Oakwood University Nursing Program Review

Oakwood University (previously known as Oakwood College) was originally founded in 1896 as an African-American educator in the South by the Seventh-day Adventist Church under the name Oakwood Industrial School. In 1904 the name changed to Oakwood Manual Training School, then again in 1917 to Oakwood Junior College, and then to Oakwood College in 1943. In 2008, Oakwood College became Oakwood University. The campus sits in north central Alabama in the city of Huntsville and is a Christian organization. Having been created to serve African Americans acentury ago, it thus belongs to what are considered HBCU (Historically black colleges and universities).

Oakwood University Nursing Program Review

The Department of Nursing at Oakwood University provides a unique view into the meeting of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of the patients that nurses meet on a daily basis. They offer three different programs to prospective students: Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) Program, Four Year Bachelor of Science Nursing Program, and a Five Year Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. These undergraduate nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and have the approval of the Alabama Board of Nursing.

RN to BSN Program

For prospective students with an existing and valid license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Alabama may apply to this program. They must have completed an associate degree program in nursing or have equivalent credit. After successful completion of this program the student will have the ability to promote their career to a higher paying job and to further their education to a master’s or doctoral degree. Taking the already current RN degree to the next level of a BSN degree offers the opportunity to apply for higher salary jobs as well as jobs with more responsibilities. 

Four Year BSN Program

The four year BSN Program offered at Oakwood University is open to students who have been accepted by the college and meet the other requirements set by the Department of Nursing. This program mixes courses of general education with courses of nursing specific education. Students who complete this program are eligible to take the licensure exam to go obtain their license to work as an RN BSN. By taking the four year program, the student is eligible to go on to get a masters degree and then to get their doctorate if they choose to do so. Obtaining a four year degree in nursing can result in faster pay increases as well as more job opportunities within the health care field. The four year BSN Program is faster pace program than the five year BSN.

Five Year BSN Program

The five year BSN Program is available to students who have been granted admission to Oakwood University and meet the other specific requirements of the Department of Nursing. This program is designed to be slower paced than the four year BSN Program. This program works to prepare students to take the licensure exam to become able to work as an RN BSN. After completion of this program, graduates may choose to forego the workforce and continue their education to obtain a master’s or doctorate.

Contact:

Oakwood University
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
800-824-5312
(256) 726-7000

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