Practical Nursing Program - History

The Metro Technology Centers Springlake Campus is located at the site of what used to be an Oklahoma City landmark - Springlake Amusement Park. This historic fun park was opened in 1922 and for more than 60 years generations of Oklahomans looked to Springlake as the ideal spot for entertainment, dancing and breathtaking rides, such as the legendary "Big Dipper" roller coaster.

The amusement park was plagued with numerous fires over its many years of operation. In 1981, after yet another devastating fire, Springlake Amusement Park was closed. But, one bright note still remains in the final chapter of Springlake's history. The passing of the old park has made it possible for future generations to build the skills that will bring more lasting happiness and security than all the cotton candy, thrilling rides and concerts the world could hope to hold.

The Springlake property (95 acres) was purchased in June 1982 by the Metro Technology Centers Board of Education. It is now known as the Springlake Campus. Metro Technology Centers is now a career and technology education district with four campuses serving the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area. We offer a variety of training and career programs to high school students, adults and business and industry. Currently, 32 full-time programs and hundreds of short-term and online classes are available, as well as customized training for business and industry.

Metro Technology Centers is a multi-year recipient of the Gold Star School Award by the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education. The Gold Star School Award recognizes technology centers that have met rigid and demanding criteria, demonstrating a high level of excellence.

The Metro Tech Practical Nursing program, originally Oklahoma City Vocational School of Practical Nursing, was established in 1954 under the jurisdiction of the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Administrative control was transferred to the Oklahoma City Vocational-Technical School District #22 in 1980. At that time, the practical nursing program was housed at the Foster Estes Campus. The program was moved to the Skills Center in 1983. In 1985, the program was moved to the Computer and Office Center at the Springlake Campus where it remained until 1991 when construction was completed at its current location, the Health Careers Center. The Practical Nursing program currently serves a maximum of 40 nursing students.

Practical Nursing is fully accredited by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing; Oklahoma Board of Career and Technical Education (OBCTE); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Inc.(formerly NLNAC); and the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE).