The Associate Degree nursing programs at Carl Albert State College located at the Poteau, OK and Sallisaw, OK Campuses, are accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. Next ACEN scheduled accreditation visit is 2026.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Carl Albert State College is the governing organization of the CASC Nursing Program.  Carl Albert State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Status documentation is available at https://www.hlcommission.org/Directory-of-HLC-Institutions.html

OKLAHOMA BOARD OF NURSING

2501 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 207

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

405-962-1800

Statement from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing:  https://nursing.ok.gov/ed-catalogueinfo.pdf

“The Carl Albert State College Nursing Education 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 or practical) 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 [59 O.S. §§567.5 & 567.6]. 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 to the Board office, 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 authority to deny a license, recognition or certificate; issue a license, recognition or certificate with conditions and/or an administrative penalty; or to issue and otherwise discipline a license, recognition or certificate to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on any professional or occupational 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 convictions. Potential applicants to state-approved education programs, with a criminal history, may obtain an initial determination of eligibility for licensure or certification from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for a fee. The initial determination of eligibility for licensure petition can be accessed at http://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf.

Regulatory Authority 59 O.S. §567.12

Board Approved: 7/92 OBN Policy/Guideline: #E-05 Board Reviewed w/o Revision: 1/29/13 Page 2 of 2 Revised: 9/01; 5/04; 1/25/05; 11/13/07; 5/25/10; 11/4/13; 5/24/16; 11/12/19 P:/Administration/Executive/Policies/Education/E-05 Information for Bulletins and Catalogues of Nursing Education Programs

Carl Albert State College fully subscribes to all principles and requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for qualified handicapped individuals and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Therefore, applicants are encouraged to self-identify their accommodation needs as part of the admissions process.  It is important to note that in order to successfully progress through the curriculum and function as a practicing nurse upon graduation, an individual must be able to perform certain physical activities that include vocal, visual, auditory, and dexterity requirements.

In order to be considered for admission to or retention in the nursing program after admission, all applicants should possess:

1. Sufficient visual acuity, such as is needed for the observation necessary for client care
2. Sufficient strength to lift, push/pull 30-50 lbs; able to bend, walk, stand, reach and kneel.
3. Sufficient auditory perception to receive verbal communication from clients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of clients through the use of monitoring devices such as stethoscopes, timers, cardiac monitors, fire alarms, etc.
4. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills required in meeting client health care needs safely. These include, but are not limited to, manipulation of equipment and performance of CPR.
5. Sufficient communication and language skills (speech, comprehension, reading writing) to interact with clients and the health care team to communicate effectively, as may be necessary in the client’s interest and safety.
6. Sufficient intellectual functions and emotional stability to implement care for clients.

The individual is expected to notify the Department of Nursing Education Admissions Committee in writing if such a disability exists or occurs during matriculation in the nursing program.  Professional documentation may be requested regarding the individual’s ability to perform assigned tasks. 

An individual denied admission or continuance in the program due to the inability to perform certain activities has the right to appeal any decision made.  A complete copy of the Grievance Procedure may be obtained from the CASC Student Handbook.

Licensed Practical Nurses and Transfer Students from other nursing programs may apply for Advanced Standing admission to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program.  In addition to the general application process, advanced placement applicants must also complete the following:

Licensed Practical Nurse:

1. Submit to the Department of Nursing Education a copy of active, license to practice practical nursing, verifying good standing with a State Board of Nursing. There should be no history of disciplinary action taken by the Board of Nursing against the nursing license.
2. Submit an official copy of your transcript from the college or vocational school in which you completed your practical nursing education.  This transcript is used to determine Admission Points and is in addition to any other academic education transcripts.
3. Licensed Practical Nurses admitted to the CASC nursing program with advanced standing are required to successfully complete NUR 1103 Role Transition for Nursing.  In addition, the following general education courses must be completed before the student can progress into NUR 2119 Health Illness Nursing III:
   

   Completed General Education Courses

   • ENGL 1113 Freshman Comp I
   • ENGL 1213 Freshman Comp II
   • PSY 1113 Intro to Psychology
   • AHS 1203 Basic Nutrition
   • MATH 1513 College Algebra
   • CHEM 1115 General Chemistry
   • ZOO 2124 Human Anatomy
   • ZOO 2114 Human Physiology

   
   
4. Other general education courses that must be completed before graduation include:
   
   Completed Other General Education Courses

All applicants requesting transfer of nursing courses must meet the following criteria to be considered for placement into the Nursing Program. The deadline for receipt of the documentation listed below is January 15th.

