Nursing Science – Beginning Track Program
Program Goals & Overview
Welcome to the Rose State College Associate of Applied Science Nursing degree program!
The Beginning Track is open to all eligible students, including LPNs and Paramedics (who may also consider the Career Ladder Program). Established in 1981, the Nursing Science AAS degree is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to apply for licensure by examination (NCLEX-RN) in Oklahoma, any other state in the US, and other jurisdictions specified by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (31 hours)
All courses on the Nursing Science degree must earn a “C” or better to be eligible for graduation.
English Composition (6 hours)
- ENGL 1113 English Composition I+
- ENGL 1213 English Composition II+
U.S. History/U.S. Government (6 hours)
- HIST 1483 U.S. History to 1877
or HIST 1493 U.S. History Since 1877 - POLS 1113 American Federal Government
Sciences (16 hours)
- BIOL 2424 Human Physiology+
- CHEM 1114 Introductory Chemistry+
- HSBC 1224 Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
- HSBC 2114 Human Anatomy+
Liberal Arts (3 hours)
- PSYC 1113 Introduction to Psychology
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (36 hours)
Program Director permission required for enrollment in all HSNS courses.- HSNS 1111 Introduction to Professional Nursing Skills*
- HSNS 1118 Professional Nursing Concepts I+* ***
- HSNS 1219 Professional Nursing Concepts II+* ***
- HSNS 2119 Professional Nursing Concepts III+
- HSNS 2219 Professional Nursing Concepts IV+
SUPPORT & RELATED REQUIREMENTS (3-7 hours)
Completion of these courses may be required prior to program admission.
- HSNS 1214 Concepts for Transition to Professional Nursing Practice+ **
- HSBC 1113 Medical Terminology
+Check course description for prerequisites that must be met.
*Beginning Track Students only
**Career Ladder Track Students only
***Career Ladder Track students are eligible to receive credit for these courses by advance standing or challenge examination (5 credits for HSNS 1118; full credit for HSNS 1218). Students must meet additional requirements in order to enter the Nursing Science Program by advanced standing. See Nursing Science Program Advisement for Career Ladder Track and application for further information.
NOTE: Students should be aware that they may be required to take developmental, “0-level,” or prerequisite courses before being allowed to enroll in degree requirements.
Suggested Order of Enrollment
Consult with the Health Sciences division advisor each semester to verify that selected courses will fulfill degree requirements. Check the College Catalog and/or class schedule for course offering specifics. The “+” symbol represents a prerequisite for the course. Any course offering is subject to change without notice.
Beginning Track
The Beginning Track can be completed in 4 semesters after completion of required prerequisite coursework. Nursing classes must be taken in consecutive order upon acceptance to the program.
Career Ladder Track (Qualified LPNs and Paramedics only)
The Career Ladder Track can be completed in 2 semesters after completion of required prerequisite coursework. Nursing classes must be taken in consecutive order upon acceptance to the program. Career Ladder applicants enter the Nursing program in the 3rd semester.
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Prerequisites
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Program | |
Semester I
| Semester II
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Semester III
| Semester IV
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The Nursing Science AAS degree is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Upon completion of the curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to apply for licensure by examination (NCLEX-RN) in Oklahoma, any other state in the US, and other jurisdictions specified by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (www.ncsbn.org).
Many colleges in Oklahoma offer RN to BSN bridge programs for those students who would like to continue their education. Depending on the university a student attends, classes may be on-campus or online and can be completed in as little as two semesters.
Students who are interested in a BSN, without first receiving RN credentials, should visit RSC’s Baccalaureate Track-Nursing degree in the STEM division for more information.
Career Information
Registered nurses (RNs) promote health, prevent disease, and assist patients with illness. They observe, assess, record symptoms, and support physicians in treatments. RNs administer medications, develop care plans, educate patients and families, and help individuals improve or maintain their health.
RNs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, home health care agencies, and nursing homes. They often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, due to the 24-hour nature of patient care.
Registered Nursing is the largest health care occupation. Employment trends indicate Registered Nursing to be one of the fastest-growing occupations for the next ten years. As health care becomes more diversified, new roles for the registered nurse will be created, bringing broader employment opportunities.
What is the difference between an RN with an Associate Degree and an RN with a Baccalaureate Degree?
The Registered Nurse (RN) license is considered a general practice certification. Coursework in all registered nursing programs is to provide students a thorough background for practice in a variety of specialty areas. Graduates of all registered nursing programs apply to take the same licensure exam, the NCLEX-RN, and once licensed, are eligible to apply for employment in a variety of settings including specialty areas such as obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, critical care, home health and hospice. Baccalaureate Degree programs require additional general education and support coursework above what’s required for the Associate Degree and nursing coursework includes additional credit hours in community health nursing, administration and research.
