Press Releases

On December 17, 2009, the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) awarded initial accreditation to Community Care College (CCC), qualifying the campus for the maximum four years of accreditation. Currently, Community Care College is accredited through ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools). The college will be one of the few career colleges with dual national accreditation. ABHES accreditation will be retained to insure the highest standards are adhered to for CCC’s allied health programs. With ABHES accreditation, certification eligibility is offered to graduates in the Medical Assisting program, for example. This allows graduates to sit for the prestigious American Medical Assistants Association’s (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). ACICS accreditation will ensure the college will continue to provide not only high standards, but will also allow the institution to diversify in other industries and to explore advanced degree offerings.

ACICS, was founded in 1912, and is one of the most respected and established national accrediting bodies of academic institutions in the United States. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The scope of ACICS recognition by the Secretary of Education is defined as accreditation of private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical, or occupational careers, including those that offer those programs via distance education. ACICS currently accredits more than 680 institutions throughout the United States and more than a dozen schools in foreign countries enrolling approximately 650,000 students. ACICS is a not for profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia with offices maintained in the District of Columbia.

“We are very pleased with the results of the ACICS visit to Community Care College. The fact we received the maximum four years of accreditation is a true testament of the commitment the college has to our students. With industry-leading placement rates and high student and employee satisfaction, students receive the very best in industry-oriented and practical skills necessary for career success,” said college president, Dr. Kevin Kirk.

Community Care College, Clary Sage College, and Oklahoma Technical College Celebrate Graduation

By Sara Harper
Nov. 24

Community Care College and its non-main campuses (Clary Sage College and Oklahoma Technical College) celebrated graduation on Saturday, November 21st at the Vantrease Performing Arts Center of Education in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This was the first year that Oklahoma Technical College, which opened in March 2009, participated in the ceremony.

The ceremonies were conducted in memory of Cosmetology student Jennifer Duke and Kerisha Mayfield, daughter of cosmetology student Kimberly Mayfield. Both Jennifer and Kerisha passed away suddenly this year. Micah Mason, a student at Community Care College, began the ceremony with a passionate performance of the national anthem. In keeping with Community Care College tradition, the ceremony featured speeches by outstanding students from each campus rather than the traditional keynote speaker. Representing Community Care College was Business Administration student Shonna Stevenson. The Clary Sage College outstanding student speaker was Ambassadors President and Cosmetology student Raynelle Roberson. Both students spoke at length about their decision to go back to school and the obstacles they overcame to complete their education.

In addition to the outstanding student speakers, the College also recognized its outstanding faculty and staff at the graduation event. Winners of the Community Care College awards were Dori Ernstsen, Medical Coding and Billing instructor and Rebecca Banuelos, Project Manager for faculty and staff, respectively. Clary Sage College recipients were Linda Clemmons, Nail Technology Department Head and Ronnie Carlson, Evening Team Leader. Finally, Oklahoma Technical College recognized CJ Shepherd, Admissions Representative and Darrell Steffans, Automotive Technology Instructor.

“It is always exciting to share this moment with our students, knowing that because of their hard work they will be able to enter the workforce with confidence,” says Teresa Knox, CEO. “Our job placement percentages are still very strong, despite the struggling economy.” All graduates who had already been placed in their field of study were designated with a red tassel on their graduation caps.

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 09, 2009 – In the month of August, the Massage Therapy students at Community Care College participated in over six different charitable events, performing massages for hundreds of people with chronic back pain and other health problems. Among the community sites visited was the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, a non-profit agency that helps people with newly diagnosed health problems to learn how to manage their new conditions. “These are some of the most deserving and wonderful people we have ever had the privilege of helping,” says Massage Therapy department head Ross Ashcraft. Massage Therapy students also performed chair massages at the “Lock-up” fundraising event for the MDS Association and Walk for the Cure events, raising hundreds of dollars for Muscular Dystrophy and cancer, respectively.

In addition to coordinating various community service opportunities for its students, the Massage Therapy faculty has been busy expanding their areas of expertise in order to remain the most innovative and advanced program in the state. Sharon Truelove, a massage therapy instructor, has been exploring a new relaxation technique called “tuning,” a type of therapy that uses different tonal vibrations to affect the body. Divergent tones and melodies can dramatically affect the body, as anyone who frequents a rock concert or classical music performance can attest. Sharon will be learning how to manipulate the body’s response to different vibrations to enhance the massage experience.

