University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center logo

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

Oklahoma City, OK

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

1971
Founded
Comprehensive health center
Type
1,143
Total Students
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

OUHSC: Pioneering health education and research with top national NIH funding.

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) stands as a comprehensive hub for health education, research, and patient care, dedicated to advancing health for Oklahoma and beyond. With approximately 4,000 students, OUHSC fosters a dynamic environment where future healthcare leaders and innovators are trained across a wide spectrum of health professions.

OUHSC's rich history began with the University of Oklahoma in 1890, but its distinct identity started forming when its two-year medical school moved to Oklahoma City in 1910, expanding into a four-year program. This move sparked a wave of growth, leading to the founding of a school of nursing in 1911, the establishment of a graduate college for biomedical sciences, and the creation of various health-focused schools. By 1971, the OU Medical Center officially evolved into the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, bringing all its specialized schools under a unified collegiate structure.

Today, OUHSC is a powerhouse of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. It encompasses renowned colleges for Medicine, Nursing, Allied Health, Public Health, and Pharmacy – the latter being OU's oldest professional program, which relocated to the Health Sciences Center in 1976. These colleges provide robust academic programs and foster an environment where students gain hands-on experience and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries.

Demonstrating its commitment to scientific advancement, OUHSC recently secured an impressive $75.2 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2025. This significant achievement propelled the institution to its highest-ever national ranking of 102nd among nearly 2,838 institutions receiving NIH funding, underscoring its pivotal role in biomedical research and innovation.

Key Highlights

  • A comprehensive health center for education, research, and patient care.
  • Serves approximately 4,000 students across diverse health professions.
  • Achieved its highest-ever national ranking of 102nd for NIH funding in 2025.
  • Secured $75.2 million in NIH research funding in 2025, demonstrating research excellence.
  • Evolved into the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in 1971.
  • Home to the College of Pharmacy, OU's oldest professional program.
  • The University Hospital system transitioned to the non-profit OU Medicine in 2018.

Timeline

1890
The University of Oklahoma founded in Norman.
1910
OU's two-year medical school moved to Oklahoma City and became a four-year program.
1911
A school of nursing was founded in Oklahoma City.
1967
A school of health was created (later split into colleges).
1971
The University of Oklahoma Medical Center became the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC).
1976
The College of Pharmacy moved from Norman to the OUHSC campus.
1993
The University Hospital system officially became independent of the State of Oklahoma Department of Health Services.
2018
The non-profit OU Medicine executed a $750 million buyout of HCA Healthcare's stake in hospital facilities.
2025
Secured $75.2 million in NIH funding, achieving a national ranking of 102nd.
🏛️
55 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

🏥

Medical School

Moved to Oklahoma City in 1910 and expanded into a four-year program, forming the core of the Health Sciences Center.

💉

College of Nursing

Founded in 1911 and graduated its first class in 1913, providing vital nursing education.

🏥

Graduate College for Biomedical Sciences

Established to foster advanced research and graduate-level education in biomedical fields.

🏫

College of Allied Health

Formed from the split of the original School of Health, offering diverse allied health programs.

🏛️

College of Public Health

Established from the split of the original School of Health, focusing on population health and public wellness.

💊

College of Pharmacy

OU's oldest professional program, which moved from Norman to the OUHSC campus in 1976.

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