Program Overview

Thank you for your interest in the nursing program of Oakland Community College (OCC). The nursing program at OCC is rigorous and incorporates a variety of experiences. A typical week for a student might include 3-4 hours of theory lecture, two 8-hour clinical shifts in an agency setting (day or evening; some weekend rotations may be required), and three hours of lab on another day of the week. More information about the nursing program, including required immunizations, is available in the nursing student handbook.

Students interested in nursing should meet with a counselor for an unofficial checklist (at the Highland Lakes or Southfield Campus) and attend an information session as early as possible. 

In order to be eligible to apply, students must meet minimum admission requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are considered for admission based on the selection process outlined in this guide. The nursing department does not maintain a waiting list. Therefore, students who are not accepted must reapply.

The OCC Department of Nursing offers the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum. The program leads to an Associate Degree in Applied Science and prepares graduates to provide direct nursing care at a novice level in a variety of health care settings. Successful completion of the program requirements qualifies students to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Satisfactory achievement on this exam qualifies graduates for state licensure as Registered Nurses (RN).

The associate degree nursing program contains two tracks: The Traditional track (ADN) and the Transitional LPN to ADN track (TPN).

Associate Degree Nursing Program Tracks

ADN (Traditional Track)
The ADN Traditional track leads to the Associate in Applied Science, Nursing degree and is intended for students who have no background in nursing.

TPN (Transitional LPN to ADN Track)
The TPN track leads to an Associate in Applied Science, Transitional LPN to ADN Track degree. This track is intended for graduates of a practical nurse program Applicants must hold current Michigan LPN licensure and have a minimum of 1500 hours work experience as a licensed practical nurse.

Nursing Curriculum

For the nursing curriculum and course descriptions, refer to the college catalog and nursing student handbook.

Program Costs

Once admitted to the program, the average OCC in-district nursing student will pay approximately $7,200 for tuition and fees (out-of-district tuition and fee for nursing courses are approximately $13,500). Pre-program costs (books, background check, immunizations, uniform, etc.) are estimated at $1,500 - $1,900. These estimates do not include the costs of any prerequisite, general education, or required supportive courses taken at OCC or transferred from other institutions. Your actual costs for tuition, fees, and other expenses may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances.

The program tuition cost is calculated based on the current  tuition rate of $103, (effective Fall 2023 the tuition increases to $107) per billable contact hour for in-district students, and $199 for out-of district students (effective Fall 2023 the out-of district tuition increases to $205). A $110 student support fee per semester is also incurred, for 65.5 billable contact hours of NUR courses over five semesters. If all seven general education and required supportive courses are taken at OCC, you will incur an estimated 27-30 additional billable contact hours for these courses (hours vary depending on chosen electives). Upon graduation from the program, you will incur additional costs for licensure and graduation of approximately $400 - $500.

In addition, the nursing program requires use of a lap top computer for all exams-Chrome Books cannot be used. Nursing students are also required to purchase Nursing Program software in incremental payments over the two years of the program.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice by action of the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees.

Accreditation and Approval

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, 
Atlanta GA, 30326
(404) 388-9826 
fax (404) 975-5000
The nursing program has full approval from:
Michigan Board of Nursing 
PO Box 30670, 
Lansing MI, 48909-8170 
(517) 335-0918
United States Department of Education:
This program prepares you to take the 
NCLEX exam in the State of Michigan. 
Graduates who want to practice in other 
states should review those requirements 
via that Board of Nursing 
 

Background Check & Criminal History Policy 

Conditional Admittance

After selection is completed, those students who have been invited to the nursing program will be granted conditional admittance upon a satisfactory criminal background check, including FBI fingerprint results and drug screen, at the student’s expense. American Databank is the current company used by the nursing department for background checks.

In addition to the above requirements, all admitted nursing students are required to provide proof of immunizations and other requirements for clinical as outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. Students not in compliance with the clinical requirements will forfeit their seat in the nursing program.

Criminal History Policy

Conviction of a felony, or any attempt to commit a felony, within fifteen years OR conviction of a misdemeanor within ten years immediately preceding the date of the criminal history check will preclude eligibility for admission. No exceptions will be made to the criminal history policy.

Licensing

Upon successful completion of the nursing program, the Michigan Board of Nursing will obtain a new criminal background check and drug screen. For more information, visit Michigan Board of Nursing.

Applying to the Program

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Meeting with a Counselor for help with selecting the required general education and supportive courses. Complete the required supportive and general education courses with a grade of “B-” or better in each. Advanced Placement or AP courses must score a 4 or 5 in order to equate to a B- or better. BIO courses must be current within five-year expiration period. For priority consideration, all courses must be completed.

  • Attend the mandatory Nursing Information Session early—dates and times for upcoming sessions are available to view on the nursing department web page at the nursing web page.
  • Successfully complete the HESI-A2 exam (HESI-NUR taken at OCC, Auburn Hills Campus).
  • Complete any OCC incomplete marks by the application deadline, if applicable.
  • Obtain written approval of any course substitutions by the application deadline, if applicable. Requests are initiated through the Highland Lakes or Southfield Counseling departments, with final approval from the Dean of Nursing.
  • Update your OCC record through the Enrollment Services office at any campus using the Student Update Information Request form:
    • Designate the nursing program curriculum (ADN or TPN)
    • Update address and phone number for accuracy, if necessary
  • Submit evidence of high school graduation (high school transcript or diploma from an accredited or state-approved U.S. high school) or GED to Counseling. International high school transcripts must be translated by an approved service, which can take several weeks.
  • Dual enrolled high school students are welcome to apply while in their senior year, and, if eligible, may be admitted to the nursing program on a conditional basis until evidence of high school graduation is submitted. Students must attain the age of 18 prior to their first clinical rotation - Foundations of Nursing NUR 1410. 
  • Transfer students only: OCC transcript evaluation of any transferred college-level courses. Send official transcripts, CLEP, AP Scores, or DD214 to: Registrar’s Office, Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus, 2900 Featherstone Rd., Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2845. Allow up to six weeks for evaluation. (International students must have college transcripts—including course descriptions—translated first by an approved international evaluation service, which can take several weeks—World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators.
  • TPN applicants only: Provide evidence of valid Michigan license as a
    • Practical Nurse.
    • Submit a completed Verification of LPN Employment form validating 1500 hours minimum work experience as a licensed practical nurse.
  • Complete application/checklist at Highland Lakes or Southfield Counseling Department by the deadline. (Completion of requirements and application to the program does not guarantee admission.)

HESI TEST

This HESI-A2 exam is a computer-based timed test that consists of a math section and a reading comprehension section. You must pass both sections within the same testing session. One retake of the exam is permitted. If your second attempt is unsuccessful, you will NOT be eligible to apply to the nursing program at Oakland Community College. No exceptions. Additionally, HESI scores from other colleges will NOT be accepted. The cost of the test, registration information, and other information about testing is available on the MTEC testing center web page.

To prepare for the exam, you should attend one of the free HESI prep seminars that are offered through the Academic Support Center. Information about these seminars is available on the ASC web page. HESI review books may be available at campus libraries or bookstores.

Important Dates

ADN (Traditional Track)

Students who apply to the nursing program by the December 15, 2023, deadline will be included in the ADN selection process. The nursing department will mail notification letters on March 15, 2024. The letters will be either a conditional admission or a letter of declination including the reason.

If admitted, you will begin the program in either fall 2024 or winter 2025 based on random selection. You will receive more information about your start date in the admission letter. Students who begin in the fall 2024 semester are expected to complete the program in winter 2026. Students who begin in the winter 2025 semester are expected to complete the program in fall 2026.