Submit the following:

1. Documents showing that the applicant meets current CASC Nursing admission requirements.
2. Official transcripts of all college course work
3. Course descriptions of all nursing courses completed.
4. A letter of good standing from the director of the nursing school attended if you did not complete the program.

CASC nursing program will not accept any applicant that has exited/failed/or withdrew from course/another nursing program two or more times within the last five years. Applicants who have exited other nursing programs two or more times, five or more years ago may be considered for admission on an individual basis. 

After admission to the nursing program as an Advanced Placement student, each transfer student will be evaluated individually for eligibility and placement in the nursing curriculum sequence.  Validation of selected nursing skills and content competency examinations may be required.  Admission to the nursing courses is contingent on eligibility for the nursing program, space availability in the assigned course, and the needs of the CASC Nursing Program. 

Readmission is defined as “admission of a CASC Nursing student whose transcript reflects previous enrollment in the CASC nursing courses.”  To be considered for readmission the student must have been enrolled in the CASC nursing program within 2 years prior to the requested readmission. The Nursing Program will not consider an applicant that has been dismissed by the faculty from any of the CASC Health Science programs.  Qualified CASC nursing students will be allowed to enter the program a maximum of two (2) times as a Traditional student and two (2) times as an Advanced Placement student.

All applicants for readmission must meet the following criteria to be considered for placement into the Nursing Program. Deadline for receipt of documentation listed below is January 15^th for the fall semester courses and September 1^st for the spring semester courses.

Submit the following:

1. Official transcripts of all college course work
2. Letter describing your plan for success if you are readmitted
3. Documents showing that the applicant meets current admission requirements.

The Carl Albert Nursing Faculty Committee will review all complete Readmission requests. The committee may request an interview with the applicant. Readmission to the CASC Nursing Program is not guaranteed.  Re-admission requests are considered based on the applicant’s prior academic and clinical performance, data supporting the ability to complete the nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN.  Readmission decisions are based on eligibility for the nursing program, space availability in the assigned course, and the needs and best interests of the CASC Nursing Program.  The CASC Nursing Committee will decide acceptance or denial of the readmission request.  Applicants will be placed in competition with other readmission applicants for course ranking.  Any student readmitted to the nursing program may be asked to complete an individualized remediation action plan.

• Any arrest, charge, or conviction of any felony or misdemeanor, or charge for Medicare fraud may affect a student’s ability to attend certain clinical sites for clinical education and thereby prevent a student from satisfactorily meeting course objectives and passing the course.
• Any arrest, charge, or conviction of any felony or misdemeanor, disciplinary action on any nursing or occupational license, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence may prevent graduates from taking the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in Oklahoma or other states.
• Graduating with an AAS in Nursing from CASC does not guarantee that you will be allowed to test for RN licensure. 
• Effective November 1, 2019, certain criminal convictions disqualify applicants from being eligible for RN licensure in Oklahoma. See https://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf to request more information from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. 
• Applicants with any federal, state, or local criminal arrests, charges or convictions of a felony must have completed all sentencing terms, including probation, fines, suspended sentences and rehabilitation programs at least three years prior to the application deadline date in order to be considered for admission to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program. 
• Applicants with any federal, state, or local criminal arrests, charges or convictions of a misdemeanor must have completed all sentencing terms, including probation, fines, suspended sentences and rehabilitation programs at least one year prior to the application deadline date in order to be considered for admission to the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program.
• Certified copies of verification that sentencing requirements are complete must be submitted with the application to the program in order to be considered for Admission.

Because the nursing student works with medications and vulnerable patients in clinical agencies, any applicant who has been arrested, charged, or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor and has completed all sentencing requirements is considered for admission on an individual basis by the Nursing Faculty and/or Nursing Admissions Committees.  Decisions will be based on the needs of the CASC Nursing Program, and these factors are considered:

1.  The nature of the crime(s);
2.  Evidence of rehabilitation;
3.  Personal characteristics;
4.  Behavior/action since the offense was committed;
5.  The total criminal records; and
6.  The disciplinary action of the court.

