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Oklahoma Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide

    The following guide contains key information on the nursing degrees at Oklahoma’s colleges and universities, including profiles of several programs. Nursing students working toward an undergraduate or a graduate degree in nursing often have the option of specializing in such areas as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse leadership. A flexible and convenient alternative to earning a nursing degree at a traditional university is to enroll in a bachelor’s or a master’s in nursing program online.

    Quick Facts

    • 74 schools with nursing programs in Oklahoma are in our database (see below).
    • 57 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
    • 19 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
    • 10 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
    • 1 school ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
    • No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
    • 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
    • 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4

    Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

    Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*

    • Oklahoma State University (#81 in-state, #85 out-of-state)

    *Institution-wide ranking.

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s

    • University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center (#62 tie)

    US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

    • University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center (#83 tie)

    Following is more in-depth information about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.

    NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Oklahoma

    The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Oklahoma nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (https://nursing.ok.gov/).

    .

    SchoolADN or LVN ProgramBSN ProgramGrad Nursing ProgramACEN/CCNE Accred.*NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate**# TakingNCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^# TakingNet Price^^
    Bacone CollegeNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/AN/AN/A$22,732
    Carl Albert State College-PoteauYesNoNoACENN/AN/A68.18%22$4,832
    Carl Albert State College-SallisawYesNoNoACENN/AN/A87.5%8$4,832
    Comanche Nation CollegeYesNoNoNo100%1N/AN/A$5,442
    Connors State College-WarnerYesNoNoACENN/AN/A0%1$9,049
    Connors State College-MuskogeeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A90.41%73$9,049
    East Central University-ArdmoreNoYesNoACENN/AN/A92.86%14$6,590
    East Central University-AdaNoYesNoACENN/AN/A84.78%46$6,590
    East Central University-DurantNoYesNoACENN/AN/A94.12%17$6,590
    Eastern Oklahoma State College-WilburtonYesNoNoACENN/AN/A91.67%12$14,012
    Eastern Oklahoma State College-McAlesterYesYesNoACENN/AN/A85.71%14$14,012
    Eastern Oklahoma State College-IdabelYesNoNoACENN/AN/A88.24%17$14,012
    Langston University-LangstonNoYesNoACENN/AN/A68.42%19$12,470
    Langston University-TulsaNoYesNoACENN/AN/A62.26%53$12,470
    Murray State College-TishomingoYesNoNoACENN/AN/A86.11%36$8,750
    Murray State College-OnlineYesNoNoACENN/AN/A95.24%21$8,750
    Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College-MiamiYesNoNoACENN/AN/A71.7%53$7,764
    Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College-GroveYesNoNoACENN/AN/A75%16$7,764
    Northern Oklahoma College-TonkawaYesNoNoACENN/AN/A96.55%29$6,327
    Northern Oklahoma College-EnidYesNoNoACENN/AN/A94.44%18$6,327
    Northern Oklahoma College-StillwaterYesNoNoACENN/AN/A88.89%18$6,327
    Northeastern State UniversityNoYesNoACENN/AN/AN/AN/A$8,148
    Northwestern Oklahoma State University-AlvaNoYesYesACENN/AN/A73.33%15$7,830
    Northwestern Oklahoma State University-EnidNoYesNoACENN/AN/A100%5$7,830
    Northwestern Oklahoma State University-PoncaNoYesNoACENN/AN/A100%1$7,830
    Northwestern Oklahoma State University-WoodwardNoYesNoACENN/AN/A90%10$7,830
    Oklahoma Baptist UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A89.29%28$17,320
    Oklahoma Christian UniversityNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A85.71%21$18,758
    Oklahoma City Community CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A95.05%182$7,770
    Oklahoma City University-Oklahoma CityYesNoNoACENN/AN/A81.18%85$27,477
    Oklahoma City University-DuncanYesNoNoACENN/AN/AN/AN/A$27,477
    Oklahoma Panhandle State UniversityNoYesNoACENN/AN/AN/AN/A$11,605
    Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma CityNoYesNoACENN/AN/A94.55%110$14,222
    Oklahoma State University-GoodwellNoYesNoNoN/AN/A100%1$14,222
    Oklahoma State University Institute of TechnologyYesNoNoACENN/AN/A88%50$9,017
    Oklahoma Wesleyan UniversityNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/A85.71%14$22,401
    Oral Roberts UniversityNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/A78.05%41$22,509
    Redlands Community College-El RenoYesNoNoACENN/AN/A100%12$5,121
    Redlands Community College-MercyYesNoNoACENN/AN/AN/AN/A$5,121
    Rogers State University-ClaremoreYesYesNoACENN/AN/A93.65%63$13,325
    Rogers State University-BartlesvilleYesYesNoACENN/AN/A100%5$13,325
    Rose State College-Midwest CityYesNoNoACENN/AN/A85.88%85$7,975
    Rose State College-OnlineYesNoNoACENN/AN/A93.33%15$7,975
    Seminole State CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A73.91%23$8,602
    Southern Nazerene UniversityNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/A78.57%14$15,866
    Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityNoYesYesACENN/AN/A94.44%36$11,394
    St. Gregory’s UniversityNoYesNoCCNEN/AN/AN/AN/A$16,549
    Tulsa Community CollegeYesNoNoACENN/AN/A89.92%129$5,685
    University of Central OklahomaNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/A94.85%97$11,922
    University of Oklahoma Health Sciences CenterNoYesYesCCNEN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
    University of Oklahoma-Oklahoma CityNoYesYesNoN/AN/A90.14%142$16,909
    University of Oklahoma-TulsaNoYesYesNoN/AN/A98.55%69$16,909
    University of Oklahoma-LawtonNoYesYesNoN/AN/A88.37%43$16,909
    University of Oklahoma-Woodward/EnidNoYesYesNoN/AN/AN/AN/A$16,909
    University of TulsaNoYesYesACENN/AN/A92%25$25,355
    Western Oklahoma State College-AltusYesNoNoACENN/AN/A82.35%17$7,871
    Western Oklahoma State College-Elk CityYesNoNoACENN/AN/A100%7$7,871
    Western Oklahoma State College-LawtonYesNoNoACENN/AN/A80.95%21$7,871

