SWOSU Nursing Welcomes Class of 2028 at Orientation Sessions

New faces at the SWOSU Department of Nursing on the first day of orientation.

SWOSU Nursing welcomed the nursing class of 2028 to Parker Hall on April 28 and April 30 for orientation sessions. The events gave students an early look at the program as they prepare to begin coursework in Fall 2026.

The department scheduled both a morning and afternoon session to accommodate two groups of incoming students. A total of 68 students attended, including admitted students and individuals on the waitlist. The orientation provided important information and resources to help students understand program expectations, connect with faculty and peers, and begin preparing materials required for their clinical and academic responsibilities.

Throughout the orientation, students rotated in groups through six informational stations led by SWOSU Nursing faculty. Each station focused on a key area of the program, including clinical compliance, uniform standards, required supplies, academic expectations, and additional paperwork. A photo booth was also available during the sessions.

Tammy Blatnick, SWOSU nursing instructor, speaks with incoming students about program expectations during orientation.

SWOSU Nursing Chair Elissa Saunders speaks with incoming students during orientation in Parker Hall.

Senior nursing students guide the incoming class through equipment use and clinical compliance requirements.

Faculty members at each station shared detailed explanations of program requirements, deadlines, and procedures students will encounter as they begin the program. The sessions were designed to give students a clear understanding of expectations while helping them feel confident and prepared for the semester ahead.

The orientation comes at a time of continued growth for the SWOSU Department of Nursing. In recent years, the program has seen strong demand, with more qualified applicants than available space. To meet that demand, the department will begin admitting students in both the fall and spring semesters in January 2027. The expansion follows renovations to the third floor of Parker Hall, which created additional classroom and learning space to support a larger program. The updates also allow the department to expand its simulation training areas, an important part of preparing students for clinical settings.

As the program continues to grow, SWOSU Nursing remains focused on preparing students for success and supporting them as they begin their careers in healthcare. To learn more about the program, visit https://www.swosu.edu/nursing/index.php.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.

For more information about Southwestern Oklahoma State University, visit https://www.swosu.edu.