1. Complete the admission process for entry into Carl Albert State College.
2. Complete the Application for Admission to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program. Application packets are available from the Division of Health Sciences or online at https://www.carlalbert.org/nursing-2/  All documentation specified in the nursing application packet must be turned in with the nursing application by January 15^th.  A student who has been dismissed by the faculty from any of the CASC Health Science programs is not eligible for admission to the nursing program.
3. Admission to the nursing courses is contingent on eligibility for the nursing program, space availability in the assigned course, the needs of the CASC Nursing Program.
4. Provide the Department of Nursing Education an official copy of your high school transcript and official transcripts of all colleges attended (including CASC). LPNs should provide official LPN transcripts.
5. Provide the Department of Nursing Education a copy of your ACT scores (and if required, an Accuplacer Reading for reading level verification).
6. The application process must be completed by January 15^th of each year.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide all required forms and information to the Poteau Nursing Office by January 15^th.

Upon admission into the nursing program, the applicant will be required to complete a departmental Health Survey form, Criminal Background Check, and Urine Drug Screen.

CASC Nursing Students should not be under the influence of any substance or medication that can alter judgement, behavior, physical ability, or mental function (Examples include, but are not limited to, medical marijuana, alcohol, sedatives, and narcotics).  Any indication that a CASC Nursing Student is under the influence of such a substance may result in a random drug screen and subsequent dismissal from the program if the screen is positive.

Clinical Assignments: Clinical hours are required of each graduate of the nursing program. This program provides diverse educational experiences. The educational experiences take place in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community based agencies. In addition, these experiences take place at differing times. For example, a clinical rotation may require a weekend, evening, or early morning assignment. Clinical assignments are made each semester. Some semesters may have one rotation and other semesters may have more than one. The locations, dates and times for each rotation will change. A student may have more than one evening or weekend clinical a semester/year. The faculty will make clinical assignments based on the needs of the CASC Nursing Program.

NOTE: “Falsification or Omission” of ANY OF THE REQUESTED INFORMATION on the application may automatically DISQUALIFY the applicant for admission to the Nursing program.

Carl Albert is an equal opportunity employer.

Please provide this information about your education:
Schools attended, including high school, college or vocational schools, attendance dates, date of graduation and degree or credit received. List ALL schools attended. (Start with high school attended and include any schools currently enrolled in.) Use back of the page or additional sheet, if needed.

Applicant must disclose if you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of any illegal activity. Integrity is crucial in nursing. Please include a thorough description of each incident.

Omission of information or falsification can result in non-acceptance or dismissal from the program.

If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony please explain.  You must submit certified copies of documentation showing the dates that all sentencing requirements for the felony or misdemeanor were complete.  Obtain certified copies of court records from the courthouse in the county/city where the action occurred, dated and signed by the court clerk, and affixed with the court seal.  If no records are found, ask the agency to provide a certified letter stating no records were found in a search from the date of offense to present time. 

Omission of information or falsification can result in non-acceptance. Please include all such incidents no matter how minor the infraction, whether guilty or not.

If yes, please explain.  You must submit certified copies of documentation showing the dates that all sentencing requirements relating to the arrests, charges or convictions were complete. 

Omission of information or falsification can result in non-acceptance. Please include all such incidents no matter how minor the infraction, whether guilty or not.

If yes, please explain.  You must submit certified copies of documentation showing the dates that all sentencing requirements relating to the arrests, charges or convictions were complete. 

A criminal background check is required for all students upon admission into the nursing program. Students with a history of felony conviction or Medicare fraud may not be able to attend clinical faculty laboratories due to agency site agreements. Therefore, these students may be exited from the program at any point in the curriculum due to their inability to complete the clinical assignments.

I hereby certify that all information given on this application is truthful and correct to the best of my knowledge.  I understand that the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or any other state licensing agency will individually consider the Application for Licensure by Examination for any person with a history of arrest, charge, or conviction of any felony or misdemeanor, disciplinary action on any nursing or occupational license, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence.  It is the prerogative of the Board of Nursing to grant or deny the application.  Failure to report any of the specified situations may be a violation of the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act.

Carl Albert is an equal opportunity employer.