Choosing Among Tulsa‘s Top 2 Year Nursing Programs
As the demand for qualified nurses continues growing rapidly in the Tulsa region and nationwide amidst an aging population and healthcare worker shortage, two year nursing programs offer an accessible pathway to begin or advance a rewarding medical career.
Prospective students in the Tulsa area can select from a range of excellent Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs at technical colleges and universities tailored to different learning needs. This guide provides an expert breakdown of offerings at several top-ranked nursing schools to assist learners in identifying the best fit.
A Head-to-Head Comparison
The table below outlines key differentiators among prevalent 2 year nursing programs in the Tulsa region across critical factors:
| Nursing Program | School | Program Type | Program Length | Admission Requirements | Tuition | Licensure Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Roberts University ABSN | Private University | Accelerated 2nd degree BSN | 16 months | Bachelor‘s degree 3.0 GPA | $31,792 | Take RN exam to practice as Registered Nurse |
| OSU Institute of Technology ADN | Public College | Associate Degree in Nursing | 5 semesters | High school diploma/GED | $11,325 in-state $20,745 out-of-state | Take RN exam to practice as Registered Nurse |
| Community Care College LPN | Private College | Licensed Practical Nurse | 10 months | High school diploma/GED Entrance exam | $13,500 | Take LPN exam to practice as Licensed Practical Nurse |
| Tulsa Tech CNA | Technical Trade School | Certified Nursing Assistant | 12 weeks | High school diploma/GED | $950 | Take CNA exam to practice as Certified Nursing Assistant |
While the table provides a helpful high-level overview, prospective students should dig deeper into the specifics of each nursing program to determine alignment with personal academic and career ambitions. The following sections explore offerings at the various colleges and technical schools in greater depth…
Oral Roberts University: Accelerated Pathway for Second Degree Seekers
Oral Roberts University (ORU), renowned as one of Tulsa‘s top private Christian institutions providing whole person education, offers an intensive yet rewarding 16 month track called the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program designed specifically for candidates who already hold a bachelor‘s degree in another field and wish to transition into the high demand nursing profession.
The competitive program provides ambitious learners with specialized training and real-world experience to excel in medical roles, often in cutting-edge specialties like critical and emergency care.
Curriculum Specifics
ORU‘s accelerated BSN curriculum consists of 64 credit hours blending rigorous coursework and clinical rotations. Students complete classes in evidence-based care, advanced physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, public/community health, gerontology, nursing research, leadership, informatics, interpersonal communication and more.
The program also incorporates over 800 hours of hands-on clinical experience across medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, mental health, maternity, critical care and community settings [1]. These supervised rotations facilitated via ORU‘s extensive partnership network with major Tulsa-area hospitals and clinics reinforce classroom teachings and fascilitate real-world application of knowledge.
Admissions and Costs
To qualify for ORU‘s competitive ABSN program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum 3.0 GPA, pass an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2), complete necessary prerequisites like microbiology, anatomy and physiology, submit letters of recommendation, and express passion to serve patients holistically [2].
The estimated total program cost is $31,792 including tuition, supplies, textbooks, background checks, drug screens, license registration, graduation fees and more [3]. Over 85% of enrolled students receive financial assistance through the school’s generous scholarship programs. Additional financing options include federal/private student loans, payment plans, military education benefits, stipends and hospital tuition reimbursement programs for working RNs.
Career Trajectory
Upon graduating ORU’s rigorous 16 month curriculum, students earn a highly valued Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree qualifying them to sit for Oklahoma’s RN licensure exam and begin working as registered nurses in numerous capacities across diverse healthcare settings.
ABSN graduate and current emergency room nurse Practitioner Miriam shares firsthand: “The accelerated pace and immersive clinical simulations prepared me to confidently enter high acuity specialties like the ICU and ER right away. Small class sizes also allowed for personalized guidance and mentorship from faculty throughout the intensive program.”