The nursing program at Rose State College, located in Midwest City, OK, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the nursing program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF UPCOMING ACCREDITATION REVIEW VISIT BY THE ACEN
Rose State College wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree nursing program by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Room 114 of the Tannenbaum Aerospace & Cybersecurity Center (TACC) located at 1720 Hudiburg Dr, Midwest City, OK 73110.
Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at [email protected] or to the ACEN office:
Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326
All written comments should be received by the ACEN by September 2, 2025*.
*Comments are due two weeks prior to the scheduled visit.
Applications are accepted from July 1 through September 1 for spring program entry and from February 1 through April 1 for fall program entry.
All requested documents must be received by the last day of the application period. If the last day of the application period falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline for submission will be the last working day preceding the deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications and supporting documents can be submitted to the Nursing Program Office in the Health Sciences Center, room 152, or the Health Sciences Division Office, room 101, or emailed to [email protected]. If emailed, documents must be scanned and submitted in PDF format. Photos will not be accepted. If you do not have access to a scanner, bring your application to the Nursing Office or Health Sciences Division Office.
The following application procedure should serve as a guide when applying to the program.
- Apply to Rose State College (if not currently enrolled).
- Applicants must be admitted to the college through the Admissions office before application to the Nursing Science Program can be made.
- Official college transcripts(s) of coursework not completed at Rose State College must be submitted to the Admissions office.
- Submit a request for a degree audit for the Nursing Science Program. (Only required if the student has out-of-state credits)
The applicant pool consists of all applicants who meet minimum admission criteria and can complete any remaining prerequisite requirements prior to enrollment in the program. Candidates are ranked numerically based on the point criteria outlined below. Selections for admission begin with the candidate with the highest points and continue down the applicant pool list until all available spots for that class are filled.
Applicants are notified of acceptance around the first week of May and October.
Criteria for Program Selection
The minimum number of points required for acceptance will vary from one application period to another, based on the competitiveness of the application pool. Please refer to the Program Application tab for the current application requirements.
Cost
2025-2026 Estimated Costs – Beginning Track
In-state Tuition and Fees: $171.00 per credit hour
Estimated Cost—Pre-program
| Application to the College | $15 |
| *Tuition and fees (35 credit hours – additional lab fees may apply) | $5,985 |
Books | $1,800 |
Costs upon program acceptance – paid directly by student to outside vendors: Immunizations, certifications, and lab testing (Estimated) Expanded background check Drug screening Clinical Exchange Prac-Safe fee ($50 per year) ExamSoft fee ($50 per semester) | $400 $49 $35 $39 $100 $200 |
| Sub-total | $8,263.00 |
Estimated Cost—Program
| *Tuition and fees (36 credit hours – additional lab fees may apply) | $6,156 |
| Assessment Fee ($90.00 per semester) | $360 |
| Books – (1/2 paid in first semester, 1/2 paid in third semester) | $3384 |
| Lab Jacket, Shoes, Uniform & patch (Estimated) | $200 |
| Liability Insurance ($15 per year) | $30 |
| Parking fees ($5.00 per semester) | $20 |
| Student ID Card ($5.00 per semester) | $20 |
Other Associated Costs – Paid directly by student
| NCLEX-RN Licensure | $285 |
| Fingerprint Background Check (@ graduation) | $53 |
| *Graduation Fee | $15 |
| Estimated Total Program Cost | $10,523.00 |
| Estimated Total | $19,146.00 |
Nursing Science Program Application
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of a “C” or higher by the time students start the program. Students may apply while they are completing the last of the general education and support/related coursework.
All program courses (HSNS) from the prior semester must be completed with a “C” or better to progress to the next semester. Failure to attain the minimum grade in HSNS program courses will result in a “stop-out” and require readmission to the program. Readmission will be based upon space availability. Students may be readmitted only one time.
Please see the Advisement Tab for the list of required pre-requisites.
Professional Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | |
| First Semester (9 credit hours) | ||
| HSNS1111 | Introduction to Professional Nursing Skills | |
| HSNS 1118 | Professional Nursing Concepts I | |
| Second Semester (9 credit hours) | ||
| HSNS 1219 | Professional Nursing Concepts II | |
| Third Semester (9 credit hours) | ||
| HSNS 2119 | Professional Nursing Concepts III | |
| Fourth Semester (9 credit hours) | ||
| HSNS 2219 | Professional Nursing Concepts IV | |
Rose State College will provide reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities in order for students to have access to educational programs and services. Students requiring accommodations should contact the Student Access Services (SAS) office at least one week prior to the need for accommodations. SAS, located in the Learning Resources Center, Room 106, can also be contacted at (405) 733-7373.
