It was a little more than a decade ago when Wendy Perry, MED, LPC discovered the impact Oklahoma’s CareerTech system could have on people.
As a career counselor she had the the unique opportunity to offer students – from high school to non-traditional – a pathway to a career that would not only improve their lives but the lives of others.
Now the Assistant Director of Health Careers at Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC), Perry proudly continues that mission helping students advance in the medical field.
“I love Moore Norman Technology Center,” Perry said. “CareerTech just does a great job of working with students and bringing learning rigor and interest together so students are engaged and also gives them a pathway for being successful.”
With a mission to provide a quality workforce for industries in our state, MNTC accomplishes that by offering students multiple pathways to success.
LONG-TERM SUCCESS
Long-term programs offer in-depth instruction to prepare students for a career. Students enrolled full-time, Monday-Friday, typically finish a career program within one year.
Practical nursing and diagnostic sonography are two of the most sought-after courses. Students are able to enter their professions in a little over a year.
“They are making an excellent salary with as little as 15 months training,” Perry said. “It’s not cheap but it’s cheaper than going to a private vocational college or another university. Financially, it’s a lower investment for a long-term course that creates wealth for individuals, students and their families.”
Another thing that sets MNTC programs apart is that its programs are nationally accredited.
“That stresses we’ve met the rigor and standards and it also makes the student more employable,” Perry said.
SHORT-TERM ADVANCEMENT
Training for those seeking a new career, or who want to enhance existing skills within a minimal amount of time is also available. Courses are offered part-time during the day, evening, and weekends.
* Courses allow individuals to continue learning, take accredited classes, achieve industry credentials and/or gain college credit, while also managing a busy lifestyle. Many courses may be taken in sequence to build a career path.
* Students in Short-term courses are diverse in age and background.
* Instructors are employed based on education, related work experience, and industry certifications.
Combine a desire to help with hands-on training and you have the making of an excellent career in the health industry.
“I was that person to help them navigate the system,” Perry said. “It’s very rewarding when you have a student succeeding and you help them stay in school, progress and reach their goals. That’s immediately gratifying.
“If someone is uncertain about what they want to do we just help them work through their interests and how their strengths apply to the different programs we offer.”
At MNTC, students can start working toward a career while they’re still in high school by choosing to study a Career Program like Nurse Aide, Veterinary Assistant, Biotechnology, or one of several others.
The industry has been an appealing one, especially has Oklahoma’s economy has waxed and waned during the past decade.
“We are seeing an increase in males that are coming in through some of the health programs,” Perry said. “It’s a female-dominated area but we are seeing more non-traditional students – second careers.”
“Maybe they’ve gone into the workforce and not enjoyed what their chosen profession was and want to do something different.”
But that’s what CareerTech was designed to do, offer students the training they need to be successful.
And from interest counseling to hands-on instruction to assistance preparing a resume or polishing interview skills, Moore Norman Technology Center is able to be there every step of the way for students.
“What we have is kind of unique,” Perry said.
