Oklahoma Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
The Oklahoma Coalition for Action group is working to improve patient care by improving nursing education programs as patient care becomes more complex and moves into the community. They are in the process of developing a state–wide nursing preceptor education model, which includes online learning components to assist nurses and facilities with her transition to practice.
There are several nursing schools in Oklahoma that offer a variety of routes to earning your MSN. Oklahoma also offers programs with RN to MSN tracks, direct entry MSN options and even online RN to MSN programs, which can make getting your graduate degree much more flexible than it once was. Contact the schools you see below to get detailed program information about how to get your MSN in Nursing today.
As a graduate student working toward your MSN, Oklahoma nursing schools may offer several different specialties and routes to professional success. You may be able to attend full-time or part-time on campus or online. Full-time students will attend for semesters, which includes one summer semester; while part-time students have six semesters to complete the program.
Admission Requirements for MSN Programs in OK
The following criteria must be met for admission for admission to most MSN in nursing programs in Oklahoma:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours attended
- Completion of a BSN from a NLNAC or AACN accredited program
- Current unrestricted RN license in Oklahoma
- Completion of a statistics course
- Official copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended
Curriculum for Nursing Master’s Degrees in Oklahoma
The educational option requires 34 credit hours and includes the following coursework:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advance Health Assessment
- Advanced Res/Evidence Based Practice
- Organizational & Systems Leadership
- Healthcare Informatics
- Teaching Lmg. & Nursing Theories
- Clinical Nursing Course (100 clock hours)
- Curriculum Development: Nursing
- Tests & Evaluation Procedures
- Educational Strategies/Practicum: Classroom & Clinical
- Graduate Project or Graduate Thesis
The National League for Nursing offers a Certified Nurse Educator examination for graduates. This certification is a mark of professionalism and it demonstrates the expertise of the student. The fee for NLN members is $375, and it is $475 for non-members.
The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center is NLNAC accredited and offers several online RN to MSN programs as well as traditional MSN in Nursing programs. You may attend full-time or part-time, but the part-time program usually requires completion within three years.
The programs include:
- Administration/Management
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Case Management CNS
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Choosing the Right MSN Program for You
If you have made a decision to advance your education with a master’s degree it is a good idea to check various programs before making a final decision. There are numerous nursing specialties available and due to the nursing shortage jobs are available. Nurse Educators and Nurse Practitioners are in particularly short supply in Oklahoma as there are less Nurse Practitioners and Physicians in Oklahoma than the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2013 Nurse Educators earned an average annual salary of $77,340, Nurse Practitioners averaged $76,370, Nurse Midwives averaged $61,650 and nurse anesthetists earned $151,250.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for MSN Students in OK
If you are in a low income bracket, visit the Financial Aid Office at your University and fill out the FAFSA application, which is a federal grant to see if you qualify for aid. The state of Oklahoma also has a Nursing Student Assistance Program that was established in 1982. It provides financial assistance to Oklahoma nursing students at all levels of education. The scholarship loan is repaid by nurses practicing in Oklahoma with emphasis placed on rural communities.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, if you are from a disadvantaged background a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you are eligible for a long–term, low–interest loan. Nurse Corps also offers a loan repayment program. You can have 60 percent of your unpaid nursing student loan paid for working for two years in one of their underserved hospitals or clinics.
When you consider the shortage of nurse practitioners and nurse educators, this might be an ideal time for you to enroll in a master degree program. Earning your master’s degree gives you a great sense of satisfaction, the respect of your peers, and a promising career that may increase your income. Contact the nursing schools in Oklahoma that interest you to learn more.
