Nursing
Nursing Degrees From Oklahoma City Community College
Learn from the best in this respected program and enter an in-demand profession.
If you want to join a career field that is full of personal and professional rewards, becoming a nurse could be for you.
Qualified, skilled nurses are in high demand worldwide. In fact, by the year 2020, there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses. That’s because the global population is living longer and requiring more from health care providers.
At Oklahoma City Community College, you can begin your studies and work toward an associate degree in applied science in one of three nursing program pathways:
You must apply and be accepted as an OCCC student in order to apply for acceptance into the nursing program.
Contact an academic advisor to give you direction on the best plan of study for you or to find out how to apply.
Information on deadlines for application submission can be found in the current class schedule under Academic Calendar: http://www.occc.edu/schedule/index.html
Each class will be selected from eligible applicants who have been ranked according to a preference point system (see application). Remaining applicants will be placed on an alternate list.
Please see the Prospective Student Information Letters located on the OCCC Nursing webpage for additional information (including admission process, curriculum patterns, estimated costs, clinical requirements, and licensure as a registered nurse).
Are you ready to start your career? Complete an online community college admissions application today !
Accreditation – fully accredited/approved by the:
- National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
Website: www.nlnac.org - Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 North Classen Blvd., Suite 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Phone: 405-962-1800
Website: www.ok.gov/nursing
Accepts up to 288 students per academic year into three nursing pathways:
- Accepts 72 students each fall and spring into the traditional pathway
- Accepts 72 students each summer into the accelerated pathway
- Accepts 72 students each fall into the career ladder pathway
Three fully equipped campus labs with state of the art equipment and technologies: www.occc.edu/nccl/
Following completion of this program, graduates will be skilled practitioners who:
- Apply the nursing process in practice using clinical reasoning and decision-making competencies, communication competencies, and nursing skills which include technology and informatics necessary for safe, quality, and evidence-based practice in contemporary healthcare systems
- Collaborate effectively with others in assessing, analyzing, planning, providing, and evaluating client-centered care within complex healthcare systems.
- Practice safe, quality nursing care within healthcare teams in a caring manner to meet the multi-dimensional needs of clients, whether individual, family, groups, or community.
- Act in accordance with an understanding of and commitment to professional role expectations, which include the values, ethics, legalities, and standards for entry-level nursing practice.
Nursing Degrees at Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City Community College offers:
- An associate degree in applied science in nursing, traditional: This nursing degree program provides the educational experiences necessary for entry into nursing practice as a Registered Nurse.Credits earned in this program may apply toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
- An associate degree in applied science in nursing, career ladder pathway: This nursing degree program is designed to meet the needs of a student who is currently a licensed LPN or Oklahoma-licensed paramedic who would like to earn registered nurse status. Credits earned in this program may apply toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
- An associate degree in applied science in nursing, baccalaureate to associate degree nurse accelerated pathway: This nursing degree program is for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in another area of study from a regionally accredited college or university. It takes into account the credit hours accumulated and provides an accelerated opportunity for completing nursing major courses. Credits earned in this program may apply toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
Nursing Classes at Oklahoma City Community College
In the nursing program at Oklahoma City Community
College, your major courses of study will include:
- Overview of Nursing (Elective class for preference points)
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (Elective class for preference points)
- Nursing Transition I and II (Career Ladder Pathway students only)
- Nursing Process I, II, III, and IV) (All traditional and accelerated students must complete these courses.)
- Nursing Process III and IV (Career Ladder Pathway students also take these courses.)
Visit OCCC’s online course catalog for full details on your nursing degree program.
You can also check the current community college class schedule for course availability.
Deborah Myers, MS, RNC
Nursing Program Director
I graduated from the OUCN with a Bachelor's in nursing in 1979 and a Master's in nursing in 1987. I started my nursing career in the neonatal ICU at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. After leaving the NICU I worked in labor and delivery, pediatrics, and maternal/newborn over the next 28 years, serving in many staff, mid-level and upper management positions. I came to work at OCCC in 1999 as an adjunct faculty and worked in various roles within the nursing program until accepting the nursing program director position in 2011.
