She wasn’t on pins and needles for very long. Only a few stoplights away after leaving the testing center in northwest Oklahoma City, a text notification arrived — Marie Tawkoyty was now officially a certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Along with the rest of her cohort from Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing’s (KSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice program, Tawkoyty passed the national certification exam on her first attempt.
"They prepared us really well,” Tawkoyty recalled of her faculty and fellow classmates. “They went over a lot of key concepts, a lot of the things that they were going to be testing. That was really helpful."
If there is one yardstick to measure the quality of a school’s degree program, perhaps the most telling is its student pass rate on standardized certification exams. In the case of KSN, its Doctor of Nursing Practice program has been beating the national average since it began in 2010. The all-time pass rate for first-time test takers, which includes all BSN-DNP and post-master certificate students, is 96.9%. By comparison, the national average pass rate over the last four years is less than 85%.
“We work hard to support student success,” said Dr. Cene' Livingston, chair of advanced practice programs. “This may be the most difficult and intense test they’ll ever take, so their outstanding performance speaks volumes about our commitment to preparing highly competent and confident nurse practitioners ready to meet the complex demands of modern health care.”
KSN's faculty bring a wealth of real-world experience and academic expertise to the classroom. Many even hold dual certifications, further enriching the learning environment.
"It's a testament to the staff there as well," Tawkoyty added. "They're going off of their experience and what they see out in the field, and how they treat their patients, and knowing and understanding what we need to know... You have to give them credit for that, too."
Tawkoyty, now a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner for an outpatient family practice and psychiatric clinic, said KSN distinguishes itself through proactive student support. Recognizing the challenges of securing clinical placements, the program boasts a full-time clinical liaison. This dedicated individual works to connect students with qualified preceptors, ensuring hands-on experience across various specialties including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This crucial support alleviates a significant burden for students and paves their educational journey.
As Livingston advises, "Choosing a program wisely by doing the research is key. Accrediting bodies require nurse practitioner programs to publish data on their websites. Data of interest includes job placement rates and certification pass rates."
KSN has consistently been at the forefront of nursing education innovation in Oklahoma. It was the first in the state to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) program, as well as the first to launch tracks in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Psychiatric Mental Health. Notably, KSN is also the first in Oklahoma to offer a DNP-Educator option within its Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP) program.
Livingston said there is strong demand for more DNPs in the workforce, particularly in Oklahoma, where rural areas have acute shortages of quality health care.
“Getting a doctoral degree enhances critical thinking, which in turn helps nurses improve their diagnostic capabilities,” she said.
The vast majority of nurse practitioners educated in Oklahoma choose to remain in the state, directly addressing the critical need for accessible health care within their communities. This dedication to local service further solidifies KSN's role as a vital contributor to the health and well-being of Oklahomans.
The certification exam pass rates at KSN represent a deep-seated commitment to student success, faculty excellence and ultimately, the advancement of health care in Oklahoma.
"More than just a degree, our consistent first-time licensure success underscores our profound dedication to cultivating competent nurse practitioners who are not only ready to lead but are also committed to serving the health needs of Oklahoma," Livingston said.