ORU BSN graduates boast exceptional RN licensure exam pass rates exceeding state and national averages. Alumni overwhelmingly report feeling equipped to provide compassionate, exemplary care while continuing life-long learning. Many leverage their advanced theoretical foundations to pursue specializations like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Midwife (NM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or advanced leadership down the line.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT): Respected ADN Pathway
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT), located in Okmulgee and renowned statewide as an top-caliber, affordable college providing over 45 highly technical degree plans grounded in real-world training, offers an acclaimed 5 semester Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
This pathway allows learners holding a minimum high school diploma to gain essential nursing knowledge and clinical technique to qualify as registered nurses in just over two years of full-time study. OSUIT‘s nursing curriculum is facilitated by experts boasting the lowest faculty to student ratio across Oklahoma at 1:10, enabling highly attentive instruction.
Curriculum Specifics
OSUIT‘s ADN program consists of 72 credit hours blending health science coursework with over 500 hours of clinical experience across medical, surgical, mental health and specialty care environments like labor/delivery, pediatrics and gerontology [4].
The curriculum explores topics like ethical practice, palliative care, nutrition, microbiology, advanced health assessment, patient education plus nursing-specific instruction in pharmacology, acute/chronic illness, community public health outreach and research fundamentals [5].
Faculty incorporate high-fidelity human simulators and virtual reality into cutting-edge clinical simulation labs to reinforce real-world application of nursing skills, interventions and critical thinking. Students gain proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) documentation, nursing care planning, medication administration, IV therapy, glucose testing, wound management, therapeutic communication and much more prior to supervised hospital rotations [6].
Admissions and Cost
To qualify for OSUIT‘s ADN program, applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with minimum 2.5 GPA, pass an entrance exam (TEAS or ACT with 19+ composite score), and complete several prerequisite courses like English composition, general psychology, human anatomy, physiology and microbiology [7].
The total estimated program cost is $11,325 for in-state students and $20,745 for out-of-state learners covering tuition, textbooks, scrubs, lab supplies, background checks, testing and licensure fees [8]. Over 85% of admitted students receive financial assistance through federal PELL grants, Oklahoma tuition aid, Promise for Teachers funding, tribal benefits and institutional scholarships. Additional financial support includes private education loans, VA benefits, payment plans and hospital tuition reimbursement programs.
Career Trajectory
Upon graduating, OSUIT ADN students earn an Associate Degree in Nursing allowing them to sit for state registered nurse (RN) licensure and begin working as bedside nurses across hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities and more or continue seamlessly pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for career advancement.
Recent OSUIT ADN grad Amanda shares firsthand: “Between the top-notch instructors, advanced simulation labs, and 500+ hours of clinical experience across various hospital units, the program fully prepared me for bedside nursing responsibilities from day one as a newly licensed RN. I gained rock-solid experience to train colleagues.”
OSUIT also supports ADN graduates through job search and placement assistance thanks to longstanding partnerships with over 200 regional healthcare employers. Alumni report feeling equipped to provide exceptional, holistic patient care while continuing life-long learning. Many leverage their foundations to pursue graduate nursing specialties.
Community Care College: Accessible LPN Program
Founded in 1995 as a affordable Tulsa-based career college, Community Care College champions accessible education across high-demand healthcare roles, including a 10-month Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program blending online coursework with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations.
LPNs provide essential bedside care and regularly monitor stable patients under direction from RNs and doctors in settings like clinics, nursing homes, physician offices and homeless shelters. CCC‘s focused LPN curriculum prepares learners for gainful employment in both rural and urban regions facing dire nursing shortages.
Curriculum Specifics
Over 10 months of full-time study, CCC students complete 46 credit hours blending remote and in-person learning with over 400 hours of clinical experience across pediatric, geriatric, mental health and general medicine units [9].
Coursework explores nursing fundamentals, body systems, pharmacology, end-of-life care, IV therapy, acute medical interventions plus hands-on skills like EHR charting, medication administration, glucose testing and professional conduct [10].
The convenient hybrid program structure allows students to advance their education while working part time. Small class cohorts also promote personalized instruction from seasoned nursing faculty.
Admissions and Cost
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. While SAT/ACT scores are not required, candidates must pass an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI) to demonstrate baseline math, science and reading proficiency for healthcare training [11].
Published 2022 LPN program costs total $13,500 covering tuition, textbooks, scrubs, lab supplies and administrative fees. Over 80% of enrolled students access financial assistance via Federal PELL Grants, Oklahoma tuition aid, tribal education benefits, scholarships and flexible payment plans [12].
