Western Oklahoma State College

 

Applications are closed at this time. 

General Students and LPN-to-RN Students

 

FUTURE STUDENTS

 The application period for entrance into the WOSC Nursing Program for August 2024 has closed.

Acceptance notifications should be sent by April 30, 2024.

Please note:  Orientation for new nursing students is planned for:

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

General students:  9:00 am to 12:00 Noon

LPN-to-RN students:  1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

 

 

If you are an LPN and are interested in applying to start in January in Nursing 1129, please send a message to nursing@wosc.edu.

Traditional track:  The following campuses will be accepting students for the nursing program that will start FALL 2024:

• Altus
• Elk City
• For either Altus or Elk City, clinical rotations will be offered in Altus, Elk City, Lawton, and Duncan.  We will make every effort to place you at the clinical site of your preferenc.

LPN-to-RN track:  Students applying for this track may choose the following:

• Online LPN-to-RN program with clinical rotations in Altus, Elk City, Lawton, or Duncan.
• Traditional track:  Start Nursing 2229 in Fall 2024 with face-to-face classes at Altus or Elk City campuses.  (Clinical rotations in Altus, Elk City, Lawton, or Duncan). 

 

 Testing for Entrance into Nursing for 2025!!

Begin testing in December 2024!  

All students: 

For the HESI A2 (Admission Exam), please send an email to

nursing@wosc.edu.  

 Request instructions for the exam that you wish to take and if you are taking it for the first or second time.  

_______________________________________________________

 

The WOSC Nursing Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. Upon graduation, students are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for RN).

For fall start, LPN-to-RN program options include:

• Online LPN-to-RN Program-For this option, nursing courses will be taught online in an asynchronous format.  Clinical rotations will be conducted one day each week as assigned at one of the clinical sites utilized by Western.  The student must be able to attend clinical rotations as assigned. The student student must also be able to attend orientations to clinical sites before the rotations begin.  ALSO:  Students must take the LPN-to-RN transition course in Summer.  This is a four-week course that is a hybrid course, meaning most coursework will be completed online but will require the student to attend three days, schedule to be announced.  
• Face-to-face options:  The student may select the face-to-face option at the Lawton campus or the Elk City campus, if space is available.  Class times are Monday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each week.  Clinical rotations will be conducted one day each week as assigned at one of the clinical sites utilized by Western.  The student must be able to attend clinical rotations as assigned. The student student must also be able to attend orientations to clinical sites before the rotations begin.   ALSO:  Students must take the LPN-to-RN transition course in Summer.  This is a four-week course that is a hybrid course, meaning most coursework will be completed online but will require the student to attend three days, schedule to be announced.  

For spring start, LPN-to-RN options available:

• Face-to-face option:  For the student who does not wish to take the HESI LPN-to-RN Mobility Exam or who does not meet the minimum scores on that exam can opt to begin Nursing II (Pediatrics and Maternal/Newborn Nursing) in January 2024.  This option will be available in Altus, Elk City, and Lawton campuses, if space is available. Class times are Monday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each week.  Clinical rotations will be conducted one day each week as assigned at one of the clinical sites utilized by Western.  The student must be able to attend clinical rotations as assigned.  ALSO:  Students must take the LPN-to-RN transition course in Fall.  This is a four-week course that is a hybrid course, meaning most coursework will be completed online but will require the student to attend three days, schedule to be announced. 

 

 

 

Dear Student,

Thank you for your interest in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Western Oklahoma State College.  It is highly recommended that you review our nursing website at http://wosc.edu/nursing for more information and frequently asked questions about our nursing program (e.g. costs, pre-requisites, admission scoring, etc.). You may also call the nursing department directly at (580) 477-7830 for further information not found on our website.

The Nursing Department at Western Oklahoma State College is looking forward to selecting students who are focused on becoming registered nurses.  We are excited about the entrance of this class.  We currently have campuses at Altus, Elk City, Lawton, as well as an online option with a face-to-face clinical component for our advanced standing students (students who are currently LPNs).  Classes are taught face-to-face and with ITV with instructors in the classrooms at each campus, and clinical experiences are conducted in area health care facilities.

Applicants will need to indicate on the application which campus they prefer to attend.  For face-to-face classes, there are the options of Altus, Elk City, or Lawton campuses.  Please indicate which campus is your first, second and third preference (e.g. 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd).  Please keep in mind that if you are accepted into the program, we will attempt to place you at the campus of your first choice, but this IS NOT guaranteed. 

Applications and other necessary paperwork for Western’s nursing program MUST BE submitted by March 31, 2023.  APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2024 are closed at this time.

