Western Technology Center Nursing Program Review

Based in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, Western Technology Center (WTC) offers a variety of certificate programs for various careers and vocations. The center was established in 1970 after the closing of a local military base. In addition to the campus in Burns Flat, the center has campuses in Hobart, Sayre, and Weatherford. Western Technology Center offers services to students in 14 school districts of Oklahoma. Unlike community colleges, technology centers offer education and preparation in various careers and vocations which lead to a diploma, certificate or eligibility to take a licensing exam. Western Technology Center is accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education, and one of over 20 other technology centers in the state.

Nursing Programs

The Practical Nursing program at Western Technology Center is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Western Technology Center Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Practical Nursing

The Practical Nursing program at Western Technology Center prepares students to work with doctors and RNs (Registered Nurses) as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Admission requirements to the Practical Nursing program include possession of a high school diploma or GED, satisfactory score on admission tests and certification as a Long-term Care Nurse Aid within the past 5 years. Admission to the Practical Nursing program is based on a points system and is completed in two phases. Students are first evaluated for satisfactory scores on admission testing. Students with satisfactory testing scores are further evaluated on previous education and healthcare experience. The Practical Nursing program accepts 30 applicants and 20 alternates each year. As part of the LPN program, students will complete classwork, laboratory and clinical experiences. The Practical Nursing program can be completed in 1463 hours. Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Long-Term Care Nursing Assistant (Pre-Nursing)

The Long Term Care Nursing assistant program is part of the Therapeutic Services pathway in the Health Sciences Department of Western Technology Center. The program prepares nurses for a career alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals. The Long Term Care Assistant program is a prerequisite for the Practical Nursing program at Western Technology Center. Upon completion of the Long Term Care Nursing Assistant courses, students are eligible to take the certification exam to become a Long Term Care Nursing Assistant in Oklahoma. Courses in the Long Term Care Nursing Assistant program may count towards credits in the Practical Nursing program. The Long Term Care Nursing Assistant program is part of the pre-nursing careers group and may be completed within 10 months.

Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) Program

The Certified Nurse Aid program is offered through Adult Education programs at Western Technology Center. The CNA program is a one month program meeting 3 days each week. Upon completion of the nursing program, students are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide and also meet the CNA requirement for the LPN program.

Adult Education at Western Technology Center

The Adult Education programs at Western Technology Center offer a variety of courses in education, foreign language, computer skills and healthcare among other things. Nursing students may find the Certified Nurse Aid Course or America Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers courses particularly relevant. Students should review the course catalog each semester as course offerings change. Adult Education offers the option to create a course in which a minimum of 4 students may request any class not listed, and the department will create it.

Contact:
Western Technology Center,
621 Sooner Drive,
Burns Flat, OK 73624-1469