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:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Tulsa
Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the Best Nursing Schools in Tulsa to help students identify quality programs. These rankings focus on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, providing objective data for informed decisions. For more details on how we compile these rankings, visit our methodology page at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of pass rates in Tulsa shows recent improvements. In 2023, the average pass rate was 88.24% with 119 students, while 2022 data had a 73.83% rate but no student count recorded.
- 2023: 88.24% pass rate, 119 students
- 2022: 73.83% pass rate, data incomplete
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Comparing program types reveals performance differences. BSN programs had a higher average pass rate than ADN programs in the Tulsa area.
- BSN: 90.91% pass rate, 55 students
- ADN: 85.94% pass rate, 64 students
Top Performing Schools
Top schools in Tulsa demonstrate strong NCLEX performance. These institutions have maintained high pass rates with substantial student populations.
- Rogers State University: 90.6% pass rate, 56 students
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology: 85.76% pass rate, 65 students
Biggest Improvements
Several schools showed significant pass rate increases. These improvements highlight programs that have enhanced their nursing education effectiveness.
- Rogers State University: 17.23% improvement (73.68% to 90.91%)
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology: 11.97% improvement (73.97% to 85.94%)
Consistently High Performing Schools
Some schools maintain excellence across multiple years. These institutions consistently achieve pass rates above 90% with reliable data.
- Rogers State University: 90.6% average pass rate over 2 years, 56 students
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK - Private 4-year - utulsa.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Tulsa's online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a fast-track pathway for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees, completing in under 24 months. This ACEN-accredited program combines 60 core nursing credits with hands-on clinical experiences, utilizing the Roy Adaptation Model and research-based curriculum. With five annual start dates and a $625 per credit hour tuition, it requires a 3.0 GPA for admission but no ACT/SAT exam. The program demonstrates strong outcomes with NCLEX pass rates of 95.45% in 2022 and 94.87% in 2023, preparing graduates for RN licensure and offering priority admission to the MSN program.
- Less than 24 months completion.
- Online program with clinicals.
- $625 per credit hour.
- Five start times per year.
- 60 core nursing credits.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- Priority MSN admission.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Research-based curriculum.
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 campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes Whole Person Education, integrating physical, psychosocial, and spiritual care through high-tech simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences in local, rural, and international settings. Accredited by CCNE, it offers a Spirit-empowered nursing approach with faculty mentorship. NCLEX pass rates improved from 69.44% in 2022 to 95% in 2023, indicating strong exam preparation. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- High-tech simulation labs.
- Local and international clinicals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Whole Person Education focus.
- Scholarships available.
- Residential program.
- Faculty mentorship.
- Diverse career opportunities.
- Spirit-empowered nursing approach.
Rogers State University
Claremore, OK - Public 4-Year - rsu.edu
Bachelor's - BSN (Traditional Nursing)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rogers State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for RN licensure through comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical training in modern simulation labs. This ACEN-accredited program features small class sizes with personalized faculty mentorship. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission. Recent NCLEX pass rates show significant improvement, from 73.68% in 2022 to 90.91% in 2023, reflecting enhanced preparation. Graduates benefit from strong employment outcomes, with approximately 95% securing RN positions before graduation. The curriculum emphasizes clinical competence, cultural sensitivity, and professional development for diverse healthcare settings.
- NCLEX-RN licensure preparation
- ACEN accredited program
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art training facilities
- High employment rate pre-graduation
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Diverse career opportunities
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Cultural sensitivity training
- Professionalism focus
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 Degree in Nursing prepares students for RN careers through ACEN-accredited Traditional and LPN to RN Transition tracks. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training in modern facilities, with eligibility for NCLEX-RN. Graduates benefit from Oklahoma's Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing practice in multiple states. While no entrance exam is specified, the program requires meeting academic criteria. NCLEX pass rates improved from 73.97% in 2022 to 85.94% in 2023, indicating strong exam preparation. Financial aid and scholarships support students throughout their studies.
- Accredited by ACEN
- Approved by Oklahoma Board of Nursing
- Two tracks available
- Hands-on clinical training
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN
- Nurse Licensure Compact state
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships offered
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Practical training emphasis
Associate - LPN to RN Transition (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LPN to RN Transition program at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is specifically designed for licensed practical nurses seeking RN licensure. This campus-based pathway requires an active LPN license and focuses on mentorship and practical training to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. ACEN-accredited and approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, graduates can practice in Oklahoma and other NLC states. No entrance exam is mentioned, but applicants must meet specific academic requirements. The program's NCLEX performance shows significant improvement, with pass rates rising from 73.97% in 2022 to 85.94% in 2023, reflecting effective preparation strategies.
