Cameron University’s board gave unanimous approval this week to develop two new associate in science degrees, one in occupational therapy assistant and one in physical therapist assistant. Both will run through articulation agreements with Caddo-Kiowa Tech Center, splitting coursework across two campuses and two years. Students complete general education and prerequisites at Cameron in year one, then move to CKTC for technical training in year two. The plan adds 14 new courses for the OTA program and 10 for the PTA program, and Cameron says it is not requesting additional state funding.
The timing makes sense for southwest Oklahoma. Hospitals, rehab clinics, and home health agencies around Lawton and Fort Sill have been stretched thin on therapy assistants for years, and the demand keeps climbing as the region grows. These roles are hands-on: helping patients regain movement and daily living skills after injury, illness, or surgery. They also tend to stay local, which means students who train here often work here.
The work isn’t finished. Both proposals now go to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and final approval is still needed from the Higher Learning Commission. Cameron President Dr. Shane Hunt called the programs a way to support the workforce needs of southwest Oklahoma, and CKTC Superintendent Jennie Nunn said the partnership builds on a foundation the two schools have established over the years. If everything clears, this could be one of the more practical education stories to come out of Lawton in a while. Would you like to see more degree programs shared between Cameron and CKTC?
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