The VA Nursing Academic Partnership enables stronger, mutually beneficial relationships between the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing and VA facilities by expanding faculty and professional development. It provides opportunities for educational and practice innovations. The Oklahoma City VA and the OU College of Nursing work together to train compassionate, highly educated nurses to look after the health care needs of the nation’s Veterans. This academic partnership is strengthened through faculty practice, nursing research, and clinical education.

Program goals

The VA Nursing Academic Partnership was initiated to increase the number of baccalaureate prepared nurse graduates that can fully participate in and lead interprofessional health care teams that provide care and services to Veterans. It also serves to increase the recruitment and retention of BSN graduates to the VA health care system nursing workforce, and assist in their transition to practice and readiness for interprofessional collaboration. This program serves to provide participants a deep immersion in veteran-centric topics with a focus on the unique health care needs of Veterans guided by clinical content experts, experienced faculty, and VA nursing staff.

Eligibility requirements

This program is open to students enrolled in the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing traditional nursing program.

How to apply

The primary source of selection occurs when an incoming junior or senior student demonstrates an interest in serving the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System Veteran populations. Students may elect to participate in the program by choosing the VA medical center as their primary clinical site.

Application date

Students may enter the program in either their junior or senior year. Students may elect to participate in both the junior and senior year if desired.