Program Overview
A fast-paced path into nursing at Oklahoma’s flagship academic health center — the University of Oklahoma’s College of Nursing condenses 60 credit hours into 14 months at the OU Health Sciences Center, pairing a 92% first-time NCLEX pass rate with affordable in-state tuition.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at the University of Oklahoma is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or higher degree in a non-nursing major and want to move quickly into a nursing career. Delivered through the OU College of Nursing at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City — Oklahoma’s flagship academic health center — the program packs 60 credit hours of theoretical and clinical content into 14 months of concentrated, full-time study.
The program admits one cohort per year, starting in the summer, and prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The baccalaureate nursing program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. The University of Oklahoma is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Per Oklahoma Board of Nursing data, University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City reported a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92.05% in 2024 (302 candidates). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
ABSN Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive, and the program admits a single full-time cohort each summer. Requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of 61 credit hours of prerequisite coursework, with at least 30 hours completed at the time of application
- A grade of C or better in every prerequisite course
- Minimum cumulative (last-60-hour) GPA of 2.5 and a science GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- At least two of the four laboratory science prerequisites completed prior to application (one science prerequisite is required at application to calculate the science GPA)
- All prerequisites completed before enrollment if admitted
OUHSC operates on a semester credit-hour system; applicants transferring from institutions on trimester or quarter-hour systems should consult an advisor on how coursework transfers.
Curriculum
The nursing curriculum totals 60 credit hours of integrated theoretical and clinical content, completed in 14 months of concentrated full-time study across a sequence of summer, fall, spring, and intersession terms. Graduates are prepared to provide entry-level, safe, competent, ethical care to culturally diverse individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan.
Summer Semester I (11 weeks, 12 credits) & August Intersession
NURS 3023 – Clinical Nursing (3)
Introduces the fundamental skills for nursing practice, including therapeutic, culturally sensitive interventions and health promotion across diverse populations. Students apply these skills in varied clinical settings.
NURS 3033 – Human Experience in Health & Common Illness (3)
Provides a foundation for patient-centered care focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and common illness management. Emphasizes the biological, psychological, cultural, and environmental determinants of health across the lifespan.
NURS 3043 – Health Assessment (3)
Develops skills for conducting comprehensive health assessments, including health history collection and physical examination. Emphasizes communication, safety, and health promotion.
NURS 3073 – Introduction to Professional Nursing (3)
Introduces the principles of professional nursing practice, including scope and standards, ethical responsibilities, and foundational nursing roles.
Summer Intersession (2 weeks, 2 credits)
NURS 3162 – Human Experience of Disability (2)
An online course on nursing care for individuals and families experiencing disabilities. Students design care plans that maximize health and support adaptation to lifestyle changes.
Fall Semester (16 weeks, 15 credits)
NURS 3083 – Pharmacology in Nursing (3)
Builds the knowledge to safely administer medications and manage drug therapies across the lifespan. Covers drug classifications, dosages, and side effects with a focus on patient safety.
NURS 3134 – Human Experience in Acute & Chronic Illness I (4)
Explores the theoretical foundations for managing acute and chronic illnesses. Students develop patient-centered care plans for various pathophysiological conditions.
NURS 3114 – Clinical Nursing II (4)
Builds on prior clinical experience to strengthen patient care across the illness-wellness continuum. Emphasizes culturally sensitive care, collaboration, advocacy, and quality improvement.
NURS 3054 – Psychosocial Nursing (4)
Focuses on the psychosocial aspects of nursing care, including mental health, emotional well-being, and cultural factors, applying theory to real-world scenarios.
December Intersession (2 weeks, 3 credits)
NURS 4163 – Contemporary Professional Issues (3)
Examines current trends and challenges in nursing, including healthcare policy and legal and ethical considerations, and how to address them in practice.
Spring Semester (16 weeks, 15 credits)
NURS 4144 – Family-Focused Nursing (4)
Provides a foundation for family-centered care, emphasizing reproductive health, childbearing, and common family health concerns.
NURS 4034 – Human Experience in Acute & Chronic Illness II (4)
Builds on Illness I to address patients with complex, multifaceted acute and chronic conditions, applying advanced patient-centered care strategies.
NURS 4143 – Community Focused Nursing (3)
Integrates nursing, social, and public health sciences to promote health and prevent disease in populations, with emphasis on addressing health disparities.
NURS 4054 – Clinical Nursing III (4)
Students manage care for individuals and families with complex health needs, using evidence-based practice and health informatics to improve outcomes.
May Intersession (3 weeks, 3 credits)
NURS 4063 – Nursing Research (3)
Introduces nursing research and evidence-based practice. Students critically evaluate research studies and apply findings to clinical practice.
Summer Semester (10 credits)
NURS 4124 – Clinical Nursing IV (4)
An advanced clinical course emphasizing care coordination and leadership. Students manage care for individuals and populations using quality improvement strategies and health information systems.
NURS 4123 – Leadership in Nursing Practice (3)
A capstone exploring leadership principles for modern healthcare, applying leadership theories to clinical practice and healthcare management challenges.
NURS 4213 – Human Experience in Health & Chronic Illness III (3)
Synthesizes prior learning to manage multi-system health conditions. Students develop advanced care plans for patients with complex health issues.
More detail is available in the OU Health Sciences accelerated BSN catalog.
Clinical Experience
Students gain hands-on clinical experience at healthcare facilities in the Oklahoma City area, integrated throughout the program. As part of the OU Health Sciences Center — home to OU Health, the state’s comprehensive academic health system — the program offers exposure to a wide range of patient populations and care settings, complemented by skills and simulation practice.
Tuition
Based on OU Health Sciences Center’s 2025-26 tuition and fee estimate for the full-time Accelerated BSN, total tuition and fees for the 60-credit program are approximately $24,500 for Oklahoma residents and $61,200 for nonresidents (resident tuition is about $190 per credit hour; nonresident about $801 per credit hour, plus mandatory and college fees).
Additional university and nursing fees may apply. Confirm current figures via the OUHSC Bursar’s Office and the official program page.