The new healthcare reform has prompted the Oklahoma Nursing Association to join the objective of sending nurses back to school. A recent discussion at the ONA House of Delegates focused on the vital impact that nurses have throughout hospitals. The hospital-centered education of the ADN can no longer support the role the registered nurse has in the community and preventative health and nursing research. It is because of this that there is a push for all registered nurses to obtain a BSN within ten years of initial graduation and practice. Nursing schools have responded by introducing many RN and BSN programs in Oklahoma, which make earning a bachelor’s degree realistic and achievable.
In our Oklahoma RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Oklahoma RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Oklahoma, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Oklahoma RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 19 | 18 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 82.56% | 86.34% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 57.36% to 95.76% | 79.61% to 92.69% |
Average Net Price | $7,935.24 | $14,557.44 |
Average Net Price Range | $5,315.00 to $21,220.00 | $6,193.00 to $26,239.00 |
Average Student Loan | $7,605.00 | $15,413.41 |
Average Student Loan Range | $4,031.00 to $16,666.00 | $7,500.00 to $28,308.00 |
See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Oklahoma State | BSN Rankings for Oklahoma State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Oklahoma
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Oklahoma and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 17 ADN degree programs and 11 BSN degree programs in Oklahoma. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Oklahoma to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Grade | Degree | University | OK Rank | US Rank | City | Type: | Offered As: | Accreditor(s): | More: | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
96.18 | ADN | Oklahoma City Community College | 1 | 100 | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Community College was founded in 1972 and is located in Oklahoma City, OK. They offer three pathways toward an ADN within their nursing department: the traditional pathway, a “Career Ladder” (LPN to RN) pathway, as well as a baccalaureate to ADN accelerated pathway. The BS to ADN track is for those who hold a non-nursing degree. Credits earned in general education will be counted towards the ADN curriculum, providing students a quicker way to graduate. OCCC’s campus has three labs with simulation equipment, giving students the opportunity of hands-on practice before they begin their clinical rotations. The program has a strong focus on clinical reasoning, decision-making, as well as communication techniques. Graduates are encouraged and prepared to serve the public in all kinds of healthcare settings. Traditional ADN applicants are enrolled twice yearly in the fall and in the spring. Career ladder applicants can enroll annually in the fall, and the accelerated program enrolls students in the summer and in the spring. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
94.35 | ADN | Carl Albert State College-Poteau | 2 | 178 | Poteau | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
93.88 | ADN | Murray State College-Internet | 3 | 202 | Tishomingo | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
93.33 | ADN | Rose State College-Internet | 4 | 228 | Midwest City | Rose State College is located in Midwest City, Oklahoma. They offer an ADN degree program. They also offer a Career Ladder Track, which allows LPNs, paramedics and military medics to bridge into the ADN program. Both options can be completed online or in the traditional classroom. Classes may be daytime or evenings, with clinical experiences varying from mornings or afternoons. The Career Ladder track can be completed in 2 semesters. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
91.23 | ADN | Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | 5 | 316 | Oklahoma City | Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City is a public institution that was founded in 1961 in Oklahoma City, OK. OSU’s department of health sciences places great importance on diversity and inclusion, striving to preserve their community comprised of individuals with wildly different backgrounds and life experiences.They offer an ADN program that is ACEN accredited with two pathways: the traditional pathway, and an LPN to RN and Paramedic to RN bridge program. The traditional 2-year track is a 72-credit hour curriculum that combines classroom instruction with laboratory activities and clinical experience. The bridge program is comprised of a 58-hour curriculum, giving LPNs and Paramedics the ability to complete the coursework in a shorter amount of time. Students may apply twice a year for enrollment in the fall or in the spring. OSU offers many scholarship programs to help fund education within the health sciences. Faculty members of the program are dedicated to the wellbeing of students and ensuring they are well prepared for the NCLEX exam and their future careers in the nursing field. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