- Campus-based program
- ACEN accredited
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing approved
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- LPN license required
- Practice in NLC states
- Hands-on training
- Mentorship from faculty
- State-of-the-art facilities
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK - Public 2-Year - tulsacc.edu
Associate - Nursing (RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Tulsa Community College's Nursing (RN) program offers both Traditional and Career Mobility tracks, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam with completion in three to four semesters. Accredited by ACEN, the program emphasizes patient-centered care, teamwork, and evidence-based practices. With a 2.5 GPA requirement and prerequisite courses, admissions are competitive. The program boasts strong NCLEX pass rates, with 80.84% in 2022 and 84.41% in 2023 for ADN graduates, ensuring graduates are ready for high-demand nursing roles with competitive salaries. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Two tracks: Traditional, Career Mobility.
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Compassionate patient care focus.
- Teamwork and collaboration emphasis.
- Evidence-based practices taught.
- Quick entry into workforce.
- Competitive salaries post-graduation.
Associate - Nursing (RN) - Career Mobility Track (LPN/Paramedic to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed specifically for LPNs and Paramedics, Tulsa Community College's Nursing (RN) - Career Mobility Track provides a fast-track pathway to RN licensure with a concentration in LPN/Paramedic to RN. Students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam through a curriculum focused on patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. Admission requires a current LPN license or Paramedic certification, prerequisite courses, and a 2.5 GPA. The program demonstrates solid NCLEX performance with pass rates of 80.84% (2022) and 84.41% (2023) for ADN graduates. No entrance exam is needed for this bachelor's-level program.
- Career Mobility Track for LPNs/Paramedics.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Located in Tulsa, OK.
- Focus on patient-centered care.
- Teamwork and collaboration emphasis.
- Evidence-based practices curriculum.
- Fast-track to RN licensure.
- Competitive salary potential.
- Diverse work environments.
- Requires LPN license or Paramedic certification.
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 - RN2BSN Online Nursing Program
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online flexible program
- Two annual start dates
- Accredited by ACEN
- Up to 29 transfer credits
- Active RN license required
- Affordable tuition rates
- Can complete in 3 semesters
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 120 total semester credit hours
- Online program format
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Transfer credit options available
- Final 30 credits at OSU
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 - Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Primary care across lifespan
- Interdisciplinary clinical focus
- Human patient simulation training
- No GRE required
- Clinical sites in Tulsa/Northeast Oklahoma
- Minimum 1000 clinical hours
- Full-time program design
- Campus-based learning
- 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
- 3-year Doctorate in Nursing Practice
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Advanced acute care focus
- National board exam eligibility
- Intensive patient simulation
- MSN to DNP - D.N.P. Specialist Certificate in Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online specialist certificate program
- Requires 600 clinical hours
- For licensed advanced practice nurses
- Focuses on acute care practice
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- National certification needed
- Targets hospital/intensive care settings
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP in Oklahoma
- Hybrid learning format
- 100% certification pass rate
- Expert practicing faculty
- State-of-the-art simulation training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program in Oklahoma
- Hybrid learning format
- 100% first-time certification pass rate
- Four advanced practice nursing tracks
- Expert practicing faculty
- State-of-the-art simulation training
- Personalized clinical experiences
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program in Oklahoma
- Four advanced practice nursing tracks
- 100% first-time certification pass
- Expert practicing faculty
- State-of-the-art simulation learning
- Hybrid program format
- Nationally ranked 109th
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid advanced nursing program
- Clinical experiences across lifespan
- 3-year comprehensive curriculum
- Interdisciplinary healthcare focus
- Board exam preparation
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Tulsa, OK
Claremore, OK
Rogers State University
- Bachelor's - BSN (Traditional Nursing)
Campus Based - Website
- NCLEX-RN licensure preparation
- ACEN accredited program
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art training facilities
- High employment rate pre-graduation
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Diverse career opportunities
- Experienced nursing faculty
Okmulgee, OK
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Associate - Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN
- Approved by Oklahoma Board of Nursing
- Two tracks available
- Hands-on clinical training
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN
- Nurse Licensure Compact state
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships offered
- Associate - LPN to RN Transition
Concentration: LPN to RN - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- ACEN accredited
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing approved
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- LPN license required
- Practice in NLC states
- Hands-on training
Tulsa, OK
Oral Roberts University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by CCNE.
- High-tech simulation labs.
- Local and international clinicals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Whole Person Education focus.
- Scholarships available.
- Residential program.
- Faculty mentorship.
Tulsa Community College
- Associate - Nursing (RN) - Career Mobility Track
Concentration: LPN/Paramedic to RN - Campus Based - Website
- Career Mobility Track for LPNs/Paramedics.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Located in Tulsa, OK.
- Focus on patient-centered care.
- Teamwork and collaboration emphasis.
- Evidence-based practices curriculum.
- Fast-track to RN licensure.
- Competitive salary potential.
- Associate - Nursing (RN)
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Two tracks: Traditional, Career Mobility.
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Compassionate patient care focus.
- Teamwork and collaboration emphasis.
- Evidence-based practices taught.
University of Tulsa
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Less than 24 months completion.
- Online program with clinicals.
- $625 per credit hour.
- Five start times per year.
- 60 core nursing credits.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- Priority MSN admission.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
