Long regarded as one of the top nursing programs in the state, Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing will expand its offerings this fall, offering two fully online options for the Master of Science in Nursing and RN-BSN programs.
“We recognize that post-licensure nurses may need or desire more flexibility and convenience when returning to school to obtain a higher degree,” said Dr. Gina Crawford, Interim Dean, OCU Kramer School of Nursing and the College of Health Professions. “We believe our online options will allow for a greater number of nurses to advance their education in a way that best fits their needs and busy schedules. While being more convenient, the quality of our programs and the dedication of our faculty continues to be nothing less than outstanding.”
The MSN program at Kramer School of Nursing provides students with the opportunity to obtain a Master’s Degree focused on Education or Leadership. The program is 33 credit hours offered in the spring, summer, and fall. (story continues below)
The majority of students complete the program in five semesters while maintaining full-time employment. The MSN program is intentionally designed to support the needs of the adult learner and will be offered completely online starting in the Fall of 2022.
“To me, what makes Kramer so unique is the authentic, caring relationships among faculty, staff, and students. It creates an environment where true learning can occur, and students thrive. In turn, we see this positively affect patient outcomes and advance the discipline,” said Vanessa Wright, PhD, MSN, RN, Chair of Graduate Education.
The RN-BSN track is designed for working nurses to attain their BSN. It is 30 credit hours, 18 credit hours in nursing, and 12 general education electives.
“We are proud of the relationships formed between RN-BSN faculty and students and we look forward to continuing those relationships within the fully online platform. We will continue to offer an in-person option for nurses who prefer in-person instruction,” said Professor Pam Tucker, Chair, RN-BSN. “The RN-BSN faculty are supportive and accessible to the students. We recognize the students as adult learners and value the experience each student brings with them to the RN-BSN track. Being part of the journey as RNs achieve their goals is an honor.”
RN-BSN alumna, Connie Benhmida, RN stated, “I have been a professional nurse for 21 years and my lifelong goal of earning my BSN seemed out of reach. I discovered the opportunity to achieve my dreams by attending OCU KSN’s RN-BSN program. The professors and staff at KSN understand the unique challenges that working adults encounter when deciding to return to school. My nursing instructors embraced me, encouraged me, and celebrated my achievements.”
Those seeking a terminal degree are well-served at OCU.
The PhD degree prepares expert nurses in nursing education, research, and leadership to serve the community, state, and nation.
The PhD program combines educational delivery methods, allowing students to keep full-time jobs and live in their own communities. Through hybrid course design, students meet on campus for 2-3 days at the beginning of each semester and complete courses online over the remainder of the semester. The program requires 57 post-master’s credit hours.
The DNP program at KSN provides a blend of in-person instruction and distance education. The BSN-DNP program tracks include family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology acute care (AGACNP), and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). All three tracks are also offered as post-master certificates (PMC).
DNP-Completion options are also available for MSN-prepared nurses seeking a terminal degree. “Faculty and staff are very proud of the quality, collaborative care provided by our graduates to their communities,” said Dr. Cene’ Livingston, Interim Chair of Advanced Practice Programs.
“I am very grateful to take part in OCU’s first PMHNP post-master class,” said student Dyanna Johnston (PMC PMHNP).“ This program allows me to work full-time and receive quality education from experienced instructors.”
BSN-DNP alum Christin Tomlinson, FNP, echoed that sentiment.
“I highly recommend the program to anyone seeking a graduate nursing degree,” she said. “The professors helped me understand the material, secure clinical placement and were always available for a kind word of encouragement.”
OCU Kramer School of Nursing invites you to visit their upcoming College of Health Professions Open House on June 28 at OCU.
Virtual information sessions are also available on May 10 and July 12. Application deadline for the PMC PMHNP track is April 1.
You can find more information online at www.okcu.edu/nursing
