Associate Degree Nursing education began in the 1950's based upon a research project.  Associate Degree Nursing is the first type of nursing education to be planned; the first to begin by experimentation.  Associate Degree Nursing was viewed as being appropriate for community colleges and has been successful with anticipated growth for the future.

In Oklahoma, Associate Degree education began in 1963 at Bacone College. Associate Degree Nursing began at Eastern Oklahoma State College with the admission of the first class in 1971.

In 1985, Eastern started the transition program for LPN’s.  In 1992, Eastern added a transition program for LPN’s at the Idabel campus via Interactive Television.  In 2001, Eastern admitted sophomore level classes via ITV at the McAlester Branch Campus for one year.  In 2007, Eastern re-opened the McAlester Branch Campus for sophomore level students and added freshman level courses via ITV at the Idabel Campus.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Eastern Oklahoma State College was approved initially by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing in 1971.  Eastern received full approval through May 2007 on the most recent site visit.  Eastern has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1974 and has been recommended for a full 8 year re-accrediation ending 2016.  Eastern has been a stable force in educating nurses, having well over 1000 graduates since 1973. For more information regarding NLNAC, please write: NLNAC, 61 Broadway, New York, NY  10006.

The Eastern Oklahoma State College Nursing Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.  Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.  Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing.  In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program that meets educational requirements and successfully passing the licensure examination, requirements include submission of an application for licensure, a criminal history records search, and evidence of citizenship or qualified alien status.  To be granted a license, an applicant must have the legal right to be in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621).  In addition, Oklahoma law only allows a license to be issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent resident aliens.  Other qualified aliens may be issued a temporary license that is valid until the expiration of their visa status, or if there is no expiration date, for one year. Applicants who are qualified aliens must present, in person, valid documentary evidence of:

1. A valid, unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States;
2. A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States;
3. Admission into the United States in refugee status;
4. A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;
5. Approved deferred action status; or
6. A pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident status or conditional resident status.

The Board has the right to deny a license to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on another health-related license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. §567.8].  These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony charges.  An individual with a felony conviction cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspended sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6].