Quality patient-based care is where Oklahoma is pushing their health care system, with the help of a nursing staff that is gaining higher education and professional development. Programs for all different levels of nursing degrees are abundant in the state. With an average salary of $66,600 for Oklahoma registered nurses (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics), it's a career path worth considering.

For RN bridge programs visit:

Cities in Oklahoma

Best RN Programs in Oklahoma

Selecting the best nursing school in Oklahoma can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Oklahoma by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 46 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

1601 S Opdyke St, Sallisaw, OK 74955

Score: 97.77

Sallisaw, known for its majestic green hills, is home to a renowned Carl Albert State College campus. CASC has been educating nurses since 1981, and its ADN program can be completed in 2 years (4 semesters) of full-time study. The curriculum includes courses such as Human Physiology, Health-Illness Nursing, and others.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (918) 775-6977
2.

2805 NE Lincoln Road, Idabel, OK 74745

Score: 95.61

Eastern Oklahoma State College, located in Idabel, boasts an affordable and accessible ADN program. Students can complete the program in just 2 years of full-time attendance. The program emphasizes a strong student-teacher relationship to help promote the development of critical thinking skills, communication, and other important nursing traits.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (580) 286-9431
3.

1507 S McKenna St, Poteau, OK 74953

Score: 94.99

Carl Albert State College's Poteau campus is located in the picturesque valley below Cavanal Hill. Graduates of CASC's ADN program are sought-after in the nursing field, thanks to their comprehensive education. In fact, CASC-Poteau estimates that 90% of their grads go on to find employment within 12 months of graduating.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (918) 647-1350
4.

2201 Silver Lake Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006

Score: 94.83

A unique blend of Christian faith and whole-patient philosophy is what makes graduates from the nursing programs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Bartlesville stand out at the top of their class. The school offers unique simulation labs as well as nursing mission trips to provide students with the knowledge and skills to become well-rounded nurses.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (918) 335-6276
5.

1301 W Main St, Wilburton, OK 74578

Score: 94.37

Eastern Oklahoma State College is located in the small town of Wilburton, Oklahoma, where a popular ADN program pathway is located. Patient-centered nursing education, with courses in nursing theory and clinical practice in community settings, prepare students for successful entry-level nursing employment.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (918) 465-2361
6.

7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159

Score: 93.97

Oklahoma City Community College is ready to fulfill the demand for nurses by offering multiple program pathways. OCCC's traditional ADN program preps students for immediate entry-level nursing positions, or upon completion, students can transfer their credits to a bachelor's degree program. OCCC's curriculum includes courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology, Mental Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (405) 682-1611
7.

1802 E. College Ave, McAlester, OK 74501

Score: 93.74

The McAlester campus of Eastern Oklahoma State University offers an ACEN-accredited ADN program. The curriculum consists of coursework that aims to prepare students to provide and manage quality nursing care for patients. An emphasis on holistic nursing care and patient advocacy set this program apart from the rest.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (918) 302-3607
8.

4502 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135

Score: 93.20

The University of Oklahoma - Tulsa is a favorite with students for its excellent nursing program offerings. Those enrolled in OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center's BSN program can complete their coursework in just 2 years of full-time study. The goal of the program is to train nurses who provide safe, ethical, and competent care to patients from diverse populations.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (918) 660-3000
9.

1100 E 14th St, Ada, OK 74820

Score: 92.97

East Central University's main campus in Ada is home to a high-quality BSN program that can be taken in person or online. The comprehensive curriculum includes coursework in Child-Adult Nursing, Pharmacology, Community Health Nursing, and much more. Program grads have high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN and are welcome additions at healthcare facilities throughout Oklahoma.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (580) 332-8000
10.

100 N University Dr, Edmond, OK 73034

Score: 92.80

Since 1972, the University of Central Oklahoma has prepared professional nursing candidates through its excellent degree offerings. UCO's traditional BSN allows students to complete their education via a 4-year or 5-year plan of study. Evidence-based nursing concepts are taught incorporating nursing theory and clinical application. Small class sizes facilitate interaction between students and faculty.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (405) 974-5000
11.

2901 Mt. Washington, Ardmore, OK 73401

Score: 92.20

Murray State College's Ardmore campus is home to an associate's degree pathway in registered nursing. Students complete 70 credit hours of coursework over four regular semesters and one summer semester. Graduates of the program are prepared to deliver evidence-based care in a variety of settings.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associates of Applied Science
  • Phone: (580) 387-7000
12.

