QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants to the Kiamichi Tech PN Program must:

• Be at least 17 years of age by the first class day, which is generally around the 9^th or 10^th of August of the application year.
• Have completed a secondary education and be able to provide an official high school transcript (not a diploma), GED transcript (not a certificate or diploma) or HiSET scores from a home-school setting.  If you received your high school education outside of the United States, you must ALSO be able to provide proof that your high school education is equivalent to one provided in the United States. See HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES for more details.
• Provide placement exam/testing scores that (1) meet date-range qualifications and (2) meet minimum-score requirements. See PLACEMENT EXAMS / TESTING for more details.
• Order, and provide results of, a Criminal History Records Search (CHRS), often referred to as a Background Check, prior to the application deadline of the application-period for which you are applying. See CRIMINAL HISTORY / REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK for more details.
• Provide, if an Oklahoma resident with a Felony conviction, a copy of the Oklahoma Board of Nursing Determination of Eligibility prior to the application deadline of the application-period for which you are applying. See CRIMINAL HISTORY / REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK for more details.
• Provide English-proficiency proof with a passing TOEFL test. This applies ONLY to INTERNATIONAL applicants, regardless of United States citizenship, whose country’s primary language is NOT English. See PLACEMENT EXAMS / TESTING for more details.
• Be up-to-date on immunizations, by the first class day, per the Kiamichi Tech PN Immunization Guidelines.  See IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES for more details.
• Provide proof of completion of the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) course by the first class day of any given year. The course must be hands-on; we do not accept certificates from online courses.

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

The Kiamichi Tech Practical Nursing Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN). Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for 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 Oklahoma Board of Nursing has the authority to deny a license, recognition or certificate; issue a license, recognition or certificate with conditions and/or 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 of felony conviction, may obtain a determination of eligibility for licensure or certification from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for a fee. The determination of eligibility for licensure petition can be accessed at http://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf. (Updated November 12, 2019).

Kiamichi Technology Centers (Kiamichi Tech) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information with respect to its programs or any aspect of its operations. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries concerning application of Kiamichi Tech’s non-discrimination policies: Jay R. Warren, Title IX Coordinator, 1004 Highway 2 North, Wilburton, OK  74578. (918) 465-2323.

HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES

Applicants who received their high school education outside of the United States must submit official documentation that their high school education and subsequent graduation is equivalent to that of a high school education in the United States. The documentation must be included with the PN Application.  You may obtain documentation by one of the following methods:

a) Take the GED exam and include the transcript of scores (not certificate or diploma) with your application prior to the application deadline. You may find information about GED testing at their official website, www.GED.com.

b) Request a review/evaluation of your academic records from an official agency that specializes in validating academic credentials of persons educated outside of the United States. You may contact the World Education Services at www.wes.org. WES is only one of several agencies that can assist you.  You may find other reputable agencies on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or NACES website at www.NACES.org. Once the evaluation is complete, provide proof/documentation with your application prior to the application deadline.

c) If you have completed a minimum of 30 college hours from an accredited/approved higher education institution within the state of Oklahoma, you may be eligible to petition the Oklahoma State Department of Education to be awarded high school equivalency. For more information, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Education at 1(800) 405-0355 or 1(405) 521-3301. Proof of high school equivalency must be included with your application prior to the application deadline.

The applicant is responsible for any cost that may be incurred. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide one of the above forms of documentation with their application prior to the application deadline.

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

PLACEMENT EXAMS / TESTING

All applicants to the Kiamichi Tech PN Program must provide placement exam test-scores with their application. Exams accepted include the (1) ACT National Exam or ACT Residual Exam (Reading or Science Reasoning and Math scores) and the (2) Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Exam (Reading, Arithmetic, and Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra/Statistics scores).  We do not accept scores from other versions of the ACCUPLACER exam, the HESI exam, the TSI, TSIA, TSIA 2.0, or TSIA2 exam, or any other exam not listed.  Post-secondary degrees or certificates do not substitute for placement exam requirements.  The exam offered at all Kiamichi Tech Campus locations is the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER exam. Contact your local Kiamichi Tech Campus to register, or click HERE for a list of contact information.

Keep in mind:

•    When using Next-Generation ACCUPLACER scores for Math test-score requirements, you must take both the Arithmetic exam and the Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra/Statistics (QAS) exam.
•    You may combine exams to satisfy score requirements (example:  using an ACT Reading score along with ACCUPLACER Arithmetic and ACCUPLACER QAS scores).
•    You may test at locations other than Kiamichi Tech, but exam "versions" must match (ACCUPLACER scores must be from the "Next-Generation" ACCUPLACER exams and ACT scores must be from the National or Residual exams).
•    We do not offer remote-testing vouchers; if these test versions are not available in your area, you may have to drive to a local Kiamichi Tech campus to test. 
•    ACCUPLACER exams may be repeated an unlimited number of times; however, exam dates MUST BE 14-CALENDAR DAYS APART.  Seating for repeat-testing is limited; first-time testers receive priority-seating.
•    ACCUPLACER exam dates may not be more than two years old (for 2023 applications ACCUPLACER exam dates must be January 2021 or later).
•    ACT exam dates may not be more than five years old (for 2023 applications ACT exam dates must be January 2019 or later).

Click HERE to see a PDF of the Kiamichi Tech PN Exam Criteria with Points.

Click HERE to see information about the ACCUPLACER exam, along with links to practice-tests and learning resources.

TOEFL TESTING AND THE ENGLISH-PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

All International applicants (regardless of U.S. Citizenship) for whom English is a second language (English Second Language or ESL), must present evidence of proficiency in the English language.  A TOEFL test is required for admission IN ADDITION to taking placement exams.  You may obtain information about the TOEFL test by accessing their website at www.TOEFL.org.  Once you have tested, you must include a copy of your TOEFL scores with your application prior to the application deadline.

TOEFL scores that meet PN application-requirements include:

• the PBT (paper-based test) with an overall score of 500 or higher, or
• the IBT (internet-based test) with a score of 61 or higher.

PLEASE NOTE THESE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ENGLISH-PROFICIENCY APPLICATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants from Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, and the English-speaking provinces of Canada are exempt.  Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university AND high school diploma from a United States high school are exempt.

Applicants from other countries where English is the primary language of instruction and the language spoken at home and by the indigenous population may petition for an exemption by emailing the Kiamichi Tech Director of Practical Nursing for assistance.  That email address can be found on the Kiamichi Tech Practical Nursing website or send your email to practicalnursing@ktc.edu with a subject line that reads APPLICATION ENGLISH-PROFICIENCY REVIEW.  Petitions for exemption must be submitted prior to the application deadline.

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

HISTORY OF CRIMINAL CHARGE, DISCIPLINARY ACTION, OR MENTAL INCOMPETENCE.

The Kiamichi Tech PN Application includes a section asking for information concerning the applicant’s criminal history.  The four questions, required by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, have answers of “yes” or “no”, and with any answer of “yes”, additional information of the offense is requested.  Please answer these questions honestly, as disclosing information of any record (whether misdemeanor or felony) will not negatively affect your application to the Kiamichi Tech PN Program.  

OKLAHOMA RESIDENTS (applicants who live in Oklahoma) with a FELONY CONVICTION (felony conviction; not misdemeanor), MUST first petition for a Determination of Eligibility from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. This does not include convictions for crimes committed as a juvenile, or convictions that have been expunged by Order of a court of competent jurisdiction, although proof of such should be included with your application. For a list of crimes and/or convictions and for the Determination of Eligibility instructions, go to https://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf.  Once a determination has been received from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, applicants to the Kiamichi Tech PN Program must include a copy of the documentation with their application prior to the application deadline.

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing 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. 657.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application-for-licensure is made, with the exception of felony convictions. 

ORDERING A CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS SEARCH OR BACKGROUND CHECK

Applicants to the Kiamichi Tech PN Program MUST order a Criminal History Records Search (CHRS), often referred to as a Background Check, prior to the application deadline and MUST attach the background check results with their application.  Failure to order a background check prior to the application deadline disqualifies the applicant.  Orders may take 3-5 business days or more to process.  

