For more than 50 years, the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has provided Oklahoma with highly skilled and educated nurses. Graduates of UCO’s nursing programs are known for being some of the best nurses in Oklahoma, as well as the nation.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), UCO bachelor’s and master’s programs prepare tomorrow’s nursing leaders through various settings, which helps meet the demand at all levels of nursing services needed in Oklahoma. Central offers traditional and nontraditional programs to support any student wanting to pursue a nursing career or further their nursing education.
Traditional Nursing Program, B.S.
Central’s traditional, on-campus nursing prCentral’s traditional, on-campus nursing program is for students who are not yet licensed to practice nursing as an RN.
When Abbie Yates, a senior in UCO’s traditional nursing program, transferred to Central, she could instantly feel that Central’s nursing professors were invested in her education and success. “The professors at UCO take the opportunity to get to know their students and create connections. Nursing at UCO is a well-oiled program that is constantly improving based on the needs of their students,” said Yates. As she approaches graduation, Yates knows she will be prepared to enter the workforce. “UCO has one of the highest number of clinical hours compared to many nursing schools around Oklahoma, and I believe it better prepares us for entry into practice.”
Online RN to B.S. in Nursing Track
Central’s RN to B.S. track is available 100% online for RNs who want to further their nursing education. Upon successful completion, nurses earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing. With both part- and full-time options available and for as low as $8,500, Central’s program is designed to provide flexibility for students, with the option to complete the track in as little as 10 months.
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Fast-Track B.S.
For those who have earned a traditional bachelor’s degree in another field and are ready for a career in nursing, Central’s Fast Track in nursing is for them. The fast-track program can be completed in just 16 months and provides the flexibility of hybrid courses. Upon successful completion, students will have earned a B.S. in nursing.
After Kanece Ham started her career in neuroscience research, she realized she wanted to combine her love for neurology and the complexity of the brain with helping people in their lives. That is when she decided to pursue Central’s fast-track program to become a psychiatric nurse. “When researching programs, I was excited to see that UCO had a fast-track program, which would allow me to get my degree in nursing within 16 months-providing me the ability to reenter the workforce and begin working in the meaningful way I always had aspired to do,” said Ham.
Online M.S. in Nursing
The Master of Science in nursing degree program at UCO offers working RNs flexibility through fully online courses with both part- and full-time options available. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months, if pursued full time. The online Master of Science in nursing can be completed for as little as $15,000. Nursing graduate students can choose from two tracks – nursing education or nursing leadership.
Micaela Carothers is a cardiac nurse who graduated from UCO’s traditional nursing program. The compassion and dedication she received from UCO nursing faculty inspired her to continue her nursing education at Central. The M.S. in nursing provided her with the flexibility she needed to succeed. “With the program being online, the classes are very flexible around my workdays,” said Carothers. “I feel that I am effectively able to meet the class expectations and continue working without feeling overwhelmed.”
The Future of Nursing
All UCO nursing programs offer real-world instruction from supportive nursing faculty who are experts in their fields . Graduates from UCO nursing programs are recognized within the health care community for their knowledge, professionalism and leadership potential. Central prides itself as a smart investment for success and for preparing future leaders in an opportunity-rich environment. For more information about Central’s nursing programs, visit https://www.uco.edu/cms/academics/nursing.
