§ 59-567.12. Approved programs for registered and practical nurses.

A.  To qualify in this state as an approved program for registered nurses, the program must be conducted in the State of Oklahoma in an accredited college or university leading to an associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree in nursing.  Such programs shall meet the standards fixed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and prescribed in its rules.

B.  To qualify in this state as an approved program for practical nurses, the program shall be conducted in this state in a school or skill center approved by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education or licensed by the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools.  Such programs shall meet the standards fixed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing as prescribed in its rules, which shall conform to the provisions of this subsection.

1.  The nursing education program for practical nurses shall be administered by a licensed practical nurse coordinator who:

a.is a registered nurse with a minimum of an associate degree or diploma in nursing currently licensed in Oklahoma,

b.has a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, preferably in nursing,

c.has a minimum of two (2) years full-time-equivalent practice as a registered nurse in a clinical setting, within the last five (5) years preceding the first date of first employment as a teacher, and

d.has at least one (1) academic year, full-time experience in a nursing education program.

2.  All nurse faculty of a nursing program for practical nurses shall:

a.hold a valid license to practice as a registered nurse with a minimum of an associate degree or diploma in nursing in this state, and

b.present evidence of a minimum of two (2) years full-time-equivalent practice as a registered nurse in a clinical setting, within the last five (5) years preceding the first date of first employment as a teacher.

3.  Nursing faculty who teach in programs offering the certificate in practical nursing shall have completed at least fifteen (15) semester hours in nursing, general education, social sciences, physical sciences or counseling and guidance.  These credits shall be in addition to the pre-service basic program in nursing unless the person holds a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

4.  Schools shall establish the baccalaureate degree as minimum preparation for teaching and a nurse faculty member shall have a written plan for obtaining a baccalaureate degree, preferably in nursing.

5.  Faculty employed in schools conducted by public comprehensive high school systems shall meet the requirements for teacher certification established by the State Department of Education.

Added by Laws 1953, p. 270, § 12, emerg. eff. April 13, 1953.  Amended by Laws 1967, c. 46, § 2, emerg. eff. April 10, 1967; Laws 1991, c. 104, § 10, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws 1992, c. 141, § 1, emerg. eff. May 1, 1992; Laws 2001, c. 33, § 47, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2001, c. 254, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2001.