You may submit the application and other necessary paperwork in one of the following ways:

• Mail to Western Oklahoma State College, 2801 North Main Street, Altus, OK 73521, ATTN:  Dept. of Nursing Ed.
• Bring to the one of our college campus sites in Altus, Elk City, or Lawton.

Please review the following curriculum pre-requisites (page 3) and other general education courses listed on the Curriculum Plan (page 10) of the application packet.  Student selection is based on a point system.  This system includes points given for pre-nursing test scores, cumulative GPA, and completion of required general education courses, as well as the grades received in those courses.  Please note that an increased point value is given for completion of science courses as well as the grades received in those courses.  Pre-requisite courses may be taken during the summer of 2023 as long as these courses are completed and grades are turned in to the Nursing Department before the fall 2023 classes begin.

I look forward to working with you as you begin your journey in nursing education.  Please let us know if we can provide you with any assistance as you proceed with your plans to enter the nursing program.

Sincerely,

Diane Fairchild, MSN, RN

Director of Nursing Education

GENERAL STUDENTS

You MUST have the following pre-requisites completed, with appropriate transcript grades of a “C” or better, to enter the program:

• Human Anatomy with a lab or Anatomy & Physiology with a lab (Also, we accept most Human A&P 1 and Human A&P 2 classes for this category)
• Functions & Modeling or College Algebra
• General Chemistry with a lab

 

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Procedures for Transfer Student entry to the program varies related to transferability of the nursing course credits, program, accreditation and correspondence with WOSC’s nursing program area of study per semester.  Please contact the Nursing Department at (580) 477-7830 or via nursing@wosc.edu  prior to applying.

 

LPN-to-RN STUDENTS

Procedures for LPN entry to the program vary based on program accreditations, semester of entry, etc.  Each LPN applicant MUST contact the Nursing Department at (580) 477-7830 to have LPN credits assessed for entry purposes, as additional mobility testing may be required.  To receive advanced standing credit, LPN applicants must hold a valid, unencumbered LPN license in good standing and currently practice as an LPN.  LPN students must have completed the following courses with appropriate grades to be considered for selection:

• Human Anatomy with a lab or Anatomy & Physiology I with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• Functions & Modeling or STEM College Algebra (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• General Chemistry with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• Human Physiology with a lab or Anatomy & Physiology II with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)

 

LPN students must have the following co-requisites complete prior to beginning fall or spring semesters:

• General Psychology
• LPN-to-RN Transition Course (NURS 1123)*

*This is a mandatory course required prior to entering Fall 2024 in Nursing 2229; the transition course will be offered in Summer 2024; if entering Nursing 1129 in Spring 2025, must take the LPN-to-RN Transition Course in Fall 2024.

 

 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Applicants classified as international students using an F-1 Student Visa may attend the Nursing Program at one of WOSC’s campuses. However, all initial processing and paperwork must be completed with the Office of the Registrar at the Altus Campus.  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.  For more information regarding this matter, applicants may contact the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

 

ESL – ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE

Students for whom English is a second language shall be required to present evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission.

Per the 2022 - 2023 WOSC College Catalog, pages 16 - 17:

International Student Admission/English as a Second Language

     “International students are required to meet equivalent academic and performance standards as set forth in the admission policy and the curricular proficiencies policy. Additionally, students for whom English is a second language shall be required to present evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission. Students seeking enrollment in a state system college or university must meet the admission standards in the admission policy, the retention policy, and the policy on admission of transfer students, and must present evidence of proficiency in the English language prior to admission, either as first-time students to the state system or by transfer from another non-system college or university.

     This policy is adopted to ensure that students will have a reasonable chance to succeed at a higher education institution based on their ability to comprehend, read, and write the English language.”

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS 

An official copy of high school/GED transcript and college transcripts for each college attended (including WOSC transcripts) must be submitted with the nursing application.  Combined college transcripts WILL NOT be accepted.  A cumulative GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 scale is required.  Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.25 are considered ineligible and will be excluded from the admissions selection process.  Applications submitted without ALL transcripts will be considered incomplete and will be excluded from the admissions selection process.

LPN-to-RN students must also submit a copy of their LPN program transcript or Certificate of Completion along with a copy of their current LPN license.

 

HESI EXAM REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM COMPLETION

All students are required to take the HESI Exit Exam during both their NURS 2219 and NURS 2229 semesters. This will be discussed in the orientation process before classes begin.

 

DRUG SCREEN 

Applicants accepted into the nursing program will undergo annual drug screening prior to entry into classes. Positive drug screens will be reported to licensing governing bodies if applicable and clinical agencies. Students with positive drug screens, not cleared by a Medical Review Officer, will not be able to complete the clinical component of the nursing program and therefore be required to withdraw from the nursing program.

