Cameron University has received approval in its first step to add two new associate degree programs, both specifically responding to a growing need in healthcare services.

During a meeting earlier this month in Oklahoma City, the Board of Regents for the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University unanimously approved CU's request to develop associate in science degrees for an occupational therapy assistant program and a physical therapist assistant program.

The Associate in Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant is a two-year program that will provide students with educational experience and required technical skills in the field. A nationally accredited allied healthcare program, it prepares students to pass a national exam and become a licensed occupational therapy assistant (COTA). COTAs work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients of all ages develop, recover and improve the daily skills needed for living and working.

Like the associate degree for the occupational therapy assistant, the Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant will provide majors with the experience and technical skills to pass national licensure. Physical therapist assistants provide direct physical therapy care to patients under the supervision of a physical therapist.

Cameron will add 14 new courses in support of the occupational therapy assistant program and 10 for the physical therapist assistant program. It is seeking no additional state funding to implement either degree.

Both degrees will be offered through articulation agreements in partnership with Caddo-Kiowa Tech Center. Students would complete all general education and pre-requisite course requirements at Cameron during the first year of the program, then complete all technical skill-related courses at CKTC during their final year in the program.

Caddo-Kiowa's occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant programs have served students and communities for more than three decades, noted Jennie Nunn, superintendent of Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center.

"Throughout that time, our programs have remained committed to providing students with high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in this industry," Nunn said. "We are excited to now partner with Cameron University to continue building on the strong foundation we have established over the years. The partnership reinforces the shared mission of both institutions to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, especially in southwest Oklahoma."

The addition of the two programs responds to a clear and growing need for well qualified, educated graduates to enter the workforce in a critical occupation field, said Cameron president Dr. Shane Hunt.

"All of us at Cameron University are thrilled to support the workforce needs of southwest Oklahoma through the addition of our new OTA and PTA programs," Hunt said. "I am very thankful for our partnership with Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center and very excited for the incredible professional opportunities we will make possible for students."

With the approval by the university's governing board, the proposals now advance to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for consideration. If state regents approve the requests as expected, the final required step will be approval by the Higher Learning Commission - Cameron's accrediting body - after which CU can begin offering the degrees.

PR#26-099