Moore Norman Technology Center

The Norman Kiwanis Club recognized one adult and one high school student today as October Students of the Month during their regular meeting. Selected students are enrolled at Moore Norman Technology Center and represent full-time career majors in Health and Business Information Technology.

Amber McMahan is a senior at Southmoore High School and a second-year student in MNTC's Accounting Services class, with an emphasis in full charge bookkeeper. She's already earned 13 bookkeeping, software and computer-related certifications, and will complete the full charge bookkeeping certification by graduation in May. She is a member of the MNTC Ambassador Program, was selected for a MNTC Internship and is an active member of Business Professionals of America, the national student organization for business students.

After attending a Tech Tour of MNTC's campus and classes during her sophomore year, McMahan decided to enroll. "I want to become a CPA, so this was a way for me to start the process," she said. To her, the atmosphere is more like a college and feels more like an adult in class. She's also earning 6 hours of college credit toward an associate degree through a Cooperative Alliance Agreement with Oklahoma City Community College. At present, she plans to attend Rose State College in Fall 2010 and hopes after two years, to continue her education for a bachelor's degree in accounting.

Adult student Barbara Cieri is enrolled in Medical Assisting. She started the class in August and will graduate in May. She's an active member of the Health Occupations Students of America, the national student organization for health and medical students. She also serves on the fundraising committee for her class.

Cieri began looking for education options after a time administering long-term care for a family member. She researched what MNTC could offer and became interested in the job functions of a certified medical assistant.

She also took an interest inventory at OCCC for career interest strengths and weaknesses, and found that she would likely enjoy the type of work medical assistants perform. She said she was nervous to jump back into school and the workforce after being out almost 30 years while home schooling her children, but is glad she did.

"This program sparked my interest, and I knew I wanted to be one of those professionals who give compassionate care to patients," said Cieri.

She only needs one more class for her second associate degree, and will take that up after graduation, but for now, Cieri plans to seek employment with a specialty medical clinic in the Metro area.

For information about MNTC's full-time career majors or part-time classes visit www.mntechnology.com or call 364-5763, ext. 7260.