Eligibility, Admissions, and Progression Process

ELIGIBILITY

Due to the strenuous nature of nursing and practice orientation of Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing program, the School reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any student to enroll or continue in the nursing program. This decision is based on considerations including, but not limited to, characteristics required of a professional nurse. Eligibility is determined by the faculty's evaluation of a student's ability to perform the skills necessary to complete the course objectives, and includes attitudinal and behavioral components. These elements are re-evaluated each semester.

ADMISSION

• Admission to the university. The online application form is available here.  The following items are required components of the application:

        • Official transcripts showing bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and any post-master’s coursework received directly from the university where the credits were earned
        • Demonstrated competency in word processing, basic spreadsheet use, presentation software, and internet skills 
        • Personally written essay describing how the DNP will help the applicant achieve life and career goals
        • Dean of Students recommendation received directly from the university where post-master’s degree courses were taken, if currently enrolled in another institution
        • Current curriculum vitae

• Current active Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) liscense or approved national certification (international students will be considered on a case-by-case basis relevant to their counrty's equivalent)
• A master’s degree in nursing (or related field for administration track)
• Graduate GPA of 3.250 or higher
• TOEFL score of 550 or higher, if confirmation of English proficiency is required 
• No GRE required 

Although not required for admission, the following requirements must be met as specified if the student is admitted to the program:

• Health requirements specified by each agency where clinical and practical experiences will occur, including immunizations and health tests

• Background checks and drug screenings required by any clinical facility where a patient care practicum may be conducted

Application Deadline and Selection Process

For 2012, applications received by June 1 will receive priority consideration. In 2013, applications received by April 1 will receive priority consideration.  Submit all materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. A maximum of six will be admitted.  To apply, please click here. 

The Kramer School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee will then review and score the applications.  A copy of the scoring system is available from Nicole Allison-Catalfu, Graduate Specialist, at neallisoncatalfu@okcu.edu. Top applicants may be invited to an interview with the committee. Interviews of students living at a distance can be conducted by telephone. The interviews will validate and verify application materials and evaluate verbal communication skills.

Transfer of Credit

Each student accepted into the DNP program is to meet with the assigned advisor prior to the first semester. Graduate transcripts will be reviewed and a Degree Completion Plan will be developed. Previous graduate work will be evaluated to determine readiness for the DNP completion process. Requests for transfer credit must be submitted on the university’s “Student Petition” form. This process is to precede the finalization of the formal Degree Completion Plan. Once the Degree Completion Plan is developed, approved by the advisor, and accepted by the student, no transfer of credit from previous study will be accepted.

PROGRESSION

Students in the DNP program must maintain continuous enrollment in the program as specified in the individualized Degree Completion Plan. The DNP student has five years to complete the program. If the program is not finished within the designated time, additional coursework may be required or the student may not be allowed to continue. If the student wishes to remain in the program, a formal written request for extension must be made by the student and approved by the advisor and program Chair.

To progress, the student must have passed all prerequisite courses. To graduate, the student must have passed all required courses, have earned the necessary number of graduate hours, and have met all other graduation requirements. A grade below a B- is considered failing in doctoral work. The student may retake one course. A second failure in that course or in another course will result in dismissal from the program.

Residency Requirement

The DNP program is designed for individuals who work full-time and who may or may not be geographically located within driving distance of OCU. Therefore, the residency requirement will be met by maintaining year-round (including summers) continuous enrollment (unless on an approved leave of absence) and by coming to campus for all the following:

• On-campus class meetings held once a semester
• Oral defense of capstone project
• Other visits to campus required by faculty approved by the program Chair


Graduation Requirements

Procedure as established by the Registrar’s Office will be followed for authorizing completion of all requirements and eligibility for graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the required signatures and releases for graduation. Failure to complete the process will delay posting of the degree and the release of the diploma and official transcript verifying degree completion.

Graduation requirements include successful completion of all required coursework and credit hours, successful capstone project and oral defense, compliance with residency requirements, and a graduation GPA of at least 3.0. Only after successful completion of all requirements will the student be eligible to participate in university graduation ceremonies.