Background checks MUST be ordered from CastleBranch, Inc. using the CastleBranch, Inc. Kiamichi Tech Student Portal. Costs associated with a background check are the applicant’s responsibility. Background checks MUST BE DATED the same year as the application-period and should not be ordered prior to the day applications are available.  We do not accept background checks ordered prior to the date that applications become available for any application-period, nor do we accept background checks from companies other than CastleBranch, Inc. 

YOU MAY ORDER A BACKGROUND CHECK FOR THE 2023 APPLICATION-PERIOD

BEGINNING JANUARY 06, 2023.  

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE FOR ORDER INSTRUCTIONS FROM CASTLEBRANCH, INC.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE CASTLEBRANCH, INC. STUDENT PORTAL.

IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES

Immunization/Health Screening requirements are based on clinical institutions required documentation to attend clinicals. Additional immunizations/screenings may be required by clinical institutions.

EACH STUDENT MUST PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY AGAINST THE FOLLOWING DISEASES:

• Tuberculin PPD
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Hepatitis A (HAV)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Td or Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Influenza (Flu)

At this time, a COVID vaccination is not required, however, the need for specific vaccinations is determined by our clinical facilities, and Kiamichi Tech is obligated to follow clinical facility policies per our clinical affiliate agreements.  KIAMICHI TECH PN STUDENTS WHO CANNOT ATTEND CLINICALS BECAUSE OF THEIR DECISION NOT TO VACCINATE, WILL BE UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE COURSE AND WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM FOR “FAILURE TO COMPLETE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS”.

Evidence of Immunity must be completed and on file by the first-class day.  Second-year part-time students must provide evidence of their “second” PPD by the first-class day of their second year.  Students may not attend clinical until evidence of immunity is on file, resulting in an unexcused absence, and possible dismissal from the program for failure to complete program requirements.

CLICK HERE FOR THE KIAMICHI TECH PN IMMUNIZATION GUIDELINES.

SELECTING INTERVIEW CANDIDATES

Applicants who meet all application-requirements are chosen for interview. Kiamichi Tech PN uses a self-managed application process, which means it is the applicant’s responsibility to properly complete the application form, schedule testing in a timely manner, order a background check, and include proper documentation with the application.  Interviews generally occur in mid-to-late May and/or June.  Interview invitations are sent via email approximately two weeks after the application deadline, thus it is very important that every applicant include an email address in their application that is accurate and checked on a regular basis.

Candidates for the Kiamichi Tech PN Program are selected by a committee that follows an unbiased, selection criteria.  Points for each applicant are awarded based on that criteria, and class-candidates are then selected from highest to lowest score, until available seats are filled. Full-time programs have 24 available seats while part-time programs have 12.

Points are awarded, using the following criteria, with ratings of “Poor”, “Fair”, “Good”, and “Superior”:

• High School Transcript GPA or
• GED Scores, or
• HiSet Scores.
• ACT Reading or Science Reasoning Score or ACCUPLACER Reading Score,
• ACT Math score or ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Score,
• ACT Math score or ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra/Statistics Score.
• Employment Background (health field or not and length of employment)
• Educational Background/College GPA (short-term courses, technical school, or college)
• Organization Membership/Community Service/Volunteer Work (within the last two years with dates)

Other considerations include applicant characteristics such as:

• Professional Appearance
• Communication Skills
• Written Skills
• Personality Characteristics
• Commitment to Education
• Degree of Self-Motivation & Determination

The highest possible score, using the Kiamichi Tech PN Selection Criteria, is 76.

