Wednesday, July 7, 2004
OU’s School of Nursing expands program choices
By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer
OU’s School of Nursing is introducing three new programs to complement existing programs and meet the demand for highly sought-after nursing professionals.
”We are responding to requests in the community for additional nursing programs, particularly from hiring agencies who want to hire our graduates,” said Pam Marin, assistant dean of student affairs, nursing.
The three programs include:
- RN/MSN Degree Completion
- Master of Science in Nursing Adult Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
The RN/MSN Degree Completion is for diploma or ADN prepared registered nurses who wish to follow an accelerated plan of study for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The RN to MSN program includes transition courses that satisfy both undergraduate and graduate requirements and allow students to matriculate directly to graduate education.
Many of the courses in this program are offered online for convenience.
“We understand our students lead busy, active lives,” Marin said. “We are offering flexible options for students to make it convenient for them to complete their degree while juggling jobs, family and homework.”
Master of Science in Nursing Adult Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program prepares the advanced practice nurse for the role of clinical nurse specialist in the acute care setting. The curriculum focuses on preparing advance practice nurses to apply nursing theory, principles of advance nursing practice and the research process in designing systems of care for adults in hospital-based settings.
The Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is designed for students who already have earned a baccalaureate degree in another discipline. The Second Degree to BSN program may be completed in three semesters, spanning one calendar year, after prerequisite and/or general education courses are completed.
“Many people who have a bachelor’s degree are returning to college to become nurses,” Marin said. “This program gives students the opportunity to earn their nursing degree in one year, instead of three, depending on their undergraduate curriculum and how many prerequisite courses they need to take.”
The RN/MSN Degree Completion and CNS programs will be available fall 2004, and the Accelerated Second Degree program will be available spring 2005. For more information about the programs, visit the School of Nursing Web site.