The Top Nursing Schools in Oklahoma
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Like the rest of the U.S, Oklahoma has a nursing shortage. In response to this need, many of the nursing programs in Oklahoma have developed creative options to increase nursing school enrollment.
In this guide, discover how to become a nurse in Oklahoma, the best schools to attend, and your potential salary. Before choosing a nursing school in Oklahoma, explore potential programs and costs to become a registered nurse.
How to Choose a BSN Program in Oklahoma
When choosing a nursing school in Oklahoma, you have many factors to consider. Financial considerations are often at the top of the list. Take into account tuition, additional fees, and required books and equipment. See if you're eligible for financial aid options, including nursing-specific grants and scholarships that can help lower costs.
Find out the nursing program's acceptance rate, length, and format. Determine if in-person, online, or hybrid options are available. The nursing program should also be accredited, which allows your credits to transfer to another accredited school, gives you federal aid eligibility, and ensures your education meets minimum standards.
You will also want to know the school's NCLEX pass rate, which indicates how well the school prepares students for the necessary licensure examination. You can find the NCLEX pass rate for each school by downloading the report from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing website.
Most BSN programs help students find clinical placement, but some online programs require students to find their placements.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Oklahoma
According to the Nursing Professions Workgroup, Oklahoma has 56,000 registered nurses (RNs) and 3,572 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in 2018. However, the ratio of 700 RNs to 100,000 persons is far below the national average of 1,150 RNs to 100,000 persons.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects RN jobs in Oklahoma to grow 12% from 2021-2031, double the 6.0% national average.
RNs in Oklahoma earn a median salary of $76,520, which is slightly above Oklahoma's median salary and below the national average. However, the cost of living in all major Oklahoma cities is roughly 4%-11% lower than the national average.
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 30,320 | $76,520 |
| United States | 3,072,700 | $81,220 |
Salaries for Nurses in Oklahoma
As in most states, RNs in urban areas earn more than those in rural areas. The top-paying metropolitan cities in Oklahoma are listed below. Interestingly, the small town of Lawton boasts a higher annual mean salary, while Tulsa and Oklahoma City employ more nurses.
| Metropolitan Areas | Employment | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK | 760 | $81,660 |
| Tulsa, OK | 9,210 | $79,710 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 12,430 | $77,350 |
| Enid, OK | 490 | $70,620 |
How to Become a Nurse in Oklahoma
Accredited nursing programs in Oklahoma meet the educational requirements for nurses to take the NCLEX-RN examination to pursue their license in the state.
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing regulates the licensing requirements and offers programs to streamline the process for active-duty military personnel and their spouses and programs to support nurses struggling with substance use.
RN Requirements
As in any other U.S. state, nursing candidates must first complete a nursing school in Oklahoma and graduate with an ADN or BSN degree. The next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and submit your score to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to obtain your licensure.
The board of nursing maintains an online portal for license applications. Once the application is approved, it will show in the License Verification Portal on the state website. You must renew your nursing license every two years by the end of your birth month. You must provide additional documentation If there are criminal charges or disciplinary actions against your nursing license.
The Best Nursing Schools in Oklahoma
Choosing between nursing programs in Oklahoma can be challenging. The following is a list of some of the best BSN programs to make your research just a little bit easier.
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University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center offers an on-campus bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) with 60 credit hours of courses and clinical work for students who have completed 61 hours of prerequisite coursework. Of those 61 hours, 30 must be completed before admission to the program with a grade of C or better.
Students must have a cumulative and science GPA of 2.5 or better for admission, official transcripts, and criminal background check. Full-time students can participate in the Undergraduate Guaranteed Tuition Rate Program.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $206
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 121 Credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program with personal attention geared toward meeting the student's career goals. Nurses can create a schedule at their preferred pace.
The school accepts 90 students every fall and spring semester. Applicants need a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 or higher GPA in science courses to qualify. Prior to admission, students must have completed six credit hours or fewer in general education or elective requirements. Once admitted, enrollees are expected to maintain a C or higher in each class to graduate.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $390
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 124
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Higher Learning Commission
Oklahoma Christian University
Edmond, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma Christian University offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, which comprises 20 hours of science, three hours of math, and three hours of statistics alongside 60 credit hours of nursing. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA during the program and complete all university graduation requirements.
