Nursing Programs in Tulsa, OK
Caring, compassionate nurses motivated to provide quality care for patients will find many employment opportunities in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the state currently has an RN to patient ratio of 700 to 100,000, far lower than it should be. To meet this rising demand, several colleges and universities in the Tulsa region are creating working nurse focused educational programs to ready students to enter or advance in the field. Many entry-level, mid-level and advanced level educational offerings in Tulsa, OK have distant learning options.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Tulsa
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
The average pass rate improved significantly from 2022 to 2023, though student data for 2022 was unavailable.
- 2023: 88.24% average pass rate (119 students)
- 2022: 73.83% average pass rate (0 students)
Top Performing Schools
Among schools with sufficient data, Rogers State University leads with the highest average pass rate.
- Rogers State University: 90.6% average pass rate (56 students)
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology: 85.76% average pass rate (65 students)
Biggest Improvements
Both schools demonstrated substantial improvements in pass rates over the available period.
- Rogers State University: +17.23 percentage points (73.68% to 90.91%)
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology: +11.97 percentage points (73.97% to 85.94%)
Consistently High Performing Schools
One school sustained an average pass rate above 90% across multiple years.
- Rogers State University: 90.6% average pass rate over 2 years
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - utulsa.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Offered through the University of Tulsa, this online Accelerated BSN is tailored for students with a prior bachelor's degree in another field. The ACEN-accredited program can be completed in 21 months, featuring 60 credits of nursing coursework, asynchronous online instruction, a one-week on-campus skills bootcamp, and 630 clinical hours in local healthcare settings. A cohort model fosters collaboration, while faculty with advanced degrees emphasize mentorship. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN; recent annual pass rates exceed 94.8% (2023: 94.87%). Tuition is set at $650 per credit and includes textbooks, with three start dates per year and priority admission to the university's MSN program.
- ACEN accredited
- $650 per credit
- 21-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 630 clinical hours
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - oru.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oral Roberts University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a CCNE-accredited program with a 95% NCLEX first-time pass rate in 2023. The curriculum integrates adult health, pediatric nursing, community health, and professional leadership, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Students learn in high-tech simulation labs and gain real-world experience through local and international clinical internships. The program supports flexible formats, including on-campus and online live/self-paced options, and emphasizes faculty mentorship and a Whole Person education philosophy. Nearly all residential students receive scholarships, making this a financially accessible path to NCLEX-RN licensure. Career opportunities span hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and medical missions.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- High-tech immersive simulation labs
- Local and international clinical internships
- Adult Health & Illness
- Patterns of Pediatric Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
Rogers State University
Claremore, OK - Public 4-Year - rsu.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing-BSN, B.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rogers State University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an ACEN-accredited, Oklahoma Board of Nursing-approved program blending general education with nursing core courses such as medical-surgical, mental health, and childbearing family nursing. This 122-credit-hour curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, health promotion, and cultural competence. Competitive admission requires a 2.5 minimum GPA and an ATI TEAS reading score of at least 75; non-native English speakers must also submit a TOEFL score of 85. No ACT or SAT is required; instead, the nursing-specific entrance exam is the ATI TEAS. An LPN/Paramedic bridge offers 20 hours of advanced standing. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN, with pass rates improving from 73.7% in 2022 to 90.9% in 2023.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, TOEFL
- 122 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- LPN/Paramedic bridge entry
- Competitive admission process
- Approved by Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
Okmulgee, OK - Public 4-Year - osuit.edu
Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology's Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure and immediate practice. The program offers a traditional pathway and a career mobility track for LPNs and paramedics, granting credit for prior experience. Training occurs in modern clinical settings with experienced faculty, focusing on patient care, safety, and nursing technology. Graduates commonly pursue roles as hospital RNs, school nurses, home health nurses, or public health nurses. The ACEN-accredited, OBN-approved curriculum has multiple starts in fall, spring, and summer. State nursing board data shows a 2023 ADN NCLEX pass rate of 85.94%, improving from 73.97% in 2022, reflecting solid program outcomes and career readiness.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Career paths: Hospital RN, School Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Long-Term Care Specialist, Public Health Nurse
- National median salary $86K for RNs
- LPN/Paramedic to RN track with credit for prior experience
- 100% NCLEX pass rate within one year of graduation
- Graduates eligible for multistate license via Nurse Licensure Compact
Associate - LPN to RN Transition (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
For licensed practical nurses and paramedics, OSUIT's LPN to RN Transition track provides a streamlined route to registered nursing. This ACEN-accredited, OBN-approved program builds on existing knowledge with advanced clinical training in patient care coordination, evidence-based practice, and nursing technology. Credit for prior experience shortens completion time, and the program’s structured schedule includes one summer start with applications accepted from February 1 to March 31. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and eligible for careers such as hospital RN, school nurse, or home health nurse, with a national median salary of $86,000. The school's ADN NCLEX pass rate for 2023 was 85.94%. Program outcomes show a 78% average completion rate and 58% on-time completion in 2024.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- 100% licensure pass rate
- $86K NATIONAL MEDIAN SALARY FOR REGISTERED NURSES
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical training with experienced faculty
- Career paths: Hospital RN, School Nurse, Home Health
- Application period: February 1 - March 31
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK - Public 2-Year - tulsacc.edu
Associate - Nursing (RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Tulsa Community College’s Nursing (RN) program is a four-semester, full-time ADN pathway that prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure. This ACEN-accredited curriculum combines classroom instruction and clinical practice in patient assessment, care planning, vital signs, and critical thinking. Students may select the Traditional Track for novices or the Career Mobility Track, both offered as cohort-based formats with spring/fall starts at the Metro and Southeast campuses. Candidates must complete prerequisites, hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, and take the ACCUPLACER placement exam (entrance exam required). TCC posted an 84.41% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2023, improving from 80.84% in 2022. Graduates are positioned for hospital, clinic, and long-term care employment. Applications are due April 1 and September 1.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in as little as two years
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 92% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- 2.5 GPA minimum
Associate - Nursing (RN) - Career Mobility Track (LPN/Paramedic to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Career Mobility Track at Tulsa Community College is an accelerated A.A.S. program tailored for current LPNs and paramedics seeking RN licensure. Building on prior training, this ACEN-accredited route requires just three semesters of advanced coursework after prerequisites and follows a schedule of either Fridays/Saturdays or Wednesdays/Thursdays. Admission demands an active LPN license or paramedic registration, a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite completion, and ACCUPLACER testing (entrance exam required). The program reports an 84.41% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023—an improvement over 2022’s 80.84%—reflecting robust exam preparation. With competitive, limited seating and biannual deadlines of April 1 and September 1, this track offers an efficient path to hospital, clinic, and long-term care nursing careers.
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- 5-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 92% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Tulsa, OK
It can feel intimidating to enter a new profession. Program developers at Tulsa, Oklahoma know this and have designed ADN and BSN transition programs with this new-career anxiety in mind. With flexible schedules and online classes, nursing programs in Tulsa make starting a career a bit less stressful.
LPN to RN Programs
Hospitals, medical centers, and senior care facilities need the help of Licensed Practical Nurses to assist with patient care. LPNs, however, can take on potentially more rewarding job duties by becoming RNs. In addition to receiving higher compensation, RNs are more involved in direct patient care. Oklahoma State University outside of Tulsa gives LPNs with an active license the opportunity to get their RN in an efficient, cost-effective manner. By making the most of their recent training, LPNs can make every credit count at OSU’s LPN to RN bridge program.
ADN Programs
Two-year associate degree programs allow students to enter the field of nursing directly from the ground level. With low barriers to entry, these Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs tend to include general education courses as well as hands-on and theoretical nursing coursework. Since 1971, Tulsa Community College has been offering a locally recognized nursing education program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX. The ADN program has a pass rate of 84%, which rivals the state’s pass rate.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Launch your nursing career with a bachelor’s degree and you can likely enter the workforce at a higher salary than those with an associate degree. A BSN also allows you to take on greater patient responsibilities from the gate allowing you to have an instant effect on patient care. Rogers State University outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma offers a traditional BSN program that focuses on the ethics of nursing and patient-focused care. It also hones in on the use of contemporary information technology systems so graduates are prepared to enter today’s workforce.
Find out more about Oklahoma Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Tulsa, OK
Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree becomes less strenuous when you are given a straight-forward path to completion. Due to the big demand for nurses with advanced capabilities, more universities are offering no-frills, just-the-facts bridge programs so Registered Nurses can earn their BSN fast and at times that are convenient to them.
RN to BSN Programs
Registered nurses who want to get ahead in their careers without taking time away from work can benefit from "bridge" RN to BSN programs. Built specifically for busy nurses, these bridge programs offer expedience and flexibility, two features that are required for today’s adult students. Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma offers an RN to BSN program for interested students. It offers working nurses the ability to take courses so that they can earn their degrees without slowing down their careers.
Learn more about Oklahoma RN to BSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Claremore, OK
Rogers State University
- RN to BSN - Nursing RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 4-Year program
- 120 total credit hours
- Financial aid available
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 99% small class sizes
- 80%+ receive financial aid
- U.S. News most affordable
- Low in-state tuition online
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Advanced standing for RN license
- Portfolio review for prior credits
- Capstone course required
- Leadership and management focus
- Cultural considerations in care
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tulsa, OK
Advanced practice registered nurses and nursing administrators in Tulsa, OK are stepping up to take on high-level roles in healthcare. Nurses often work chaotic schedules, and in the past, this has been a barrier for returning to school. Today, universities offer MSN, post-graduate certificates, and doctorate programs at times that are conducive to non-standard work shifts. As a result, more nurses are continuing their education.
MSN Programs
Master’s degree programs train and educate veteran nurses to become administrators or advanced practice nurses, who take on broader roles in healthcare. Those nurses seeking to mentor, teach and inspire others can begin their advanced education at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, a faith-based institution of higher education. The MSN offering has an education and an administrative track and offers some distance learning options.
Find out more about Oklahoma Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Nurses with advanced degrees who seek to enter a specific area of care can earn a post-graduate certificate. As specializing becomes more common across healthcare, nurses with a specialty can earn a higher wage and become sought-after by preferred employers. These specialties often require their own examination. The University of Oklahoma offers the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate in a mostly distance learning setting (though some on-campus attendance is required). It prepares students for the AANP - FNP primary care certification exam.
Find out more about Oklahoma Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
To affect the larger field of healthcare rather than individual patient care, nurses must earn a terminal degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Doctor of Philosophy. By becoming industry leaders, nurses can become researchers as well as and university deans or professors. The University of Tulsa offers multiple DNP degree specialties.
Find out more about Oklahoma DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Tulsa
Tulsa, OK
University of Tulsa
- BSN to MSN - Nursing, M.S.N.
Concentration: Public Health Global Vision - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Public Health Global Vision concentration.
- 30 total credit hours.
- 18 core course hours.
- 9 specialization track hours.
- 3 capstone course hours.
- Requires BSN degree.
- Unencumbered RN license needed.
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, D.N.P.
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time enrollment
- Extensive simulation and skills lab training
- Faculty-arranged clinical placements
- Eligible for ANCC board exam
- Prepares for acute and critical care practice
- Course load: 7-12 credits per semester
- MSN to DNP - D.N.P. Specialist Certificate in Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 18 total credit hours
- 6 total courses
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 600 clinical hours
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Fully online format
- Designed for licensed APRNs
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Taught by practicing experts
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Nationally ranked by U.S. News
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- State-of-the-art simulation lab
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Taught by practicing experts
- Faculty and preceptor matching
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4 concentration options
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Ranked #1 in Oklahoma for 2023
- Ranked 109th nationally by U.S. News
- State-of-the-art human patient simulation
- Hands-on facilitated clinical experiences
- Matched with faculty and preceptors
- Taught by practicing experts
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for American Nurses Credentialing Center and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Clinical rotations in underserved clinics
- Faculty-arranged clinical placements
- Eligible for ANCC and AANP exams
- Interdisciplinary primary care focus
- Full-time, 6-12 credits per semester
- D.N.P. project required
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Tulsa, OK
Claremore, OK
Rogers State University
- Bachelor's - Nursing-BSN, B.S.
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS, TOEFL
- 122 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- LPN/Paramedic bridge entry
Okmulgee, OK
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 90% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Career paths: Hospital RN, School Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Long-Term Care Specialist, Public Health Nurse
- National median salary $86K for RNs
- LPN/Paramedic to RN track with credit for prior experience
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Concentration: LPN to RN - Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- 100% licensure pass rate
- $86K NATIONAL MEDIAN SALARY FOR REGISTERED NURSES
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical training with experienced faculty
Tulsa, OK
Oral Roberts University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- High-tech immersive simulation labs
- Local and international clinical internships
- Adult Health & Illness
Tulsa Community College
- Associate - Nursing (RN) - Career Mobility Track
Concentration: LPN/Paramedic to RN - Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- 5-Semester program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 92% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
- Associate - Nursing (RN)
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in as little as two years
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 92% licensure pass rate
University of Tulsa
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- ACEN accredited
- $650 per credit
- 21-Month program
- 120 total credit hours
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
