Best DNP Programs Near Oklahoma City, OK
- 2026 Best DNP Programs Near Oklahoma City
- Why Oklahoma City Is a Strong Choice for DNP Students
- DNP Admissions Overview
- Curriculum and Learning Format
- Clinical Rotations in the Oklahoma City Region
- Comparing Local DNP Programs
- Career Outlook and Employers in Central Oklahoma
- Financing Your DNP
- FAQs
- Latest Articles & Guides
For registered nurses in Oklahoma ready to reach the highest level of practice, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers the opportunity to combine advanced clinical expertise with leadership, systems thinking, and health policy. In Oklahoma City (OKC), the state's largest healthcare hub, students find a blend of nationally recognized hospitals, community-based clinics, and academic research opportunities.
From OU Health Sciences Center to INTEGRIS Health, Mercy Hospital, and SSM Health St. Anthony, the OKC metro provides fertile ground for nurses pursuing advanced practice or leadership-focused DNP degrees.
In this article, you'll learn:
- What to expect from DNP programs near Oklahoma City, including BSN to DNP and post-master's options
- Typical admissions requirements and how to stand out as a local candidate
- Examples of OKC clinical rotation sites and healthcare employers
- How DNP students apply evidence-based practice through local project work
- Tuition and funding options for Oklahoma nurses
2026 Best DNP Programs Near Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK - Private 4-year - okcu.edu
Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma City University's Advanced Practice DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program equips nurses to provide comprehensive primary care across all life stages. This 66-credit hybrid doctoral track focuses on holistic patient management, health promotion, and disease prevention, with an emphasis on diverse populations and evidence-based practices. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, an unencumbered RN license, and professional references, with no GRE exam needed.
- 66 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning formats
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Comprehensive patient care
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- One year nursing experience
- No GRE required
- Professional reference needed
- Unencumbered RN license
- Advanced health assessment
Doctorate - DNP Completion
Concentration: Executive Leadership Focus - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma City University's DNP Completion program with an Executive Leadership concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for high-level clinical and systems leadership roles. This 30-32 post-master's credit hybrid program develops skills to address complex healthcare challenges and drive system improvements. Admission requires a master's in nursing, current RN licensure, a 3.25 graduate GPA, and a professional interview, with no GRE exam required.
- Hybrid program format
- 30-32 post-master's credits
- Leadership focus for nurses
- No GRE required
- Graduate GPA 3.25+ needed
- Professional interview component
- Advanced clinical practicum included
- Professional policy development
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma City University's Advanced Practice DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner trains nurses to manage mental healthcare across patient lifespans. This hybrid program, spanning 3-4 years and 68 credits, focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complex mental health conditions, including psychopharmacology and clinical practice. It requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, and an RN license, with no GRE exam needed.
- Four-year BSN-DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Comprehensive mental health training
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year nursing experience
- 68 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- Professional licensure needed
- Weekly on-campus classes
Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma City University's Advanced Practice DNP in Adult Gerontology Acute Care prepares nurses to manage complex medical needs in critical care settings. This four-year, 67-credit hybrid program emphasizes treating physiologically unstable patients with evidence-based practices. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, two years of acute care experience, ACLS certification, and professional references, with no GRE exam required.
- Four-year BSN-DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- 67 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- No GRE required
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- One year nursing experience
- ACLS certification needed
- Two years acute care experience
- Professional reference required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Completion Program - Nurse Educator track
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Oklahoma City University's DNP Completion Program with a Nurse Educator concentration is an online track for master's-prepared nurses advancing in education. Requiring 30-32 post-master's credits, it focuses on guiding diverse learners and includes practicum hours. Admission needs a 3.25 GPA, active RN license, master's degree from an accredited institution, professional references, a personal essay, and possibly an interview, with no GRE exam required.
- Online program delivery.
- 30-32 credit hours.
- Post-master's degree required.
- Nurse Educator concentration.
- Active RN license needed.
- 3.25 GPA minimum.
- No GRE required.
- Includes practicum hours.
- Focus on evidence-based practice.
- Admission each semester.
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK - Public 4-Year - ouhsc.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Oklahoma's DNP program cultivates advanced nursing professionals through a transformative hybrid learning model. Focused on evidence-based practice and leadership, the curriculum empowers nurses to implement systemic healthcare changes. Students develop sophisticated clinical competencies, exploring patient-centered care strategies and interprofessional collaboration techniques. The CCNE-accredited program prepares graduates to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse populations, emphasizing advanced practice skills and strategic leadership development.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Multiple Specialized Tracks
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Interprofessional Collaboration
- Leadership Skill Development
- Patient-Centered Care Approach
- Hybrid Learning Format
Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner pathway at University of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive doctoral-level training for registered nurses. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program combines online coursework with intensive clinical training. Students develop advanced skills in primary care, medication prescribing, and comprehensive patient management. Requiring 72 credit hours and 1,040 clinical hours, the program prepares nurses for national certification exams, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention across patient lifespans.
