Nursing Department Information

"I want to become a Nurse."
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Check out our BSN Pre-Licensure Program

The Pre-licensure Nursing Program is designed for individuals seeking to become a registered nurse (RN). Upon completion on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

This program is offered on campus at Ottawa University Kansas City. This program requires attendance in person and cannot be completed online. 

Students must have at least 60 credit hours of coursework, including specific prerequisite course requirements, to be admitted to the BSN Pre-Licensure program. 

The program consists of 60 credit hours of BSN coursework, as well as 660 hours in clinical rotations, and is completed in 16 months.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Pre-Licensure program. 

"I'm already a Registered Nurse, but I'd like to earn my Bachelor or Science in Nursing degree."

Check out our Online RN-to-BSN Program

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can help you fulfill personal and career goals and increase your overall earning potential through our online RN-to-BSN program.

National organizations, including the Institute of Medicine and the American Nurses Association, advocate and support initiatives to increase the number of BSN-prepared nurses available for patients. This is being heard by many health care-related facilities, including hospital employers. Ottawa University’s RN-to-BSN program supports the health care profession’s goals for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce.

Now is the time to open the door to future career opportunities with your BSN. Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program. 

Our RN-to-BSN program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree on your schedule, and the knowledge and skills to further your goals.

• 8-week terms
• Flexible online courses for nurses
• Easy transfer of previous college-earned educational credit hours
• Network and collaborate online with a diverse group of peers
• 34 credit hours of Nursing Major courses

You will have the opportunity to participate in some application-based projects within the coursework. These projects are supplemented through hands-on learning in the workplace setting and in selected observational experiences.

Liberal arts and health care management electives are available to complement your nursing degree.

Ottawa University’s admissions representatives can answer any questions you may have.

"I want to advance my nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing! I'd like to become a Nurse Educator or a Nurse Leader!" 

Check out our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Our innovative MSN Program can help you fulfill personal and career goals and increase your overall earning potential. In addition, take advantage of these benefits:

• Personalized attention by expert faculty and staff to ensure you have the support you need to succeed.
• Patient-focused curriculum designed to assist the MSN graduate to function in today’s complex educational and/or healthcare systems.
• Learn from instructors with years of real-world experience.
• These MSN Specialization Tracks (Nurse Educator and Nurse Leadership) can also support professional development towards certification or doctoral study.

Now is the time to open the door to future career opportunities with your MSN. Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. 

BSN Prelicensure Admission Requirements

Take the first step toward your degree.

The following are Ottawa University BSN Prelicensure admissions requirements to be considered for admission. Our Enrollment Advisors are always available to help if you have questions.

• A completed Ottawa University application for admission (you can apply online or at any of our locations)
• Successful completion of a criminal background check. Applicant is responsible for this cost. 
• Negative 12-panel Drug Screen
• Two professional or academic references. Download reference form here (PDF).
• Career Statement of professional experience and goals in nursing (no more than 2 pages). 
• Evidence of current immunizations (Download Health Status Form here)
• Official transcripts for all previous coursework (60 hours of credit) with a minimum 2.5 Grade Point Average (GPA). 
  • Regional, national faith-related, or national career-related institutions with CHEA-recognized accreditation.
• Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum total score within the Proficient Range, 58.7% - 77.3%. Admission Test scores will be valid for one academic year (fall/spring cycle).
• OU Nursing Program Accountability Form
• A personal interview (arranged conveniently with the applicant) may be required at the discretion of the Nursing Program Admission Team.

Additional Items of Note

• All previous college/university credits will be evaluated on an individual basis for transfer to Ottawa University.
• It is the student’s responsibility to have official transcripts from every college/university previously attended forwarded to Ottawa University.

RN-to-BSN Admission Requirements

Take the first step toward your degree.

The following are Ottawa University RN-to-BSN admissions requirements to be considered for admission. Our Enrollment Advisors are always available to help if you have questions.

• A completed Ottawa University application for admission (you can apply online or at any of our locations)
• Current, unrestricted RN licensure in the United States (must be maintained throughout the program). Licenses will be verified.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check. Applicant is responsible for this cost. 
• Negative 12-panel Drug Screen
• Two professional or academic references. Download reference form here (PDF).
• Career Statement of professional experience and goals in nursing (no more than 2 pages). Please include current and previous work experience as an RN (due to the format of the program, current or recent RN work experience is strongly recommended).
• Evidence of current immunizations (Download Health Status Form here)
• A degree from an accredited associate degree or diploma-nursing program with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA (per 4.0 scale) on previous coursework.
  • Regional, national faith-related, or national career-related institutions with CHEA-recognized accreditation.
• Submission of official transcripts of all previous college/university coursework.
• A personal interview (arranged conveniently with the applicant) may be required at the discretion of the Nursing Program Admission Team.

