Rogers State University (RSU) and Central Tech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, creating new opportunities for Central Tech students to earn college credit toward selected bachelor's degree programs at RSU.
Through this partnership, students who successfully complete eligible Central Tech certificate programs can receive college credit, helping them save time and money as they continue their education. Students in 11 Central Tech programs are now eligible to earn college credit based on the successful completion of their certificate program.
"When education partners come together with a shared commitment to student success, everyone benefits," said Central Tech Superintendent Kent Burris. "This agreement with Rogers State University creates a seamless pathway for Central Tech students to turn their training into college credit and continue advancing their education. One of the greatest misconceptions students face is that they must choose between CareerTech and college. The reality is they can pursue both, gaining valuable workforce skills while continuing their education. This is about access to opportunity and helping students find the path that best fits their goals. We're not just recognizing what students have already accomplished; we're helping them take the next step toward rewarding careers and stronger communities.”
“Rogers State University looks forward to this new partnership with Central Tech as a way to empower and create pathways and more opportunities for students, meeting Oklahoma’s critical workforce needs,” said RSU President Dr. Don Raleigh. “We value our educational partners at CareerTech as we work together to help students reach their educational and professional goals.”
The agreement highlights the value of strong partnerships between CareerTech schools and higher education institutions. By aligning career training with college pathways, Central Tech and RSU are helping students build on their skills, continue their education, and enter the workforce with a competitive advantage.
Students who complete an approved certificate program at Central Tech may earn between three and nine college credit hours at RSU. Eligible programs include:
Advanced Health Careers - Student Athletic Training Aide
Business & Information Technology - Accounting Associate or Entrepreneur
Business & Information Technology
Digital Media – Video Technician
Graphic Design - Graphic Communications Technician
Licensed Practical Nursing - LPN
Health Careers - Long-Term Care Aide
Project Lead the Way- Pre-Engineering Academy
Teacher Preparation
Network Security Administration - Networking Security Compliance Technician
Project Lead the Way- Biomedical Sciences Academy
In addition to credits awarded through their certificate program, students may also earn college credit through qualifying Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, including classes such as AP Pre-Calculus and AP Biology.
This partnership creates a seamless pathway from career training to higher education, giving students more opportunities to achieve their goals while strengthening Oklahoma's workforce for the future.
About Rogers State University:
Rogers State University is a public four-year university situated in Claremore, Oklahoma, serving the northeastern part of the state and the broader Tulsa metropolitan area. Known for its small class sizes and affordable tuition, RSU is the only public university in the Tulsa metro that provides a traditional residential campus experience.
About Central Technology Center: Everyone achieves success.
Central Tech provides hands-on learning and technical education, dedicated to empowering students with practical skills and technical knowledge for immediate application. Powered by the Oklahoma CareerTech system, Central Tech serves 26 diverse communities, offering a wide range of programs that cater to high school students, adults, and industry professionals. With over 400 business partnerships, the tech center provides customized training solutions contributing to economic growth. The Truck Driver Training Program, offered in partnership with other technology centers, spans several locations across Oklahoma. Central Tech fosters a culture of success and lifelong learning
Front Row: (L to R): Dr. Don Raleigh; Kent Burris, Superintendent; Shane Bruce, Assistant Superintendent
Back Row (L to R): Katelen Chapman, Advance Health Careers - Athletic Training Aide; Kristian Jacobo, PLTW Biomedical Sciences Academy; Jude Phillips, Digital Media - Video Technician; Ari Wright, PLRW Pre-Engineering Academy; Ava Wolfe, Graphic Design - Graphic Communications Technician; Emily Williams, Health Careers - Long-Term Care Aide; Chalin Morris, Business & Information Technology - Accounting Associate or Entrepreneur; Cason Kinnin, Teacher Preparation