7777 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74171

Score: 91.94

Oral Roberts University is home to the Anna Vaughn College of Nursing and an exceptional BSN program, which has proven to be one of the state's top nursing programs. Located in Tulsa, this faith-based program provides a broad nursing foundation for immediate practice or eventual graduate studies. The curriculum includes courses in Community Health Nursing, Lifelong Wellness, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (918) 495-6198
13.

1100 North Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73126

Score: 91.65

Experienced faculty who teach proven theoretical and practical methods can be found in all of the nursing degree programs offered at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - Oklahoma City. With a traditional BSN offering, as well as an accelerated BSN and an LPN to BSN, students can choose the route that works for them. Graduates from these renowned programs can expect immediate placement within the field.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
  • Phone: (405) 271-2428
14.

401 South Dewey Ave, Bartlesville, OK 74003

Score: 90.46

Bartlesville’s Rogers State University offers both a BSN and an RN bridge program for current LPNs and paramedics to cross over into registered nursing. Traditional classroom courses, distance learning, and online options are all available as part of these program. Enrolled students also have access to scientific labs and clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, LPN to RN
  • Phone: (918) 338-8000
15.

500 W University St, Shawnee, OK 74804

Score: 90.36

Shawnee’s Oklahoma Baptist University offers a BSN program that incorporates arts, sciences, and a Christian worldview. Students take nursing common core classes, flex core classes, specialty nursing courses, and more as part of the curriculum. Upon graduating, students go on to become RNs in hospitals and other care facilities, or they can continue their education at the graduate level.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
  • Phone: (405) 585-4450
16.

800 S Tucker Dr, Tulsa, OK 74104

Score: 90.05

The University of Tulsa boasts a pre-licensure BSN program built on cutting-edge, evidence-based practice. The highly personalized learning environment allows students to begin clinical experiences in the spring semester of their sophomore year, giving students more hands-on experience than most nursing programs. The program's mission is to educate students to deftly handle entry-level nursing careers, emphasizing clinical service, research, and health education.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (918) 631-2619
17.

1405 N 4th Street, PMB 2736, Durant, OK 74701

Score: 89.65

ECU @ Southeastern Nursing in Durant offers a BSN program pathway for aspiring RNs. The prelicensure program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters, and students can also opt for online study. The curriculum focuses on patient-centered care, communication, collaboration, safety, and much more.Graduates of the program are prepared to deliver highly skilled care in both urban and rural environments

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (580) 745-3180
18.

6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110

Score: 89.08

Located east of Oklahoma City in the town of Midwest City, you will find the nursing department on the sprawling 120-acre campus of Rose State College - Midwest City. Its 63-credit Associate in Science nursing degree program leaves students poised for further baccalaureate nursing education, or employment in entry-level positions. Over the course of the 2-year program, students take courses in Medical Terminology, Nutrition, and more.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (405) 733-7673
19.

2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Score: 88.54

Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program with flexibility in mind; students can choose a pace and graduation date that fits their needs. OCU also offers an Accelerated BSN and a Transfer BS to accommodate students at all levels.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (405) 208-5900
20.

900 N Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Score: 88.27

Oklahoma City’s Oklahoma State University offers an associate in applied science degree in nursing that is both board-approved and accredited. This competitive program consists of 72-credit hours of classroom lectures, laboratory instruction, and supervised clinical experiences. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain official licensure as an RN.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (405) 945-3210

ADN Programs in Oklahoma

Thinking of becoming a registered nurse, but have time or budget constraints? An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) might be the ideal path. This nursing program lasts only 2 years, making it great for those who want to enter the healthcare workforce sooner. It also tends to be a more affordable route to an RN, as it's typically offered at local junior and technical colleges.

There are over 18 schools in the state with board-approved ADN programs.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Oklahoma

To ensure that the ADN program you choose is legitimate, you'll want to look for some of the following:

Accreditation

Looking at a school and program's accreditation is a great way to check for quality. Any decent ADN program should have accreditations at the national level by organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It should also be approved locally by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing.

Licensing

Upon completing your ADN program, you'll need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) so that the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing can issue your RN license. Therefore, it's a good idea to do a little research into your preferred program's curriculum to ensure that it will prepare you to pass this exam.

