Healthcare workers are in high demand and are in short supply in Northwest Oklahoma. With a healthcare provider shortage nationwide, it is not surprising that the population outside of the larger cities is affected by this lack of care givers. Oklahoma currently ranks near the bottom of all states in access to primary care physicians with only 81.7 physicians per 100,000 people according to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
Healthcare facilities which are located near schools that train healthcare workers are the most likely to fill their vacant positions according to an article on the NewsOK website. Northwest Technology Center offers the Health Careers Certification programs and other programs designed to educate future healthcare workers.
NWTC’s Health Careers Certification program is offered on both the Alva and the Fairview campuses. High school or adult students can attend the program. Career options vary by campus. Those taught in the program include: Certified Nurse Aid, Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. On the Alva campus, the program is taught by Brooke Meyer. On the Fairview campus, the program is taught by Debra Button.
According to Button, “This program allows high school or adult students to gain a basic knowledge of various healthcare positions as well as learning about the healthcare industry.”
Students gain leadership skills through participation in the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) student organization. Currently, Alva High School senior, Riley Beeler holds a state office within the state HOSA organization.
“Students who have an interest in a career in healthcare can get a jump start on their future career goals while they are still attending high school,” said Daren Slater, assistant superintendent at NWTC-Alva.
For more information on the Health Careers Certification program and its career options is available by visiting the Northwest Technology Center website at www.nwtech.edu or by contacting Brooke Meyer at 580.327.0344 or Debra Button at 580.227.3708.