Veteran’s Journey Comes Full Circle

“It is a really good culture that I’ve been around. I’ve had such a good time here, and I love all my classmates and instructors. This has opened up so many doors.”

While serving as a U.S. Army medic, Betty Tran discovered her passion for health care. Now, she’s completing the Practical Nursing program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center and turning that calling into a lifelong career. 

Tran enlisted in 2006 and spent six years in the military. She was deployed to Iraq for a year from 2007 to 2008, where she worked in a detainee camp. This influenced her perspective on caring for and helping others. 

“It was the best experience I’ve ever had because it opened my eyes to so many different things and that people are people,” Tran shared. “They need health care too, and their mindset changes when you show them kindness or caring.” 

Tran attended nursing school after completing her service in 2012, but the timing was not right, and she felt burned out. She then explored other career options and eventually found her way back to health care, which she called her “lost love.” 

While working as a medical assistant, Tran was reminded of why she enjoyed the field in the first place. That led her to Francis Tuttle, and she visited the Rockwell Campus to see if the technology center was a good fit. From there, “everything just fell into place.” 

Tran will complete her program in December and plans to attend Oklahoma City Community College through the 1+1 Nursing Education Partnership program starting next semester. While earning her associate degree and working toward becoming a registered nurse (RN), Tran will be able to work as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) following her time at Francis Tuttle. 

During combat training, Tran realized she was a natural in a medic role as she remained calm and focused under pressure. This strength has sparked her interest in working in an emergency room setting, but she is also drawn to pediatrics because she loves kids. 

“I like the hustle and bustle of a hospital,” she said. “But I also love kids, and children are the future. If you plant a good seed, more will grow.”

For Tran, her time at Francis Tuttle has created opportunities, especially as some locations where she has completed clinicals have offered her a position. 

“They’re trying to recruit me, and I always feel super prepared because I’m a student and they’re already accepting me,” Tran said. “It is a really good culture that I’ve been around. I’ve had such a good time here, and I love all my classmates and instructors. This has opened up so many doors.”