Program Outcomes

Many schools provide statistics from program graduates regarding topics like the following:

  • Graduation rate
  • Licensure exam pass rate
  • Graduate satisfaction
  • Employment rate

An example of a school in Oklahoma that offers a properly accredited ADN program is Murray State College, located in Tishomingo, OK.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Oklahoma

Admission requirements tend to vary from program to program, so it's advised to check with any prospective school about their particular procedures. Here are a few common requirements:

  • Minimum ATI TEAS score of 58.7% proficient
  • Minimum ACT composite score of 19 or better
  • Have a college retention GPA of 2.5 or a nursing pre-requisite GPA of 3.0

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Oklahoma

The cost of an ADN program in the state boils down to a few main things. The first, tuition, is the main cost you'll need to focus on. The next thing you'll need to budget for is additional expenses, things like textbooks, lab fees, background and drug screenings, and other miscellaneous fees. When looking at your program of choice's costs, be sure to note whether or not it includes extra fees in the tuition cost.

As an example, the full cost for the ADN program at Rose State College in Midwest City, OK, is approximately $16,252.

Advantages of ADN Programs

Many nursing students choose an ADN program as their preferred route to becoming an RN due to the shorter time frame, affordable cost, and accessibility of schools that offer it. An ADN can be earned in half the time it takes to get a BSN, meaning that you can be earning money and gaining experience in the field before those in longer programs are even done with their schooling, which can be very attractive. These programs are also widely available, even in less urban areas, making it easy to find one in a convenient location.

LPN to RN Programs in Oklahoma

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Oklahoma who wish to advance to registered nursing can opt to enroll in specialized LPN to RN programs. These programs build upon the knowledge and skills that LPNs have already acquired, making them shorter and affordable pathways for advancement. Students can choose from several LPN to RN options.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

The quickest route for LPNs to enter registered nursing practice is the LPN to ADN program. These can often be completed in less than one year. Northern Oklahoma College, for example, has several LPN to ADN routes, including one for students who did not graduate from an ACEN-accredited program.

LPNs who want to have a wider array of employment opportunities may wish to pursue the LPN to BSN program pathway. While a bit longer than the LPN to ADN route, this program type results in a coveted bachelor’s degree. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers an RN to BSN program with several flexible start times and program options (including full-time and part-time).

For either LPN to RN program type, students typically must hold an active LPN license and have a minimum GPA in order to be eligible.

BSN Programs in Oklahoma

For those wanting a traditional 4-year degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an excellent option. This program is typically offered at larger universities and will allow a graduate to receive more advanced nursing careers and an increased annual salary. A traditional BSN is not the only option, though; if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, some schools offer accelerated BSN programs. And current registered nurses can enter a shortened RN to BSN program in order to advance their careers.

Over 12 schools throughout the state offer board-approved BSN programs.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in Oklahoma

It's essential to ensure that the BSN programs you look into have things like proper accreditation, favorable program outcomes, and are in a convenient location. Cost is also a big factor, so be sure to carefully compare schools.

The University of Tulsa is one Oklahoma school that offers an accredited BSN program.

BSN Program Length in Oklahoma

A traditional BSN program typically lasts 4 years. For those who already hold a bachelor's degree, there are accelerated programs that can be finished in roughly 16 months. For an RN to BSN program, you can expect about 2 years from start to finish.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Oklahoma

You can generally expect a school offering a BSN to require one or more of the following:

  • Copies of all official transcripts
  • Grade of C or better in all major core courses
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Oklahoma

The costs associated with your earning your BSN can be stressful. You'll need to consider tuition, textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, and more. One of the smartest things you can do before deciding on a program is to break down the required costs so that you can budget appropriately.

As an example of cost, the BSN program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will run students between $52,000 and $55,000 per year, including tuition, fees, supplies, living costs, and more.

Advantages of BSN Programs

BSN programs are great for those interested in earning a healthcare degree at a 4-year university. Upon graduating with a BSN, you will have the advantage of being eligible for more advanced nursing jobs with higher amounts of responsibility and job growth. These nursing careers typically pay more as well. The other great thing about a BSN is the variety of programs available to help you earn it at any stage, including accelerated and RN to BSN programs.

MSN Programs in Oklahoma

Those wanting even more advanced nursing careers can earn a Master's of Science in Nursing degree (MSN). An MSN is needed for jobs such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner, among other specialties. The earning potential with this degree is much higher than with undergrad nursing degrees.

There are a handful of MSN programs in the state of Oklahoma.