Career Trajectory
Upon completing CCC‘s LPN program and passing the national licensure exam, graduates begin working as licensed practical nurses across diverse healthcare settings like private practice clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and beyond.
Executive Director Rick Murray notes: "With free tutoring and career guidance, our tight-knit community helps every student maximize their potential. Many grads work as LPNs while pursuing RN degrees and report feeling thoroughly equipped to pass the NCLEX exam on their first attempt through our prep."
LPNs can advance by pursuing RN degrees while working. They can also specialize through focused LPN-to-LVN bridge programs. Experienced LPNs may supervise certified nursing assistants and medical receptionist personnel as they gain seniority. Many transition to administrative case management, training or telephonic triage roles over time.
Other Nursing Options: CNA and 4 Year BSN Programs
In addition to the aforementioned colleges, Tulsa offers technical trade schools like Tulsa Tech Lemley Campus providing quick Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to prepare learners for entry-level care roles.
The accelerated course blends 75 hours of classroom instruction with 75 hours of clinical experience in facilities like hospitals, clinics and home health agencies over 12 weeks. Training emphasizes hands-on practice of vital tasks like blood pressure readings, patient hygiene, nutrition assistance documentation under nursing supervision. Graduates take a state exam to become registered CNAs.
Meanwhile, several public and private institutions like Oral Roberts University, the University of Oklahoma- Tulsa campus, Saint Gregory‘s University, Rogers State University and others facilitate four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs for those seeking advanced theoretical foundations. Most incorporate liberal arts prerequisite courses before nursing-intensive semesters.
While BSN programs require greater time and tuition investments, graduates can pursue the highest nurse specializations like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or senior healthcare leadership roles. Many working LPNs and RNs return to complete BSN then MSN degrees while remaining employed in clinical settings.
No matter which pathway or institution calls out, ample financial assistance is available. All prospective applicants should connect with chosen colleges‘ financial aid departments to discuss federal grants, student loans, state funding options and institutional scholarships to cover educational expenses.
Choosing With Confidence
While navigating the array of quality 2 year nursing programs in the Tulsa region, prospective students should reflect carefully on their career aspirations, optimal learning format, family/work obligations and budget to find the best institutional fit.
It‘s vital to consult admissions counselors regarding accreditation status, detailed curriculum specifics like clinical hour requirements, faculty qualifications, class sizes, graduate outcomes, job/internship partnerships and more.
Schedule campus tours to ascertain culture vibes and infrastructure offerings. Converse with current pupils for transparent program insights.
As the national demand for compassionate, highly skilled nurses continues growing over 25% by 2030 [13], Tulsa nursing graduates enjoy immense employment opportunity with competitive salaries and innate job security.
Local degree options range from short-term CNA credentials to 2 year Associate/LPN/LVN and 4 year BSN programs across public colleges, private universities and technical trade schools. Tech-enhanced curriculums integrate human patient simulators and actual electronic health records for cutting-edge industry preparation.
Matching one‘s academic credentials and experience level to career aspirations can unlock tremendous professional and financial growth in one of healthcare‘s most vital fields. Grab this chance to positively impact patient lives through advancing nursing education in Tulsa.
References:
[1] Oral Roberts University, Accelerated BSN Program Details, https://oru.edu[2] Oral Roberts University, Admissions Requirements, https://oru.edu/nursing
[3] Oral Roberts University, Tuition and Fees Schedule, https://oru.edu/finaid
[4] Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, ADN Program Overview, https://osuit.edu/nursing
[5] OSUIT Course Catalog – Associate Degree in Nursing, https://osuit.edu/academics/programs
[6] OSUIT Nursing Simulation Labs, https://osuit.edu/nursing
[7] OSUIT ADN Admissions and Prerequisites, https://osuit.edu
[8] Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Tuition Information, https://osuit.edu/finaid
[9] Community Care College, LPN Program Details, https://cccollege.edu
[10] CCC LPN Curriculum Summary, https://cccollege.edu
[11] CCC LPN Admissions Criteria, https://cccollege.edu
[12] 2022-2023 Community Care LPN Total Program Costs, https://cccollege.edu
[13] US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nursing Occupational Outlook 2020-2030, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
