NURSING (ACCELERATED BSN)

Application Instructions:

• Complete the OCU application.
• Upload a personal essay explaining your interest in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and your goals.
• Order official transcripts from every college or university attended. Official transcripts need to be sent directly to OCU by Parchment, National Clearinghouse, or by mail.
• Complete the OCU application fee payment - $55.

Application Deadlines:

Fall 2024:

• Aug. 1, 2024: OCU application must be submitted. This includes official transcripts from student’s last completed semester in school. The deadline for international student applicants is July 1.

Spring 2025: application will open March 1, 2024

• Nov. 15, 2024: OCU application must be submitted. This includes official transcripts from student’s last completed semester in school. The deadline for international student applicants is Oct. 1.

Evaluations generally take one to four weeks depending on the time of year and number of students applying.

To be considered for admission to the 12-month Accelerated BSN option, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Admission to Oklahoma City University
• A bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university*
• An Associate of Art or an Associate of Science degree (but not an Applied Associate degree) in any field from a regionally accredited college or university**
• 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA
• English proficiency as outlined in the English Proficiency Policy for Admission to NURS Courses
• All prerequisites must be completed prior to starting NURS courses
• A grade of B (3.00) or better in any college microbiology course with a lab
• A grade of B (3.00) or better in any college human anatomy course with a lab⁺
• A grade of B (3.00) or better in any college human physiology course with a lab⁺
• A grade of C (2.00) or better in any college chemistry course with a lab
• A grade of C (2.00) or better in any basic college psychology course
• A grade of C (2.00) or better in any college algebra course
• A grade of C (2.00) or better in any college nutrition course
• A grade of C (2.00) or better in an OCU equivalent religion course**
• A student who was accepted into another nursing program, and earned a grade below a C in nursing courses is not eligible for the ABSN option

+A full semester of Human Anatomy with a lab and a full semester of Human Physiology may be substituted for Anatomy and Physiology I (A&P I) and Anatomy and Physiology II (A & P II). This option requires both courses, not just one course.

*For students whose first bachelor’s degree was earned outside the United States, English must have been the language of instruction. The first bachelor’s degree must also be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree granted by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Course prerequisites to the accelerated BSN program taken internationally must be equivalent to the corresponding courses offered at Oklahoma City University. These equivalencies must be determined by a company acceptable to Oklahoma City University that evaluates international transcripts.

**Any applicant with an associate degree must have completed either a nutrition course OR a religion course with a grade of C (2.00) or better before the start of the Nursing program. Students with an associates degree will take the other course during the first semester of the Nursing program. Students with a Bachelors degree must complete Nutrition before the start of the program or during the first semester. The religion course is waived for students with a completed Bachelors degree. The course must be evaluated and confirmed transfer through OCU’s TESS system prior to starting the program. To graduate with a BSN, you must complete 124 credits; 56 credits are in the nursing program. To enter the accelerated track, you must have completed a minimum of 68 credits that will transfer to OCU; your associate degree is included within the required 68 credits. 

• All prerequisites must be completed, in progress, or planned at the time of application.
• Prerequisites must be completed before starting NURS courses in the program
• It is not possible to complete prerequisite courses concurrently with NURS courses
• Transfer credits
  • To see if a course you have taken elsewhere will transfer to OCU Kramer School of Nursing, click here for the OCU equivalency matrix. These are courses that have already been approved for OCU degree programs.
  • If you do not see a course listed on the equivalency matrix, you may submit course information to our online transfer evaluation site. Be sure to specify the OCU course or requirement that the transfer course might meet. Please note that new users must create an account the first time they use the system. Returning users and current students can log in here.
  • Course evaluations can typically take two weeks to complete and perhaps longer during summer months. If you have difficulty with the transfer course equivalency matrix, please contact the Registrar's Office at 405-208-5298.