Terri Walker
Assistant Nursing Program Director/Team Leader NPIV
I was born at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Neb. Lived in several places before father retired from Air Force to live here in OKC in 1969. I attended high school at Robinson Senior High School in Tampa, Florida and Capitol Hill High School in OKC. I attended OCCC when it was South Oklahoma City Junior College for my Associates of Science in Nursing, UCO, OU, and Bartlesville Wesleyan (now Oklahoma Wesleyan) for my BSN, and last I attended UOP for my MSN. I have attended OCCC in various classes since it opened (including my ADN nursing degree). I have always said I would come back and teach here. As a child I loved to play nurse and teacher so my career now includes both loves. I enjoy helping to educate our future nurses. I am the Nursing Program Associate Director so I am no longer teaching a course.
Traci Boren
Professor of Nursing
My name is Traci Boren and I am faculty member in the BADNAP nursing program. I graduated from the OU College of Nursing with my BSN in 1998 and my MS in Nursing Education in 2008. I spent 8 ½ years in the Army National Guard as a medic, LPN and then an RN. I am currently working as a perioperative nurse and truly enjoy being in the operating room. I am married, have a son in Elementary school and a variety of pets. I love hiking/camping, reading, movies and traveling. I love teaching here at OCCC and feel very lucky to have a part in educating future nurses.
Sarah Brown
Professor of Nursing
Sarah Brown is a Professor of Nursing at Oklahoma City Community College. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and her masters degree from Oklahoma University. Sarah is a former clinical coordinator of a labor and delivery unit and currently works as a labor and delivery nurse. She is a partner in the firm M & M Legal Nurse Consulting which specializes in medical malpractice lawsuits and also works as a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). She is active in her church and a volunteer for Mustang Public Schools. She is a resource for the Oklahoma City Community College Child Development Center and Lab School where she researches current health care topics and educates parents. She is the mother of two boys, ages 11 and 16, and one daughter, age 6 who all attend Mustang Public Schools. She resides in Oklahoma City with her husband Matt.
Heather Campbell-Williams
Professor of Nursing
I have 18 years experience as a registered nurse, and have been teaching nursing for 2 years. My goal is to help students accomplish their dream of becoming a nurse.
Joy Cole
Professor of Nursing
Joy Cole graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in education. Later, she attended Rose State College to earn a degree in nursing. While pursuing a career with specialties in Labor & Delivery and Medical-Surgical nursing, Joy earned a Master of Science from the University of Oklahoma in the accelerated nurse educator pathway. Her capstone project focused on "Incivility in Nursing Education". She received recognition for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Outstanding Professional Service, and Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice from the OU College of Nursing. Currently, Joy is enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Oklahoma. Joy has been teaching nursing to RN students since 2008 and especially enjoys using creative strategies to engage students in the learning process. She has also provided a home based education for her children since 1999. She maintains her clinical skills by working part-time at the Birth Center at Deaconess Hospital. In her spare time, Joy enjoys spending time with her husband and 5 children, participating in community music organizations, and serving as a youth leader and organist within her church congregation.
Michaele Cole
Professor of Nursing
My name is Michaele Cole. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1982. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from OU as well as a Masters in Human Relations and a Masters in Nursing Education. I have been employed in various positions in the healthcare field, predominately in the area of med/ surg nursing. I have been in education for a total of 15 years. This is my 5th year at OCCC and prior to coming to OCCC, I was the Health Science Technology I Instructor at Mid America Technology Center for 10 years. I feel my prior experience as an educator serves me well as I continue to support the educational success of students at OCCC as Professor of Nursing. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to prepare a student to become a life learner.
Jacqueline Frock
Professor Nursing
Bacone College, AAS, 1987 University of Oklahoma, BLS, 1994 Oklahoma City University, BSN, 2004 Oklahoma City University, MSN, 2006
Jennifer Halpin
Professor of Nursing
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago. I moved to OKC to attend Oklahoma City University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Dance Management. Multiple injuries through my dance career lead me to nursing. After moving back to OKC I attended OCCC and graduated with my degree in Nursing. It was during nursing school that I fell in love with labor and delivery, and also where I began to discover my passion for teaching. Working as a labor nurse I went back to school and graduated from OU with my Masters Degree in Nursing Education. I then returned to OCCC to teach. I have one son who is adopted from Guatemala.In addition to teaching and working as a labor nurse I love spending time with my family.
Carol Heitkamper
Professor of Nursing
Worked in the healthcare field for many years.
