On the football field, Ty Gaither takes pleasure in being the aggressor while carrying out his assignments as a starter on the offensive and defensive lines for the Hilldale Hornets. Off the field as a student enrolled in the Sports Medicine program at Indian Capital Technology Center, Gaither tempers his personality while remaining just as aggressive to find the right answer to classroom challenges.
“Ty’s a quiet leader in our classroom, someone who by doing things right the first time leads by example,” explained Meagan Caldwell, the program’s instructor now in her 14th season as coach of the Sports Medicine program at ICTC on the Muskogee campus. “Just like playing football, he knows that healthcare requires teamwork. Not only does Ty do his job, he also can motivate others as well as help them to do their tasks.”
“In everything I do my approach is pretty much the same, just do my best,” said the 6-foot-5 by 280 pound junior on the Hornets football roster. “I’m a hands on learn by doing type individual who thrives in a real life environment. That’s what I like about the opportunities here at ICTC.”
Curriculum for the Sports Medicine program at ICTC includes a combination of textbook and lab experiences to prepare for a multitude of opportunities in the medical field. Students explore and master their knowledge and application of anatomy, physiology, muscular and skeletal systems, exercise as well as medical terminology. At year’s end Gaither and the other students will put their skills to the test through real life clinical experiences.
Upon completion of the one-year course, Caldwell explains there’s an endless list of opportunities available.
“Not only will students gain first aid and CPR certification, there will also be a long list of jobs available for students like Ty,” said Caldwell. “This program prepares ICTC students to be ready to go to work in physical therapy, occupational therapy, emergency management, nursing or to become a technician at a physical therapy clinic, work in a fitness center in addition for pursuing a career in allied health.”
The pathway to success at ICTC is a welcomed opportunity for Gaither.
“When I go to college, I’m planning on pursuing a degree as a physical therapist in sports medicine so this program will help me a lot,” said Gaither who wears the number-71 jersey on Friday nights for the Hornets. “It also helps me understand how my body works and teaches me ways to prevent injuries while playing football.” If you’re searching for a game plan for success, discover all the opportunities available through ICTC. For more details, find out the how and why “careers start here” at Indian Capital Technology Center at www.ictech.edu
