Okaloosa UP at Okaloosa Technical College provides the opportunity for aspiring Unique Professionals to gain the skills, abilities, and training to transition from their desires for success to gainful professional employment. Two specific programs are available to these students at this time: Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Building Trades and Construction Design Technology. As students are selected and enter the program, they choose one of the two CTE programs to participate in alongside non-disabled peers for half of the day to gain lab experience and training to become certified and employable. The other half of the day is dedicated to a variety of instruction and supports (academic, social, vocational) that will lead Okaloosa UP students to success in their program of study and eventually as employees. Okaloosa UP students will complete their program over a two-year period to earn an Okaloosa UP certification as well as any industry certifications they are able to complete alongside non-disabled peers.

If you have a passion for food and yearn to thrive in an environment where you can showcase your culinary talents, The Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality is the place for you. Explore the culinary profession and exciting career options in the food service industry. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to teach you the actual practice and art of cooking through theory, technique, palate training, speed and teamwork. These will be the essentials for success in your culinary career. You will learn the necessities required to thrive in the culinary industry, as well as forge personal contacts that will guide you through your journey. Students range in both age and previous professional experience. Students enrolled in the Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program receive specialized training in one of today’s most sought after career fields.

This is an introductory level technical program intended to prepare students for a career as a technology professional in the computer and information technology (IT) support industry. The program is designed for students to gain technical knowledge and skills needed for gainful in-field employment opportunities with a focus on high-quality technical assistance, troubleshooting of computer hardware and software, and computerized device repair. Course material is delivered in the formats of both lecture and hands-on application-based lessons and presented from a vendor neutral perspective. A variety of topics are covered including hardware, software, telecommunications, and computer network fundamentals. Students learn about operating system software management, GUI (graphical user interface) and command line utilities, the use of productivity software applications, and are introduced to the fundamentals of programming. The class is taught by IT educated and industry experienced instructors.

This program includes theoretical instruction and clinical experience in the following areas: (1) Medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; (2) Both acute and long term care situations, (3) Application of vocational role and function, personal, family and community health concepts. The student will also be educated in terms of nutrition, human growth and development over the life span, interpersonal skills, mental health concepts, pharmacology, medications, legal aspects of the profession, etc. This program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, and as such, the student must pass the NCLEX-PN examination before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Rapid changes in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating service continue to open a multitude of career opportunities in environmental control of both commercial and residential buildings. As a student in the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology Program, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to launch your new career as an entry-level installer. Okaloosa Technical College will make sure you have the skills to use the tools of the trade to embark on your new career in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology. With the knowledge, and training,  you receive you can be well prepared to pass the EPA 608 certification test, the ESCO ER-AC Exam and more. As the seasons change, systems change; but the need for solid technical knowledge and skills never changes.   Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology is a high demand career field. The program trains students for employment as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics, installers and service technicians.

This program includes theoretical instruction and clinical experience in the following areas: (1) Medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; (2) Both acute and long term care situations, (3) Application of vocational role and function, personal, family and community health concepts. The student will also be educated in terms of nutrition, human growth and development over the life span, interpersonal skills, mental health concepts, pharmacology, medications, legal aspects of the profession, etc. This program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, and as such, the student must pass the NCLEX-PN examination before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.