OSU-OKC Nursing Department receives continuing accreditation
OSU-OKC nursing program awarded continuing accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing awards accreditation through year 2029
OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 26, 2019) – The nursing program at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City recently was awarded continuing accreditation through the year 2029 by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
“They called it a gold-standard program with one of the best facilities in the country,” said Joey Fronheiser, vice president of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC). “Our pass rate for the nursing license exam is 98%, far better than the national average of 85%.”
OSU-OKC has been training nurses since 1971.
Fronheiser said 1,500 students on campus want to get into the program, which accepted 100 students this semester for the first time after years of accepting about 65.
The goal is to have 200 graduates a year by 2022, he said.
The program is growing without losing any quality, said Crystal Martin, head of the Nursing Department.
“It takes the right person for nursing. We try to choose the right people,” Martin said. “Our nursing students are sought after by employers.”
The most recent survey of graduates showed 99% of respondents were employed as nurses, she said.
OSU-OKC Health Sciences Division head Penny Ridenour said officials have built a quality program using caring and adept faculty.
“Faculty is absolutely the most critical part,” Ridenour said. “Coupled with our state-of-the-art simulation center, they are creating nurses that will make a difference in the future.”
Ridenour said another big asset is the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN) pathway program that prepares LPNs to become RNs in just two semesters on campus. Students with no nursing background require four semesters after completing their general education requirements.
LPNs who earn an RN degree become eligible for better pay and more career opportunities.
“We’re working hard to improve and grow that program,” Martin said.
This ACEN site visit included a review of facilities and a slate of interviews with students, graduates, faculty, administration, support staff, and business and industry partners at clinical affiliates.
For more information about OSU-OKC’s nursing program, go to www.osuokc.edu/nursing or call (405) 945-3210.
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For media inquiries:
Nick Trougakos, OSU-OKC – nick.trougakos@osuokc.edu – (405) 945-9196
About Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) is part of the modern land-grant system of Oklahoma State University. OSU-OKC is a two-year public institution, offering more than 40 degrees and certificate options. Through quality education, a supportive environment, leadership training and service opportunities, OSU-OKC trains students to work and educates them to lead. OSU-OKC graduates are found throughout the community serving as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, healthcare professionals and business owners. More information is available at www.osuokc.edu.