• The ABSN program consists of 56 credit hours over 12 months
• Courses are taught face-to-face in 8-week blocks

Below is a sample degree plan:

First Semester

*Either the NURS 2403 or OCU's required religion course depending on course approval through OCU's TESS system.

Second Semester

Third Semester

Once fully accepted and enrolled, students will be given access to the BSN Homeroom. This portal includes important information to prepare students for success in this fast-paced program.

The entire ABSN cohort comes together just before classes start for a mandatory on-site orientation. This typically takes place the week before classes start. During orientation, students gain a full overview of the year ahead, meet faculty and staff, and take part in sessions for essential resources.

• Once admitted to the Nursing Program, students are expected to maintain a certain level of coursework.
• All students must earn a "C" or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in each course required for the BSN degree.
• In nursing courses, students must receive a minimum grade of 75% in theory, 75% in clinical application, and a passing grade in clinical performance to progress.
• Students must meet all graduation requirements to receive the BSN degree, to apply to take the NCLEX-RN, and to become eligible to apply for RN licensure.
• Students may repeat only one nursing course. Failure to complete the repeated course with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better within two enrollments or failure of a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the nursing major.
• Withdrawal from a nursing course after two-thirds of the course is over will be counted as one enrollment.
• Students can re-enroll in only one nursing course, regardless of the reason.
• Minimum number of credit hours required for the BSN, if first bachelor’s degree: 124
• Minimum number of credit hours required for the BSN, if second bachelor’s degree: 56
• Eligibility requirements are determined by the State of Oklahoma for Registered Nurse Licensure
• Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing.
• In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program that meets educational requirements and successfully passing the licensure examination, requirements include submission of an application for licensure, a criminal history records search, and evidence of citizenship or qualified alien status. Applicants for practical nurse licensure must also hold a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree (G.E.D.) [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6]. To be granted a license, an applicant must have the legal right to be in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621). In addition, Oklahoma law only allows a license to be issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent resident aliens. Other qualified aliens may be issued a temporary license that is valid until the expiration of their visa status, or if there is no expiration date, for one year. Applicants who are qualified aliens must present to the Board office, in person, valid documentary evidence of:
  • A valid, unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States;
  • A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States;
  • Admission into the United States in refugee status;
  • A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;
  • Approved deferred action status; or
  • A pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident status or conditional resident status.

The Board has the right to deny a license to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on another health-related license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. §567.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony convictions. An individual with a felony conviction cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspended sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6].

Every student must pass background checks and drug screenings to enter clinical settings. Inability to meet these requirements will prevent the student from completing the program. Graduates must also meet the licensure requirements of the Board of Nursing in the state where the first license will be sought. Such requirements may include further background checks, investigations of felony convictions, and other measures related to public safety. If in doubt about your eligibility to receive a nursing license, contact the Board of Nursing for further information before proceeding with nursing school.

With scholarships offered to almost all qualifying students, it's likely that you'll receive assistance to defray the cost of attendance for the 12-month (three-semester) program. Scholarship amounts vary depending on your cumulative college transfer GPA.

There may be additional costs associated with the program. The above breakdown is not all inclusive. Please speak to your admissions counselor regarding additional costs associated with the program.

Additional scholarships may be available. Please reach out to your Admissions Counselor to find out more!

The BSN graduate of OCU's Kramer School of Nursing will function as a professional nurse able to: 

• Demonstrate clinical competence in the provision of ethical and legal nursing care.
• Collaborate with and educate clients regarding self-care activities designed to promote health, restore wellness and prevent illness.
• Utilize the nursing process as a critical thinking framework for problem solving and making effective clinical judgments.
• Promote physical, mental, social and spiritual health across the life span within diverse cultures.
• Manage, coordinate, and delegate care of clients within and in collaboration with the health care system. Exemplify the caring behaviors of acceptance of, respect for and empathy with the client.
• Exemplify the caring behaviors of acceptance of, respect for and empathy with the client.

Click here to view BSN program outcome data.