Tech Talks
Andrea Long, BITE InstructorBy Andrea Long, Business & Information Technology instructor

The Business and Information Technology program offered at Northwest Technology Center is designed to provide training and experience opportunities for each student, so that they may gain usable skills for entry-level employment in a chosen business career.

The program prepares trainees for the technologically-driven world of work with skills, knowledge, work habits, and attitudes that will promote success on the job.

One particularly great feature of our program is the on-the-job training students receive from partnering businesses. Two of our current partners include the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Bill Johnson Correctional Center. Typically, our students work within the administrative offices of these businesses.

At the Northwest Technology Center, students are trained on the latest software utilized by area businesses. Each student is also able to develop and follow an individualized learning plan that best suits their talents and career goals.

As students complete their individualized curriculum, they prepare themselves for certification in a number of areas. A few of the certifications available include such things as Microsoft Office Specialist, Registered Medical Assistant, Accounts Payable Clerk, and ALS, which is a basic certification for legal professionals.

Career paths available in the Business and Information Technology program include Administrative & Informational Support, Legal Office Assistant, Accounting Services, and Medical Office Assisting Services. Within each of these career paths, there are more specific areas of study students can pursue.

Possible careers for students include jobs in areas of office managers, administrative assistants, receptionists, legal assistants, bookkeepers, and payroll accounting clerks among others. After building portfolios, preparing for job interviews, and learning employability skills, it is easy to see why students who complete this program are highly recruited by businesses throughout Northwest Oklahoma .

Program Description

The Business and Information Technology program is designed to provide training experience and opportunities that will foster the development of each student according to his/her own potential and abilities so that each student is equipped with a usable skill for entry-level employment in a chosen business career.  The Business and Information Technology program is designed to meet two major goals.  First, to prepare trainees for the global and technologically-driven world of work with skills, knowledge, work habits, and attitudes which will promote success on the job; second, to equip those seeking post-secondary training with skills, knowledge, work habits, and attitudes which will benefit them during and after the pursuit of further education or training.  Students also prepare a portfolio which markets their skills by showcasing examples of their work, certifications, resume, and other professional information.

Length of Program

The Business and Information Technology program is a 1050 hours to 2100 hours program. Students may attend half days for one to four years or two years full day.

Eligible Students

This program is open to secondary as well as post-secondary students.

College Credit

College credit hours are available through Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

Certifications

American Management Association, Brainbench and State of Oklahoma Testing Division certifications are recommended.

Career Opportunities

The following career opportunities are possible after completing the program:

  • Accounting Clerk
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Word Processing Operator
  • Business Office Manager
  • Data Entry Clerk
  • File Clerk
  • Human Resources Assistant
  • Payroll Clerk
  • Receptionist
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Cashier
  • Legal Office Assistant
  • Bookkeeper

Helpful Attributes

The following skills are not necessary but would allow the student to progress more quickly to achieve success:

  • Attention to detail
  • Organization skills
  • Positive attitude
  • Dependability
  • Ability to self-motivate
  • Strong interpersonal skills

Student Organizations

The students are encouraged to participate in Business Professionals of America.

Contact Information

For more information about the Business and Information Technology program at the Alva campus, contact Mrs. Andrea Long at 580.327.0344.

CLICK HERE to download a program brochure in pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the brochure.

Visit the Instructor's Website on Blackboard (hyperlink the word Blackboard to http://bb.okcareertech.org) – login as guestnwt for both the username and password.

Students Perform Well at State Competitive Events

Post-Secondary BPA Winners

From left: Kayla Shiplet, Margaret Davidson,
Terranda Murray, Susan Parent, and Brenda Coonrod

Students from Northwest Technology Center competed at the Business Professionals of America 2008 State Conference. Several students who are enrolled in the Business and Information Technology program and the Web Development and Graphic Design program placed in their respective contests.

Kayla Shiplet placed second in the Fundamentals of Accounting and placed in the top 10 in Spreadsheet Applications and Analysis. Susan Parent placed in the top 10 in the Fundamentals of Word Processing. Terranda Murray placed in the top 10 in Basic Office Systems and Procedures. Brenda Coonrod placed in the top 10 in the Fundamentals of Word Processing. Shiplet, Parent, Murray, Coonrod and Davidson are all post-secondary students in the Business and Information Technology program.