Student Achievement Data | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | |||
Campus Grads | 84.38% | 89.58% | 100% |
Online Grads | 100% | 87.50% | 100% |
National Pass Rate | 79.91% | 88.56% | 91.16% |
Oklahoma Pass Rate | 78.67% | 87.48% | 88.42% |
Student Achievement Data | 2023-24 |
Program Completion Rate (200% Time Frame) | 87.5% |
For more information, contact:
Nicole Mitscher
Health Science Division Advisor
(405) 733-7562
[email protected]
OBN Requirements for Licensure Guideline
OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING Requirements for Licensure as a Registered Nurse OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING 2915 North Classen Boulevard, Suite 524 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 405-962-1800 I. In an effort to provide accurate and appropriate information in the bulletins and catalogues of nursing education programs, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing recommends a statement for inclusion in the bulletin/catalogue of each nursing education program. All other references to the role/responsibility of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing should be deleted. II. The following statement is the appropriate designation of the role/responsibility of the Oklahoma Board or Nursing in the nursing education program bulletin/catalog:- A. The Rose State College Nursing Science program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing. In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program that meets educational requirements and successfully passing the licensure examination, requirements include submission of an application for licensure, a criminal history records search, and evidence of citizenship or qualified alien status [59 O.S. §§567.5 & 567.6]. To be granted a license, an applicant must have the legal right to be in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621). In addition, Oklahoma law only allows a license to be issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent resident aliens. Other qualified aliens may be issued a temporary license that is valid until the expiration of their visa status, or if there is no expiration date, for one year. Applicants who are qualified aliens must present to the Board office, in person, valid documentary evidence of:1. A valid, unexpired immigrant or non-immigrant visa status for admission into the United States; 2. A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States; 3. Admission into the United States in refugee status; 4. A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States; 5. Approved deferred action status; or 6. A pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident status or conditional resident status.The Board has the authority to deny a license, recognition or certificate; issue a license, recognition or certificate with conditions and/or an administrative penalty; or to issue and otherwise discipline a license, recognition or certificate to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on any professional or occupational license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. §567.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony convictions. Potential applicants to state-approved education programs, with a criminal history, may obtain an initial determination of eligibility for licensure or certification from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for a fee. The initial determination of eligibility for licensure petition can be accessed at http://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf.
Mandatory Clinical Requirements
To meet the contract requirements of our clinical facilities, proof of completion of all the clinical requirements listed below must be provided by the designated deadline date in order to be enrolled in the Nursing Science Program. Documentary proof must be emailed to [email protected] or brought to the nursing office. If your documentation has not been provided by that date your spot in the Program will be offered to an alternate applicant. It is not necessary to wait until you have completed all of the vaccines/titers. You may email each document as soon as you have it if you wish. PLEASE NOTE: All documents that are emailed must be scanned and attached as PDFs. PHOTOS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. You will be notified of the deadline date upon acceptance.
- TB/PPD/X-ray: You will need to provide TWO Negative PPDs (TB skin test), given at least 1 week apart and no more than 1 year apart, or ONE TB Gold (Quantiferon) blood test. If a TB skin test is or has ever been positive, a recent negative chest X-ray and recent statement of readiness for public contact from a medical doctor is required as well as documentation of the date of the positive test. The county health department can assist with this. The TB test must be renewed yearly.
- MMR: You will need proof of Positive Rubella, Rubeola and Mumps titers, or complete MMR immunization series (TWO doses received after the age of one year).
- Influenza Vaccine: Provide proof of your most recent flu vaccine. If you have never received one, wait until the new vaccine is available in early fall and get it then.
- Hepatitis B: You will need proof of positive Hepatitis B titer or complete immunization series (THREE childhood doses, or TWO adult doses if received after 1991), or a signed declination form (can be signed at nursing department).
- Tdap: (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) Adult dose booster (Tdap adsorbed). Must have been received on or after the age of 18 and must be renewed every ten years.
- Varicella: (Chicken Pox) Provide proof of a positive titer or completion of immunization series (TWO doses given at least 1 month apart). Chicken Pox history is not acceptable.
- NOTE: The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required; however, if you have taken it, we would like to have a record, so please provide that document if you have done so.
- Negative Background Check. You will receive an email with a link to do this at the proper time.
- Negative Drug Screen: You will receive instructions.
- Liability Insurance—Nursing program provides proof.
- BLS/CPR: Provide proof that you have completed the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider No others are accepted!!
Please feel free to call the Nursing Program Office at (405) 736-0337 if you have any questions about these requirements and/or documentation to provide.