To continue efforts to address the state’s nursing shortage, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish guidelines for public four-year universities to award students credit for prior learning in practical nursing programs at technology centers across the state.
“This agreement reflects the strong alignment between our higher ed and career technology centers, and that’s going to help every nursing student achieve their goals,” said Governor Stitt. “We’re creating a seamless process for students completing their nursing degree. When we can unite around a shared mission like this, we open doors and strengthen our healthcare workforce – which will help us meet the needs of every Oklahoman.”
Comprised of representatives from public higher education and the CareerTech system, the Oklahoma Statewide Nursing Pathways Advisory Group considers potential solutions to increase the number of nurses in our state. This agreement acknowledges the shared commitment to the education and preparation of nurses and the need to facilitate educational mobility between licensed practical nursing (LPN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs with minimal repetition of coursework. Earlier this year, this advisory group established guidelines for public two-year colleges to grant credit for prior learning in practical nursing programs at Oklahoma technology centers.
“Given our state’s ongoing shortage of medical professionals, strengthening the pipeline for nursing education is essential for workforce development,” said State Regents’ chair Dennis Casey. “This initiative to expand course articulation between technology center and collegiate nursing programs will streamline the process for students, making higher education more attainable and affordable.”
Through the new articulation agreement, the following universities will award at least 22 college credit hours to CareerTech students who pass the LPN NCLEX exam.
- East Central University
- Langston University
- Northeastern State University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Rogers State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Applicants must have a valid, unencumbered practical nursing license to practice in the state of Oklahoma and meet all university or program admission requirements.
“Student success in high-demand fields is a priority for public higher education,” said Chancellor Allison D. Garrett. “Higher education’s strong partnership with the CareerTech system helps to simplify pathways between practical nursing and baccalaureate nursing programs.”
The new articulation agreement supersedes prior MOUs developed between individual institutions and technology center partners. Twenty-eight technology centers offering practical nursing programs approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing are participating in the new articulation agreement:
- Autry Technology Center
- Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center
- Canadian Valley Technology Center
- Central Technology Center
- Chisholm Trail Technology Center
- Francis Tuttle Technology Center
- Gordon Cooper Technology Center
- Great Plains Technology Center
- Green Country Technology Center
- High Plains Technology Center
- Indian Capital Technology Center
- Kiamichi Technology Center
- Meridian Technology Center
- Metro Technology Centers
- Mid-America Technology Center
- Mid-Del Lewis Eubanks Technology Center
- Moore Norman Technology Center
- Northeast Technology Center
- Northwest Technology Center
- Pioneer Technology Center
- Pontotoc Technology Center
- Red River Technology Center
- Southern Oklahoma Technology Center
- Southwest Technology Center
- Tri County Technology Center
- Tulsa Technology Center
- Western Technology Center
- Wes Watkins Technology Center
“By recognizing and crediting students’ prior learning, this initiative could streamline pathways to nursing credentials, reduce time-to-completion for degrees, and lower educational costs. It would also motivate students with practical experience to further their nursing careers, addressing the state’s growing demand for skilled healthcare workers,” said Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken. “Moreover, by enhancing collaboration between higher education and CareerTech, Oklahoma can create a more cohesive workforce development pipeline that meets the needs of both students and healthcare providers. This approach not only boosts individual career prospects but also strengthens the overall healthcare infrastructure within the state.”
The State Regents’ Undergraduate Transfer and Articulation of Courses policy facilitates the transfer of students between institutions of higher education and career technology centers, and the Credit for Prior Learning policy allows institutions to award credit for demonstration of knowledge upon professional licensure. These policies ensure maximum applicability of credit hours and course work to advance degree completion.
Under the new articulation agreement, which is effective July 1, 2025, LPNs who complete a practical nursing program at a participating technology center and obtain an unencumbered PN license will be awarded a minimum of 22 college credit hours for prior learning toward a BSN at participating universities, with the majority of those credit hours applied to nursing courses.
For more information about options for adults who have attended a career technology center, hold industry-recognized credentials, have completed military study and training, or hold advanced standing scores to earn college credit and complete a degree program, visit the State Regents’ Show What You Know website, https://ShowWhatYouKnowOK.org/.