Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) in Lawton have established a partnership to expand educational opportunities and address healthcare staffing needs. The agreement, signed on July 31 by SWOSU President Dr. Diana Lovell and CCMH Chief Nursing Officer Melissa Alvillar provides significant benefits for SWOSU students interested in careers at CCMH, including tuition payment support for selected fields of study.
“This partnership creates exciting new opportunities for individuals in Southwest Oklahoma who are pursuing careers in healthcare,” said Brent Smith, CCMH Chief Executive Officer. “Whether they’re interested in Health Information Management, laboratory services, Information Technology, or Nursing, just to name a few, Southwest Oklahoma students will now have the chance to gain valuable hands-on experience at CCMH.
Under the terms of the agreement, SWOSU students pursuing degrees in specific healthcare and administrative programs will be eligible for tuition payments if they choose to work for CCMH. The hospital will implement a selection process to identify potential students. The programs covered by this agreement include the following:
- LPN to RN/ Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
- Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
- Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
- Master of Science in Health Information Management
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
- Additional programs as identified by CCMH needs
This collaboration presents mutual advantages. SWOSU students will have the opportunity to receive financial support for their education while committing to careers at CCMH. In turn, CCMH will benefit from a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to meet its staffing requirements. The agreement also facilitates clinical placement opportunities at CCMH for SWOSU students across all healthcare disciplines.
Smith said, “We will serve as one of SWOSU’s clinical sites for various healthcare related professions. We appreciate this collaborative effort and are eager to begin this program that will help meet the growing healthcare needs of our community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Comanche County Memorial Hospital to support healthcare education and address the critical need for healthcare professionals in Southwest Oklahoma,” said Lovell. “This collaboration will provide our students with invaluable opportunities for financial support, hands-on experience, and career pathways in various healthcare fields. Together, we are committed to building a stronger healthcare workforce for Oklahoma.”
For more information about the partnership opportunities, reach out to Comanche County Memorial Hospital at ccmhhealth.com.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.
About Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Comanche County Memorial Hospital is an independent, non-profit acute care facility dedicated to putting patients first and delivering award-winning care, with 265 licensed beds and a workforce of over 2,500 full-time and part-time employees, 475 credentialed physicians and healthcare providers and benefits from the support of nearly 140 volunteers. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.
Dr. Diana “Diane” Lovell, President of SWOSU (left) and Melissa Alvillar, MSN, NE-BC, RNC-OB and Chief Nursing Officer of Comanche County Memorial Hospital.
From left to right: Elissa Saunders, MSN, RN, and Chair of the SWOSU Department of Nursing; Dr. Sharon Lawrence, Chair of the SWOSU Department of Allied Health Sciences; Dr. Joel Kendall, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at SWOSU; Dr. Diana “Diane” Lovell, President of SWOSU; Melissa Alvillar, MSN, NE-BC, RNC-OB and Chief Nursing Officer of CCMH; Heather Love, MS, RN, CPHRM and Quality, Safety, Risk Management & Education Administrative Director of CCMH; Luis Mendez, Education Liaison at CCMH; Dr. Chad Kinder, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at SWOSU; and Dr. Darryl Barnett, Dean of the SWOSU Department of Nursing and Health Professions.