- 72 credit hours total
- 1040 clinical hours required
- Part-time and full-time options
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- Aligned with 2025 DNP education standards
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Oklahoma RN license needed
- Prerequisite courses in nursing research
- Prepare for national certification exams
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Oklahoma's DNP program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides specialized advanced nursing education. This hybrid program equips students with cutting-edge clinical skills in mental health diagnostics, treatment, and management. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, graduates develop comprehensive competencies to address complex mental health conditions. The CCNE-accredited curriculum integrates innovative healthcare technologies and advanced clinical strategies for diverse patient populations.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Hybrid Delivery Format
- Advanced Clinical Specialization
- Interprofessional Collaboration Focus
- Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
Doctorate - BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers flexible doctoral training for advanced nursing professionals. With part-time (4-year) and full-time (3-year) options, this hybrid curriculum combines online learning with on-campus clinical experiences. Students develop advanced mental health care skills, leadership competencies, and full prescriptive authority. Requiring 76 credit hours and 1,024 clinical hours, the program prepares nurses for comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans.
- 76 semester credit hours
- 1024 clinical/practicum hours
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- Prepares for certification exam
- Full prescriptive authority training
- 3-4 year completion options
- Advanced mental health care focus
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Oklahoma's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner pathway transforms experienced nurses into advanced primary care leaders. This comprehensive doctoral program delivers high-quality, evidence-based healthcare training through a hybrid learning model. Students develop sophisticated skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and healthcare management. Requiring 72 credit hours and 1,040 clinical hours, graduates are prepared to excel in primary care, health promotion, and chronic disease management.
- DNP Practice Doctorate
- 72 credit hours total
- 1,040 clinical hours
- Part-time and full-time options
- Hybrid online/on-campus learning
- Prepares for national certification
- Primary care focus
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Oklahoma RN license needed
- Research and statistics prerequisites
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Oklahoma's PhD in Nursing prepares nurse scientists for advanced research roles through an online program. Focusing on interdisciplinary and translational research, the curriculum develops skills to address health disparities in diverse populations. Requiring 58-72 credit hours, the program includes core nursing science, research methods, and dissertation components. Admission requires a BSN or MSN, preferred 3.5 GPA, prerequisite statistics course, and comprehensive application materials, positioning graduates for academic and research career opportunities.
- Online program delivery.
- Prepares nurse scientists.
- Focus on research skills.
- Admission requires BSN or MSN.
- Preferred GPA of 3.5.
- Prerequisite statistics course.
- TOEFL required if applicable.
- Submit CV and essay.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Curriculum includes core courses.
Why Oklahoma City Is a Strong Choice for DNP Students
Oklahoma City's healthcare ecosystem offers a mix of high-acuity clinical environments, community clinics, and rural partnerships, all within an hour's drive. The region's growing demand for nurse practitioners and healthcare leaders makes it an ideal place for DNP students to learn and eventually practice.
Local highlights include:
- OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, the state's only academic medical center and home to top-tier clinical rotations.
- INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center, a large teaching hospital known for acute care and cardiology.
- SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, one of OKC's oldest and most respected downtown facilities.
- Variety Care, one of the largest Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the state.
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, offering experience with veteran populations and chronic disease management.
Together, these systems provide a comprehensive range of rotations, from pediatrics to geriatrics, family care to psychiatry, and administration to policy work.
Learn more about nursing programs in Oklahoma City, OK.
DNP Admissions Overview
Most DNP programs in Oklahoma expect applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution. While exact criteria vary, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both clinical readiness and leadership potential.
Typical admission requirements:
- A BSN or MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution
- Unencumbered Oklahoma RN license (or eligibility for licensure)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the most recent 60 credits
- One to two years of clinical nursing experience (often required for advanced specialty tracks)
- Statement of purpose reflecting your career goals and commitment to improving Oklahoma's healthcare outcomes
- Two to three letters of recommendation from supervisors or faculty
- Current résumé or CV
Many schools also value applicants who have experience with rural health, mental health integration, or health equity initiatives, which are all ongoing priorities in the state's healthcare system.
Curriculum and Learning Format
DNP programs combine rigorous clinical preparation with systems leadership and evidence-based practice. Whether you're pursuing an FNP, AGNP, or PMHNP track, coursework is designed to expand both patient-care and organizational-impact skills.
Core coursework typically includes:
- Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment
- Health Systems, Finance, and Policy
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Leadership in Complex Healthcare Environments
- Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement
- Informatics and Population Health
DNP project work allows students to identify and solve real problems in Oklahoma's healthcare settings, such as improving diabetes control at a community clinic or reducing hospital readmissions within a health system.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialty programs.
