Western Oklahoma State College

CONTACT INFORMATION AND MAILING ADDRESS

Western Oklahoma State College
Department of Nursing Education
2801 N. Main Street
Altus, OK 73521
Phone: (580) 477-7830
Fax: (580) 477-7862

LPN to RN (Advanced Standing) Nursing Student Application

You MUST have the following pre-requisites completed, with appropriate transcript grades, to enter the program:

• Human Anatomy – 4 credit hours with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• Functions & Modeling / College Algebra
• Chemistry – 4 or 5 credit hours with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)

(Non-Science Chemistry not accepted)

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Please complete the online transferring student application if you are currently enrolled in a RN nursing program and seeking transfer. 

LPN STUDENTS

LPN applicants who hold a valid, unencumbered LPN license and currently practice as an LPN may apply for advanced standing credit for NURS1129 and NURS2219. Advanced Standing credit will be given to ALL LPN students for NURS1119 utilizing their LPN fundamentals coursework obtained through their technical school. Advanced standing credit will also be given to LPNs for NURS1129 based on the candidates mobility exam scores. LPN students interested in taking the mobility examinations and obtaining advanced standing credit for NURS1129 must contact the program direct at (580) 477-7830, Monday thru Fridays, except holidays, between the hours of 9am - 3pm. ALL mobility testing must be completed by March 8.

 LPN students must have completed the following courses with appropriate grades prior to beginning the summer LPN to RN Transition Course:

• Human Anatomy with a lab (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• Functions & Modeling / College Algebra
• Chemistry with a lab (Non-Science Chemistry not accepted) (must have a grade of “C” or better)
• Human Physiology 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:

• English Comp I
• General Psychology
• LPN to RN Transition Course*

*This is a mandatory course offered during the 2^nd 4-week session of the summer semester before entry into NURS2219, and during the 3^rd 4-week session of the fall semester before entry into NURS 1129.

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 WOSC College Catalog:

“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 must be submitted along with the nursing application (unofficial transcript from WOSC will be accepted). Combined college transcripts WILL NOT be accepted. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 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. (Beginning 2021-2022, a 2.5 GPA minimum will be required for admission).

LPN students must also submit a copy of their LPN program transcript or Certificate of Completion, a copy of their current/active LPN license,  license verification and two professional references. One reference from their current immediate supervisor or their practical nursing program director.

HESI EXAM REQUIREMENT

All students are required to take the HESI Exit Exam during both their NURS 2219 and NURS 2229 semesters. All students will take the test a total of three scheduled times, as indicated in the syllabus, and the initial cost is included in the course fees. WOSC encourages a score of 900 on the HESI Exit Exam. If a score of less than 900 is obtained, students are required to complete 15 assigned case studies achieving a score of 76% or better. They will receive an “I” (Incomplete) until proof of a score of 76% or better is achieved on all assigned case study remediation.

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 or a non-human specimen, not cleared by a Medical Review Officer, will not be able to complete the clinical component of the nursing program and will be required to withdraw from the nursing program.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE

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 1973 Section 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.

AMERICAN’S WITH DISABILITIES ACT INFORMTION

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 counselor@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 to write 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 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 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 to the Board office, in person, valid documentary evidence of:

1. A valid, unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States;

2. A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States;

3. Admission into the United states in refugee status;

4. A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;

5. Approved deferred action status; or

6. 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 any professional or occupational 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 convictions. An individual with a felony conviction 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 Exam (HESI A² with critical thinking.) The Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam covers six (6) academic areas: Reading, Mathematics, Vocabulary, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Critical Thinking.

All applicants will be required to take a pre-entrance nursing exam. This exam will be given on several dates and various times during the month of February at all campuses. Exam dates, times and campuses where the exams will be given are listed below: