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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Frequently Asked Questions

Application Requirements & Waivers

  1. How many science courses must be completed at the time of application?
    • Three of the following sciences must be completed: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology.
  2. What if I haven’t completed all three required sciences?
    • If you're applying for Summer or Fall 2026, you can submit a waiver for the third science if it is in progress. The waiver is due by the application deadline and can be submitted here:  Third Science Waiver Form
  3. What is the purpose of the third science waiver?
    • It allows students to apply with two completed sciences and the third in progress.
 

GPA & Coursework Requirements

  1. What is the minimum GPA required?
    • A minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required at both the time of application and enrollment.
  2. When should I apply to the program?
    • When you have completed the most coursework and are the most competitive candidate.
  3. How many total hours is the BSN program?
    • 120 hours total: 60 hours of prerequisites and 60 hours of nursing courses.
  4. How many prerequisite hours must be completed at the time of application?
    • At least 30 hours must be completed at the time of application, and all 60 must be completed by enrollment.
  5. How are GPAs calculated?
    • According to the OUHSC Student Handbook and the college’s application system. Final GPA must meet the 2.5 minimum at the time of application and at the time of enrollment.
 

Course & Grade Requirements

  1. What is the minimum grade for prerequisites?
    • A grade of C or better is required. A C-minus does not meet the requirement.
  2. What are the requirements for the foreign language course?
    • If taken in high school, a passing grade is required. If taken in college, a grade of C or higher is required.
  3. Can Core V and Upper-Division be completed during the program?
    • Yes, they are graduation requirements and can be completed during the nursing program.
  4. Are HESI exams required for the LPN program?
    • No, starting Fall 2026, HESI exams are not required.
 

Science Course Sequencing & Substitutions

  1. What are the prerequisites for Human Anatomy and Physiology at OU?
    • BIOL 1114/1121 or BIOL 1124 are prerequisites for BIOL 2124, 2234, 2255, 3103/3101.
  2. What if I took Anatomy and Physiology without those prerequisites?
    • Other approved coursework may be used to meet the 60-hour minimum.
  3. Can I mix standalone and survey courses for Anatomy and Physiology?
    • No. You must complete either Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II or standalone Human Anatomy and Physiology.
 

General Education & Transfer Policies

  1. Do students with a bachelor’s or associate's degree meet general education requirements?
    • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution meets Core Areas I–VI.
    • Associate in Arts or Science from a regionally accredited public Oklahoma institution meets Core Areas I–V.
  2. What if my course isn’t listed in the OU Transfer Equivalencies Database (TED)?
    • It must go through the course petition process for review.
 

Transcripts & Application Process

  1. Where should transcripts be sent?
    • All transcripts must be submitted to NursingCAS. Transcripts sent to institutions do not fulfill this requirement. For enrollment, transcripts must also be sent to OUHSC Recruitment and Admissions.
  2. What if I took math at Rose State College as an OU Norman student?
    • You must submit a Rose State College transcript to NursingCAS.
  3. What if my previous school used a trimester or quarter system?
    • Contact an advisor to determine how your coursework will transfer. 
  4. Does using Professional Transcript Entry in NursingCAS replace transcript submission?
    • No. You must still request and submit all transcripts to NursingCAS.
  5. How long does NursingCAS take to verify applications?
    • Several business days. Submit all materials early to meet verification deadlines.
 

International Student Eligibility

  1. Can international students apply to all nursing programs?
    1. No. Due to F-1 visa requirements, international students may only apply to ABSN and TBSN pathways, which include in-person courses.
 

Additional Requirements

  1. Do I need additional elective hours?
    • Yes, to reach the 60-hour prerequisite minimum including Core V/VI.
  2. What are the degree/license requirements for specific pathways?
    • ABSN: Must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution by enrollment.
    • LPN-BSN: Must have an active, unencumbered LPN license (Oklahoma or compact state) by enrollment.
    • RN-BSN: Must have an active, unencumbered RN license (Oklahoma or compact state) by enrollment.
  3. Where can I find professional licensure disclosure information?
  4. Who can I contact if I’m unsure about my qualifications?
    • If after reviewing the qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact Nursing@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.