Division Chair Dr. Nikole Hicks.

The Northern Oklahoma College Nursing Program plays a vital role in the delivery of health care services to the citizens of Oklahoma, especially in rural areas.
The NOC program, headed by Division Chair Dr. Nikole Hicks, is future-oriented, learning-focused, connected, and distinctive. Hicks started as NOC Division Chair last fall.
“This is a transformational time in academic nursing education,” Hicks said. “I am excited to work with the excellent faculty and staff at NOC to prepare the next generation of nurses to improve the health of Oklahomans in our region.”
NOC’s program focuses on preparing students for the work force. Over 90 percent of NOC students are employed before they graduate with 94 percent staying in Oklahoma after graduation.
NOC nursing students recently assisted with vaccinations at the NOC Tonkawa campus gaining valuable real-life experience. NOC nursing students and faculty have also been assisting county health departments administer vaccines within the communities they serve.
Hicks oversees 11 full time master’s and doctoral prepared faculty members at three locations. The NOC program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
NOC has nursing facilities at Tonkawa, Stillwater, and Enid.
All nursing locations have a high-fidelity computerized simulation mannequin that mimics real-life human functions and at least four mid-fidelity simulators including an adult, a birthing simulator that provides students with the ability to experience labor and delivery, a pediatric client and a neonate. The mid-fidelity simulators give the student the ability to assess vital signs, master nursing skills and identify changes in a client’s status.
NOC also provides health fairs, vital sign and handwashing clinics, health education to public and volunteer hours in the Tonkawa, Enid, and Stillwater areas.
NOC also works with Career Technology Centers to provide LPNs the opportunity to further their education.
Northern offers 14 scholarships available specifically for nursing students along with many other scholarship opportunities.
For more information about NOC nursing, call 580.628.6679.
NOC, a public two-year community college, serves nearly 5,000 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 60% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. Over 80% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
NOC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science. The associate degree fulfills lower-division course work which is applicable towards a bachelor’s degree.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College visit www.noc.edu.