From High School to Healthcare: OVCA Student Begins Nursing Career

For Abigail W., a senior at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA), the dream of becoming a nurse is already taking shape — long before graduation day.  

Abigail is transitioning directly from high school into a promising healthcare career. 

This spring, Abigail reached a major milestone: completing a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. With her CNA credential in hand, she is now qualified to perform essential healthcare tasks, from monitoring patients’ vital signs to assisting with minor procedures. But for Abigail, this is only the beginning. 

“I’ve always felt that nursing is my calling,” she said. “I’m looking forward to learning the skills necessary to care for others.”  

Abigail’s enthusiasm is matched by her tenacity. She is preparing to begin a phlebotomy course, followed by enrollment in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Wes Watkins Technology Center. From there, she plans to enter Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s Registered Nursing bridge program with a specialization in neonatal intensive care or labor and delivery. 

Abigail’s dedication and ambition, coupled with her flexible learning environment, have been instrumental in her success. She has attended OVCA since kindergarten and credits the virtual format with allowing her to balance academic studies and healthcare training. 

“OVCA has been incredibly supportive,” Abigail said. “Thanks to school officials, especially my graduate advisor Pat Sanders and counselor Hailey Thomas, I’ve been able to manage school and my training programs at the same time.” 

Her story is a testament to the power of personalized learning and how OVCA guides students to pursue meaningful, real-world careers. 

Abigail’s journey was recently featured in the Okemah News Leader newspaper!