Program formats near OKC:
- Hybrid delivery: Most programs combine online coursework with occasional campus intensives in Oklahoma City.
- Full-time and part-time options: Designed to accommodate working RNs and APRNs.
- Clinical hour requirements: At least 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours, including direct patient care and indirect leadership experiences.
Clinical Rotations in the Oklahoma City Region
Clinical experiences are central to the DNP, and OKC offers one of the most diverse ranges of sites in the state. Programs partner with large hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community agencies to ensure exposure to multiple populations and practice models.
Examples of clinical sites:
| Type of Site | Example Locations | Opportunities |
| Academic Medical Center | OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center | Acute care, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics |
| Integrated Health System | INTEGRIS Health Baptist, INTEGRIS Portland Ave | Primary care, specialty rotations, hospitalist practice |
| Faith-Based Hospital | Mercy Hospital OKC, SSM Health St. Anthony | Chronic disease management, acute and surgical rotations |
| Community Health / FQHC | Variety Care, Good Shepherd Clinic | Family and preventive care in underserved populations |
| Veterans' Care | OKC VA Medical Center | Primary care, geriatrics, behavioral health |
| Behavioral Health | NorthCare, Red Rock Behavioral Health | Outpatient psychiatry, integrated behavioral health |
| Tribal & Rural Health | Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health, Citizen Potawatomi Nation clinics | Rural health experience and culturally competent practice |
These placements emphasize collaboration, leadership, and adaptability, which are key skills for Oklahoma's full-practice nurse practitioners.
Comparing Local DNP Programs
When choosing a program, prospective students should look for strong accreditation, practical support for clinical placements, and flexible delivery models.
| Factor | What to Look For | Oklahoma City Insight |
| Accreditation | CCNE-accredited curriculum | Aligns with Oklahoma Board of Nursing and APRN national standards |
| Specializations | FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, Leadership | Match to regional needs: primary care and behavioral health are top priorities |
| Format | Hybrid or fully online | Great for nurses balancing work at OKC hospitals |
| Clinical Placement Support | Faculty-arranged or approved sites | Most programs partner directly with OU Health, INTEGRIS, and Variety Care |
| Tuition & Funding | Public vs. private rates, aid availability | Employer reimbursement common at major OKC systems |
| Project Mentorship | Faculty with QI and policy expertise | Choose mentors with Oklahoma-specific healthcare experience |
Career Outlook and Employers in Central Oklahoma
Graduates of OKC-area DNP programs are well positioned for clinical and administrative leadership roles. The city's major health systems actively recruit nurse practitioners, clinical directors, and QI leaders.
Common employers for DNP-prepared nurses:
- OU Health: FNPs, AGACNPs, and DNP leaders in quality and safety roles
- INTEGRIS Health: Hospitalist, family practice, and nurse leadership positions
- Mercy OKC: Family and acute care NPs across suburban clinics
- Variety Care: FNP and PMHNP positions in community-based primary care
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center: Advanced practice roles with federal benefits and loan repayment eligibility
- SSM Health St. Anthony: Integrative and inpatient care for underserved patients
Typical salary range for DNP-level practitioners in Oklahoma:
- Entry-level: $100,000–$110,000
- Mid-career: $115,000–$125,000
- Leadership or specialty roles: $130,000–$145,000+
Employers increasingly value DNP graduates for their ability to translate research into practice and drive quality improvement within clinical systems.
Explore nursing schools in Oklahoma.
Financing Your DNP
While DNP tuition varies across institutions, most programs in the Oklahoma City region charge between $600 and $1,000 per credit hour, depending on in-state status and program type.
Funding options include:
- Employer tuition assistance: Offered by OU Health, INTEGRIS, Mercy, and SSM Health.
- Federal loan forgiveness: Through the HRSA Nurse Corps or NHSC for clinicians serving in FQHCs like Variety Care.
- VA Education Debt Reduction Program: Available for advanced-practice roles at the Oklahoma City VA.
- Scholarships: Many schools and state nursing associations offer targeted scholarships for Oklahoma residents pursuing graduate degrees.
Oklahoma City offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and educational support for nurses ready to take the next step. Whether your passion lies in clinical practice, systems leadership, or public health innovation, earning a DNP near OKC allows you to advance your skills and make a lasting impact on the health of Oklahomans across the state.
FAQs
Q: Is there high demand for nurse practitioners in Oklahoma?
A: Absolutely. With many rural counties designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), Oklahoma continues to experience strong FNP and PMHNP demand, especially for DNP-prepared clinicians.
Q: What are popular DNP specialties among OKC nurses?
A: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks are most common. Leadership-focused DNPs are also growing as hospitals expand QI and administrative teams.
Q: Do OKC hospitals support DNP research projects?
A: Yes. Major systems such as OU Health, INTEGRIS, and Mercy often serve as host sites for DNP scholarly projects, offering access to real-world data and interdisciplinary mentorship.
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