Admission
Once admitted to The University of Tulsa, all qualified undergraduate students who have declared nursing as a major are provisionally accepted into the School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program. Full admission to the B.S.N. program is competitive. Admission is based on meeting academic and professional standards and completion of all clinical compliance requirements. For full admission to the nursing program, students must complete all prerequisite courses and maintain a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students will be notified by admission letter from the School of Nursing.
Students must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 to be eligible for the program and to be admitted to the Level I sophomore nursing courses. If there are unfilled seats in Level I sophomore nursing courses, applicants with cumulative grade-point averages of less than 3.0 may be considered.
Prospective nursing students whose first language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 85 on the internet-based examination with a sub-score of 26 for speaking or have an IELTS overall score of 7.5 and not less than a 7 speaking sub-score and no other sub-scores below 6.5. Foreign college credit requires a “Full Education Course-by-Course Report” by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to admission to the School of Nursing . Advanced standing may be obtained with approval of courses on college transcripts. For additional information about the application process, please visit the School of Nursing webpage.
Traditional BSN Transfer students must complete the formal university application process and coordinate with the Student Success Center to complete all additional nursing program requirements.
Applicants who have previously completed nursing coursework at other institutions may be considered for admission under the following conditions:
• The applicant must have successfully passed all prior nursing coursework.
• A letter of good standing from the previous nursing program must be submitted.
• The applicant must include a written narrative explaining their intent to transfer and reasons for relocating to the University of Tulsa.
• If a student leaves the nursing program for more than six semesters (excluding summers), the student must retake all nursing courses beginning with second semester sophomore courses, if readmitted.
Performance Standards for Admission and Progression in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The University of Tulsa is committed to compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Therefore, the School of Nursing at The University of Tulsa seeks to ensure that qualified persons with disabilities are not denied admission or subject to discrimination in admissions.
The Performance Standards for Admission and Progression in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing establish the expectations and requisite abilities considered essential for students admitted to the clinical component of the nursing program in order to achieve the level of competency required for graduation and practice. These include abilities in eight categories: critical thinking, interpersonal, communication, mobility, motor skills, hearing, visual, and tactile.
It is recognized that degrees of ability vary widely among individuals. Any candidate who feels that he or she may not meet the Performance Standards for Admission and Progression in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing as set forth in this Bulletin is encouraged to contact the Director of the School of Nursing. Any candidate who may require academic accommodations to fulfill the technical standards due to a disability is encouraged to contact TU Student Access. The University of Tulsa is committed to enabling its students, by any reasonable means or accommodations, to complete the course of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Other Requirements
Nursing students must also meet the following requirements:
Background Check and Drug Testing: Students must initiate all Criminal Background Checks through the TU approved vendor prior to admission and annually. The cost is approximately $55.00 but varies depending on the location of permanent residence. Students must initiate & pay for all drug screenings through the TU approved vendor. The cost is approximately $50.00 but varies depending on the location of permanent residence. Additional testing may be required by the School of Nursing and/or certain agencies at the expense of the student.
EXXAT: Exxat Approve is the digital platform used by the University of Tulsa to manage student health and safety compliance documentation. Students are responsible for all associated fees to set up and activate an Exxat Approve account. Students must upload the documentation described above into the Exxat system by established due dates. Students will also monitor expiration dates and keep all compliance requirements current. Students will pay a $75 fee directly to the Exxat website.
Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is required for any student enrolled in nursing clinical courses. Liability insurance fees are approximately $25 per semester and are listed in the Tuition and Fees section of this Bulletin and are automatically billed to the student’s account through the Bursar’s Office.
Health Requirements: Prior to beginning clinical observations and yearly thereafter, students must complete training in blood-borne pathogens/standard precautions, HIPAA, hazardous communication, fire safety, and Tuberculosis (TB). Students are required to present proof of the following immunizations and screenings to the School of Nursing: TB test using CDC guidelines for two step method or QuantiFERON Gold or T-spot test is accepted (Lab report required) or chest X- ray; measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination (2 dose series) or immunity (positive titer lab report for all 3 components required; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap); Hepatitis B vaccination (2 or 3 dose series), or immunity (positive titer lab report); varicella vaccination (2 dose series) or immunity (positive titer lab report); flu vaccination; and COVID-19 vaccination. These may be done at the health center on campus or at a private physician’s office or local health department. Students must also have their healthcare provider complete the “Performance Standards” document confirming the students’ abilities in eight categories.