  • Required Biology courses that will be greater than five years old prior to the start of the nursing program are considered expired and will not be used in the selection process. Example: For the 2023 application deadline of December 15, 2023, required biology courses taken in summer 2019 or earlier are considered expired by the end of summer 2024.
  • December 15, 2023:
    • Deadline to Apply
    • Deadline to complete any course substitutions, if applicable
    • Deadline for official transcript evaluation for non-OCC courses (allow 4-6 weeks), if applicable
  • January 15, 2024: Deadline for official transcript received for any non-OCC courses taken in final semester, if applicable

No exceptions to deadlines; all items must be completed on time.

TPN (Transitional LPN to ADN Track)

The nursing department will complete the next TPN selection and mail letters of notification on April 15, 2024. If you apply by March 1, 2024, you will receive this notification letter in April, which will be either a letter of conditional admittance or a letter to inform you that you have not been selected, including the reason.
If admitted, you will begin the program in May 2024, with an expected completion of the program in December 2025.

  • Required Biology courses that will be greater than five years old at the start of the nursing program are considered expired, and will not be used during the selection process. Example: For the 2024 application deadline of March 1, 2024, required biology courses taken in winter 2019 or earlier are considered expired at the end of winter 2024. 
  • Fall 2023:
    • Final semester to complete prerequisite courses
    • Final semester to complete any “I” marks, if applicable
  • March 1, 2024:
    • Deadline to Apply
    • Deadline to complete any course substitutions, if applicable
    • Deadline for official transcript evaluation for non-OCC courses (allow 4-6 weeks), if applicable
    • Deadline for official transcript received for any non-OCC courses taken in final semester, if applicable

No exceptions to deadlines; all items must be completed on time. Program tracks must have a sufficient number of eligible applications to run.

Selection Process

Overview

Each year, there are a limited number of seats available for new students. The number of seats available is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and limited by school resources and clinical availability. Qualified applications will be rank-ordered and selected according to the following steps.

Step 1: Priority I & II

Applications that meet the minimum admission requirements are ranked according to priority. Priority I (P1) applications are considered first, followed by Priority II (P2).

Your application will be considered Priority I if you have completed all of the seven required supportive and general education courses with a grade of “B-” or better:

  • BIO 1570 Microbiology of Health and Disease, 3 credits, or BIO 2710 Microbiology, 4 credits (BIO 2710 is recommended for transferring to some BSN programs; see counselor for details.)
  • BIO 2630 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, 4 credits
  • BIO 2640 Human Anatomy and Physiology II, 4 credits
  • ENG 1510 Composition I, 3 credits
  • ENG 1520 Composition II, 3 credits (ENG 1520 is recommended for transferring to a BSN program) or ENG 2200 Professional Communication, 4 credits
  • Fine Arts/Humanities Elective from the General Education list, 3 credits (PHI 1610 or PHI 1710 is recommended for transferring to a BSN program)
  • PSY 2510 Introduction to Psychology, 3 credits

Your application will be considered Priority II if you have completed the BIO, ENG, and PSY courses as listed above (6 courses) with a grade of “B-” or better, but you have not yet completed the Fine Arts/Humanities course.

Step 2: Calculated Score

Applications are next ranked by the calculated score, with the highest score ranked first and the lowest score ranked last. A cutoff score will be established based on the number of applications and seats available. The cutoff score varies and cannot be determined until all applications are received and all scores are calculated for a given selection.

Your total score will be calculated using the three required biology courses and the two required English courses. To arrive at the total score, three calculations are made and then summed: a weighted GPA of the five courses, points earned based on the number of times these five courses have been repeated, and points earned based on the number of transfer courses of the five. The maximum score possible is 17.

Weighted GPA
For BIO 1570 or 2710, BIO 2630, BIO 2640, ENG 1510, and ENG 1520 or 2200, the highest grade achieved in each will be used in the calculation. For BIO 1570 or 2710 and ENG 1520 or 2200, if both courses are taken, then the course with the earliest date of completion will be used in the calculation. Expired biology courses will not be counted or used in calculations.

