submit this information with the TB Clinical Assessment form for your healthcare provider to complete.

What if I made a mistake on the initial TB Screening questions on my application?

Please complete the following TB Screening Update form if you believe you might have answered the TB Assessment questions on your application incorrectly. Once the form is submitted online, you will be notified about any updates to your OTC student file.

Submit Documentation

E-mail:
tb@otc.edu

In-person:
Any OTC Student Services location

Mail:
Office of Admissions
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802

Questions?
Contact OTC at tb@otc.edu.

Last updated: 12/01/2021