Transportation and Uniforms: Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical areas and for providing their own uniforms, in accordance with the program dress code. See the Nursing Student Handbook for dress code. Scrubs and white lab coat can be purchased for approximately $100-$125.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Basic Life Support (BLS) Issued by American Heart Association (AHA) ONLY. Prior to sophomore admission and every year thereafter, nursing students must provide documentation of American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification. Cost is approximately $60-$100 for initial certification.
Equipment: Additional supplies and equipment for clinical courses must be purchased in the sophomore and junior years. These are listed as Lab kit, virtual simulation and simulation fees and are listed in the Tuition and Fees section of this Bulletin and are automatically billed to the student’s account through the Bursar’s Office.
New nursing students must have a laptop computer capable of running the minimum system requirements. Please review the University of Tulsa Technology Requirements for Students as a foundation for success in the traditional BSN program. In addition to these University requirements, the School of Nursing requires that all students have access to a laptop or computer equipped with a dedicated web camera, which may be needed for remotely proctored assessments, virtual class presentation, and virtual meetings with faculty. While tablets such as iPads can be useful for studying and general coursework, they are not approved for use during remote proctoring in nursing courses. All students must ensure their devices meet the necessary specifications to support any required proctoring or testing platforms used throughout the program. You will need to have the rights to install software such as LockDown Browser (LDB). Where LDB is required, it can only be installed on a Windows (not S mode), Mac or iPad device. NOTE: Some of our campus systems do not work with Chromebook, Linux or Android.
Scheduling System Fee: The University of Tulsa uses a scheduling system to schedule clinical experiences and for clinical agencies to obtain information about students using their agencies. Students must pay an annual fee of approximately $35.00 directly through the scheduling system.
NCLEX Preparation and Readiness Program: Students are required to participate in an intensive, in-person NCLEX preparation and readiness program selected by the University of Tulsa in their final semester prior to graduation. Students are responsible for all associated fees to activate and access the required NCLEX preparation program. The cost is estimated at approximately $600.00 and is subject to change based on current market pricing.
Nursing Scholarships
Grants, loans, and work-study opportunities are available through the University’s Office of Student Financial Services. Scholarship funds, such as the Nettie M. Jones Foundation scholarships, have been established for the School of Nursing. To apply for a nursing scholarship, a student must be admitted to The University of Tulsa, complete the FAFSA financial aid form, and have the results sent to the University each spring semester.
Additional funds may be awarded directly to the student for junior and senior years by Tulsa-area hospitals. Students repay these additional funds by working for the funding institution after graduation. Out-of-town students who plan to return home after graduation should check with their local hospitals for similar financial assistance.
Licensure
The University of Tulsa cannot guarantee that completion of the baccalaureate program of nursing will enable a graduate to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination.
Applicants for Licensure
The University of Tulsa School of Nursing is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Prelicensure BSN students are responsible for all fees related to the licensure process, including those required by the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice, as well as fees to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for NCLEX testing services.
Completion of the BSN program signifies that a student has demonstrated the academic and clinical competencies necessary for safe, entry-level nursing practice. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
However, eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain licensure is ultimately determined by the individual state board of nursing. The University of Tulsa cannot guarantee that completion of the BSN program will ensure eligibility for licensure, particularly for students with prior arrests or conviction records. Each state’s Nurse Practice Act outlines specific licensure criteria, and some states may restrict licensure for individuals with violent misdemeanors or felony convictions.
If seeking licensure outside of Oklahoma, students must contact the board of nursing in the state where they intend to practice to confirm all licensure requirements, including those related to citizenship, residency, or criminal history. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and comply with the licensure process for the state in which they plan to seek employment.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the undergraduate program in nursing will:
- Value the dignity and worth of humans acknowledging biopsychosocial and cultural stimuli that influence adaptation.
- Utilize adaptation theory in decision-making and assisting individuals, families and communities to achieve their maximum level of adaption.
- Use problem-solving skills, critical thinking, independent judgment and continual evaluation to improve nursing care.
- Evaluate and utilize research and theoretical and empirical knowledge from the humanities and physical and behavioral sciences in nursing practice.
- Utilize leadership skills, accepting responsibility and being accountable for choices of nursing interventions to promote adaptation.
- Collaborate with colleagues on the interdisciplinary health team and serve as an advocate to promote health and welfare of patients through the political and professional process.
- Critically reflect on local, state and national health needs and effective changes to improve health care.
- Demonstrate development of self and the profession in order to promote quality health care.