Provisional Admission

Applicants who are new nursing graduates may be offered provisional admission pending passage of the NCLEX and receiving RN licensure.  Receipt of licensure must be obtained by the end of the student’s second term in the RN-BSN program.

• Provisionally-accepted applicants must complete and submit all other required documents (Note, as per above: RN license will be submitted as soon as it is obtained/received, but no later than the end of the student’s second term in the RN-BSN program).
• Failure to comply with provisional admission requirements will result in dismissal from the program.

Additional Items of Note

• All previous college/university credits will be evaluated on an individual basis for transfer to Ottawa University.
• It is the student’s responsibility to have official transcripts from every college/university previously attended forwarded to Ottawa University.
• Evidence of current immunizations (with a health status form) and current copy of CPR (professional/healthcare) card. These deadline submission dates will be communicated to the students.
  • Please Note: Students are responsible for any costs associated with immunization, titers, and/or physical exam. Personal health insurance coverage is highly recommended as a student.
• Any student with ADN/diploma nursing credits that are more than ten years old must have their credential validated.  This is accomplished by: Successful completion of NRSG 30000 Professional Nursing Theory, Roles, and Practice with a “C” or above and one other required nursing major course with a “C” or above (with a prefix of NRSG).
  • Prior ADN/diploma nursing courses will be held in escrow until the successful completion of NRSG 30000 and one other required nursing major course in the program (with a prefix of NRSG) as noted above. Upon successful completion of these two courses, the prior ADN/diploma nursing course credits will be transcribed as transfer credit applicable toward the Ottawa University BSN degree.

Earn an online RN-to-BSN degree with Ottawa University and advance your career in nursing today!

RN-to-BSN CEP Admission Requirements

There are two entry points for students to be in the CEP program. The first is at the beginning of the associate degree program (ADN) and the second is at the midpoint of the ADN program. Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) students use a specific process that differs from that of RN applicants. Students who wish to be enrolled in an associate degree nursing program and taking online BSN courses from Ottawa University at the same time begin the application process through the community college system. Currently, OU has a partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and it is through MCCCD that the application process begins. The following lists the steps for students interested in concurrent enrollment from the beginning of their ADN program.

STEP 1:Student wants to pursue Maricopa Nursing/Ottawa University Associate-Baccalaureate Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP).

STEP 2:Student is referred to advisement regarding course requirements for an associate’s degree from Maricopa Nursing, and to an advisor for the Ottawa University Nursing Program for the BSN.

STEP 3:Student applies to and is accepted into the Maricopa Nursing pool (queue).

STEP 4:Student attends Maricopa Nursing Associate-Baccalaureate CEP Information Session in person or online.

STEP 5:Student submits CEP Application.

STEP 6:Student submits admission checklist, CEP application, HESI A2 scores, and un-official transcripts from all educational institutions at college of first choice.

STEP 7:Maricopa/Ottawa University Associate-Baccalaureate CEP Acceptance Committees review applications and select applicants for admission into Maricopa/Ottawa University Associate-Baccalaureate CEP for upcoming semester.

STEP 8:Applicants selected for placement are notified of application status by Maricopa Nursing and accept/refuse placement.

STEP 9:Accepted students apply to Ottawa University Undergraduate Admissions and enroll in LAS 30012: Writing and Critical Thinking and UNV 11000: Seminar for Significance.

STEP 10:Student graduates with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing from MCCD; eligible to take NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

STEP 11:Student takes NCLEX-RN to obtain registered nurse licensure.

STEP 12:Student may complete final credits in one or two terms at Ottawa University after obtaining their AAS if did not complete BSN courses before NCLEX-RN ex-am eligibility.

STEP 13:Receipt of RN licensure (within the U.S.) must be submitted to Ottawa University before BSN graduation eligibility is met.

MSN Admission Requirements

This program is designed for the registered nurse who has graduated from an accredited nursing program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A current, unrestricted RN license (obtained in the U.S.) is required.

• A completed Ottawa University application for admission (you can apply online or at any of our locations)
• Current, unrestricted RN licensure in the United States (must be maintained throughout the program). Licenses will be verified.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check. Applicant is responsible for this cost.
• Three professional or academic references. Download reference form here (PDF).
• Current resume.
• Three professional or academic letters of recommendation.
• Career Statement of professional experience and goals in nursing.
• Evidence of current immunizations (Download Health Status Form here)
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (per 4.0 scale) on previous coursework.
  • Regional, national faith-related, or national career-related institutions with CHEA-recognized accreditation and ACEN or CCNE specialized accreditation.
• Submission of official transcripts of all previous college/university coursework.
• A personal interview (arranged conveniently with the applicant) may be required at the discretion of the Nursing Program Admission Team.

