Many technical schools in Oklahoma offer a nursing program, with such programs generally one year or less in duration followed by the issuance of a certificate. Central Technology Center is typical of technical schools in Oklahoma. Students attend classes at either the Drumright or Sapulpa campuses and in less than one year they can become a licensed practical nurse. Classes include Level I (basic science and basic patient care), Level II (advanced nursing and medication requirements), and Level III (obstetrics and disease processes). Clinical experience in local mental health facilities is part of the program. While taking courses at technical schools, it is possible to earn college credit.
Many community colleges in Oklahoma, such as Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton and Idabel, offer a two-year associate's degree in nursing. An accelerated program is offered to students who have completed a program at a technical school and are licensed practical nurses. Many students then pursue the course to become a registered nurse. Upon graduation students can enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree.
For nursing students possessing an associate's degree who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing, a four-year university is the next step. For instance, the University of Central Oklahoma's Department of Nursing offers a four-year program leading to a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. In addition, nurses with technical or associate degrees can enter the program to work on and receive a bachelor of science degree.
The University of Tulsa, a private school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, provides an example of a private institution offering nursing education in the State of Oklahoma. The School of Nursing offers a four-year program to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing. The nursing school is part of the College of Business, so students can take courses related to the financial aspects of the health care industry and nursing in particular. For students desiring further education, another private school in Oklahoma, Southern Nazarene University, a Christian school operated by the Church of the Nazarene, offers a master of science degree in nursing. Designed for nurses seeking to be educators for future nurses, the program has two tracks -- nursing education and nursing leadership.