Academics

Nursing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates for the graduates from Western Nursing?

For the overall pass rate for all graduates from Western Nursing for the Class of 2023, the pass rate was 92.75% (64 out of 69 graduates passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam the first time taking that exam). Please review the table below for information regarding each campus/program.

This link will allow you to review the Oklahoma Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rates. 

Five-Year NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rates, Yearly Average

This table shows the percentage of graduates who successfully passed the NCLEX-RN on the first time  when taken by the graduates.

 

Altus Campus

Elk City Campus

Lawton Campus

Online

LPN-to-RN Program*

Oklahoma

Nation

2023

100%

71.43 %

90.00%

100%

87.48%

88.56%

 

2022

90.48%

12.50%

62.16%

84.00%

78.67%

79.91%

2021

63.15%

83.33%

56.41%

90.47%

81.44%

81.10%

2020

76.19%

50.00%

65.38%

81.48%

85.31%

86.58%

2019

72.41%

80.00%

93.55%

78.57%

89.42%

88.18%

Do I need to apply to Western Oklahoma State College?

Yes, you need to apply to Western Oklahoma State College prior to applying to the Nursing program. It's free, and you can apply online here.

Where do I get an application for the nursing program?

  • All nursing applications are online on the WOSC nursing website on the admission page.
  • There is an Application fee of $35.00
  • You can download the application checklist from the Forms & Resources page

What should I include with my application?

Both official high-school transcripts and official college transcripts from every college you have attended excluding Western should be sent to Western. An official LPN transcript (LPNS only). Unofficial WOSC transcripts will not be accepted. All application supporting documents  need for Point selection and review of eligibility status. 

Will submitting my application early give me a better chance of getting in?

Not necessarily, since applications are evaluated on a point system.  However, additional points is awarded for Early Bird, early submission of completed applications and seats are filled based  on points & space availability. 

Should I add letters of recommendation?

All applicants are required to submit to two (2) WOSC Professional Reference Forms found on the Forms and Resources page. LPNs who have attend LPN school or another RN school are required to have at least one reference from a place of nursing employment. 

How do you select the applicants who will enter the program?

The selection process is done utilizing a point system. Please refer to the admission selection score sheet found on the forms & resources link for additional information.

How many points do I need to be competitive?

Each year the point values are different based on the application pool. 

How many questions are there on the HESI A2 Admission Test?

There are 5 areas in which students must test consisting of:

  • Anatomy & Physiology- 25 questions
  • Biology- 25 questions
  • Math- 50 questions
  • Reading Comprehension- 47 questions
  • Vocabulary- 50 questions

Students are also required to complete the Learning Styles Questionnaire (14 questions) and the Personality Profile (15 questions).

Can I use my HESI A2 Admission scores from last year when I applied?

No. All prospective students will need to take the HESI A2 exam each year that they apply to the nursing program.

What is the recommended score for the HESI A2?

We highly recommend that you achieve at least an 80% within each area. The math, reading, and vocabulary are actually constructed for a 10th-12th grade high-school level student. The science section is designed at the college level. Applicants must score at least an 82 in the Reading section and a 74 in the Math section in order for their application to be considered.

How long will my scores on the HESI LPN-to-RN Mobility Exam be able to be used for my application?

HESI LPN-to-RN Mobility scores are good for two years.

What GPA is needed to be considered for the program?

An overall GPA of at least 2.25 is required to be considered for the program. An overall GPA is computed from ALL college courses you have taken, to include non-requisite courses to the nursing program. Some colleges have academic forgiveness which will give you a retention GPA. The retention GPA will not be used to determine the number of points you will receive during the selection process.

I'm taking Chemistry in the summer, but have everything else done. Can I still apply?

Yes. If you have enough points to be selected, your acceptance will be contingent on successful completion of the Chemistry course.

When will I know if I am selected?

Acceptance letters will be emailed and/or mailed out as soon as information is tallied.

When are Acceptance Letters mailed out?

Generally, the goal is to mail out acceptance letters the middle to the end of April, with the latest the beginning of May. However, it depends on when all application information needed to complete the application tally is received from each applicant which determines how early or late acceptance letters are mailed out.

IS there a mandatory orientation for students and when is it offered?

Yes. In May, all students who are accepted will meet on the Altus campus for a day of orientation and to sign their acceptance agreements. Student applicants are strongly advised not to plan any vacation or activities that will prevent them from attending the May orientation for new students. Additional testing fees at their own expense may apply for students’ who miss the orientation and require distant training or testing.

Can I apply if I have a positive criminal background check?

Yes. You may still apply to the Nursing Program. Western Oklahoma State College does not discriminate against any person convicted of a crime. However, there are Oklahoma Board of Nursing guidelines regarding NCLEX testing and licensure. Please click on this link for more information regarding the OBN's policy http://www.ok.gov/nursing/nclex9.pdf

Occasionally, there are some crimes that will prevent a student from being able to complete the required clinical component of the nursing program. All positive background checks are reported to the clinical agencies who will either affirm or reject student placement at the clinical facility. If the Clinical Coordinator cannot find a clinical agency to accept a student due to a positive background check, the student will be advised to withdraw from the nursing program due to their inability to complete the program requirements.

I'm an LPN. Will I need to attend all four semesters?

No. LPN's are able to receive credit for up to two semesters of the WOSC Nursing program. LPN students will need to contact the program director for appointment prior to applying to have LPN credits assessed for program entry purposes. Additional mobility testing will be required.

What are the days and times for class?

Generally, classes are held on Monday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for daytime classes. There will also be a clinical day which will fall either on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday depending on the availability of clinical adjunct faculty as well as clinical facility space. Freshman students in their first semester will have a Clinical Skills Lab held on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (with one hour for lunch). 

Please, note that there may be times when you will need to stay later than the scheduled class times because of course orientations, clinical facility orientations, HESI examinations, tutoring, and simulation experiences. The instructors will make you aware of these dates in advance so you are able to arrange for child care or other obligations.

Is there financial aid available?

Yes. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information. They will be able to start you on the process to finding grants, loans, and scholarships that are available.

What is the estimated overall cost of the WOSC nursing program?

The cost of the nursing program varies slightly based on the student campus location and student type. Please refer to the general information packet for either General and or LPN to RN students to see the costs for general and LPN students.

 

Don't see your question listed?
Email your question to nursing@wosc.edu  

 

Contact Us

WOSC pre-nursing students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with their nursing faculty advisor at least once a semester. Appointments can be made by calling any of our campuses or emailing one of the advisors closest to your hometown:

Altus Site
580.477.7830
Technical Education Building

Lawton Site
580.477.7985
Burch Hall

Elk City Site
580.477.7980
Pat Wall Professional Building

All Campus Nursing Fax# - 1-580-477-7862

 

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    Western Oklahoma State College, established as Altus Junior College in 1926, is the oldest original municipal two-year college still in existence in Oklahoma...
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