Provided Press Release
Elk City, OK – August 19th, 2024– Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) to bring a new Surgical Technology program to Western Oklahoma, beginning in Fall 2024. This program represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare education and providing high-quality medical services to our community.
Start Your Journey in Surgical Technology in Fall 2024
Aspiring surgical technologists can start taking pre-requisite courses and join the first cohort of this innovative program in Fall 2025. The Surgical Technology program will be housed at the GPRMC Education Center, located at 222 W. 3rd Street in Elk City, OK.
Program Overview
This two-year program is designed to fully prepare students for a career in surgical technology, a critical role that involves maintaining a sterile environment and supporting surgeons during operations. The first year of the program will focus on classroom instruction, where students will learn the foundational knowledge required for success in the field. The second year will involve hands-on clinical experience in the operating rooms right here at GPRMC, offering real-world training that is essential for a seamless transition into the workforce.
Eligibility and Enrollment
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the general admission requirements of SWOSU and participate in advisement sessions with program faculty. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will earn an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, equipping them with the credentials and skills needed to excel in surgical technology.
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
“At GPRMC, we are dedicated to enhancing healthcare services and education in our region,” said Corey Lively, CEO. “This partnership with SWOSU reflects our commitment to training the next generation of healthcare professionals. The Surgical Technology program will not only benefit our hospital but also strengthen the healthcare workforce in Western Oklahoma, ensuring that our community continues to receive top-tier medical care.”
We encourage those interested in pursuing a rewarding career in surgical technology to explore this new program. For more information or to apply, please visit www.swosu.edu or contact SWOSU’s enrollment office at (580) 774-3782.
About GPRMC:
Great Plains Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services to the residents of Elk City and surrounding communities. Our mission is to deliver compassionate, high-quality care and to support the ongoing education and development of healthcare professionals through strategic partnerships and innovative programs.
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Elk City Police Department Announces 2nd Annual Citizens Police Academy Starting April 2
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Police Department has announced its 2nd Annual Citizens Police Academy, set to begin April 2, 2026. The 10 week program will meet each Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.
Two Arrested in Identity Theft Investigation Tied to Elk City Business
Edmond, OK – Two men were arrested Monday in connection with an identity theft investigation involving an Elk City business. According to a press release from the Elk City Police Department, officers with the Criminal Investigations Division
Howard: Senate Committees Busy as Session Gains Momentum
Oklahoma City, OK – State Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus, said the second week of the 2026 legislative session brought a full slate of committee meetings and key policy discussions, including the first meeting of the Senate Judiciary
SWOSU Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by SWOSU to recognize
Elk City Firefighters Deployed as Massive Wildfires Burn 155,000 Acres Across Western Oklahoma
Woodward, OK – Elk City firefighters were deployed late Tuesday afternoon to assist with a dangerous wildfire near Woodward as part of the Beckham County Task Force. The deployment came as fire warnings and red flag conditions
Beckham County Sheriff Recognizes School Resource Officers on National Appreciation Day
Sayre, OK – Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning took time this week to recognize the county’s School Resource Officers in honor of National School Resource Officer Day, praising their impact on student safety and school culture across
SWOSU Chairman’s Tower Shoot Set for February 26
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced that the SWOSU Foundation, Inc.’s first-ever Chairman’s Tower Shoot is set for Thursday, February 26, at Black Oak Farms in Devol, Oklahoma. The Shoot will be fun
Next Generation Fire System Speeds Up Wildfire Response in Western Oklahoma
Elk City, OK — A new satellite based detection program is already making a difference for fire departments across western Oklahoma. Elk City Fire Chief Kyle Chervenka and Carter Fire Chief Chad Rippetoe say the Next Generation
Multiple Suspects Arrested in Multi-County Child Sexual Abuse Investigation
Beckham County, OK – The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of three men and one woman following a wide-ranging child sexual abuse investigation that spanned multiple cities across Oklahoma. Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning
Concert Tickets Available for 56th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival Feb. 19–20
Weatherford, OK – The 56th annual SWOSU Jazz Festival returns to Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford Feb. 19–20. The festival brings two full days of live jazz to campus, including ticketed concerts, educational clinics, and
Red Flag Warning Issued for Western Oklahoma as Wind, Heat and Drought Raise Fire Danger
Norman, OK – A Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of western and southwestern Oklahoma as forecasters warn of dangerous fire weather conditions Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Norman upgraded a Fire Weather Watch
SWOSU to Host Aerospace and Defense Career Fair March 6
Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host an Aerospace and Defense Career Fair on Friday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pioneer Event Center. The event will connect students with
Archer Bill to Repurpose Abandoned Wells Advances in Oklahoma House
Oklahoma City, OK — Legislation authored by State Rep. Nick Archer of Elk City recently moved forward in the Oklahoma House. House Bill 3173, known as the Well Repurposing Act, recently passed out of the House Energy
Jacob Sappington is 2025-2026 Beutler History Scholar at SWOSU
Weatherford, OK — Jacob Sappington of Willow has been named the Dr. Randy L. Beutler History Scholar at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship, established by SWOSU’s 17th President, Dr. Randy
SWOSU selects Dr. Jason Johnson as provost
Weatherford, OK — Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the appointment of Dr. Jason Johnson as the University’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs. Johnson will officially begin his role April 1, pending approval
Pedestrian Killed in Early Morning Crash North of Altus
Altus, OK — A 23 year old Altus man was killed in a collision early Tuesday morning approximately four miles north of Altus, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 6:21 a.m. on February
Merritt Bond Fails as Voters Decide School Measures and Local Races Across Western Oklahoma
Western Oklahoma – Voters across western Oklahoma made decisions Tuesday on several school bond proposals and municipal races, with mixed results throughout the region. The largest local headline came from Merritt Public Schools, where voters decisively rejected
Local Lawmaker’s Brine Development Bill Heads to Energy Committee
Oklahoma City, OK — A bill authored by state Rep. Anthony Moore, a Republican from Clinton, is set for consideration this week by the Oklahoma House Energy Committee. House Bill 4338, known as the Oklahoma Brine Development
Snyder Man Dies in Single Vehicle Crash in Kiowa County
Kiowa County, OK – A Snyder man was killed Monday morning in a single vehicle collision in Kiowa County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at 6:47 a.m. Feb. 9 on U.S. Highway 62B,
Elk City, Hobart Carnegie Libraries Receive National Recognition
Elk City, OK – Two longtime cornerstones of western Oklahoma communities are getting a boost as part of a nationwide celebration of America’s library legacy. The Elk City Carnegie Library and the Hobart Carnegie Library have each
Alisen Bristow Awarded SWOSU’s 2026 C.B. Graft Rule of Law Scholarship
Weatherford, OK – Alisen Bristow of Mountain View, Oklahoma, has been named the C.B. Graft Rule of Law Scholar at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Bristow is a junior at SWOSU, majoring
SWODA Opens Route 66 Facade and Sign Revitalization Program
Burns Flat, OK – Retail business owners along historic Route 66 have a new opportunity to improve their buildings through a facade and sign revitalization incentive program offered by the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority. The program
Clinton Lawmaker Anthony Moore Files Education Bills Targeting Classroom Learning and College Access
Oklahoma City, OK – House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore of Clinton, R-Clinton, has filed a package of education bills aimed at improving classroom outcomes and expanding access to higher education for Oklahoma students. House Bill 4358
UPDATE: Man Receives Deferred Sentence in Beckham County Marijuana Trafficking Case
Beckham County, OK – A man previously released on bond after being accused of trafficking more than 120 pounds of marijuana in Beckham County has now received a deferred sentence, according to court records. As previously reported
Annual Voter Registration Report Released in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma State Election Board has released its official annual voter registration report, showing a total of 2,406,168 registered voters statewide as of January 15, 2026. Republican voters make up the largest share