    *The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
    **NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates who graduated from an LPN program testing between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
    ^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).

    Schools in Oklahoma with Nursing Degrees

    Associate’s in Nursing Programs

    Connors State College
    Connors State College offers an associate degree nursing program that admits 36 students twice per year, with terms beginning in August and January. To be considered for admission students must post acceptable scores on the Kaplan Admission Exam and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students gain hands-on experience through a broad variety of clinical placements and focused nursing courses such as Adaptations of the Family, Maladaptive States, and Math for Nurses. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses in the state of Oklahoma. Those who already hold certification as licensed practical nurses or paramedics might be interested in the school’s career ladder program that can shorten the time it takes to earn the associate degree in nursing.

    Murray State College
    Murray State College’s Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree program can be completed in five semesters after general education requirements are met. Admission to the program is based on prospective students’ scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) admission assessment, ACT composite score, and college GPA. Courses in the program include Health Promotions and the Nursing Process, Leadership and the Nursing Process, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. A mobility pathway is offered for licensed practical and vocational nurses. The associate degree nursing program at Murray State is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

    Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs

    University of Oklahoma
    Nursing majors pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Oklahoma complete all prerequisite and general college coursework during the first two years of the four-year program before entering the nursing program for the final two years. Only full-time course loads are permitted once students begin the nursing program. Nursing curriculum consists of 60 credits in such topics as health assessment, pharmacology, psychosocial nursing, and leadership in nursing practice. Clinical practicums are also mandatory. The nursing department also offers an accelerated BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.

    Oklahoma Baptist University
    Oklahoma Baptist University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The four-year, 128 credit program consists of both general college coursework and nursing curriculum that focuses on development and nutrition, pharmacology, care of family, and nursing research. Nursing majors will also complete practicums that provide real-world experience in settings involving complex care, management, long-term health care, and community care. The nursing department provides students with a suggested course of study, including in which semester to take specific courses.

    Master’s in Nursing Programs

    University of Central Oklahoma
    The University of Central Oklahoma’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is only one of three such programs in the state. Graduate students can choose between two tracks: the educator track and the specialty track. The 34 credit graduate program permits both part-time and full-time study and consists of core nursing courses (22 credits) and track-specific coursework (12 credits). Core coursework covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, research and evidenced-based practice, health care assessment, healthcare informatics, and teaching, learning, and nursing theories. A 100-hour clinical practicum is required. A three-credit thesis or graduate project is also mandatory.

    Oklahoma City University
    Oklahoma City University confers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing education and in nursing administration. Classes are generally held one evening a week for two hours. Students in the nursing education track must complete 33 credits and it generally takes 18 months to fulfill degree requirements for students enrolled full time. The nursing administration track consists of 39 credits and can be completed in 24 months on a full-time basis. Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and must hold a current registered nurse’s license. Registered nurses can apply for the RN to MSN program.

    Student Reviews

    Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

    Oklahoma City Community College
    7777 South May Avenue
    Oklahoma City, OK 73159
    (405) 682-1611
    https://www.occc.edu

    Student Review: “I am so glad that I chose to go to Oklahoma City Community College’s School of Nursing. The classes here are set up in a way that allows for maximum student/teacher face-time. The programs are offered either in the morning or the evening which makes it easier for single parents, like myself. They offer classes on-campus as well as a blended online/campus program for those with obligations outside of school. The teachers are knowledgeable and ready to help. You will leave the program with lots of great friends and techniques to handle stress. Very amazing program and I recommend it to anyone looking to go to nursing school in Oklahoma.” – Student at Oklahoma City Community College
    stars-5

    Tulsa Community College
    3727 E Apache St
    Tulsa, OK 74115
    (918) 595-7000
    https://www.tulsacc.edu

    Student Review: “Teachers were very knowledgeable and experienced. Very difficult program aimed at weeding out those that truly don’t want to work in healthcare. Students are very tight knitted and friendly. Former students that have graduated visit regularly and give advice to newer students.” – Student at Tulsa Community College
    stars-5

    References:
    1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
    2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
    3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
    4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
    5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
    6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
    7. Oklahoma Board of Nursing: https://nursing.ok.gov/education4.html