The school also offers an RN-to-BSN program using a competency-based measurement and entirely online classes. Students can finish this program in as little as 12 months.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Semester: $12,275
- Program Length: Four Years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 92 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 66.67%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Goodwell, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers students an RN-to-bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program that helps candidates achieve their goals while meeting the challenges of juggling family and work. The online program helps distance learners with a part- or full-time option, individualized degree plans, and no on-campus requirements.
The school evaluates prior coursework to determine how many can transfer into the program. Applicants are required to have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution and an active and unencumbered RN license.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $160
- Program Length: Two full-time semesters
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Rogers State University
Claremore, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rogers State University offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program that prepares nurses using practical training and study in clinical situations, simulation labs, and classrooms. The program boasts a 95% job placement rate after graduation.
The school has two application deadlines in the summer and fall and requires an official school transcript, ACT scores, and official transcripts from any college attended.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $264
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 122
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.68%
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oral Roberts University offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and an associate degree in nursing (ADN)-to-BSN program at the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing. The school requires a 2.6 overall GPA for admission, a 20 on the ACT, 1030 on the SAT, and 66 on the CLT. Applicants must send their official transcripts to the school and use the testing websites to send official scores for the ACT, SAT, and CLT.
International students whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Year: $32,500
- Program Length: Four years (BSN); 18 months (ADN-to-BSN)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 121
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.44%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern Nazarene University offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree that emphasizes professional-level critical thinking with a global perspective.
TEAS testing is waived for students admitted with an associate of science degree or those who have a bachelor's degree from another accredited institution. Students admitted to upper division courses, having completed their prerequisites at another institution, must have no less than a 2.75 GPA. Faculty at the school of nursing evaluate transcripts from other universities and colleges to determine courses that can transfer. Those admitted with a bachelor's degree in another subject have all general education requirements waived.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $200-$400
- Program Length: Four years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 78 prerequisite credits plus nursing courses
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 50%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Alva, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers three pathways to complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The school offers a four-year traditional education, licensed practical nurse (LPN)-to-BSN program and an associate degree in nursing (ADN)-to-BSN program.
Applicants seeking admission must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities, complete all prerequisite courses for their nursing major with an overall 2.5 GPA and nothing less than a C in any class. The application must also include three references, a background check, and a federal background check through Certified Background.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit Hour: $227
- Program Length: Four years for a traditional BSN
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.33%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Oklahoma Baptist University offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program to help nurses become caring and competent professionals while integrating personal faith within the discipline. The institution also offers a licensed practical nurse (LPN)-to-BSN option. Applicants must provide a urine drug screen, criminal background check, immunization record, and CPR certification. They must also demonstrate sufficient visual, scent, hearing, and gross and fine motor coordination skills for admission into the program.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Year: $30,340
- Program Length: Four Years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 124
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.11%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Tulsa School of Nursing has offered pre-licensure programs since 1973, during which the school has graduated more than 1,400 bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-prepared students. The school also offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, one of the top-ranked programs of 2023. In addition to the traditional BSN program, the school offers an online RN-to-BSN program which allows students to transfer up to 90 credits. RNs who have worked for at least 12 months may receive credit for work experience.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit: $1,126
- Program Length: Four Years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 125
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.45%
- Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Everything Else You Need to Know About Nursing in Oklahoma
How much does a registered nurse license cost in Oklahoma?
You must pay an $85 application fee to submit your RN license application. If you apply for an RN license by examination, you'll need to pay $200 to register with Pearson VUE, so you can take the NCLEX-RN. You may also need to pay costs for fingerprinting, background checks, and license verification.
What is the difference between RN-to-BSN and BSN?
A BSN program is a four-year degree culminating in a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) for candidates who do not have an earlier nursing degree. An RN-to-BSN program can take 12-24 months for practicing RNs with an associate degree in nursing.
Is it worth it to get a BSN in nursing?
Only you can decide if getting a BSN is worth it. A BSN may be worth the time and effort if you're looking for a stable and financially sound career helping others, multiple job options, and advancement opportunities.
How much does a BSN-prepared RN make in Oklahoma?
The median annual salary of a BSN-prepared nurse in Oklahoma is $74,520, several thousand dollars below the national average. However, the cost of living in Oklahoma is also 4%-11% below the national average, which means your dollar goes further.
