University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Nursing Program Review
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) is a large, public research university awarding bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and certificates in Oklahoma City. OUHSC is the division of the University of Oklahoma that specifically deals with health fields such as pharmacy, allied health and nursing. The University of Oklahoma also has campuses in Tulsa, Norman, Lawton and several smaller distance education centers. The University of Oklahoma was established in 1890, and the Health Sciences Center was established in 1971. Over 4,000 students are enrolled at the university.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Nursing Programs
The BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) and Master’s degree with Nursing major programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has been named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Traditional BSN
The Traditional BSN program prepares students to become an RN (Registered Nurse). Before applying to the undergraduate nursing program, students must complete 67 credits of prerequisites including courses in psychology, English, statistics and nutrition. Upon completing BSN prerequisites, students enter the nursing program and complete an additional 60 credits of nursing coursework. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses and receive a BSN.
OU Norman Early Admission
A select number of high academic achievers are granted admission to the early admission program. This undergraduate nursing program allows students to be admitted into the program on a conditional basis earlier than the normal admission cycle. Admission requirements for the early admission program include a 2.5 overall GPA, an application to the University of Oklahoma, and completion of 24 credits of prerequisite coursework towards the traditional BSN program. Upon entering the Early Admission program, students are enrolled in the same course progression as other nursing students, earn a BSN, and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Traditional Accelerated Program
Aspiring nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree who are not yet RNs may earn the BSN and become RN eligible through the Traditional Accelerated Program. Nurses take the classroom and clinical nursing education courses to earn a BSN degree and take the NCLEX-RN. The Traditional Accelerated program can be completed in 14 months.
ABSN at Duncan (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
The ABSN at Duncan program allows nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree education at Duncan Regional Hospital in Oklahoma. The ABSN at Duncan was initiated as an opportunity to provide rural based nurses the ability to pursue their nursing education in a healthcare setting in their environment. Nurses will benefit from lab resources, adult and infant mannequins, and Smartboard technology to facilitate learning. The ABSN at Duncan allows nurses the unique opportunity of completing the ABSN in a hospital setting. Upon completion of the program, students earn a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
LPN to BSN (Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing)
The LPN to BSN program builds upon the experience of LPNs to allow them to earn a BSN in less time than a student without previous healthcare education. LPNs earn credit for their previous coursework by earning satisfactory scores on nursing challenge exams. The LPN to BSN program consists of 127 credits and can be completed in 9 months, and is offered on a full or part time basis. Coursework is completed both online and on weekends (Saturday classes). Upon completion of the LPN to BSN program, students receive a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
The RN to BSN program prepares RNs with the additional skills and training necessary to pursue graduate education or advance their career. The RN to BSN program can be completed in 9 months and is delivered in a hybrid format. Students in the nursing career mobility program take classes both online and in person on Saturdays. Upon completion of the program, students earn a BSN degree.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Graduate Nursing Programs
MS (Master of Science) major in Nursing
The MS with a major in Nursing programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are offered in four tracks-Administration/Management, Education, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Practitioner (NP). The nursing master’s degree programs can normally be completed in two to three years, although the education major offers an accelerated 12 month option. Upon completion of the program, students earn a Master of Science degree, a more generally degree with a nursing major, as opposed to an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). Both degrees generally allow nurses to pursue the same options. Students with specialized courses of study may pursue certification exams upon completion of the program.
MS for RN’s with Non-Nursing BS
RNs who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, but would like to pursue graduate study may participate in one of the MS with a major in nursing programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. The graduate nursing program allows nurses to enroll in any of the four tracks of the nursing program, though in some cases undergraduate course prerequisites are required. Upon completion of the program, students will earn an MS with a major in Nursing, but not a BSN degree.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a degree that focuses on the practice of nursing. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with a specialization as a NP or CNS are ideal applicants for the DNP program. Students in the DNP program are designated as leaders in the nursing practice. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Doctor of Nursing Practice qualification.
Nursing PhD (Doctor of Nursing)
The Nursing PhD program is a research focused degree program that prepares nurses to become scholars. The PhD program also represents a collaborative effort between the University of Minnesota and the University of Colorado. Students can choose a geriatric focus within the PhD program. The PhD program can be completed in three years.
BSN to PhD Fast-Track Option
The BSN to PhD option allows students with a nursing degree to pursue a doctoral qualification without a master’s degree. The BSN to PhD program can be completed in less time than if students were to earn a master’s degree in nursing and then PhD. Admission criteria for the program include a GRE score ideally with a minimum score of 550, 550 and 4 in the verbal, quantitative and writing sections respectively and a minimum GPA of 3.5. The BSN to PhD program can be completed in four years.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Nursing Certificate Programs
Post-master’s Certificate
Post-master’s certificates are offered in several nursing areas including Clinical Nurse Specialist and Education. The post-master’s certificates are designed for nurses with a degree in a field other than nursing to complete a specialization. The nursing post-master’s certificate can be completed in 2 to 3 years.
Continuing Education Courses at the University of Oklahoma
A variety of continuing education courses are offered through the college of nursing. Courses include pharmacology, immunization, and legal aspects of nursing. Course offerings change and students should contact the nursing department about specific nursing continuing education courses in which they are interested.
Contact:
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1100 N Lindsay,
Oklahoma City, OK 73104-5499
