Now more than ever in the wake of a global health crisis there are numerous opportunities for registered nurses. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is not the most common gateway to professional nursing but it is the most viable. Graduates of this track have the best opportunities and are very likely to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing to take up an advanced practice role. BSN nurses work in all sectors of the health care industry and may also assume positions in business, education, and insurance. They are recognized for their leadership, management, and communication skills and use of evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
Oklahoma City University
The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Oklahoma City University provides students with the knowledge and skills to become a registered nurse. The School of Nursing offers flexible schedules and provides students with the opportunity to design their own BSN degree completion plan. Nursing courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters and some are available in the summer. Students will learn how to provide ethical and legal nursing care, collaborate with and educate clients regarding self-care activities to promote health, restore wellness, and prevent illness, use the nursing process to solve problems and make clinical judgments, manage coordinate and delegate care of clients, and exemplify caring behaviors. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Part-time and full-time options are available. Admission is limited to 45 students each semester.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 124
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, Liberal Arts Seminar, United States History, Methods of Scientific Inquiry, Philosophy/Ethics, Introduction to Biblical Literature or World Religions, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, American Government, World Literature or Western Literature, Foreign Language option, Elective, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Introduction to Psychology, College Chemistry with Lab
Core courses – Nutrition, Clinical Judgment in Nursing, Health Assessment, Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Adult Health Nursing II, Nursing Research, Family Health Nursing, Critical Care Nursing. Child Health Nursing, Nursing Leadership
Admission criteria:
- Must have a cumulative GPA or higher
- Complete the required college science and general education course prerequisites with a GPA of 2.50 or higher – Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, Introduction to Psychology
- Must demonstrate English Proficiency
- The HESI/TEAS exam is no longer required for admission
- Submit a completed application via NursingCAS – admission to the nursing program is automatic upon acceptance to the university
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $28,094 annually for students completing 12 to 16 credit hours per semester. Course specific fees, books, supplies, background check, drug screen, and uniforms are not included.
- Website: https://www.okcu.edu/
- Address: 2501 N Blackwelder Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493
- Phone: 405-208-5000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.33%
The University of Oklahoma – College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at The University of Oklahoma offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to prepare students for licensure as a professional nurse. The BSN core nursing courses are upper division courses and requires completion of 67 academic credit hours of prerequisite coursework before enrolling in the first year of the nursing program. Nursing courses consists of 60 semester hours of courses offered in sequence and includes a theoretical and clinical component. Some of the coursework may be delivered online. Graduates will receive a BSN degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 127
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, Liberal Arts Seminar, United States History, Culture, Developmental Psychology, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, United States Government, Foreign Language option, Elective, Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Introduction to Psychology/Sociology, College Chemistry with Lab, Western Culture, World Culture, Understanding Art, Gateway to Belonging, General Education Course (3000-4000)
Core courses – Clinical Nursing I, Human Experience in Health & Common Illness, Health Assessment, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Pharmacology in Nursing, Clinical Nursing II, Human Experience in Acute and Chronic Illness I, Family Focused Nursing, Human Experience of Disability, Clinical Nursing III, Human Experience in Acute and Chronic Illness II, Psychosocial Nursing, Nursing Research, Clinical Nursing IV, Leadership in Nursing Practice, Community Focused Nursing, Contemporary Professional Nursing, Human Experience in Acute and Chronic Illness III
Admission criteria:
- Complete 67 credits of prerequisite coursework – 30 credit hours must be completed prior to application
- Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Must have a science GPA of 2.5 or better – at least one of four lab science prerequisites must be completed before application – General Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
- Must be admitted to the University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
- Apply for admission to the College of Nursing
- Submit official transcript demonstrating completion of all required prerequisite coursework
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $131.50 per credit hour for Oklahoma residents. Additional costs for fees, books, uniforms, background check, and supplies are not included.
