Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Oklahoma City, OK

Those looking for entry-level nursing programs in Oklahoma City have multiple pathways. An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are both possibilities with great potential.

LPN to RN Programs

For the licensed practical nurse who is passionate about providing patient care and yearns for additional job responsibilities, an LPN to RN bridge program provides an opportunity to expand on current knowledge to launch a career as a registered nurse.  One such program is offered at Oklahoma State University, which includes 75 credit hours of pre-requisites, nursing coursework and hands-on clinical practice hours.

ADN Programs

These 2-year programs offer the quickest route to become an RN, and are available at most community colleges in the area. For example, Oklahoma City Community College provides a traditional ADN program that requires a minimum of 71-72 credit hours. Courses taken include Human Anatomy & Physiology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and more.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

The traditional 4-year bachelor's degree in nursing is arguably the most popular nursing program, as it qualifies RNs for work in many different settings (many healthcare employers are starting to require a BSN degree or higher). Southern Nazarene University (SNU) offers BSN program with no wait-list for entry. Upon completion of the program, SNU graduates have an employment rate of over 90%.

Find out more about Oklahoma Accelerated BSN Programs

Oklahoma City RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 Oklahoma CityOklahoma
NCLEX-RN Students Total9462,169
NCLEX-RN Students Passed8141,812
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate86.1%83.6%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Oklahoma City

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Oklahoma City based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Oklahoma out of 45 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Oklahoma City Community College - #5
  • Oklahoma City University - #18
  • Oklahoma State University - #19
  • Rose State College - #17
  • University of Central Oklahoma - #9
  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - Oklahoma City - #12
SchoolContact Information

Oklahoma Christian University

2501 E Memorial Rd
Oklahoma City, OK 73013
(800) 877-5010

Oklahoma City Community College

  • ADN Campus
  • Top Ranked Oklahoma Program: #5 of 45
7777 S May Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 682-1611

Oklahoma City University

2501 N Blackwelder Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
(405) 208-5900

Oklahoma State University

  • ADN Campus
  • Top Ranked Oklahoma Program: #19 of 45
900 N Portland Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 945-3210

Redlands Community College - El Reno

1300 S Country Club Rd
El Reno, OK 73036
(405) 422-1262

Rose State College

  • ADN Campus
  • Top Ranked Oklahoma Program: #17 of 45
6420 SE 15th Street
Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 733-7673

Southern Nazarene University

6729 NW 39th Expressway
Bethany, OK 73008
(405) 491-6610

University of Central Oklahoma

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Oklahoma Program: #9 of 45
100 N University Dr
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-5000

University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City

1100 North Stonewall Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
(405) 271-2428

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - Oklahoma City

1100 North Stonewall Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
(405) 271-2428

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Oklahoma City, OK

The RN to BSN and RN to MSN are "bridge" programs which allow nurses who have already graduated from an ADN or diploma program to complete a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing much more quickly. These programs gives students credits for courses completed in their prior programs, therefore shaving off a significant portion of the traditional curriculum.

RN to BSN Programs

The RN to BSN program is a roughly 2-year pathway to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Full-time or part-time study options are typically available for this type of program to accommodate busy working nurses. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers an RN to BSN program that consists of online coursework and optional monthly in-class Saturday sessions. They offer both Fall and Spring start times.

Find out more about Oklahoma RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For those nurses who know they want to go on to earn an advanced nursing degree, an RN to MSN program is ideal. The University of Central Oklahoma, for example, offers an RN to MSN pathway where students take master's-level courses while completing their bachelor's degree in nursing. Once the BSN portion has been completed, students can complete the MSN coursework in as little as 3 additional semesters.

Find out more about Oklahoma RN to MSN Programs

Jump to City:

Edmond, OK

University of Central Oklahoma

  • Bachelor's - RN to B.S. in Nursing Track

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to BSN track
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Multiple nursing pathway options
    • Supports professional advancement
    • State-approved nursing curriculum

Oklahoma City, OK

Mid-America Christian University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Degree
    • Unencumbered RN License Required
    • Associate Degree Minimum 2.0 GPA
    • Multiple Career Path Options
    • Faith-Integrated Healthcare Education

Oklahoma City University

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete BSN in 9 months
    • No math/science prerequisites
    • Face-to-face and online options
    • 94 credit hours for RN license
    • No nursing exams or clinicals
    • Small class sizes
    • Special package pricing
    • Flexible learning opportunities
*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2023 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oklahoma City, OK

Advanced nursing programs poise RNs for the most prestigious nursing positions and careers. Traditional MSN programs, as well as post-master's certificate programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs allow RNs to specialize in an array of nurse practitioner specialties.