Meanwhile, another faculty member, Laura Gordon, has plans to take her National Examinations in Massage Therapy at the end of September. The state of Oklahoma does not require this certification to teach Massage Therapy but standards at Community Care College require that all instructors obtain the highest level of education and certification in their field. Once Laura completes this certification, the entire department will be nationally certified in Massage Therapy.

Finally, next month students will have the opportunity to learn from two local massage experts including a former faculty member, Lori Beyard, who will be demonstrating Cranial Sacral Massage. “We are so excited about all the changes and opportunities surfacing within the massage therapy department to develop both our students and faculty,” says Community Care College CEO Teresa Knox. “We are seeing the fruit of these developments in our recruitment as well. Massage Therapy continues to be one of our most popular and rapidly growing programs at Community Care College.”

Community Care College Serves as Contest Sponsor for “In the Zone” Britney Spears Tour

Beginning this week, Tulsa residents may drop by Community Care College and register to win a VIP Experience Package to the Britney Spears “In the Zone” tour, coming to Tulsa on September 15, 2009. One lucky winner will be drawn from among the entries on September 7, one week prior to the concert.

The “In the Zone” VIP Experience Package includes the following:

• Two zone tickets
• VIP backstage tour
• Meet and greet with Britney’s dancers, acrobats, aerialists, and band
• Pre-Show party with live DJ, catered food and beverage
• Pre-show entertainment by the Big Apple circus performers
• Preferred parking
• Priority access check-In
• Separate VIP entrance
• Commemorative laminate and lanyard
• Exclusive Britney Spears gift bag and merchandise
• Limited-edition souvenir tour ticket

“The drawing has generated a lot of excitement,” says Project Manager Rebecca Banuelos. “We love being able to have a little fun and offer our students prizes like this.”

June 1, 2009

Community Care College and Clary Sage College Celebrate Graduation
By Sara Harper

Community Care College and its non-main campuses (Clary Sage College and Oklahoma Technical College) celebrated graduation last Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Vantrease Performing Arts Center of Education.

London Malveaux, a student at Clary Sage College, began the ceremony with a passionate performance of the national anthem. The colors were presented by the Tulsa Job Corps. In keeping with Community Care College tradition, the ceremony featured speeches by outstanding students from each department rather than the traditional keynote speaker. Students spoke about their decision to go back to school, the challenges and obstacles they faced, and how they overcame them. Many students also shared some of their favorite memories.

This year marks the largest graduating class in Community Care College’s history, with 276 graduates in attendance. “It is always exciting to share this moment with our students, knowing that because of their hard work they will be able to enter the workforce with confidence,” says Teresa Knox, CEO.

Community Care College (www.CommunityCareCollege.edu) is a licensed and accredited institution offering programs in Healthcare and Business disciplines. Community Care College serves as the main campus to Clary Sage College (www.ClarySageCollege.com) and Oklahoma Technical College (www.OklahomaTechnicalCollege.com) which all operate under the same ownership.

Community Care College’s Early Childhood Program is a Success!
By Stacey L. Mwongozi

Community Care College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program was reviewed by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) Tuesday, April 7, 2009. The ECE program, which has been in place at Community Care College since September of 2008, received zero violations. CCC staff, including the ECE program’s Department Head, Stacey Mwongozi, received outstanding remarks from the ABHES reviewers for the organization and implementation of the program. ABHES is recognized by the United States Secretary of Education for the accreditation of private, postsecondary institutions in the United States.

The ECE program prepares students to work with children, ages birth through 8. Students can obtain up to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education in as little as 61 weeks by completing the residential program. The ECE program will soon be available 100% online!

Community Care College (www.CommunityCareCollege.edu)

is a licensed and accredited institution offering programs in Healthcare and Business disciplines. Community Care College serves as the main campus to Clary Sage College (www.ClarySageCollege.com) and Oklahoma Technical College (www.OklahomaTechnicalCollege.com) which all operate under the same ownership.

Totally Kids Gears up for Spring Break 2009
By Beverly Dunson

Totally Kids, Community Care College’s on-site licensed childcare facility, is gearing up for Spring Break 2009! The center and its mission is an extension of the college’s philosophy in which health and wellness is a congruent theme. The spring break will be full of interactive activities with other departments within the campus community during Totally Kid’s “Going Green” week.

The fun-filled week begins on Monday when student from the Veterinary Assistant program will bring down animals from the college’s animal laboratory to share with the children. “We will discuss safety and caring for animals as well as the importance of caring for the environment we share” said department head, Jennifer Livesay. On Tuesday, the students will visit the Health and Fitness program. The children will learn about the importance of healthy eating habits as well as incorporating routine activity in their daily schedule. Activities learned will include stretching, yoga, and cardiovascular exercises. Tuesday afternoon, instructors from the recently opened Oklahoma Technical College are going to make a presentation to the children about the exciting things they do with Snap-on tools while staying safe and being responsible. Thursday, the children will have the opportunity to visit the Medical and Surgical Suites of the Medical Assisting and Surgical Technologist programs where they will be introduced to some of the sights and sounds of a doctor’s office while building confidence and therefore relieving anxieties before their next doctor’s visit. “We are looking forward to an exciting and educational fun-filled week,” said Beverly Dunson, Totally Kids Director!

Totally Kids, Community Care College’s on-site childcare is licensed by DHS and is available to both students and staff of Community Care College, Clary Sage College and Oklahoma Technical College. Hours of operation are from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm. There is a minimal fee for this service and space is limited. Song, dance, educational activities, arts/crafts, reading and playtime are just a few of the many offerings of Totally Kids. This is not your typical “daycare.” It is a structured, loving, and nurturing environment conducive to a fun and positive learning atmosphere.

Community Care College (www.CommunityCareCollege.edu) is a licensed and accredited institution offering programs in Healthcare and Business disciplines. Community Care College serves as the main campus to Clary Sage College (www.ClarySageCollege.com) and Oklahoma Technical College (www.OklahomaTechnicalCollege.com) which all operate under the same ownership.

February 25, 2009

The Early Childhood Education Department of Community Care College is one of the sponsors for the upcoming International Infant & Toddler Conference to be held April 23,24,25 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Stacey Mwongozi, Department Head for the Early Childhood Education Department at CCC, says the conference is an excellent opportunity for early childhood educators and caregivers from all over the world to come together and learn about best practices in infant and toddler care.

Many talented and caring people devoted their time, expertise, and energy to making this conference happen. The presenters will share treasures left by Dr. Emmi Pikler and Magda Gerber, both of whom revolutionized the way we look at infancy and the early toddler years. Participants will see and experience the roots of cutting edge early childhood practices through Relationship-Based Care from organizations that have been espousing this method for more than sixty years, with hands-on experiences and archival footage. The conference will help support the continued research and training of infant and toddler professionals throughout the world.

Registration information for this event can be found at the Child Care Resource Center's website,
www.ccrctulsa.org/infant_todler_overview.htm

Tulsa, OK. – The management team of Community Care College is pleased to announce that they closed Thursday on the purchase of the property of the former Crown BMW, Buick and Jeep Dealership. The new location was purchased for an undisclosed amount but will undergo four to five months of construction in preparation for a second branch off Community Care College called Oklahoma Technical College.

The new campus will initially offer various certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in the technical professions of Automotive, Diesel and Welding. “We are very excited about adding these programs to our existing high-demand curriculum offerings. The demand for qualified and certified technicians continues to grow and with our history of providing industry-leading education in a real world learning environment will insure that the employment needs of the community will be met along with graduates achieving their career goals,” says Founder and Chief Executive, Teresa Knox.

Oklahoma Technical College is scheduled to open in January of 2009. The college’s first branch, Clary Sage College opened its new campus in March of 2007. This campus offers programs in the cosmetology, spa, massage, esthetics and nail technology fields.

Cricket Kingham of Tooman Partners coordinated the transaction. Ky Chaffin with Bank of Oklahoma is providing the financing. SBA packaging provided by Rose Washington of Creative Capital/Tulsa Economic Development Corp. CJC Architects is designing the remodeling project with Cowen Construction performing the work.

COMMUNITY CARE COLLEGE AND CLARY SAGE COLLEGE LAUNCH THE “LIGHTEN UP” 100 DAY CHALLENGE: AN EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM

Tulsa, OK
For Community Care College and Clary Sage College employees, fitness fever is at an all time high. Team members have risen to join the challenge to promote health and wellness as a way of living. Beginning February 4, 2008, 66 employee participants have geared up to begin 100 days of eating healthier, exercising more and teaming together for support and encouragement. Participants will work in teams of two in their choice of 3 categories: accumulation, accumulation/weight loss and weight loss. Teams from each category have different objectives, those who walk the farthest, lose the most weight per body mass, or a combination of both will be awarded prizes such as IPODS, one year complimentary gym membership and prize packages from “The Big Apple” school bookstore. Each participant has been issued a pedometer and twice per week, will report weight loss, distance walked and time spent exercising for their team. Team member Toni Bethel comments, “I’m excited to start something that will help me live stronger and healthier while setting a positive example for my students and this is a great opportunity to do exactly that.”

