While the national job market remains sluggish, nursing continues to grow as one of the nation’s most essential professions, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) is dedicated to equipping nurses who sustain healthcare. As healthcare rapidly evolves, continuing education remains critical to the nursing profession.
With this in mind, OKWU partnered with Hillcrest South, an accredited provider of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to host the 2026 Implementation Science Symposium. The symposium provided six ANCC-approved continuing education hours to attendees. With a focus on Leading with Service, the event offered meaningful and engaging sessions centered on enhancing nursing excellence through evidence-based practice. While the symposium drew nurses from across Oklahoma and several neighboring states, this was not the first time OKWU has served the nursing community.
For more than 30 years, OKWU has provided higher education opportunities for nursing professionals. OKWU’s 100% online RN-BSN Completion Program, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Executive Leadership are designed specifically for working adults. By offering a one-course-at-a-time format, OKWU supports a healthy balance between work, school, and life.
All OKWU nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and are competitively priced. Many students utilize employer tuition reimbursement to support their academic journey. While coursework is delivered online, OKWU prioritizes meaningful connection by providing dedicated support through qualified instructors and regular online check-ins with the program director.
Setting it apart from many programs, OKWU offers an inclusive pathway by admitting registered nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a different field into its MSN and DNP programs, respectively. Jim Woodard (DNP ‘24), Chief Clinical and Innovation Officer at Tru Care Community in Colorado, shared that finding a program which accepted his MBA was a significant factor in choosing OKWU. Additionally, OKWU has enhanced its curriculum to award academic credit for nurse residency programs or specialty certifications, allowing nursing professionals to build upon prior work and experience.
OKWU graduates consistently express satisfaction with their educational experience and often return to pursue advanced degrees. Karen Hays (ADN 1998, BSN 2019, MSN 2023) was recently recognized at the symposium as a long-standing alumna, having graduated from three OKWU nursing programs. After working as an associate degree nurse (ADN) for nearly twenty years, Hays had never considered returning to school until someone highlighted the expanded career opportunities available with a BSN.
Hays shared that she faced many unknowns and initially doubted her ability to balance academics with full-time work. She was also apprehensive, as academics had never come easily for her. Through perseverance, Hays proved to herself that she could succeed and considers earning straight A’s a personal achievement. However, the most impactful benefit of her OKWU education was deeply personal. “The program allowed me to know God is working for our good in all things we do,” she shared, noting that the spiritual life reflections played a pivotal role in her walk with Christ.
Her advice to nurses considering returning to school is simple: “Don’t discount yourself. You should do it. Don’t walk-run to do it.” Hays reflected that returning to OKWU for multiple degrees “was like coming back to family.” She now serves as a Nursing Assistant Instructor at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
OKWU nursing graduates are finding strong career success, with a 100% employment rate across all programs. Both Hays and Woodard attribute their professional achievements, in part, to the education they received at OKWU.
In a rapidly changing healthcare landscape, staying ahead matters. OKWU provides online programs, personalized support,and recognition of prior experience to help nursing professionals thrive. Apply today and lead the way in your nursing career.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact the OKWU Department of Nursing at 918-335-6856 or [email protected].
