Caddo Kiowa Technology Center

Fort Cobb, OK – January 26, 2010 – Seven years ago, as a sophomore at Carnegie High school, Holly Mickley participated in CKTC’s sophomore tours. “I got really excited when we got to the [Health Sciences] and the Physical Therapy [departments]. Before I started college I didn’t know whether I wanted to do PT or veterinary medicine. Once I figured out that I cry every time I see an injured animal, my mind was made up. I was going to go for PT.” she said.

As a Carnegie senior, Mickley attended Health Sciences for CNA at CKTC. “I have always been attracted to the health field because I have always liked to help people. In the summer of 2002, I had a cheerleading accident that caused me to have knee surgery. As I was going through physical therapy I started to love the field more and more. I would always ask my therapist questions and he could tell I had an interest and a drive to be in the physical therapy field.”

Mickley’s first step toward her PTA goal was to enroll in CKTC’s Health Sciences as a high school senior. Mickley loved the program and how it allowed students to work at their own pace. “My teachers were amazing and really took an interest in us. They honestly cared about if we were learning the material and understanding it. For someone to take that much of an interest in me was an ego booster and really led me to believe that I was a smart confident young woman who could do anything I set my mind to. And I did.”

Mickley started working at Carnegie Nursing Home as a senior in high school doing various jobs such as house keeping and laundry. Once she passed her CNA certification, she was promoted to CNA. During college, she continued her work at an assisted living home in Weatherford.

“I chose a health career because I like knowing that the little thing that I did could have a major impact in someone’s life and it makes them feel better. You have so many opportunities to do that in the health care field. I chose the CNA program because it gave me a foot in the door. And I’m so glad I did it.” 

After high school, Mickley attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences with a minor in psychology. “I was generally interested in psychology and thought it would be good to have a holistic view. It was the best decision I made in college,” she explained.

Next, she applied to CKTC’s PTA program and was accepted. “I wouldn’t change the PTA program for anything. Yes, it is tough and the teachers are tough, but for a very good reason. They are about you and make sure you know your stuff. They have a goal to make the best PTA’s they can, and I believe they do an amazing job. Honestly I think it being so tough makes us better people and better professionals. I have always felt comfortable and welcome at CKTC and I still do. I think if you can make it through this PTA program you can make it through anything!” 

After Mickley graduates this spring, she and her husband will move to Wyoming where he will attend school. “He supported me while I fulfilled my dream, and now I will support him with his.”

Mickley is the daughter of Tim and Georgia Lovenburg (Carnegie) and granddaughter of Sue Miller Groseclose (Carnegie) and the late George Miller. Her husband Matt is a 2007 graduate of Carnegie High School.