Additional Items of Note:

• All previous college/university credits will be evaluated on an individual basis for transfer to Ottawa University.
• It is the student’s responsibility to have official transcripts from every college/university previously attended forwarded to Ottawa University.
• Evidence of current immunizations (with a health status form) and current copy of CPR (professional/healthcare) card must be received and on file prior to selected practice experiences. These deadline submission dates will be communicated to the students.
• Please Note: Students are responsible for any costs associated with immunization, titers, and/or physical exam. Personal health insurance coverage is highly recommended as a student.

Nancy Evans Nursing Scholarship 

Ottawa University Board of Trustees member, Bob Evans, has established the Nancy Evans Nursing Scholarship in memory of his wife, Nancy Evans, a 1973 Ottawa University graduate. This new scholarship will be awarded to an Ottawa University Nursing student who exemplifies the life and legacy of Nancy Evans. Nancy loved and supported Ottawa University, and faithfully lived the mission, “Building on its foundation as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity” (Ottawa University, 2023, para 1).

Nancy’s life passion and motto was “Women helping women reach for the stars,” the goal of the Philanthropic Educational Association, to which Nancy devoted 50 years of service, including serving as chapter president in several locations: Fort Collins, Colorado; Springfield, Virginia; State College, Pennsylvania; Manhattan, Kansas; and Atlanta, Georgia.  

Nancy also served communities where she lived in many ways, including 22 years of service at Life Pointe Church, Fort Collins, Colorado. She made significant contributions as a member and leader of the church, including church staff positions and recent work as the Production Director for the Worship Arts Ministry. 

For these and other notable accomplishments, Ottawa University proudly announces the first-ever scholarship in her name, The Nancy Evans Nursing Scholarship, to be awarded to a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing student for $5,000 in the upcoming academic year.

Ottawa University (2023). Mission and vision. https://www.ottawa.edu/about/mission-and-vision#:~:text=Mission%20Statement,service%20to%20God%20and%20humanity.

Scholarship Requirements

1.    Be a BSN prelicensure applicant with approved Pre-Nursing status

2.    Write and submit an Essay on your thoughts of “Becoming a Nancy Evans Visionary” in the profession of Nursing

3.    Provide two references that attest to qualifications for the scholarship

Outside Nursing Scholarship Resources

The following information is provided only as a resource for students. Please note that an offsite link does not constitute an endorsement by Ottawa University of the sponsors or products on that site.

AACN Scholarships
American Association for Men in Nursing Scholarships
American Academy of CPR and First Aid
AVACARE Medical Scholarship
DAR Scholarships
FA Davis Scholarships
FNSNA Scholarships
HOSA Scholarships
HRSA Scholarship Program
Johnson and Johnson Nursing Scholarships
Live Your Dream Award
MFC Scholarship Guide
Medical Scrubs Scholarship
Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship
Murse World Scholarship
National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship
National Black Nurses Association Scholarship
National Hispanic Health Foundation Scholarship
Nurse Journal Scholarships
Nurse.org Scholarships
Scholarships.com - Nursing

These scholarships are not affiliated with nor associated with Ottawa University in any way. Ottawa University is not involved in the review or awarding processes. Students interested in applying for these scholarships should visit the sponsoring websites for more information. Any students who are awarded external scholarships should communicate with the Business Office or Financial Aid to ensure those funds are sent to the college correctly and applied to the student account.

BSN Program Goals

• Provide quality nursing education by remaining on the forefront of current trends in nursing standards and practices to meet the health care needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
• Prepare students to be culturally and professionally competent nurses in a variety of diverse health care and community settings.
• Engage in collaborations with community health care facilities to discover learning opportunities for students that will empower them to be innovators and leaders in nursing.
• Cultivate a compassionate educational environment based on Christ-centered values that encourage a commitment to lifelong learning and professional nursing development for both students and faculty.
• Serve students as well as faculty, customers, groups, and communities with which we partner.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate of the BSN program will be able to:

Specialized Knowledge:

• Define the essential components of today’s professional baccalaureate nurse and compare and contrast to historical perspectives.
• Build upon their knowledge of the nursing process to ensure safe and timely outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.

Integrative Knowledge:

• Integrate knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with the knowledge of nursing theories as a foundation for nursing practice.
• Synthesize information obtained from the natural and behavioral sciences in refining both their understanding of and assessment techniques in the patient’s presentation and response to normal and abnormal pathophysiological processes across the life span.
• Develop collaborative relationships and effective communication skills with other members of the healthcare team to optimize patient care outcomes.