Each grade will be converted to the equivalent OCC GPA: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7. (Only grades of B- or better are eligible to apply for the nursing program.) The sum of the five GPA’s will be divided by five to calculate the average GPA of the five courses. The average will then be multiplied by three in order to weight the GPA. The maximum possible score for the weighted GPA is 12.

Repeated Courses
For BIO 1570, BIO 2710, BIO 2630, BIO 2640, ENG 1510, ENG 1520, and ENG 2200, the number of times the courses have been repeated will be summed. Each time a course is repeated, the repeat will count separately—for example, a course taken three times will count as two repeats, and so on. For BIO 1570 or 2710 and ENG 1520 or 2200, if both courses are taken, then the additional course will be counted as a repeat. Expired biology courses will not be counted or used in any calculations.

The maximum score possible is three points if none of these courses have been repeated. Two points will be awarded for one repeat. One point will be awarded for two repeated courses. No points will be given if there are three or more repeated courses.

Transfer Courses
All transfer courses from BIO 1570, 2710, 2630 and 2640, and ENG 1510 and 1520, will be used in the calculation. The number of credits from these transfer courses will be summed. (Expired biology courses will not count.)

The maximum score possible is two points for 0 – 8 credits transferred from another college. One point will be awarded for 9 – 16 credits transferred and no points will be given if 17 or more credits have been transferred.

Step 3: Tiebreakers

There may be some applications with equal scores that fall above and below the cutoff score (the score of the application that falls on the last available seat). In this case, tiebreakers will be used.

a. First Tiebreaker: Earliest completion date of the required supportive and general education (GE) courses
b. Second Tiebreaker: Number of required supportive and GE courses completed at OCC

Resources

OCC Student Services & Contact Information

Auburn Hills Campus,
MTEC Testing Center
2900 Featherstone Road,
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Phone(248) 232-4168

Highland Lakes Campus
7350 Cooley Lake Road,
Waterford, MI 48327-4187

Academic Support Center (ASC)
Woodland Hall, Room 20 
Phone(248) 942-3035

ACCESS (Accessibility Compliance Center &
Education Support Services)
Woodland Hall, Room 220
Phone(248) 942-3080

Counseling
Woodland Hall, Room 230
Phone(248) 942-3050

Nursing Department - Office
Woodland Hall, Room 320
Phone(248) 942-3333
Fax  (248) 942-3338

Student Financial Resources & Scholarships
Woodland Hall, Room 260
Phone(248) 942-3040

Southfield Campus
22322 Rutland Drive,
Southfield, MI 48075

Academic Support Center (ASC)
Room A212
Phone:   (248) 233-2735 or  (248) 233-2736

ACCESS (Accessibility Compliance Center &
Education Support Services)
Room A211
Phone(248) 233-2780

Counseling
Room A206
Phone(248) 233-2750

Nursing Department - Office
Room A208B
Phone(248) 233-2914
fax: (248) 233-2913

Student Financial Resources & Scholarships
Room A203
Phone(248) 233-2940

FERPA

Per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), college personnel cannot release a student’s personal or academic records to a third party, including other students, without prior written consent. Refer to the college catalog for details.

ADA Notification

Students requiring special assistance (including those affected by the Americans with Disabilities Act) should contact the ACCESS office, which will inform the appropriate parties of any special conditions pertaining to their learning.

Equal Opportunity/Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure

Oakland Community College, pursuant to the requirements of applicable law and these policies, does not discriminate against applicants, employees or students on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or handicap, nor will sexual harassment or harassment based on other classifications mentioned herein, be tolerated, in its employment practices and/or educational programs or activities. 

Concerns about the above should be communicated to:
Equal Opportunity Compliance Officer
Oakland Community College
Phone:  (248) 341-2027

Title IX Coordinator, Carmen White, Phone: (248) 341-2026

Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Jasmine Gist, Phone: (248) 341-2033