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91Ӱ�� and Oklahoma City University inked an articulation agreement aimed at bolstering the nursing workforce and facilitating seamless academic transfers for students.

A signing ceremony held at 91Ӱ��’s Metro Campus celebrated the initial agreement that prioritizes the nursing field and highlights a strategic collaboration between 91Ӱ�� and OCU. By clarifying transfer policies that assure consistency between academic programs, both institutions seek to create a smooth transfer experience from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program.

“91Ӱ�� is proud to partner with Oklahoma City University to tackle the pressing shortage of qualified nurses in the state,” said 91Ӱ�� CEO and President Leigh Goodson, Ph.D. “Together we are creating clear transfer pathways to guarantee opportunities for continued education to our students who will soon play critical roles in the healthcare industry.”

Under the agreement, 91Ӱ�� students graduating with an Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at OCU. Clear and structured transfer pathways have been established for students to transition from 91Ӱ�� to OCU. Courses completed as part of the Associate of Science degree at 91Ӱ�� that do not fulfill general education requirements at both institutions will transfer to OCU as electives, allowing students to maximize their credits.

“We are proud of the impact our nursing graduates have had within the state and national health care landscapes,” OCU President Kenneth Evans, Ph.D., said. “Our priority is to continue preparing future health care leaders to address the nursing shortage, while providing key scholarships to make quality nursing degrees more accessible for students in Tulsa and around the state.”

According to the , the average annual salary for a registered nurse in Oklahoma is $82,110. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree at OCU, students can expect to gain a competitive edge in the job market, with opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential.

In Spring 2023, 91Ӱ�� saw nearly 400 students enrolled in the College’s Associate of Applied Science Nursing degree program and more than 1,200 in the Associate of Science Pre-Nursing degree program.

“Increasing access to an exceptional nursing education is critical to meeting the healthcare needs of our communities,” said 91Ӱ�� Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Angela Sivadon, Ph.D. “With this agreement, our graduates can continue their academics at Oklahoma City University where they will develop additional nursing qualifications.”

On top of in-person courses for students to learn baccalaureate-level nursing skills, OCU’s online RN to BSN program provides flexibility and accessibility for working professionals or students with other commitments. Furthermore, OCU offers transfer scholarships to eligible 91Ӱ�� students, easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

“We strive to meet our students where they are through our core principles of caring, kindness and respect,” said Gina Crawford, Dean of the Kramer School of Nursing. “Whether you’re just starting out on your nursing journey or are transferring to OCU from a school like 91Ӱ��, we are here to guide and support you along the way.”

Two additional transfer maps with Oklahoma City University have recently been established:

• Associate of Arts in Communication Arts & Technologies at 91Ӱ�� to Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication: Strategic Communications at Oklahoma City University
• Associate of Arts in Communication Arts & Technologies at 91Ӱ�� to Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication: Multimedia Journalism & Broadcast Production at Oklahoma City University

These agreements represent a major achievement in advancing educational opportunities and addressing workforce needs. 91Ӱ�� and OCU are proud to join forces in shaping the future of Oklahoma through excellence in education and collaboration.