Nursing Advisement

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 15 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 in the nursing department by the final closing date of the application period April 15th:

• Nursing Application
• Students must score within the 50% on the Kaplan Admission Test for Reading and Math to be considered for the nursing program. (Exam can be taken one time only and the exam is administered in the nursing department).
• All official college transcript copies from previously attended Colleges should be on file in the nursing department with the original in the OSU Institute of Technology Registrar's office.

Students applying to the OSU Institute of Technology Nursing Program are selected on the basis of a point system.

The Kaplan Admission Test will be given by appointment only in the nursing department computer lab. You will need to schedule an appointment - dates will be provided for the exam. When you arrive you cannot have anything on your desk, all cell phones and books will be put away, and you will be provided with a calculator. To be considered for the nursing program you must score 50% or above. This exam will be given to you one time.

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 the LPN to RN Program need to request an appointment with a Nursing advisor for advisement and articulation.

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 score is 19 to 20 may go into Biology 1114, if score is 18 or below you will need to be enrolled in Physical Science.

If the student tests using the COMPASS Test (College placement test offered at OSUIT) the student will need to score above: Reading 81; English - Writing 74; Math-Arithmetic 46; College Algebra - Algebra 68 or CALG 45; Science = Reading + College Algebra = 126 or Reading + Algebra = 149 to be placed in College level Courses. If the student scores below the above scores the student will be placed in Remediation courses.

Physical and Mental Qualifications

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

• The ability to lift weights of up to 35% of recommended body weight independently.
• The ability to facilitate movement in client's room and work areas.
• Visual acuity sufficient to observe and assess client behavior, prepares and administers medications, and accurately read monitors and utilize equipment.
• Auditory acuity sufficient to hear instructions, requests, monitoring alarms, and to auscultate heart tones, breathe sounds, and bowel sounds.
• The motor ability necessary to manipulate equipment and supplies to utilize palpation and percussion in client assessment.
• The ability to proficiently 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

Upon 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
• Negative OSBI criminal and sex-offender background check
• Negative Drug Screen - College will determine site & time frame for screening.

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, or http://www.pmtc.state.ok.us
• VA Funding-Advisement and Student Admission Services
• Website

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, 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 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 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, 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 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].

For more information, go to http://www.youroklahoma.com/nursing/nclex9.pdf
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.