90.62 | ADN | Eastern Okla. State College-Wilburton | 6 | 336 | Wilburton | Eastern Oklahoma State College is located in Wilburton, OK. They offer an ACEN accredited ADN program that combines nursing theory with health related sciences and general education. They do offer an LPN to RN bridge program as well. Eastern Oklahoma State College’s ADN program was established in the 1971, and the transition track followed 14 years later in 1985. The program is rooted in Bruner’s learning theory, which assumes learning to be an active process that requires theory and hands-on application of the material. The nursing school’s mission is to provide accessible and affordable education for those seeking a career in the nursing field and to take a holistic approach to the discipline. The program is close-knit and takes a student and community centered approach to learning. Students will have close faculty guidance and support as well as clinical experiences in nearby communities. One class of students is enrolled annually in the fall. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
87.72 | ADN | Okla. State Institute-Okmulgee | 8 | 448 | Okmulgee | Public | Campus | See School Details | |||
84.93 | ADN | Tulsa Community College - Tulsa | 9 | 529 | Tulsa | Tulsa Community College is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. TCC offers an ADN program and a Career Mobility Track, for LPNs and paramedics to complete their RN degree. Their nursing program was created in 1971 when a group of Tulsa-area hospitals joined together to create a college-based nursing program in Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma; now, more than 4,000 students have graduated with nursing degrees from TCC. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
84.04 | ADN | Seminole State College-Seminole | 11 | 552 | Seminole | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
83.32 | ADN | Northeastern Okla. A&M College-Miami | 12 | 569 | Miami | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
82.33 | ADN | Rogers State University-Claremore | 13 | 592 | Claremore | Rogers State University was founded as a preparatory school in 1909 in Claremore, OK. Today it is a four-year regional university that offers three programs within the nursing school: a traditional BSN track, an RN to BSN track, and an ADN in nursing. The ADN program is fully ACEN accredited, and the bachelor’s program is conditionally accredited. RSU nursing students have access to experienced faculty, a supportive student cohort, and well-equipped facilities. They will further gain experience at rural and urban hospital settings during their clinical rotations. The RN to BSN bridge program is unique in its rural health care focus in addition to preparation for nursing careers in federally-operated facilities. With an understanding in cultural, economic, social, and political issues, RSU graduates are prepared to deliver quality, culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations. Students may apply twice yearly, in the fall and in the spring to all nursing programs. | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | |
80.90 | ADN | Western Okla. State College-Altus | 14 | 615 | Altus | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
78.88 | ADN | Northern Okla. College-Tonkawa | 15 | 641 | Tonkawa | Public | Campus, Online | ACEN | See School Details | ||
61.19 | ADN | Redlands Community College-El Reno | 16 | 713 | El Reno | Public | Campus | ACEN | See School Details | ||
97.98 | BSN | Oklahoma Baptist University | 1 | 36 | Shawnee | Oklahoma Baptist University is a private university that was founded in 1910 in Shawnee, OK. They offer a four-year BSN program, an LPN to BSN track, and an online RN to BSN/MSN track, all of which are CCNE accredited. OBU’s programs infuse principles of the Christian faith and worldview into nursing education. Unique to OBU is their RN to BSN/MSN track, offering a flexible opportunity for nurses seeking to advance their careers with a 2-year program that they may exit upon earning the BSN, or may continue to finish with an MSN. The traditional BSN track fosters a collaborative and supportive environment with close faculty to student interaction. OBU’s nursing school further educates nursing students to understand civic and regulatory processes as well as fiscal and Human Resources management. This is an integrative program resting on pillars of faith, collaboration, and excellence. Students may apply twice a year for enrollment in the fall or in the spring. | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus | CCNE | See School Details | |
92.94 | BSN | University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond | 2 | 240 | Edmond | The University of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1890 in Edmond, OK. The first class of nursing students graduated in 1972, and today the nursing department offers three CCNE accredited programs: a BSN, MSN, and RN-to BSN track. Nursing education at UCO is comprised of multi-disciplinary research, an awareness of healthcare trends, scholarly inquisition, and diversity. Further emphasis is placed on the dynamic nature of a nursing career, an essential profession in an ever-changing world. Thereby the nursing department at UCO aims to educate students in a transformative manner, while instilling the importance of being lifelong learners with sharp clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills. Students will furthermore be prepared to practice with evidence-based strategies and professional communication techniques. The RN to BSN track is comprised of 8-week course blocks with full and part time options. If students opt for full time, the program can be completed in 2 semesters. Students may apply to all programs in the fall and in the spring. | Public | Campus | CCNE | See School Details | |
