Taking courses at Indian Capital Technology Center is a family affair in the Riggs family according to Wagoner High School junior Jada Riggs.
“My brothers both take classes here. One is in the Auto Mechanics program and the other is in the Precision Machinery class. They’re both learning things that they wanted to learn,” said Jada who herself is enrolled in the Therapy Technician class on the Muskogee campus. “I’ve been around sports my whole life and it has a special place in my heart. I’ve been a football student trainer since seventh grade and my ultimate goal is to become an athletic trainer.”
Meagan Caldwell is the course instructor. She herself has been in the physical therapy field so she’s been where these students want to go.
“This is a one-year program where the students learn about careers, athletic training, fitness, physical and occupational therapy. We have some juniors and a lot of seniors who have taken our HCC program. We also have several students who are athletes and they’re all very interested in the course and they also bring some first hand knowledge to the class,” explained Caldwell. “Jada does a great job in the classroom and even if she has to miss class, she’s responsible about seeing what she’ll miss or what homework she might have.”
Jada, who plays basketball and soccer for the Bulldogs while carrying a 4.0 GPA, wants to pay forward what she learns in this course.
“This class teaches me skills and gives me knowledge so the football guys are pretty open to listening to me and taking my advice. I want to take what I’m learning and teach our younger trainers the things I’ve learned at ICTC.”
The course is heavy on book work the first few weeks then progresses to hands-on skills like taping, CPR and first aid then building toward next spring where they will work in clinical settings. They’ll also earn certification as a therapy technician, which allows them to go work in physical therapy settings.”
For Jada Riggs, who appreciates the hands-on teaching techniques, ICTC has been free learning experience that offers a great opportunity.
“This program is a big advantage for students who may not be able to afford college. It’s a free part of education for high school students like me to grow and learn the things I need to advance in the field.”