MSN Programs

The traditional master's degree pathway typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, and offers many specialization tracks. In roughly 2 years of study, students are on their way to an advanced nursing career. The University of Central Oklahoma offers an MSN degree with full or part-time schedule options, as well as evening classes.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

For those who want to specialize in a particular nursing niche and have already earned an MSN degree, the post-master's certificate pathway is a great way to go. These are usually shorter and less expensive than earning another nursing degree. Oklahoma City University offers post-master's advanced practice certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, which require 20 and 22 credit hours, respectively.

Learn more about Oklahoma Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

DNP Programs

Doctoral degree programs are the highest nursing degrees that can be earned. DNP programs focus on high-level clinical practice and teach nurses to shape policy and other key areas of healthcare delivery. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a DNP that requires 38 credit hours, and can be completed in 28 months of full-time study or 3 years of part-time study.

Find out more about Oklahoma DNP Programs.

Jump to City:

Edmond, OK

University of Central Oklahoma

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program
    • Nursing Education track available
    • Flexible graduate nursing options
    • Advanced leadership preparation
    • Accessible graduate education
    • Graduate studies through Jackson College

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Community-Based Public Health - Online Learning - Website

    • 21-credit specialization.
    • Online program format.
    • Focus on community health.
    • Leadership and management skills.
    • Epidemiology and data management.
    • Healthcare policy and ethics.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Adult Gerontology Acute Care

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 23 credit hour program
    • Advanced practice nursing certificate
    • Post-master's level preparation
    • Acute care specialization
    • Graduate GPA 3.25 required
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • Graduate-level health coursework
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 22 credit hour certificate
    • Advanced nursing practice focus
    • Master's degree prerequisite
    • 3.25 minimum GPA required
    • Comprehensive patient care training
    • Multiple clinical specialties covered
    • Current RN licensure needed
    • Advanced clinical skill development
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Practice Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 23 total credit hours
    • Psychiatric Mental Health focus
    • Advanced practice nurse requirement
    • Minimum 3.25 GPA
    • National certification needed
    • Multiple practicum experiences
    • Advanced psychopharmacology course
    • Graduate-level nursing preparation
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership

    Campus Based - Website

    • 15 credit hours
    • Fall, spring, summer start
    • Master's in nursing required
    • 3.00 GPA minimum
    • Active RN licensure needed
    • Focus on leadership skills
    • Quality improvement courses
    • Healthcare economics included
  • Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Adult Gerontology Acute Care

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Advanced Practice DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - DNP Completion

    Concentration: Executive Leadership Focus - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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

University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center

  • Master's - Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

    Concentration: cardiology, nephrology, neurology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 40 credit hours total
    • 672 clinical practice hours
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Multiple subspecialty concentrations
    • 100% certification pass rate
    • 100% employment within 12 months
    • Requires BSN degree
    • Current RN license needed
  • Master's - Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist

    Concentration: oncology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 40 credit hours total
    • 672 clinical practice hours
    • 100% certification pass rate
    • Subspecialty oncology focus
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • RN license prerequisite
    • Research and statistics courses required
  • Graduate Certificate - Post Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time flexible schedule
    • 24-33 credit hours
    • 704 clinical hours required
    • Hybrid online/on-campus program
    • Prepares for certification exams
    • Master's degree prerequisite
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • RN license mandatory
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2-year full-time option
    • 3-year part-time schedule
    • Online and on-campus learning
    • Lifespan mental health focus
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Master's degree prerequisite
    • Oklahoma nursing license required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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 - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Multiple Specialized Tracks
    • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
    • Interprofessional Collaboration
    • Leadership Skill Development
    • Patient-Centered Care Approach
    • Hybrid Learning Format
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Hybrid Delivery Format
    • Advanced Clinical Specialization
    • Interprofessional Collaboration Focus
    • Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.