2023 Best ADN Programs in Oklahoma
How does one sift through the 35 ADN Programs in Oklahoma to find the top picks? With 16 schools in the state receiving accreditation from the ACEN, choosing can seem a daunting task. To assist in making the most informed decision, consider the following steps.
Start by assessing the NCLEX passing rates. These rates range from 56.54% to an impressive 97.20% in Oklahoma. Schools at the higher end of this range often provide quality education that prepares students to excel in their nursing careers.
Next, dig deeper into the schools themselves. What kind of resources and facilities do they offer? How experienced and accessible are the faculty members? Look at class sizes, too. Smaller classes typically mean more personalized attention.
Remember to consider the program’s length. Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Oklahoma, like elsewhere, will take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Your personal circumstances and career aspirations will determine if this time commitment suits you.
Lastly, reach out to alumni if possible. Their firsthand accounts of their experiences can provide valuable insights.
With these strategies, you will be better equipped to find an ADN program that is the perfect match for your nursing career aspirations in Oklahoma.
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2025 8th Annual Best Ranked ADN Programs in Oklahoma

How Do We Rank The Best ADN Programs In Oklahoma?
First, we gather a list of all nursing schools offering ADN programs in Oklahoma and then rank the best school based on the following factors:
- Academic quality (admissions rate, enrollment rate, graduation rate & retention rate, NCLEX passing rates as college-wide quality): 70%
- RNCareers.org’s editorial rankings and the nursing school’s reputation: 20%
- The affordable of the programs offered by the nursing school: 10%
- Our best ranked ADN programs earn a 90% or above grade
More about our ranking methodology.
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Pass Rate

- 2201 Silver Lake Rd, Bartlesville, OK - 74006-6299
- (918) 333-6151

- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.91%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
Total Faculty: 32
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $900
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,833
Percent Admitted: 83%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 9%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Â OWU is a Christian university where students interject Christian education into their studies. They offer a traditional BSN program on-campus, as well as an RN to BSN program that can be completed on-campus or online.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Oklahoma City Community College
Pass Rate

- 7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK - 73159-9987
- (405) 682-1611
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 133
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,059
Book and Supplies: $1,600
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,633
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 15%
One of the best in the state, Oklahoma City Community College’s nursing program has been producing exceptionally talented nursing graduates for a long time. The college ranks among the nation’s and state’s best in terms of NCLEX pass rate, degree completion rate, and graduate employment rate.
The rigorous nursing course here is exceptionally hard to get into and helps shape nursing students into competent healthcare providers and leaders in the rapidly changing healthcare environment. The education here is hands-on as the faculty believes that nursing as a profession demands students to be as much practically competent as they are theoretically advanced. One of the main facilities that provide hands-on education are high-tech simulation labs and nursing laboratories. The labs allow students to get introduced to and practice the nursing skills, concepts, and technologies so that they are ready to use that knowledge in their clinical rotations. The several low-to-high-fidelity simulators allow them to replicate clinical situations where they can practice their skills in a safe and supportive learning environment. As a result of such simulations and clinical practices, the graduates are highly sought-after by employers and almost 100% of them find a job within 6 months of graduation.
Undergraduate Programs: Oklahoma City Community College offers a traditional Associate in Applied Science program that allows students to take their NCLEX-RN examinations and begin a career in healthcare. There is also a bachelor's to ADN accelerated nurse pathway for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field but want to start their career in nursing.
The college also offers a Career Ladder Pathway for LPNs and Paramedics that allow them to earn their RN status. The Career Ladder Pathway recognizes the previous educational experiences of LPMs and paramedics and allows the credits earned in this program to be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.
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You Might Also Be Interested In
Nursing Programs Offered by Oklahoma Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 34
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
Oklahoma Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center: 5
- Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City: 3
- Oklahoma City University – Okla. City: 2
- Carl Albert State College-Poteau: 1
- Oklahoma Baptist University: 1
- Northeastern Okla. A&M College-Miami: 1
- Northern Okla. College-Tonkawa: 1
- Northeastern State University: 1
- Southern Nazarene University-Bethany: 1
- Connors State College: 1
Additional Oklahoma ADN Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Oklahoma Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
89.35 | Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | 5 | ADN |
88.65 | Rose State College | 6 | ADN |
86.88 | Connors State College | 7 | ADN |
86.24 | Murray State College | 8 | ADN |
84.25 | Northeastern Okla. A&M College-Miami | 10 | ADN |
81.30 | Tulsa Community College - Tulsa | 11 | ADN |
76.60 | Western Okla. State College-Altus | 12 | ADN |
58.02 | Redlands Community College-El Reno | 14 | ADN |

