OU applicants-???

OKNurse2005 · Jan 2, 2005

Well the only bad thing about not having two years is that we miss that summer of valuable experience that usually falls between 1st and 2nd year. . . but most of us have obtained employement already to improve skills and gain experience.

The first summer is kind of rough. However, several of my classmates have kids and/or family members that they are involved in the care of, and they got through fine.

The first summer is blocked, in which you will intensely take one class for a duration and concentrate just on it (except for clinicals, which is ongoing throughout). That is where most of the intensity comes from, you are compeltely immersed in one class for 3-4 weeks at a time. Some people do not like the block method, some love it; I think the true so-called intensity comes from how well one is adapted for that particular mode of learning, it is not traditional. It is kinda of rough, but it's only 11 weeks :-). You really are going to have to set some time aside to yourself though; as I am sure you are familiar with in finishing your pre-reqs (I don't have kids, so not I don't know much about managing kids and school).

Hope that helps.

okie2 · Jan 2, 2005

Thanks- I think the block system sounds good actually. I wouldn't mind concentrating on one subject at a time. I'm anxious to see how this next semester goes. It'll be my first time in a real class, with real deadlines, exams, etc. I've been working on Nutrition by correspondence- so I haven't felt much pressure. I really haven't had to juggle school and kids yet. I think the next year will be very enlightening :)

Thanks so much for your input .

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 23, 2005

I went to the OU seminar as well. I wasn't so shocked because I knew how competite all the nursing programs in the state have become. I was a student ar Rose State and just for that school they had about 200 applicants for the 20 spots.

Also don't forget to check out OSU-OKC's nursing program, I have heard nothing but great things about their program and they accept a lot more people than Rose or OCCC.

I am at UCO now and have decided to just finish up my Biology degree and go from there, I'm not even sure I want to do nursing or not at this point. This past year I planned to apply with medical school but I want something more family friendly.

I'm 31 with two girls aged 3 and 6 and married--my husband works at the HSC and has for over 10 years.

I know the lady at the seminar did say you have to have a GPA of at *least* a 3.5 to get in anymore. She mentioned that just 2 years ago basically all you had to do was have a decent GPA and apply and you would more than likely get in. But with the economy so bad, TONS of people are applying to Nursing schools all over so the applicants pool has risen to (last year) over 600 people applying---so there has been a HUGE difference in just there past 2 years. I know the seminar I went to, we were walking out and there were people there with chemisty and other degrees applying for the BSN program--now that did intimidate me, and one of the reasons I am getting decided to finish up my BS in Biology and keep my GPA up.

I thought it was also crazy they didn't do interviews!!!

Marilyn

AirKpl · Jan 23, 2005

I had not realized until reading this forum how hard it is to get into nursing at OUHSC. My first love is massage therapy, that is until I moved to Oklahoma. I have most of my basics towards a general major; I started college in 1994 and still want to finish. As of right now, I have a GPA approx 3.3 and I am at OU taking Chem1315. Nursing seems like an ideal major because no matter where I have lived, openings for nurses have dominated the job ads in Sunday papers and hospital openings. Why is it so hard to get a nursing education? Being in South Oklahoma City, what are some specific ways around it? Is OCC hard to get into? Would classes from a college be just as significant as classes online from Phoenix Univ? I guess I am in the same boat as a lot of people. I dont have kids yet, I really just want to finish my degree and get a job that I feel good/honest about doing, have good benefits, and is close to home. After working at a call center for the last year, I am mor motivated than ever. I am 28 and want to finish my degree and have a career before my husband and I have children. Any suggestions?

okie2 · Jan 23, 2005

Yep- I guess I didn't realize how competitive it had become. In my initial visit with the counselor @ OUHSC he didn't comment on my GPA which is not 3.5 overall- & he said they accepted 1 out of 3 applicants. that was just not true--they had over 600 applicants and took 120. The "alternate list" of qualified apps had 175 on it!

Anyway, I have looked at OSU-OKC I'm thinking about applying there too. BUT I'm going to stay @ OKCCC for all my classes. Since they go strictly by the points- I'll rank pretty high. I have BS in a science & will have completed ALL pre-reqs and support courses before applying. I should score high on the entrance test- seems fairly basic. I'll apply next spring for fall 06.

I've also considered UCO. I know one girl who didn't get in last year & another friend of mine (30 something mom of two) who had no problem & just graduated last May. I'll have the pre-reqs covered but they give preference to UCO students (understandable) I really can't afford to take all classes there @ $90/ credit hr. OKCCC is only $45/ credit hr.

