Oklahoma City University

Goodoldnurse · Nov 9, 2008

Can you expand on UCO's new "teaching method"?

Thanks!

Anna716 · Nov 9, 2008

Their new teaching method does not include a lecture. Instead, during class, you participate in skits and other such things. Most of the learning is done on your own.

picurn10 · Nov 16, 2008

I looked into their program a bit, but just couldn't justify the expense in a city where there are so many other options for nursing school. Not too long ago they weren't considered to have a good program and their accredidation was shaky. In the past few years though they have gotten back on track, at least in terms of their NCLEX pass rates.

One down side worth considering: all nursing schools have to maintain a decent pass rate on the NCLEX in order to maintain their accredidation. In a school such as OCU, which doesn't have admissions standards beyond GPA, in order to maintain a high NCLEX pass rate, they will quickly fail out any/all who are not testing well on things like the ATI tests (which are supposed to predict NCLEX outcomes) So, then you're stuck with a massive school bill and no degree :down: As long as you know you're a good student and can hack the intensity of nursing school then it shouldn't be a problem, but if you're unsure at all, then I say go with a cheaper program.

You can always go back to OCU for their BSN if you go with a ADN at first. I think it only takes 9mo after your RN to earn the BSN. So that one thing to keep in mind if you're thinking you want a BSN.

Anna716 · Nov 16, 2008

Thanks for the information. You are wonderful! This helps more than you can imagine. I suspect most OK nursing schools do this as well.

Goodoldnurse · Nov 17, 2008

:twocents:As faculty at a metro school of nursing, our exams are hard to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. Our goal is to help you learn to think critically, so that when you are faced with a situation you are not familiar with, you will be able to think through it. We also want safe beginning nurses.

Most of us want you to succeed, but want you to be the kind of nurse we would be proud of when you are caring for us!

Katy-NursingStudent · Nov 17, 2008

Wow, just looked up the cost for OCU, and its $730 PER CREDIT HOUR!! Thats insane! I think I will stick with OCCC, even if it takes me longer to get into the program.

dmskoka · Nov 26, 2008

Hi all,

This is my first time posting. I hope this works. Just found this site and have enjoyed reading peoples posts. I am in California and am applying to 2nd degree one year programs. I came across Oklahoma City University. They have emailed me and said that I can email my unofficial copies of my transcripts and that they are taking all qualified applicants. The program starts January 12 and an orientation meeting is on the 9th. This would be a huge rush for me.. I have applied to many other programs and waiting to hear. It just seems so strange to me that they can take all these people.. The rest of the country is so hard to get into nursing programs. My junior college I applied last year to they had 750 applicants for 42 spots lottery. Another state school had 800 for 130. There is hardly any chance here unless you have 4.0 and /or some outstanding thing on your resume or just luck with the lottos. My company offered me a buyout so I have to get in somewhere in the summer, I keep thinking about Oklahoma if I turn it down and then don't get in somewhere else. I have applied to the University of ARizona they will pay your tuition if you work for them for 3 years.. Their hospital is a magnet hospital also. I volunteer here at a magnet hospital and it is great. Anyway -- back to the topic - does anyone have any ideas, comments or experiences that would explain why they have openings?

Thanks Dawn:bow:

Goodoldnurse · Nov 26, 2008

Many of the 2nd degree programs are full-time, VERY fast paced and the students I have worked with wish they had taken it a bit slower. OCU will take all applicants, but has a high attrition rate (those who do not make it). There are quite a few nursing programs in Oklahoma and most do not have enough "qualified" applicants. The college where I teach had 200 applicants and 28 were qualified. We can take up to 60 students. We look at sciences, math, english and comprehension scores on an entrance exam. We also look at grades made in science and pre-req courses.

My main word to you is do not rush yourself. If you can wait, you can apply to other schools and start this summer. Even if you go the traditional nursing student route, you will want a solid understanding of the nursing process and tasks. You will be responsible for someones' life, so faster is not always better.

Good luck and happy hunting!

MSNorBUST · Dec 3, 2008

They have an agreement with the state BON to help with the nursing shortage and if you can afford it, It is worth every dime. i am paying out of my pocket and if you are an RN then we definitely get paid somewhere near an amount that is affordable here. I mean I remember $9.50 an hour as an LPN, compared to the amount that I get now. If you don't have kids and a lot of debt then it is manageable. it is a great school and the education here so far has opened m eyes and changed my thinking habits. I love it and Spring 2009 is my second sememster, I am so glad that I went through with this program

dmskoka · Dec 3, 2008

to msn or bust-

Thanks for the info... Can I ask what the general pay is for RN's there and the typical rent for a 2 bedroom apt..

dmskoka

so glad that you like the program:yeah:

number2 · Mar 24, 2009

i'm currently a student at ocu, the bachelors-to-bsn program. i am actually sitting in class right now and it is 25 minutes after the hour and we have not started class yet because of technical problems (power point won't come up). the teachers here are generally pretty nice, and some seem fairly knowledgeable, but there are a few, mainly 1 professor that we (me and most of the 45+ other students) wonder how on earth she was hired. i won't go on about what we don't like about this professor, sufficient to say she is terrible, and treats students (most of whom are previous professional adults making a career switch) like 5 year olds. they said the teacher student ratio is low here and that's one of the reasons tuition is so expensive, but our class is the biggest they have had so far, now they are telling us they don't even have enough professors to check us off on each skill, so we are checking skills off in groups now. so, i am paying $13,000 in tuition and fees (yes, you will pay at least $2,000 in fees for each of the 4 semesters) and they don't even have enough professors to check off the skills of each student individually like they usually do? they cannot be professional enough to start class on time? starting at 20 mins after the hour is not a daily occurrence, but is not uncommon here. the teachers are often disorganized and unprepared. you would think after paying that much tuition, ($13000 x 45 students x 4 semesters, you do the math - roughly 2.5 million) professors here would not only be top notch, but at least have a sufficient number, and start on time. the biggest thing that bothers me is that i was misinformed. i was told over the phone that the total cost of the program was going to be and i quote "35 - 40 thousand." plan on more like 70-80 thousand (with living expenses). 13 grand/sem x 4 is already 52 thousand, plus books (plan on $700+/semester - if you buy your books from ocu) scrubs, other nursing tools you need (pen light, scissors, stethoscope, etc.) laptop computer. plus living on campus here is really expensive. if you are going to come here plan on total cost of at least 18 - 20 thousand dollars per semester! this is what they should be telling you. i write this just because i wish i would have been more informed before i came here. and maybe this will help someone realize what kind of and expense this really is. if you are ok with paying this kind of money, fine, come here, you will get your degree, as long as you know what you're getting into.

on the plus side, they have started a "monday knights of nursing" that i hear is very positive for the men in the program. they have men nurses who are "mentors" come every month or so and present and/or answer questions for the men in the program. they also provide dinner for all the men in the program. also, the dean of kramer nursing school is very professional and seems to be on the ball. that said, i am surprised that there are certain professors still on staff here. but i'm sure with time this school is going to come together just because of the leadership of the dean. obviously it is a private school and will still be very expensive.