Since childhood, Jennifer Rye has wanted to be a doctor. But it was a high school basketball knee injury that sealed the deal.

In the fall of 2006, Rye will attend Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa on a softball scholarship majoring in pre-nursing. “I spent a lot of time in doctor office for surgeries and checkups,” Rye said. “That’s when I became interested in the anatomy of the body and how it all works. I also like to help people, so the medical field seems like a good fit.” It was during a tour of Central Technology Center in Drumright during her sophomore year, Rye decided to attend the CareerTech center to check out the health field. Rye graduated from Central Tech and Davenport High School with six career certifications and a high school diploma.

Besides earning her Certified Nursing Assistant license, Rye also earned certification as an electrocardiogram aide, operating room aide, emergency room aide, physical therapy aide and phlebotomist.

Rye took 75 hours of medical theory during her junior year at Central Tech in addition to high school classes, attending classes at the technology center in the morning and Davenport High School in the afternoon.

“CareerTech taught me about medical terminology and CPR,” Rye said. “After bookwork we had one week of clinicals. I then took my test to become a licensed CNA. “Now, I’m a step ahead of the people who will be in pre-nursing classes with me. While working at the hospital, I have already learned a lot about my profession.” That is why Rye is a CareerTech Champion, according to Phil Berkenbile, CareerTech state director.

“Champions are alumni of the system's high school or adult programs and student organizations who attribute much of their success to their CareerTech experience,” Berkenbile said.

A lot of dedication goes into becoming a CNA.

Rye is currently working full time at the Cushing Regional Hospital as a CNA. But, this is not the only job this soon-to-be college freshman has had in a hospital type setting. As a 16 year old, Rye worked at the Meeker Nursing Center and transferred to Chandler Nursing Center. She also gave up free time by volunteering at blood drives.

The Cushing job is for experience in her career path. She works from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.  The job includes restocking gloves, taking vital signs three times a night and refilling water pitchers. “Some people think that becoming a doctor, nurse or CNA is not the best job,” Rye said. “The good thing for me is I like the health field and know anywhere I go people are going to need doctors and nurses to care for the sick.” Although the additional class work and studying took time, Rye still had fun in high school. She had an active social life and participated in activities like any normal high school student. She played softball, went to sporting events and attended her high school prom.

“I did what wanted to do as far as school activities,” Rye said. “The consequences were staying up late to study or getting up early. It took time management skills and being responsible for my actions and myself.

“I believed if I went to a CareerTech center then I would know if this was the right career path for me.”

After studying at NOC, Rye will transfer to University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond to finish her degree. After completing the nursing program at UCO, Rye plans to attend an anesthetics school to get her anesthetics license and become a registered nurse.

Rye is a believer in opportunities found through the CareerTech system.

“CareerTech has a lot to offer,” Rye said. “Not only can you go for health careers but also other careers like welding, Web design and cosmetology. Everyone there has fun. The faculty helps you a lot and cares for you. The counselors there help you with scholarships and admissions for college.”

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