Missouri State University-WP Workforce Development and Community Education

10/19/2026

Congratulations to Shawna Hammon on completing her Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship and a huge thank you to Ozark Action for being a part of this program.

If you or your business is interested in Registered Apprenticeships, please reach out by emailing [email protected].

Congratulations to Shawna Hammon on completing MSU-WP’s first Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship as a Child Care Development Specialist!

In partnership with Ozark Action Inc., this pilot program combined classroom learning with hands-on training, paving the way for future apprenticeship opportunities.

MSU-WP’s Office of Workforce Development and Community Education is exploring opportunities to expand registered apprenticeships with local businesses. Interested employers can learn more about flexible training options and potential state and federal incentives.

10/14/2026

🤟 Ready to learn ASL?

Our beginner-friendly American Sign Language class is coming this November! Learn basic signs and vocabulary, build practical communication skills, and gain a better understanding of Deaf culture.

📅 November 3 – November 20
🗓️ Tuesdays & Thursdays
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

No experience needed. Come learn something new and start communicating in a whole new way!

👉 Register now at https://wp.missouristate.edu/Workforce/courses.htm

10/08/2026

Strong teams are built on more than technical skills.

Join us for Soft Skills That Stick on the Manufacturing Floor, a two-day training designed specifically for manufacturing employees and supervisors. Participants will build skills in communication, teamwork, accountability, problem-solving, professionalism, adaptability, and more.

Led by a manufacturing professional with 30+ years of industry experience, this hands-on workshop combines real-world examples, interactive activities, and practical tools participants can apply immediately in the workplace.

📅 November 13 & 20
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
📍 Missouri State University-West Plains & a local manufacturing facility
💲 $250 per participant

Register today at wp.missouristate.edu/workforce/courses

10/07/2026

🤟 Learn American Sign Language This November!

Whether you're looking to develop a new skill, communicate with more people in your community, or simply learn something new, our upcoming American Sign Language (ASL) Class is a great opportunity to get started.

📅 November 3 - November 20
🗓️ Tuesdays & Thursdays
🕕 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Participants will learn the fundamentals of ASL in a welcoming, interactive environment designed for beginners.

✅ Build practical communication skills
✅ Learn basic signs and vocabulary
✅ Gain a better understanding of Deaf culture

Register today by visiting our Workforce Development course page: https://wp.missouristate.edu/Workforce/courses.htm

09/14/2026

🚨 FULLY FUNDED Healthcare Training Available, But Time Is Running Out! 🚨

If you've been thinking about starting a career in healthcare, now is the time to act. Through an EDA-funded grant, eligible participants can receive 100% funding for select healthcare training programs offered through Missouri State University-West Plains.

✅ Certified Phlebotomy Technician (Mountain Grove) - Starting Saturday, 9/19/26
✅ Medical Office Assistant (NEW) - Starting Saturday, 9/26/26
✅ Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – Self-Study

⏳ The deadline is September 30, and these funds must be utilized by that date. Opportunities like this don't come around often, so don't wait until it's too late!

Whether you're looking to begin a healthcare career, gain new skills, or advance professionally, this funding could help you achieve your goals at little to no cost.

To explore eligibility and begin the application process, contact:

📍 West Plains Job Center
📞 Heather Wolf: 417-256-3158
📧 [email protected]

Need help or have questions about the training programs? We're happy to help!

📞 417-255-7784
📧 [email protected]

📢 Please share this opportunity with family, friends, coworkers, and anyone interested in a healthcare career. The clock is ticking, and funding is limited!

09/02/2026

🚨 Healthcare Training Grant Opportunity! 🚨

Looking to start a career in healthcare? This is a fantastic opportunity to receive FREE healthcare training through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant!

Funding is available for the following programs:

✅ Certified Phlebotomy Technician
✅ Medical Office Assistant
✅ Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

Before applying, please note: • You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must live in one of the following counties: Ozark, Douglas, Wright, Texas, Howell, Shannon, Oregon, Reynolds, Carter, Ripley, Wayne, or Butler.
• Participants are required to complete follow-up reporting through March 31, 2027, including providing credentials earned and employment status updates.

To get started:
1️⃣ Log in to Jobs.MO.gov and create or update your account with all required information.
2️⃣ Upload a copy of your photo ID and Social Security card. Documents may also be securely emailed to [email protected].
3️⃣ If the address on your ID is not current, you will need to provide proof of residence in one of the eligible counties listed above.
4️⃣ Complete and return the required application paperwork.

Once these steps are complete, contact Heather Wolf at 417-256-3158 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment, either virtually or in person, to complete the application process.

This opportunity is offered in partnership with the Missouri Job Center in West Plains.

📞 Don't wait! Reach out today to learn more and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

08/31/2026

At MSU-WP, the Office of Workforce Development offers healthcare training courses that qualify for this grant, including Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Office Assistant, and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

08/31/2026

🏥 Your Healthcare Career Could Start Here!

Missouri State University-West Plains is excited to launch our new Medical Office Assistant Credential Course, designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to support healthcare teams and provide exceptional patient service.

Medical Office Assistants play a critical role in healthcare organizations by coordinating appointments, maintaining patient records, assisting with insurance and billing processes, and helping keep daily operations running smoothly. If you're organized, enjoy helping others, and are interested in the healthcare field, this program could be a great fit.

📅 Course Schedule • September 26: Orientation (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 10: Class 1 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 17: Class 2 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 24: Class 3 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 31: Class 4 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• November 7: Class 5 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• November 14: Class 6 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)

⭐ Even better, grant funding may be available for eligible participants, making now the perfect time to explore a career in healthcare.

Learn more and register today: https://wp.missouristate.edu/Workforce/medical-office-assistant.htm

08/27/2026

👉Great opportunity to start your healthcare career! 💫
Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Missouri State University-West Plains is excited to offer our new Medical Office Assistant Credential Course, designed to prepare students for one of the most important roles in today's healthcare settings.
Medical Office Assistants serve as the connection between patients and healthcare providers, helping manage appointments, patient records, insurance processes, and daily office operations. This training provides the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced medical environment.
Whether you're exploring a healthcare career, building new skills, or seeking a pathway into a growing industry, this program offers a great opportunity to get started.
📅 Upcoming Schedule • September 26: Orientation (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 10: Class 1 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 17: Class 2 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 24: Class 3 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• October 31: Class 4 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• November 7: Class 5 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
• November 14: Class 6 (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
📚 Learn more about the program and enroll at https://wp.missouristate.edu/.../medical-office-assistant...
💡 Eligible participants may qualify for funding assistance through the Healthcare Training Grant. Contact Heather Wolf at 417-256-3158 to learn more.

08/26/2026

⏰Register NOW before workshops fill up!⏰
Invest in your leadership. Strengthen your team. Grow your organization.
Missouri State University-West Plains Workforce Development & Community Education is partnering with the Missouri State University SBDC-West Plains, Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI), and USDA Rural Development to bring three professional development workshops to the region this fall. These full-day training opportunities are designed for supervisors, managers, team leads, and professionals looking to lead more effectively and build stronger workplace cultures.
📅 High Performance Supervision – September 25
📅 Managing Team Attitudes & Expectations – October 14
📅 Emotional Intelligence: The Ingredient for Effective Leaders – November 17
✅ Practical leadership tools
✅ Stronger communication skills
✅ More effective teams
✅ Professional growth you can apply immediately
Lunch is included, and space is limited. Learn more and register at ozsbi.com/events.
In partnership with OzSBI, Missouri State University SBDC-West Plains, Missouri State University-West Plains Workforce Development & Community Education, and USDA Rural Development.