Online nursing FAQs
Online nursing FAQs
Oklahoma City University online nursing programs frequently asked questions
Make decisions about your nursing education with confidence. Get answers to all of your questions in our FAQs below. Schedule a call with an Admissions Advisor for a one-on-one conversation to address further questions about Oklahoma City University’s online nursing programs.
Online nursing admissions questions
Are the OCU nursing programs accredited?
Yes, OCU’s Kramer School of Nursing is an accredited nursing program for both undergraduate and graduate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Oklahoma Board of Nursing (BON) and Higher Learning Commission.
How long does the application process take?
Working through the entire online application form should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. However, if you are applying to the MSN or RN-MSN program you will need to complete a personal statement as part of your application. You should set aside a couple hours to compose and proofread your statement.
Is there a required statistics prerequisite for the online nursing degree program?
There is not a statistics prerequisite required to apply for the program. However, students who have not already taken a statistics course will need to take it as an elective during their program.
Will a student receive any credits for courses taken in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree (ADN) program?
No, OCU does not accept ADN courses as continuing education units (CEUs).
Is there a minimum GPA needed to graduate?
For the RN-BSN, the minimum GPA is 2.0. The minimum GPA for the MSN is 2.75.
What are the clinical requirements?
There are no traditional clinical hours required for OCU’s online programs.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students are required to complete 90 practicum hours and RN-BSN students are required to complete 24 practicum hours to grow within their fields and pursue interests related to their studies.
A practicum is much like an internship in that it is an experience defined by the faculty, student, and person the student is working with or shadowing, known as the preceptor. Practicum schedules are based on the student’s preceptor’s work hours.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students are required to complete 90 practicum hours and RN-BSN students are required to complete 24 practicum hours to grow within their fields and pursue interests related to their studies.
A practicum is much like an internship in that it is an experience defined by the faculty, student, and person the student is working with or shadowing, known as the preceptor. Practicum schedules are based on the student’s preceptor’s work hours.
Can nursing students choose the number of classes/which courses students take?
No, there is a set program sequence. However, RN-BSN students can choose among a few classes for their general education courses.
Speak with an Admissions Advisor to learn more about program sequencing.
Speak with an Admissions Advisor to learn more about program sequencing.
Can a student attend the program part-time? What is the completion timeline?
The RN-BSN program has a part-time completion option that takes 2 years (4 semesters) to complete. There is no part-time option for the MSN program.
Online nursing tuition questions
Are there any military benefits I can take advantage of at OCU?
Yes. OCU is proud to offer Yellow Ribbon Program benefits on top of the funds you already will receive from the GI Bill program without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement. Yellow Ribbon funds are offered by OCU to help cover the cost of a private school education and some of the additional fees typical of all higher education institutions.
Find more information on our military benefits page.
Find more information on our military benefits page.
What is the tuition? Are there payment plan options?
Tuition rates for each program can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Students can make four installment payments over the course of a 16-week semester. Once you’re enrolled, instructions on setting up a payment plan can be found here.
Students can make four installment payments over the course of a 16-week semester. Once you’re enrolled, instructions on setting up a payment plan can be found here.
Are there any additional costs for the program beyond tuition?
Students should budget $50 per credit hour for books. There are no additional program fees for online nursing courses.
What are my funding options?
We recommend using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see what funds are available for you. Don't forget to list the OCU federal school code (003166) on your form.
For assistance, OCU’s Financial Aid team is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours and all financial forms can be accessed on their website. For general questions or inquiries, call 405-208-5211 or email finaid@okcu.edu.
Tuition reimbursement and association benefits may be available to you based on your employer. Please contact your human resources department to learn what benefits are available to you. You can also search on the internet and inquire into local associations you’re a member of for student scholarships.
For assistance, OCU’s Financial Aid team is available Monday through Friday during regular business hours and all financial forms can be accessed on their website. For general questions or inquiries, call 405-208-5211 or email finaid@okcu.edu.
Tuition reimbursement and association benefits may be available to you based on your employer. Please contact your human resources department to learn what benefits are available to you. You can also search on the internet and inquire into local associations you’re a member of for student scholarships.
Is tuition different for students who live out of state?
No, there are no out-of-state tuition fees or price increases.
Can a student work on campus in exchange for lower tuition rates?
OCU does not offer lower tuition rates in exchange for employment positions; however, online students are eligible to obtain on-campus work positions.
Student employment at Oklahoma City University is open to all students, without regard to whether they are eligible to receive federal work study. Students are given the opportunity to contribute to their education funds while learning skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.
Student employment at Oklahoma City University is open to all students, without regard to whether they are eligible to receive federal work study. Students are given the opportunity to contribute to their education funds while learning skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond.
Online program experience questions
Are students able to work full time while being in the program?
Yes, OCU’s nursing programs are 100% online and flexible. Learning is asynchronous, there are no set login times for classes. Learn more about learning online on our blog.
As a nurse, I worry that I will not have enough time to complete the required assignments on time. Will my professor work with me?
Students must inform their professors ahead of time about any obstacles they may foresee with completing required assignments. Our faculty, however, are experienced nurses, many of whom have been in your shoes working while earning a degree and are happy to work with you and your schedule.
Will I have access to resources on campus?
Online students have access to most campus resources, including technology services and mental health services*. Students can also schedule in-person meetings with faculty or other students on campus.
*OCU counselors can only provide mental health counseling to in-state students.
*OCU counselors can only provide mental health counseling to in-state students.
Are there any on-campus or in-person requirements?
There are no on-campus requirements for the online RN-BSN or MSN/RN-MSN programs. Students will have to complete practicum hours in-person at their chosen practicum site.
Am I invited to on-campus graduation?
Yes, students can elect to walk in the on-campus graduation ceremony if they would like to do so.
Can I take breaks from the program?
Yes, however, students can’t be on break for more than one year.
RN-BSN students also have the option to reduce their course load to a part-time status if needed.
RN-BSN students also have the option to reduce their course load to a part-time status if needed.
For the MSN program, does OCU help students find placements to meet clinical practicum hours, or do students do that?
Students will be responsible for making their own arrangements but can work with faculty to help determine what options would work best for them and their practicum.
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