MSN Program Length in Oklahoma

Because they are designed for busy working nurses, MSN programs can vary a bit in length. Generally, you can expect them to last 2-3 years. Some schools will offer the option of night classes, online classes, or other flexible scheduling.

MSN Admission Requirements in Oklahoma

MSN programs can be competitive. Admission requirements vary, but you can usually expect the following:

  • Completion of BSN from a regionally accredited institution
  • Current RN license
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Submission of 3 letters of recommendation

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Oklahoma

Like ADN and BSN programs, you'll want to carefully consider the costs of your preferred MSN program, which will include things like tuition, books, lab fees, and more. To give you a better idea, tuition for the online MSN program at the University of Oklahoma will run you roughly $475 per credit hour.

For NP programs visit:

Getting an Oklahoma Nursing License

Candidates looking to obtain nursing licensure by examination or endorsement in the state of Oklahoma should include the following documentation with their application.

Application for licensure by examination include:

  • Proof of age and citizenship
  • Proof of education - transcript sent from the School of Nursing directly to the state Board
  • Background Check - with electronically submitted fingerprints or via fingerprint card
  • Register for the NCLEX exam - future successful completion required

Application by endorsement must include the preceding information, as well as these additional pieces:

  • Passing Score on NCLEX or SBTPE
  • Verification of licensure from originating state
  • Employment/continuing practice verification form

Learn more about OK RN license information at the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

Upgrading your education can be a daunting thought unless you look into accelerated programs. There are several programs offered within the state of Oklahoma that can make the transition quick. Accelerated BSN programs in the state average about 12 months in length, keeping in mind that these programs are full-time studies, on-campus and run consecutively with clinical hours, making them intensive, but attainable. Most programs have required entrance courses that you would have to complete before the start date of the degree program, these courses will affect the overall time frame. Overall costs vary with regard to each individual program, so it would be recommended to look into fees at the specific colleges.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Oklahoma

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Enid, OK 73702 | Phone: (580) 242-6300
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.41
22.
Muskogee, OK 07403 | Phone: (918) 684-5427
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.18
23.
Woodward, OK 73801 | Phone: (580) 718-5600
Programs: BSN
86.83
24.
Stillwater, OK 74078 | Phone: (580) 628-6679
Programs: Associate in Nursing
85.84
25.
Enid, OK 73701 | Phone: (580) 233-3101
Programs: BSN
85.66
26.
Weatherford, OK 73096 | Phone: (580) 774-3261
Programs: BSN
85.28
27.
Claremore, OK 74017 | Phone: (918) 343-7631
Programs: BSN
84.69
28.
Okmulgee, OK 74447 | Phone: (918) 293-5337
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.96
29.
Tishomingo, OK 73460 | Phone: (580) 387-7000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.72
30.
Oklahoma City, OK 73013 | Phone: (800) 877-5010
Programs: BSN
81.56
31.
Miami, OK 74354 | Phone: (918) 542-8441
Programs: Associate in Nursing
80.92
32.
Tulsa, OK 74119 | Phone: (918) 595-7188
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.22
33.
Lawton, OK 73505 | Phone: (580) 477-7830
Programs: Associate in Nursing
74.06
34.
Tonkawa, OK 74653 | Phone: (580) 628-6679
Programs: Associate in Nursing
73.25
35.
Altus, OK 73521 | Phone: (580) 477-7830
Programs: Associate in Nursing
72.40
36.
Elk City, OK 73644 | Phone: (580) 477-7830
Programs: Associate in Nursing
71.78
37.
Seminole, OK 74868 | Phone: (405) 382-9205
Programs: Associate in Nursing
70.96
38.
Langston, OK 73050 | Phone: (405) 466-3411
Programs: BSN
70.54
39.
Bethany, OK 73008 | Phone: (405) 491-6610
Programs: BSN
69.58
40.
Tulsa, OK 74106 | Phone: (918) 594-8070
Programs: BSN
67.85
41.
Alva, OK 73717 | Phone: (580) 327-1700
Programs: BSN
67.09
42.
El Reno, OK 73036 | Phone: (405) 422-1262
Programs: Associate in Nursing
64.84
43.
Ardmore, OK 73401 | Phone: (877) 466-2231
Programs: BSN
-
44.
Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493 | Phone: (405) 208-5000
Programs: BSN
-
45.
Lawton, OK 73505 | Phone: (580) 591-8014
Programs: BSN
-
46.
Ardmore, OK 73401 | Phone: (580) 223-1441
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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