Pre-Nursing Track
Click each job title below to read more!
These are the employment opportunities that we recommend to students pursuing nursing school! These positions will provide insight on patient care and may help you develop skills that you can use later as a nurse.
**Although we recommend these positions, any nursing experience will help you to gain a more complete picture of the field.
1
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Description: A CNA provides basic patient care under the supervision of nurses, such as assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, taking vital signs, and helping patients move. CNAs are essential for maintaining patient comfort and safety in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
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Required Experience/Certifications: Completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program and passing the state CNA exam. BLS/CPR certification is usually required.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Find a state-approved CNA program through a community college, vocational school, or long-term care facility.
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Complete classroom and clinical training in basic patient care.
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Pass the state CNA certification exam to be listed on the nurse aide registry.
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Obtain BLS/CPR certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
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NOTE: Some employers will provide on-the-job training and certification opportunities
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Norman Regional Health System
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OU Health
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INTEGRIS Health
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Mercy Hospital
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Local long-term care centers such as Grace Living Center
2
Patient Care Associate (PCA) / Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Description: A PCA/PCT works in hospitals to support nurses by assisting with patient mobility, monitoring vital signs, drawing blood, and performing EKGs in addition to providing daily care tasks.
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Required Experience/Certifications: Some hospitals hire PCAs with CNA certification; others provide on-the-job training. BLS/CPR is typically required.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Earn CNA certification for the broadest job opportunities.
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Check hospital job postings for PCA/PCT positions that offer training.
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Complete optional EKG or phlebotomy training to enhance your skills.
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Norman Regional Health System
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OU Health
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INTEGRIS Health
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SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital
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3
Medical Assistant
Description: A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who supports doctors and medical staff with both clinical tasks—like taking vital signs, drawing blood, preparing examination rooms, and assisting during exams—and administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, handling billing or insurance forms, and greeting patients
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Required Experience/Certifications: Most employers prefer completion of an accredited medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) and national certification such as CMA, RMA, or NCMA. Some roles accept a high school diploma with on-the-job training. BLS/CPR certification is often required.
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How to get that experience/certification:
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Check local community colleges, vocational schools, or reputable online programs — admissions staff can walk you through costs, timelines, and what’s included.
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Sign up for a medical assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) — most take 9–24 months and include built-in hands-on practice.
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Complete the hands-on training/externship in a clinic or doctor’s office so you can apply what you’ve learned.
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Take a national certification exam (CMA, RMA, or NCMA) after finishing your program — your instructors will help with registration.
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Get BLS/CPR certified through the American Heart Association, Red Cross, or sometimes directly through your school.
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Look for hospital or clinic “on-the-job training” programs — some employers will hire entry-level staff with a high school diploma and train you while you work.
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Apply for medical assistant apprenticeships if offered in your area — these combine paid work with classroom learning.​
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Establishments we recommend you explore:
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Norman Regional Health System – offers a variety of entry-level roles, internships, and training opportunities.
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Mercy Hospital (OKC & surrounding areas) – sometimes hires for medical assistant roles with on-the-job training.
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OU Health – connected to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, with education-friendly career paths.
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SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – offers both experienced and entry-level medical support positions.
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Immediate Care of Oklahoma – multiple urgent care locations that hire medical assistants and front office staff.
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Red Cross – Oklahoma Region – great for obtaining CPR/BLS certification and healthcare volunteer experience.