91.04 | BSN | Oral Roberts University | 3 | 301 | Tulsa | Oral Roberts University is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ORU is a Christian university with courses taught by Christ-centered professors. The Anna Vaughn College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. The online RN to BSN program is offered entirely online. | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus | CCNE | See School Details | |
88.90 | BSN | East Central University-Ada | 4 | 352 | Ada | Public | Campus | ACME, COA | See School Details | ||
88.77 | BSN | Oklahoma City University - Okla. City | 5 | 358 | Oklahoma City | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus, Hybrid | ACEN, ACME, CCNE, COA | See School Details | ||
87.65 | BSN | Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 6 | 389 | Bartlesville | Oklahoma Wesleyan University is located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. 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. | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus | CCNE | See School Details | |
86.83 | BSN | Oklahoma Christian University | 7 | 411 | Edmond | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus, Online | CCNE | See School Details | ||
86.15 | BSN | University of Tulsa - Tulsa | 8 | 425 | Tulsa | University of Tulsa is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their School of Nursing offers a BSN program and a DNP program. At this time, they do not offer a specific RN to BSN option. Their School of Nursing has been in existence for more than 40 years, with the first DNP program beginning in the spring of 2017. | Private Not-For-Profit | Campus | ACME, COA | See School Details | |
74.87 | BSN | Langston University-Langston | 9 | 514 | Langston | Public | Campus | ACME, COA | See School Details | ||
70.22 | BSN | Northwestern Okla. State University-Alva | 10 | 525 | Alva | Public | Campus, Online | ACME, COA | See School Details |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Oklahoma
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Oklahoma
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Oklahoma offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties: Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.Oklahoma RN Licensing Requirements
Oklahoma State Board of Nursing 2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524 Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 962-1800 Fees: Initial licensing fee, RN: $85 License renewal (every two years), RN: $75 Continuing Education Requirements: NoneRN Licensure by Exams
When it is time to apply for licensure, nursing candidates must have official transcripts sent to the Board. Nurses must be able to provide evidence of having an acceptable professional and legal background. The application includes questions about professional fitness. A criminal background does not always automatically disqualify and candidate from obtaining licensure. However, a candidate who has a felony conviction will not be eligible until at least five years after the retribution. The only exception to this is candidates who were granted a presidential or gubernatorial pardon. The application fee for the state of Oklahoma is $85. It will then be necessary to register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX exam and pay the $200 fee. When the application and registration process have been completed, the candidate will be issued Authorization to Test (ATT). This will grant the applicant a 90-day window to take the exam. However, it is recommended that scheduling be done immediately. Candidates are required to apply to the Board within two years after graduation and failure to do so will require an approved refresher course.RN Licensure by Endorsement
In order to obtain licensure by endorsement, candidates must submit verification of licensure from the original state. In some cases, registered nurses will need to submit transcripts as well. Nurses who do not meet minimum practice requirements will be required to display continuing competency through education. Military spouses are not adhered to the same requirements.RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who were educated in a country outside of the United States will need to provide certification VisaScreen, or educational evaluation from CGFNS. To obtain licensure at the RN level, candidates will be required to demonstrate coursework and clinical work in mental health as well as adult, pediatric, and maternal-infant care. International candidates must also prove English proficiency if they are from a country where English is not the primary language.RN Salaries in Oklahoma
Nursing schools in Oklahoma can help students earn a degree and expand opportunities and practice options. Some opportunities that may become available to BSN graduates include:- Administrative areas in medical centers
- Occupational nursing in large companies
- Oncology, psychiatric, and critical care nursing units
- Public health nursing, case management, home health positions
Oklahoma Registered Nursing Salaries
While Oklahoma City has the highest amount of employed registered nurses, Tulsa has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
---|---|---|---|
Lawton, OK | 870 | $26.46 | $54,900 |
Oklahoma City, OK | 10,700 | $28.17 | $58,420 |
Tulsa, OK | 7,320 | $28.79 | $59,070 |
Northeastern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area | 1,990 | $27.69 | $57,070 |
Northwestern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area | 1,470 | $26.25 | $54,410 |
Southwestern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area | 970 | $25.78 | $53,920 |
Southeastern Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area | 2,700 | $26.14 | $54,860 |