I think in today's climate--everything helps! any extra classes, grades, etc. I have taken Nutrition and Dev. Psych thru OU independent study--transfers just fine @ okccc- really anything but science courses can be done online or distance BUT check with your school- I've seen a few people in the forum taking A&P online (virtual labs etc.) these type classes may not transfer--you need real-life lab for the programs here. U of Phoenix is fairly expensive too.

If you have a GPA of 3.3 and are already an OU student--you're pretty competitive! There are a lot of options for degrees out there. I haven't completely made up my mind yet- I'll probably apply to more than one just to cover my bases.

Good Luck!

OKNurse2005 · Jan 26, 2005

Just to let you know, UCO does not accept Developmental Psychology. You have to take their special class (called family development something rather), along with two other classes taught only at UCO (and only during the day, I might add) prior to entry into their nursing program. Not exactly non-traditional student friendly, unless you have a job that doesn't go M-F 8-5 or a traditional business schedule. That is the big reason why I am going to OU vs UCO, I could not in any way shape or form get those three classes in without quitting full time employment and taking massive cuts in finances that I was not prepared to do, adding another 1-2 semesters for an estimated 1-2 years of going back to school. Not really a sound choice. Maybe they have changed their scheduling though. . .

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Mar 29, 2005

After talking to many people I have decided to apply to UCO for next yeas class. I have no idea how hard it is to get into their nursing program though....anyone know? I will apply to OU as well since I already have all their pre-req's done.

If anyone DOES have actual nursing school experience with either of those 2 schools I would love to hear about it.

Marilyn

EDValerieRN, ASN, RN · May 2, 2005

This post is old, but I can help anyone who needs advice. I know about both nursing schools... if you need help, PM me.

Ado Annie, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2005

Thanks, all, for the heads-up. I'm out of state but wanting to return to OK. In my fantasies I thought the 2nd degree BSN at OUHSC would be the way to go... shorten the time we need to live without my income (currently the only income), etc. But while test scores and all are great, my undergrad GPA (at OU) isn't. (lots of As, lots of Bs, lots of Cs)

Still trying to get prereqs done, and frustrated with having to take things like Intro to Psych and Intro to Soc. Ugh! I didn't take them the first time around FOR A REASON! Also getting a lot of static about English composition classes because OU gave me advanced standing credit. The local university won't accept that and is making me jump through hoops to avoid taking comp classes. MAKE IT GO AWAY!! I had hoped to just jump in with Anatomy or something, to see if I've really got the stuff...

CarmsOU25 · Jan 24, 2006

I applied for OUHSC Accelerated BSN and was accepted for the Summer 2006 term. I will say that it was a long ordeal to get everything through the Admissions office, especially since most of my pre-req classes were from a private liberal arts college in KS. I had to petition my residency and also petition the physiology course I took since it was out of state. I also had to retake my Anatomy class this fall because they required the "anatomy only" course, instead of the A&P, which I had taken to apply to another program before I moved to Oklahoma. I did apply online early, so that really helped the process, but it can be very trying on your patience getting everything submitted.

For anyone who is already an Accelerated BSN student at OU, how has the program's workload been so far? Luckily, I don't have kids and will not have to work while I'm in school, but I was curious as to the workload and intensity of the program since it's only 14 months. I've heard many different opinions as far as online content vs. class room time. Any advice would be helpful. Good luck everyone with your applications :)

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 26, 2006

Congrats on being accpeted into the program and please keep me updated on what you think about OUs program once you start!

I applied to both UCO and OU and for the traditional BSN programs we dont find out till March.

LanaBanana · Jan 27, 2006

First of all, CONGRATS to all who have already been accepted! Second, don't get discouraged if you haven't! I met with the advisor in Tulsa last summer and had no idea just how competetive this stupid OU program is! The funny thing is that she told me that Tulsa is the most competetive and you have a better chance in OKC, but one of the other posts on here said the opposite. Anyway, after talking to her I decided to go the LPN route first while I finish up all my science classes and then do the bridge. Apparantly the bridge programs aren't competetive and it's much cheaper - LPN program I'm taking costs under $2000 and then the bridge is under $7000. By the time I finish the LPN and complete my science classes (taking 1 a semester until they're done) I will be close to the 1 year of LPN work experience which would let me start the bridge. Good luck to everyone!