- Website: https://nursing.ouhsc.edu/
- Address: 1100 N Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
- Phone: (405) 271-2428
- Alt: 1-877-367-6876
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.78%
University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma has a reputation of producing some of the best nurses in the state of Oklahoma and across the United States. The traditional track program is open to adults who have not yet obtained a license to practice nursing as a registered nurse. It includes general education and core nursing courses that may be completed in four years but a five-year plan is also available for those who need a slower pace of study. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 94-98
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Introductory Chemistry and Lab, General Biology or Biology for Majors: Principles, Introduction to Nutrition, General Psychology, Sociology, Introductory Microbiology and Lab, Human Anatomy and Lab or Elementary Human Anatomy and Dissection, Human Physiology and Lab, Principles of Business Statistics, Logic and Critical Thinking or Social and Political Philosophy, Contemporary Moral Problems, Introduction to Nursing, Individual and Family Development Through the Lifespan
Core courses – Foundations of Nursing, Introduction to Pharmacology, Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Pediatric/Child Health Nursing, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Adult Medical/Surgical Nursing II, Service Learning and Health Promotion, Community Health Nursing, High Acuity Nursing, Research/Evidence-Based Practice, Care of Vulnerable Individuals, Pharmacology II, Professional Nursing Leadership & Management, Preparing for Entry into Practice
Admission criteria:
- Submit a formal application to the Chairperson of the Department of Nursing for admission to the Professional Nursing program
- Preference is given to University of Central Oklahoma students
- Submit transcript(s) indicating a minimum retentive GPA of 2.5 in all coursework completed at the time of application
- Must have a minimum grade of C in chemistry, all biological sciences, NURS 1221, and NURS 2113
- At least two of the five required science courses must be completed prior to the application deadline
- Must complete Human Anatomy before starting NURS 2207 Foundations of Nursing
- Must obtain satisfactory score on the Standardized Admission Assessment Exam
- Submit a criminal background check (OSBI)
- Must meet Performance Standards for Admission and Progression in the Department of Nursing
- Must be proficient in English as evidenced by a TOEFL score of 83 for international students
- Must have professional liability insurance for the duration of the program
- Provide documentation of immunizations
- Must have current CPR Certification as an American Heart Association Health Care Provider
- Complete the required drug screening
Program Cost:
The estimated total program cost of $26,875.42 includes tuition for resident students, fees, textbooks, uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, insurance, immunizations, CPR certification, graduation fee, HESI exam, student handbook, drug screening, My Clinical Exchange membership, and Student Nurses Association (SNA) dues.
- Website: https://www.uco.edu/
- Address: 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034
- Phone: 405.974.2000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.15%
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSN) in Nursing program that prepares students for professional nursing practice and provides a foundation for advanced education in nursing. The nursing curriculum includes core nursing courses with theory and clinical components. Courses are offered in sequence and require a passing grade for progression. Through generic LPN to BSN and RN to BSN tracks, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses may enter the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 124
Duration: 48 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Ranger Connection 1011, Chemistry for Non-Majors, Introduction to Microbiology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Pathophysiology for Nurses or Pathophysiology, Composition I, Composition II, Nutrition, College Algebra, Statistics, General Psychology, Human Life-Span Development, Introduction to Speech Communication
Core courses – Introduction to Nursing Care and Skills, Holistic Assessment, Nursing Care of the Adult I, Pharmacology and Nursing Care, Nursing Care of the Adult II, Bible Elective, Nursing Care of the Family, Nursing Care of the Adult III, Research Utilization, Nursing Care in Mental Health, Nursing Care in the Community, Professional Issues in Nursing, Nursing Leadership, Christ and His Word
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must meet NWOSU admission requirements – official transcripts from high school and colleges/universities sent to the Registrar’s office
- Must have a minimum retention GPA of 2.50
- Must take the Kaplan Nursing Admission Exam and pass with an overall score at or above 73% and a science score at or above 65% with only one attempt
- Must be currently certified as a CNA in the State of Oklahoma
- Complete all the prerequisites to the nursing major with a minimum grade C before entering the nursing program
- Must have taken a College Algebra or Contemporary Math course
- Complete an application and submit to the Division of Nursing with references
- Complete a history and physical exam
- Must pass a background check
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $12,502.50 annually for resident students completing 15 credit hours of undergraduate courses per semester. The cost for books, supplies, uniforms, SNA dues, background check, Kaplan fees, drug screen, nursing pin, NCLEX-RN application fee, and My Clinical Exchange are additional.
