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Advisement Information

All students declaring a nursing major are assigned to the Department of Nursing for advisement. Students may schedule an appointment to speak to a nursing advisor by calling (918) 293-5337. Pre-Nursing students must see a nursing advisor before enrolling. Early pre-enrollment is encouraged.

Application to the program

Students may submit an application to the program between September 15 and April 20 for the following fall entry. Students reapplying to the program must submit a new application.

Admission to the program

Students wishing to be considered for the program should meet the admissions requirements to OSU Institute of Technology and have the following data in their file by the final closing date of the application period:

1. Nursing Application
2. Compass Reading and Arithmetic Scores
3. All college transcripts should be on file at the OSU Institute of Technology registrar's office
4. Students applying to the OSU Institute of Technology Nursing Program are selected on the basis of a point system

It is strongly recommended that the science courses be completed before beginning the nursing program. To be considered for admission to the program, students will have to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in required general education and support courses. Successful completion of the nursing program requires a "C" in all courses related to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Degree. A student cannot be admitted to the program with a "D" in any required courses.

Articulation for LPNs

LPN's interested in articulation need to request an appointment with a Nursing advisor.

Entry level assessment and placement

The preliminary screening instrument for recent high school graduates and non-graduates aged 20 years and younger will be the Enhanced ACT, with established cut-scores in the sub-tests of English (19), math (19), reading (19), and science reasoning (19). Adult students 21 years of age and older without ACT scores and students 20 years and younger who scored below the established ACT cut-scores will be required to undergo additional evaluation using the COMPASS Test to determine readiness for college-level work.

Those students obtaining sub-test scores in the college-level range will have demonstrated competency and may pursue college-level course work, while those students with cut-scores below the college-level range will be required to improve skills in one or more of the following: reading, English, and science. Students will need to score a 21 on the ACT Science subscore to enter Anatomy, Physiology, or Microbiology. If they score below a 21 on the ACT Science subscore they will need to take Biology

Compass reading test requirement

Pre-nursing students will be required to take the Compass Reading test, which is offered in the Student Assessment Center. Scores will be utilized in the selection process. (See Student Selection Criteria) Test times are set by the Student Assessment Center. The assessment center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm; students may call 293-5254 for an appointment. Students can check the website for intervention and study guidelines. NOTE: Nursing textbooks are written at a minimum of a 14th grade reading level. Those students scoring < 81 are encouraged to improve reading skills. Intervention is required before re-testing.

Mathematical competency requirement

Calculation of medication dosages is a critical nursing skill that requires competency in basic math. To assist students in meeting this requirement, the Student Assessment Center will administer a basic math test, utilizing the COMPASS examination. Scores will be utilized in the selection process. (See Student Selection Criteria) Test times are set by the Student Assessment Center. The assessment center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am - 4:30 PM; students may call 293-5254 for an appointment. Students can check the website for intervention and study guidelines. Those students scoring > 46 are encouraged to improve math skills. Intervention is required before re-testing.

Physical and mental qualifications

The following minimal physical and mental qualifications are required to be considered for admission into and progression through the OSU Institute of Technology Nursing Program but are not limited to:

• The ability to lift weights of up to 35% of recommended body weight independently.
• The ability to move around the clients' rooms and in work areas.
• Visual acuity sufficient to observe and assess client behavior, prepares and administers medications, and accurately read monitors.
• Auditory acuity sufficient to hear instructions, requests, and monitoring alarms, and to auscultate heart tones, breath sounds, and bowel sounds.
• The motor ability necessary to manipulate equipment and supplies and to utilize palpation and percussion in client assessment.
• The ability to speak, write, and comprehend the English language proficiently.
• The ability to communicate in a professional manner, establish rapport with clients and colleagues, use problem solving skills, and function effectively under stress.

Clinical records

After acceptance into the program students will need immunization records that show documentation of two MMR's or a positive titer; Hepatitis B series of three vaccinations, titer, or declination form; varicella vaccine, titer or proof of positive history; TB testing showing negative status yearly; current CPR certification and an OSBI criminal and sex-offender background check.

• Two MMR's or a positive titer
• Hepatitis B series, titer, or declination form
• Varicella vaccine, titer, or proof of positive history
• Tuberculosis (ppd) testing showing negative status yearly
• CPR certification current
• OSBI criminal and sex-offender background check

Financial aid

Students may obtain financial aid packets, verify filing deadlines, and get assistance filing forms from the Student Financial Services office, 293-5222. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOWING FINANCIAL AID GUIDELINES. IF THERE IS A QUESTION, SEE A FINANCIAL AID ADVISOR.

Loan/grant information

• Federal and State Grant/Loans--Advisement and Student Admission Services
• Regents Scholarship (Fee Waiver)--applications are in the Registrar's Office.
• Eastern Workforce Development--For information on eligibility contact the agency at (918) 683-8553
• Physician Manpower Scholarships--Nursing Department, Financial Aid Office
• VA Funding-Advisement and Student Admission Services

OSU Institute of Technology Student Nurses Association

Membership in OSU Institute of Technology Student Nurses' Association (OSUSNA) is available to both nursing and pre-nursing students. This is the officially recognized organization for nursing students. Membership in the OSUSNA is encouraged as it provides the student with opportunities for professional development. Activities related to leadership, education and service are emphasized.

Plan for success

Because of the vital nature of nursing, this is a demanding program of study. Success depends primarily on adequate preparation and planning. The following suggestions are offered to help assure success:

• Complete as many of the support courses as possible before beginning the nursing courses. Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology are particularly important to provide a knowledge base for understanding nursing concepts.
• Plan three to four hours' study time each week for each credit hour in which you are enrolled. Example: Students enrolled in 12 credit hours should plan 36 hours of study time each week, in addition to class and lab time.
• If your reading score is less than 81 on the Compass Reading Test, call 293-5084, to make an appointment with the reading instructor to develop a plan to improve reading skills.

Eligibility to sit for boards

The OSU Institute of Technology Nursing Program 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, requirements include submission of an application for licensure with a criminal history records search and successfully passing the licensure examination. Applicants for registered 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 reside in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621). 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 charges. An individual with a felony conviction or who had sentencing terms imposed by the court related to a deferred sentence for a felony offense 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]. More information

Students wishing licensure in another state will need to contact that state board of nursing (the Departmental Secretary will have their addresses).

For further clarification about the Nursing Program's accreditation status, comments, or concerns, call the National League For Nursing 1-800-669-1656, or the Oklahoma Board of Nursing 405-962-1800.