Karen Jordan
Professor of Nursing
Education: Professor Jordan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's and master's of science degree in nursing. She graduated from Oklahoma City University with a master's of education degree. Background:Professor Jordan has been a registered nurse for over 35 years. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, predominately with adults. Career experiences include that of a direct-care provider, administrator, and research project director for a federally-funded grant. Ms Jordan is known for telling her students that she couldn’t decide whether to be a nurse or a teacher so she became a nurse educator. Her teaching experiences include certified nursing assistant classes and teaching in all levels of licensed nursing programs. Her most recent focus of practice has been dementia care. Ms. Jordan is one of many family caregivers for aging parents. She provides community education and caregiver support classes from a unique professional and personal perspective. She is a volunteer with the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program as an advocate for nursing home residents.KJ is teaching in the OCCC-OUCN collaborative BSN program. She is passionate about nursing and dedicated to developing the next generation of professional nurses.
Robin McMurry
Professor of Nursing
Robin McMurry is a Professor of Nursing at Oklahoma City Community College where she received her associate’s degree. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and her master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Nursing Philosophy at Oklahoma City University. Robin is a former chief nursing officer and a labor and delivery nurse. She is a partner in the firm M & M Legal Nurse Consulting which specializes medical malpractice lawsuits. She is a volunteer nurse for the Baptist Mission, The Baptist Children’s Home and the American Red Cross. She is the consulting nurse for the Oklahoma City Community College Child Development Center and Lab School. She is the mother of her grown daughter, Erin, a 12 year old son and grandmother of 2. She resides in Oklahoma City with her husband Scott and son Ryan.
Cindy Milam
Professor of Nursing
I am a High School graduate of Tuttle High School and received my Bachelors of Nursing at Oklahoma City University. I am currently working on my Masters of Nursing Education at Southern Nazarene University. I am a Pediatric Oncology Nurse at OU Children’s Hospital and love working with the kids and their families. I am a professor of nursing in the nursing process 1. I am excited to be a part of such a great program that is able to produce some of the highest quality nurses in Oklahoma. I believe that I am part of a great team that cares about the success of each student and the safety of patients everywhere. I have been married for 31 years to my high school sweetheart. I have three children and two are currently in the Oklahoma City Community College nursing program. I have three grandchildren and enjoy spending time with my family.
Shelley Miller, MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Shelley graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1990. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education Degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2010. She was the recipient of the Robert A. Watson Cardiovascular Nursing Award from UCO in 1990 and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. Shelley has worked in critical care and outpatient diagnostics with a focus in cardiac ICU and open heart recovery. For the past 10 years, Shelley has taught in career tech, and has served as adjunct faculty for other colleges and universities. Publications: “Capnometry vs pH testing in nasogastric tube placement” in Gastrointestinal Nursing, pages 30-33, volume 9, number 2, March 2011. “Implications for Simulation in Nursing Education” in The Journal of Practical Nursing, Fall 2010 edition. “Health Promotion in Asian-Americans” in The Journal of Practical Nursing, pages 2-4, Summer 2010 edition.
Beverly Schaeffer
Professor of Nursing
Have been an RN for 35 years, teaching nursing for 15 years.
Karla Schenk
Professor of Nursing
I graduated from OU in 1989 with a BSN. Started my nursing career at Children's Hospital in the PICU. In 1991 began working for Oklahoma Organ Sharing Network procureing organs for transplant. I have been in nursing jeducation for the past 8 years and received my Masters in Nursing from the University of Pheonix in 2006.
Jimmie Kay Wetmore
Professor of Nursing
Kay received her Associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College, Baccalaureate degree from Oklahoma City University, and Masters degree from Southern Nazarene University. Her specialties include Obstetrics, OR, and general Medical-Surgical Nursing.
Nursing Careers
Graduates of the Oklahoma City Community College Nursing Program are skilled practitioners who apply clinical reasoning and decision-making competencies, communication competencies, and nursing skills which include technology and informatics to provide safe, quality care and education for clients and the public in a wide variety of practice settings to include:
- Acute Care Hospitals
- Out Patient Clinics
- Public Schools
- Private and Industry Sectors
- Home Health
- Community Based Centers
- Long Term Care Facilities (Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities)
- Correctional Facilities
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities
- Wellness Centers
According to the Oklahoma Healthcare Workforce Center, Oklahoma nursing graduates will have vast employment opportunities with a predicted 31,531 registered nurse positions available by 2015 including 3,162 new positions. By 2025, a shortage of more than 3,000 nurses is predicted in Oklahoma. The need for registered nurses within the state and across the United States is only expected to grow.
Graduates of the Oklahoma City Community College nursing program will not only have employment opportunities, they will also have the opportunity to further their education by using the associate degree in nursing to matriculate into baccalaureate and masters degree programs in nursing.
