State Regents, CareerTech sign statewide nursing articulation agreement
To address the state’s nursing shortage, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish guidelines for public two-year colleges to award students credit for prior learning in practical nursing programs at technology centers across the state.
“When we come together for the benefit of Oklahoma students, the sky is the limit,” said Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders. “I applaud the State Regents and Oklahoma CareerTech for working to remove barriers and uplifting the next generation of nursing students. Through this partnership, we’re investing in the future of healthcare in Oklahoma by expanding opportunities for students now.”
“This agreement between CareerTech and higher education is a massive win for nursing students and for expanding our healthcare workforce pipeline,” said 
House Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “The transferability of credits is both time- and cost-effective for our nursing students. This partnership is a fantastic avenue to get more nurses into the field at an accelerated pace to help meet a vital need in our state.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Oklahoma CareerTech students gather at state Capitol
Seventy-five Oklahoma CareerTech students met at the state Capitol Feb. 27 to speak to legislators about how career and technology education helps teens prepare for careers and college.
“This visit is important because it allows CTSO officers to share their firsthand experiences with career and technology education with our state legislators,” said Brittani Phillips, FCCLA state adviser at Oklahoma CareerTech.
“By sharing their stories, these officers can help lawmakers understand the positive impact that CTE has on students’ lives and encourage them to continue supporting CTE programs. CTSO officers represent the future of the skilled workforce. By meeting with legislators, they can help ensure that CTE programs continue to meet the needs of the ever-changing job market.”
State officers from FCCLA and Oklahoma CareerTech’s other six co-curricular student organizations -- Business Professionals of America, DECA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and Technology Student Association -- attended the CareerTech Student Organization Day at the Capitol, visiting with legislators from their districts. The students were also recognized on the floor of both chambers.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Pioneer Tech launches employment center through Work Ready Oklahoma
Pioneer Technology Center has launched Work Ready Ponca City, a workforce development initiative contracted by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and spearheaded by a Pioneer Tech team.
The initiative aims to help low-income families, unemployed people and people seeking to reenter the workforce by helping clients learn essential skills.
Read more on the Pioneer Tech website.
TechCAP applications open
Applications opened Friday for the Technology Center Administrator Program, which gives individuals in the CareerTech System the chance to establish, continue or advance their tech center administrative careers.
Applicants must be employed by a tech center or Oklahoma CareerTech, have approval from their immediate supervisor and be able to attend all sessions. TechCAP XI is scheduled to begin in September and run through May 2025.
For more information, visit the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Useful links
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State Agency Assistance at a Glance
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education
OK Career Guide Training Opportunities
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