We are often asked for tips or suggestions to help submit a strong application.  Because we select candidates using a point-system criteria, the applicant’s goal is to achieve the greatest number of points possible to help ensure they are selected for a seat.  Here are some ways to increase your points:

• When testing, try to achieve the maximum score that you can.  As you can see from the Kiamichi Tech PN Exam Criteria (available HERE), higher scores achieve more points.  When taking ACCUPLACER exams, you may test an unlimited amount of times as long as the tests are 14 days apart. Keep in mind, however, that seating for retesting is limited as the application deadline draws near.
• Don’t overlook the opportunity to receive points in the Organization Membership/Community Service/Volunteer Work category.  Have you helped your community in some capacity (for example, helping at a pet-adoption event)?  Are you involved in your house-of-worship as a Sunday School or Vacation Bible School teacher?  Are you a member of your local Garden Club?  If the answer is “yes” and you have served or been a member within the last two (2) years, then include proof of your service/membership, with dates, with your application.   
• Don’t be in a rush to submit your application. There are NO points awarded for being the first application received and NO points deducted for being the last received, as long as applications arrive prior to the application deadline.  Applications received after the deadline are not considered.  Be sure to double-check your application for grammatical and spelling errors. This is especially important in the “Applicant Questionnaire” section.  Those few questions are an introduction of you.  Take time to answer those questions carefully and thoughtfully.
• Submit a complete application.  Don’t leave information blank, and make certain you submit the requested documentation.
• Don’t forget to order and include your results of your Criminal History Records Search (Background Check).  Failure to do so by the application deadline will void your application completely. To place your order, click HERE.
• If invited for an interview, show up 15 minutes early and dress professionally.  Speak clearly and audibly, so those with the Interview Committee can hear and understand you.

Search social media for other application/interview tips.

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TUITION

Tuition costs for the 2023 program beginning August 9, 2023 are not yet available.  Costs will be comparable to the tuition for our 2022 academic year.  Click HERE for that information, along with financial aid contacts and details about the Kiamichi Tech Steps to Success Scholarship.

SUPPLIES

Tuition costs for the Kiamichi Tech PN Program include textbooks, liability insurance, drug testing fees and more.  Most supply items, such as scrubs, shoes, medical items (stethoscope, hemostat, bandage scissors), or various school supplies (computer/laptop, backpack, binders), etc. are not included in tuition costs; however, at times, some items may be provided for our students by various sources.

 PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ANY ITEMS IN ADVANCE! 

Candidates will receive further instructions concerning supplies at the PN Signing Event (date and time to be announced at interviews) or by email from their instructor(s) in early August.  If you haven’t received information by the day classes begin, don’t be concerned, as many of our instructors wait to review supply items during your first week of class.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Regardless of a student’s status as a medical marijuana licenses holder, marijuana is not allowed on Kiamichi Tech property or in any school vehicle or any vehicle transporting a student or at a clinical facility or Kiamichi Tech sponsored event away from school premises, under any circumstances. While the use of medical marijuana in conjunction with the possession of a medical marijuana license is legal in the State of Oklahoma, marijuana is a prohibited controlled substance under federal law regardless of the use being for medical purposes. 

ETC.

Do you have other questions?  Please contact our PN Administrative Office for assistance by calling (580) 298-5160 or by email to practicalnursing@ktc.edu. It is helpful to write something like “Application Question” in the subject line of your email.  Please allow 24 – 48 hours for a response.

FOR A PRINTED COPY OF THIS INFORMATION, CLICK HERE.

What is Advanced Standing enrollment?

Advanced Standing enrollment may be available to a student who:

     a) previously withdrew from the Kiamichi Tech PN Program in “good standing for re-admission” or

     b) for a student who withdrew from another nursing program prior to completion, if previous educational experiences and educational achievements meet the requirements of specific courses in the Kiamichi Tech PN program.

Admission of a student with “advanced standing” is considered if applying for such within two (2) years from the time of withdrawal from a previous nursing program of study.  A minimum of the last two (2) levels of the nursing program must be provided by Kiamichi Tech in order for a student to receive a diploma from the Kiamichi Tech PN Program.

If you are interested in or have questions about Advanced Standing enrollment, email your contact information, including a phone number, to practicalnursing@ktc.edu.  It is important to attach the transcript from your previous program of study with the email. You will be contacted by our PN Director shortly thereafter.