ADN Programs in Oklahoma
ADN Financial Aid and Scholarships for Oklahoma Nurses
What types of financial aid are open to students of ADN Programs in Oklahoma? A trio of options are accessible to such students: Loans, Grants, and Scholarships.
Loans provide necessary funding, but they come with an obligation to repay after graduation. Federal loans usually offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans. They include:
- Direct Subsidized Loans for eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans for eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.
Grants are a type of financial aid that, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, unless, for example, you withdraw from school and you owe a refund. The main federal opportunities are:
- Federal Pell Grants usually awarded only to undergraduate students.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) for undergraduates with exceptional financial need.
Scholarships are usually merit-based and are awarded based on a number of criteria including academic achievement, leadership qualities, affiliation with a particular group, or career aspirations. Many scholarships are geared specifically towards students pursuing healthcare careers.
The key to unlock these financial aid sources is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a crucial form that students must fill out to access federal financial aid. It’s highly recommended to submit the FAFSA as early as possible since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
H2: ADN Scholarships for Oklahoma Nurses
- Nightingale Scholarship: Designed for students pursuing a nursing degree in Oklahoma, the Nightingale Scholarship is focused on supporting the next generation of nurses. Award Amount: $1,000, Application Deadline Month: August.
- Oklahoma Nurses Foundation Scholarship: These scholarships are open to students enrolled in a nursing education program in Oklahoma. The Foundation promotes excellence in nursing through scholarships and research grants. Award Amount: Varies, Application Deadline Month: April.
- Margaret Pollard Scholarship: Offered by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, this scholarship targets students pursuing a career in nursing or health care who demonstrate financial need. Award Amount: Varies, Application Deadline Month: February.
- Oklahoma League for Nursing Academic Scholarship: The Oklahoma League for Nursing offers academic scholarships for undergraduate students who are pursuing a nursing degree in the state. Award Amount: $500, Application Deadline Month: June.
- Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship: Offered by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), this scholarship is available to undergraduate students majoring in the field of health, physical education, recreation, or dance. Award Amount: $1,250, Application Deadline Month: October.
Find ADN Programs in Your State
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Oklahoma Resources for ADNs
Individuals pursuing ADN programs in Oklahoma have access to numerous state and organizational resources that can help guide them through their nursing education journey. These resources offer valuable information on nursing programs, educational institutions, and job prospects within the state. Here are some key resources for those seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in Oklahoma:
- The Oklahoma Board of Nursing: This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the licensure and practice of nurses in the state, ensuring adherence to high standards of care and professionalism.
- Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA): The ONA is a professional organization that supports nurses by offering continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the nursing profession in Oklahoma.
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) College Navigator for Oklahoma: This tool allows prospective students to find and compare colleges offering ADN programs in Oklahoma based on various factors such as location, size, and cost.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Oklahoma: The BLS provides data on employment, wages, and job outlook for registered nurses in the state, helping aspiring nurses make informed career decisions.
- Oklahoma Association of Colleges of Nursing (OACN): The OACN is dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing education by providing resources and support to nursing schools offering ADN programs in Oklahoma.
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After graduating with a degree in English Literature from UCLA, Jeff published four editions of the World Wide Web Yellow Pages by Barnes and Noble, and several editions of the Best of the Web. He’s worked as an executive at both startup and mature companies including CareerPath.com and Microsoft. With nearly three decades of publishing and business development expertise, he now puts that experience to use operating RNCareers.org to help future nursing students get reliable information on registered nursing careers.