- Website: https://www.nwosu.edu/
- Address: 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717
- Phone: (580) 327-1700
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.82%
Oklahoma Christian University
The registered nursing program at OC leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students will gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to practice professional nursing in various health care settings. The curriculum includes theory and clinical components designed to help students exemplify Christian principles of compassion, service, integrity, and respect for patients, peers, and self, synthesize critical thinking skills for professional practice, communicate clearly and effectively with patients and members of the health care team, provide appropriate and safe nursing care, and demonstrate leadership style that adheres to the standards of the nursing profession. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 126
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Principles of Biology I, Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Principles of Microbiology, Introduction to Chemistry I, Mathematical Functions and Modeling, Biostatistics, Statistical Methods, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Core courses – Introduction to Nursing, Health Assessment, Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Nursing I, Maternal Infant Nursing, Adult Nursing II, Health Care Missions and Christian Service, Community Health Nursing, Capstone in Nursing, Child and Family Health Nursing, Issues and Trends in Nursing, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Adult Nursing III, Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
Admission criteria:
- Meet the criteria for admission to Oklahoma Christian University
- Must apply for admission to the School of Nursing by the date listed on the application
- Must complete a federal criminal background check and drug screen
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
- Must obtain a proficient’ score or higher on the ATI TEAS admission exam within the previous 12 months
- Applicants must have no more than 15 credit hours of OC core curriculum outstanding at the start of the school of nursing program
- International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum score for admission is TOEFL – 500 PBT or 61 IBT or higher, IELTS – 6.0 or higher, TOEIC – 600 or higher
- Must complete all support courses with a grade C or higher before entering the first clinical nursing courses in the fall of the junior year
- Must have a current CPR card from the American Heart Association for healthcare providers
- Provide documentation of required immunizations
- Provide documentation of health insurance
- Must complete drug screen and criminal background check as required by health care agencies
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $12,275 per semester for students completing 12 to 17 credit hours. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.oc.edu/
- Address: 2501 E. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73013
- Phone: (800) 877-5010
- Email: info@oc.edu
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.25%
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University educates students to become professional nurses capable of health promotion, restoration and maintenance for all society. The rigorous curriculum is designed to meet the changing healthcare needs of society. Experienced faculty provide an environment to assist students with the attainment of their full potential as adult learners and professionals. Graduates will be able to practice nursing in a professional’ legal and ethical manner, use data to make complex and prioritized decisions, provide a safe environment for patients, collaborate with members of the health care team, and use leadership skills in the management of safe, quality patient care. They will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN.
Program Outline
Semester Credits: 122-124
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, Introduction to Public Speaking or Technical Presentations, Mathematical Applications, US History to 1877, American Government and Politics, Biological Concepts w/Alb, General Chemistry w/Lab, General Psychology, Fine Arts, Computers and Info Access, GE Elective, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Medical Terminology, Microbiology w/Lab, Human Anatomy w/Lab, Human Physiology w/Lab, Psychology Statistics, Developmental Psychology or Lifespan Growth and Development
Core courses – Community Nursing, Community Nursing Clinical, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical, Acute and Chronic Care I, Acute and Chronic Care I Clinical, Child Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing Clinical, Nursing Research, Pharmacology, Challenges Nursing in Today’s HC Systems, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Leadership Clinical, Acute and Chronic Care II, Acute and Chronic Care II Clinical, Family Health, Family Health Clinical, Psychosocial Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing Clinical, Personal Health Promotion of the Nurse, Personal Health Promotion of Nurse Clinical
Admission criteria:
- Must qualify for admission to SWOSU before enrolling in the nursing program Must apply for admission to the School of Nursing by the date listed on the application
- Must have a high school diploma or GED – transcripts required
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of application
- International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency. The minimum score for admission is TOEFL – 500 PBT or 61 IBT or higher, IELTS – 6.0 or higher, TOEIC – 600 or higher
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Must have current CPR card from the American Heart Association – Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers level or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer
- Provide documentation of required immunizations – 2-step TB test, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Influenza. Some clinical sites may require COVID vaccine
- Must have liability/malpractice insurance coverage for at least $2,000,000 per occurrence
- Must complete drug screen and criminal background check as required by clinical agencies
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $9,345 per year for full-time students. Students will incur additional costs for textbooks, uniforms, equipment, liability insurance, physical exam, background check, drug screen, CPR certification, and immunizations. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.swosu.edu/
- Address: 100 Campus Drive, Weatherford, OK 73096
- Phone: 580.774.3782
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.71%