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

Western Oklahoma State College, in compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Section 402 of the Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, or status as veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions employment, financial aid, and educational services.

 

STATEMENT CONCERNING THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT 

According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), each student with a disability is responsible for notifying the College of his/her disability and requesting accommodations. If you think you have a qualified disability and need classroom accommodations, contact the Counseling Office (C-1E). To receive services, you must submit appropriate documentation and complete an intake process during which the existence of a qualified disability is verified and reasonable accommodations are identified. Please call (580) 477-7710, or email cheryl.orr@wosc.edu for more information.

Please advise the instructor of your disability as soon as possible to ensure timely implementation of appropriate accommodations. The faculties have an obligation to respond when they receive official notice of a disability from the Counseling Office but are under no obligation to provide retroactive accommodations.

 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

All students (General, LPN and Transfer Students) will be required to complete a criminal background check annually. The completion of the criminal background checks will be performed on those students who are accepted into the program. The background checks will be handled by a private company in which the WOSC Nursing Department has a contract. Students WILL NOT be required to complete separate FBI or OSBI background checks. The contracted company which is utilized will be solely responsible for all criminal background checks required by the clinical facilities.

LICENSURE

The Western Oklahoma State College Department of Nursing Education is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.  Gradates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply for 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. [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). 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 back-ground, 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].

 

ADMISSION ASSESSMENT EXAM 

The WOSC Nursing Department has decided to utilize the following pre-entrance exam:  Evolve Reach Admission Assessment (HESI A-2) with Critical Thinking Exam. The Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam covers six (6) areas:  Reading, Mathematics, Vocabulary, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Critical Thinking.

All applicants will be required to take a pre-entrance nursing exam.  The exam will be administered and proctored via ProctorU. Information on how to schedule and pay for the exam may be obtained by emailing nursing@wosc.edu with a request to take the exam, the term you intend to apply, applicant full name, and contact number.  Please allow 24-72 business hours for a response. Applicants will then have 48-hours to schedule their exam once the information is sent to them. Exam may be taken anywhere there is access to internet, computer, camera with microphone, and absolutely no interruptions.   Applicants will need to download and keep a colored pdf copy of their HESI A2 exam grades transcripts and submit a copy with their application packet as part of the application.   

 

EXAM GENERAL RULES:

• Applicants are able to take their exam 24/7 once testing times open.
• Exam is scheduled, paid, administered, and proctored via ProctorU with HESI- Elsevier Institution.
• Applicants may test two (2) times per application period.
  • Applicants may not repeat the exam prior to three weeks from first attempt.
  • Applicants must present a current photo ID prior to start of exam.
  • Access to a computer, reliable internet, computer with camera and microphone, and head phones required.
  • Quiet uninterrupted space that allows testing for four (4) is hours needed.
  • Computer calculators will be allowed during the exam.  No programmable calculators will be allowed.
  • Whiteboard or scratch paper in a sheet protector with dry erase marker only allowed.
  • No food, drinks, or cell phones are allowed while taking the exam.
  • Applicants must score at least an 82 in the Reading section, 74 in the Math section, and a  score of 770 or higher on the Critical Thinking section  in order to be considered for admission.
  • If you do not have the necessary type of computer, please call one of the three nursing campus sites and arrangements will be made, if available, to provide you accommodations for testing.  You will still test through ProctorU.

 

STUDY GUIDE:

A study guide for the HESI A2 Admission is suggested as a tool to prepare for the HESI A2 Admission Exam.  Applicants may find the study guide on the following website: www.us.elsevierhealth.com. The estimated cost of the study guide plus shipping & handling.  (ISBN#: 9781455703333) is subject to change.

 

REFUND POLICY:

Requests for a refund is based on the vendor and ProctorU© policies. Please visit https://www.proctoru.com/ for information on refunds and testing requirements.

 

In the event that an applicant does not give 24-hour notice prior to the scheduled exam and is not present to test at his/her scheduled time, he/she will forfeit their seating and will not be allowed to re-schedule.  The applicant will have the opportunity to pay for another exam, granted that it is before 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2023.

 

APPLY TO WESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE

If you have ever attended classes at WOSC, please omit this portion.

ADMISSION APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Go to www.wosc.edu/apply, fill out the application and submit it. (You must answer all questions for it to submit correctly.)
2. When you submit your application, a new window will open with your STUDENT ID and PIN number.
3. Write down your STUDENT ID and PIN number so you will have it handy.
4. Click on the link to take you to CampusConnect. CampusConnect is where you can enroll, view financial aid, pay your bill online and more.

 

Please review the admission information packet prior to completing this application!

 

 

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