The Distance Accelerated BSN Online Track is designed for students with a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline who wish to become nurses. Designed with a combination of asynchronous online courses and clinical experiences, the TU nursing degree intricately threads research and leadership throughout the curriculum to provide a robust academic experience. This intentionality equips graduates for leadership roles within the healthcare system and ultimate success in graduate programs.
Admission
Due to the cohort-based clinical model, admission is currently limited to students residing in approved geographic regions where clinical placements are established. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The following requirements must be met for admission to this program:
- A completed application
- An undergraduate bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official Transcripts from all schools attended.
- Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org).
- Resume
Documentation of required immunizations, criminal background check, drug screen, BLS certificate, and any additional information that might be required from affiliated healthcare agencies within the first 8 weeks of enrollment.
Students Previously Enrolled in a Pre-licensure Nursing Program
At the University of Tulsa, we understand that students may seek a new academic environment to better align with their goals, values, or personal circumstances. Applicants who have previously completed nursing coursework at other institutions may be considered for admission to the ABSN program 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 in their online application.
- All previously completed nursing coursework must be repeated within the TU ABSN curriculum; no transfer credit will be granted for prior nursing courses without approval from the ABSN Program Director.
Applicants who have failed previous nursing coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis, contingent upon space availability within the cohort.
The following requirements must be met for admission to this program:
English Proficiency Requirement
The University of Tulsa and the School of Nursing require demonstration of English proficiency. Non-native English speakers must have a TOEFL score of 85 on the internet-based examination with subscore of 26 for speaking or have an IELTS overall score of 7.5 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.
Background Check and Drug Screen
Students must initiate and pass a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen through the TU-approved vendor prior to admission and annually thereafter. The background cost is approximately $55.00, but varies depending on the location of permanent residence. The Drug Screen 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.
Onsite Component
A one week clinical intensive with focus on health assessment, nursing skills, and simulated learning is required as part of the program and a prerequisite to all practicum courses. Students are responsible for associated travel and hotel fees during the onsite skills lab.
Licensure
Applicants to the program should contact the licensing authority or Department of Education in the state or states in which they intend to practice for specific rules and regulations pertaining to completion of clinical learning experiences in that state when enrolled in a distance-accessible program. Graduates of the program meet the requirements to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), but passing the examination and licensing are not guaranteed.
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.
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.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Coursework
To be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree, students in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program must successfully complete a minimum of 120 credit hours as outlined below:
- Prerequisites: 12 credit hours*
- Tulsa Core Curriculum & First Year Experience (FYE): 31 hours*
- Nursing Major Coursework: 60 credit hours
- Nursing Foundation Courses: 11 credit hours
- Nursing Major Elective: 3 credit hours
- General Elective: 3 credit hours
- Total Hours Required for Degree: 120 credit hours
* Students admitted to the Accelerated B.S.N. pathway enter with a prior bachelor’s degree or equivalent general education foundation. Therefore, the Tulsa Core Curriculum and First Year Experience (FYE) requirements are waived for ABSN students. Additional courses may be required after an evaluation of possible prerequisite and/or transfer credit.
All students must meet progression standards as stated in the School of Nursing Handbook and University Bulletin. Nursing courses must be completed in the prescribed sequence, and a grade of “C” or higher is required in all prerequisites, foundations, and nursing major courses to progress in the program.