Intellectual Skills:

• Utilize information management and health care technology to support the delivery of safe patient care in a variety of health care settings.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills by evaluating evidence based research and disseminating the appropriate findings into best practice decisions.
• Adopt current health promotion principles and effective teaching strategies to improve delivery of care.

Applied Learning:

• Utilize the foundational knowledge from their pre-licensure education and nursing background and the understanding of the ethical and legal standards of practice to expand their role as a professional nurse.
• Through selected practice experience projects, apply the principles of nursing leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety measures in providing culturally competent care for individuals, families, and communities in diverse population groups.

Civic Learning:

• Develop and articulate a statement of values or code of ethics that reflects one’s respect for different ideas, peoples and cultures, and an understanding of the responsible uses of technology.
• Identify how health care policy, finance, and regulatory issues influence health care systems and practice decision-making.

Personal Learning:

• Embrace a personal commitment to lifelong learning by remaining up-to-date with current literature and trends in the profession of nursing, and attending or pursuing continuing educational opportunities to further their professional development.

MSN Program Goals

• Promote excellence in nursing education that is consistent with current and future trends to meet the diverse health care needs of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.

• Develop servant leaders in a variety of nursing settings that embody professional competence and cultural humility.

• Enhance student development of collaborative skills so they may function as transformational leaders across healthcare, educational systems, and other professional environments.

• Foster a culture of commitment to lifelong learning and professional development for faculty as well as students based on Christ-inspired values.

• Uphold the best interests of students, faculty, customers, groups and communities with which we partner.  

Learning Outcomes

 At the end of the MSN program the graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize knowledge from the humanities and sciences with the art and science of nursing to continuously improve quality and patient safety for diverse populations in a variety of settings.

2. Employ scholarly inquiry that results in translation of evidence to support advanced nursing practice including clinical prevention and population health.
3. Champion health care policy, finance, and regulatory issues that influence   health care systems and decision-making in advanced nursing practice.
4. Role-model a commitment to professional values and ethics that embraces diverse ideas, peoples and cultures in advanced nursing practice.
5. Demonstrate high-level interpersonal and leadership skills that will advance interprofessional collaboration to improve patient and population safety and health outcomes.
6. Analyze information management and healthcare technology to inform advanced nursing practice.
7. Personify a commitment to lifelong learning that will contribute to professional growth, lay the foundation for doctoral study and advance the nursing profession.

The master’s degree program in nursing at Ottawa University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. 

Ottawa University is thrilled to share our first Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) training! As part of this series, Dr. Ruth Burkhart discusses evidence-based strategies for nurses to help manage stress. Learn how to reframe your thinking and identify cognitive tools to use in stress reduction as you face daily stressors in this insightful, step-by-step video.

Presented by Dr. Ruth L.M. Burkhart, DNP, MSN, MA, RN-BC, LPCC
Director of Nursing at Ottawa University

CNEs are expired for this training due to CNE provider no longer being available for CNE renewal. We are seeking another CNE provider for renewal.

Ottawa University delivers Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) training. As part of this series, Dr. Ruth Burkhart discusses the importance of Emotional Intelligence and Motivational Interviewing. Please view the video below to discover how the two are connected.

Presented by Dr. Ruth L.M. Burkhart, DNP, MSN, MA, RN-BC, LPCC
Director of Nursing at Ottawa University

Earn Your Continuing Nurse Education Certificate

• Download a PDF of the EI-and-MI-CNE-Powerpoint.
• To obtain the 2.5 contact hours approved by the Arizona Nursing Association through August 15, 2024, please complete the Emotional Intelligence Post-test survey.
• Upon completion of the Post-test, please proceed to complete the complete the Evaluation Survey.

Your CNE certificate will be emailed to you upon completion of the Post-test and Evaluation Survey.

Thank you for participating!

Ottawa University shares Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) training. As part of this series, Dr. Ruth Burkhart discusses why diversity is critical for cross-cultural patient care. Please view the video below to learn more about the legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations regarding diversity.

Presented by Dr. Ruth L.M. Burkhart, DNP, MSN, MA, RN-BC, LPCC
Director of Nursing at Ottawa University

Earn Your Continuing Nurse Education Certificate

• Download a PDF of the Diversity CNE Presentation.
• Obtain 2.5 contact hours approved by the Arizona Nursing Association through August 15, 2024, by completing the Post-test for Diversity CNE.
• Upon completion of the Post-test, please proceed to complete the Evaluation Survey.

Your CNE certificate will be emailed to you upon completion of the Post-test and Evaluation Survey.

Thank you for participating!