Community Care College and Clary Sage College, as leading career colleges in the medical, spa, esthetics, and fitness fields, strives to lead students by example in becoming promoters of good health. The Wellness Program was designed by Kim Dawson and Jason West, Fitness and Health Instructors at Community Care College. “Fitness and wellness is not a destination, but a life long journey, and each journey starts with the first step”, says Jason West. Daily, employees have the opportunity to attend on-site exercise sessions, led by fitness and health instructors that include yoga, pilates, basic stretching and conditioning lessons. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to join the “Way of Life” gym, which is on-site and fully equipped. “It’s fun to work toward something when several people are involved”, remarks school employee, Grace Vick. Mrs. Vick adds, “With the competition motivating me and the support I receive from my fellow co-workers, I expect better results than if I were going after it alone.”

Weight loss and accumulative exercise figures will be totaled after days to determine winners of the challenge; however, hopes are high that healthier eating and exercise habits will stick with team members for a lifetime. President of both colleges, Dr. Kevin Kirk, who is also participating in challenge comments “I’m thrilled to see such a high level of participation and look forward to witnessing the results of everyone’s health-conscious efforts. I believe in this wellness program as well as our team members and their capacity to really make a big difference in the overall health of our employees and students.”

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY, COMMUNITY CARE COLLEGE AND CLARY SAGE COLLEGE PARTNER TO FOREFRONT NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Tulsa, OK
Langston University, Community Care College and Clary Sage College have partnered to create new and exciting opportunities for Community Care College and Clary Sage College graduates and for future generations of career college students wishing to further their educations. This partnership is dynamic in that private career colleges and public universities have not traditionally formed agreements for the transfer of college credits. Graduates of Community Care College’s Associate of Applied Science programs and Clary Sage College’s Associate of Occupational Science program will now have the opportunity to transfer all credits earned to Langston University and complete their bachelor’s degree.

Community Care College and Clary Sage College are private career colleges based in Tulsa and offer diplomas and associate degree programs in medical, pharmacy, surgical, dental, business, fitness, health, veterinary, massage, spa & esthetics and cosmetology career fields. Most recently, Community Care College was approved to deliver courses online. Both institutions are served and led by Dr. Kevin Kirk, President.

Together, Community Care College, Clary Sage College and Langston are pioneering new opportunities in Higher Education. Dr. Kirk comments, “I am especially excited about this affiliation and I’m thrilled that our students will have more options to continue their education if they desire to do so.” Presidents Dr. Kevin Kirk and Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert of Langston will meet Monday morning, January 28th, at 10am, to seal the affiliation in person.

COMMUNITY CARE COLLEGE AWARDED NATIVE BUSINESS NETWORK’S (NBN) “SEVENTH GENERATION AWARD” FOR THE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION IN INDIAN COUNTRY

Tulsa, OK
Community Care College has been awarded the Seventh Generation Award from the Native Business Network (NBN). Community Care College was nominated by members of NBN and winners were decided by officers within the organization. The Seventh Generation award is awarded to businesses which assist young people or children. According to Darryl Noble, President of NBN, “It is named after a Sioux concept that people should pray for the future seven generations after themselves, thus, securing a future for the People. Most tribal names translated mean the People or the Principal People.” The award is given annually at the annual awards dinner.

Community Care College is a private career college based in Tulsa and is nationally accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The institution offers diploma and associate degree programs in the medical, pharmacy, surgical, business, health, veterinary and massage industries. Most recently, the college was approved to deliver courses online. The college and their sister institution, Clary Sage College, is served and led by President, Dr. Kevin Kirk.

“Community Care College is deserving of this nomination and award. Over the years, I have worked with the institution and it has been exciting for me to witness the growth of the college and the number of students that have benefited from their career oriented programs,” says Darryl Noble, NBN President

“We value our relationship with NBN and are honored and pleased to accept this award! We will continue to focus on our mission which is; to provide our students, our team and our community a partnership based upon Courtesy, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Success (CARES) to inspire ‘more than you imagine”, commented Dr. Kirk.

Community Care College

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