Oklahoma’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The time has never been better to start your nursing career in Oklahoma. The nationwide registered nurse (RN) growth rate is 6% between 2020-2030. However, the growth rate for Oklahoma is predicted to be 12% between 2021-2031. With 2,620 RN job openings annually in the state, you have plenty of RN job opportunities in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma, known as the Sooner State, has a low cost of living, making it the perfect place for individuals and families trying to stretch their budgets. Housing prices are affordable, and everyday expenses such as groceries and transportation are generally lower when compared to national averages.
Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Oklahoma. The state is home to diverse landscapes, including stunning lakes, rolling hills, and expansive prairies. Outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping are easily accessible, allowing residents to enjoy the beauty of nature right in their backyard.
Oklahoma offers a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene. From Native American history and traditions to a thriving music and theater scene, the state celebrates its diverse cultural roots. Festivals, museums, and art galleries provide plenty of opportunities to immerse in the arts and learn about the state’s unique heritage.
Oklahoma has a strong and growing healthcare industry, providing a steady demand for skilled nurses. With numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers, Oklahoma nurses have various options to find job security. This makes it the perfect place to start your RN career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Oklahoma
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Oklahoma to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Oklahoma based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Oklahoma Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Connors State College
Connors State College is a public community college in Warner and Muskogee, Oklahoma. They offer an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program with a traditional track or career ladder track for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or paramedics. Offering small classes allows for more individualized instruction to prepare nursing students best. Upon completing the program, graduates are prepared for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,704
Out-of-State: $7,562
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,704 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,562 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
64% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,069 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
77% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Eastern Oklahoma State College is a public community college. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree (AAS) in Wilburton, McAlester, and Idabel, Oklahoma. The McAlester campus students achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2022. Their program prepares graduates to earn a degree with a major in nursing that can be completed in two years when attending full-time. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. The program prepares individuals to perform client-centered care at the beginning staff nurse level.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,767
Out-of-State: $8,384
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,767 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,384 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100%-McAlester Campus |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
46% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
91% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,334 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Rose State College
Rose State College is a public community college in Midwest City, Oklahoma. They offer an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Degree program. The RN program is called the Beginning Track program and is open to all eligible students. LPNs and paramedics may choose this program or the career ladder program. They offer traditional daytime options during the week and evening/weekend options or a hybrid/online option for students to choose from. The program can be completed in two years when attending full-time.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,010
Out-of-State: $11,387
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,010 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,387 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
84.35% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
91.2% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,722 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a private university of the Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They offer an LPN to BSN program or a traditional BSN program. Their nursing program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge of technical skills and scientific proficiencies needed to excel in the nursing field. The curriculum is enriched with a foundational background in the humanities as part of the university’s commitment to liberal arts education. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities through their cutting-edge simulation labs, clinical experiences in various environments, and international nursing mission trips.
Average Tuition
In-State: $29,699
Out-of-State: $29,699
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$29,699 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$29,699 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
85% |
| Retention Rate |
62% |
| Students Enrolled |
902 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 BSN Program
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a s a public regional university with campuses in Alva, Endid, and Woodward, Oklahoma. They offer a traditional BSN program, a mobility BSN program for LPNs, or an online RN to BSN program. Their program provides a foundation of study that can serve as a basis for pursuing advanced education in nursing. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their simulation lab with high-fidelity adult, child, and maternity simulators. Additionally, students will complete clinical rotations in a variety of healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,280
Out-of-State: $15,398
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,280 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$15,398 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
56% |
| Retention Rate |
57% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,710 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
45% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 BSN Program
University of Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma is a public research university in Norman, Oklahoma. They offer an accelerated RN, traditional RN, LPN to BSN program, or an RN to BSN track. The nursing curriculum comprises 60 semester hours of sequenced courses incorporating theoretical and clinical content. Their Health Sciences Center is one of only a few comprehensive health centers in the nation with seven health professional colleges, including nursing, that are utilized to educate their students on the healthcare skills needed to provide compassionate care across all ages.
Average Tuition
In-State: $12,012
Out-of-State: $27,816
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$12,012 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$27,816 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
73% |
| Retention Rate |
89% |
| Students Enrolled |
28,079 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Oklahoma
When choosing a nursing program in Oklahoma, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Oklahoma
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Oklahoma estimates a nursing growth of 12% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
Oklahoma’s diverse population allows nurses to work with a variety of patients experiencing different medical conditions and gain valuable experience while doing so. A thriving healthcare industry with a steady demand for RNs makes it a great place to work as a nurse.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Oklahoma earn an average annual salary of $76,920. While this is below the national average, the cost of living in Oklahoma is also below the national average, which allows your dollar to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Oklahoma
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the average mean wage for an RN in Oklahoma is $76,920, and it employs 30,320 nurses. Oklahoma also employs 1,750 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $113,200.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Oklahoma for RNs |
| Lawton, OK, OH |
$81,660 |
| Tulsa, OK, OH |
$79,710 |
| Oklahoma City, OK, OH |
$77,350 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Oklahoma
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Oklahoma, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Oklahoma:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Oklahoma, you must renew it every two years by the end of your birth month in even-numbered years. Before renewal, you must meet one of the following: verify 520 hours of practice per year, complete 24 hours of continuing education, verify current certification in a nursing specialty area, complete a board-approved refresher course, or complete six academic semester credit hours of coursework at the current level of licensure or higher.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Oklahoma:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Oklahoma.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- Oklahoma APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs with prescription authority must complete 15 contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics, clinical application, and use of pharmacological agents to prevent illness and restore and maintain health. CRNAs with prescriptive authority must complete eight contact hours in advanced pharmacology relating to the administration of anesthesia every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Oklahoma
Is Oklahoma a good place for nurses to work?
Oklahoma is a great place to work. The healthcare systems in Oklahoma are thriving and offer numerous job opportunities for RNs. With a 12% RN growth rate from 2021-2031, there are plenty of jobs to choose from.
Is Oklahoma a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Oklahoma is a compact state for nursing. This means that nurses in Oklahoma can also choose to practice nursing in other compact states and vice versa.
What are the requirements for RNs in Oklahoma?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your first RN license in Oklahoma, you must renew it every two years by the end of your birth month in even-numbered years. Before renewal, you must meet one of the following: verify 520 hours of practice per year, complete 24 hours of continuing education, verify current certification in a nursing specialty area, complete a board-approved refresher course, or complete six academic semester credit hours of coursework at the current level of licensure or higher.
How much does an Oklahoma RN license cost?
Oklahoma RN licensing fee includes $85 for licensure by examination or endorsement, $150 for licensure by exam or endorsement with a multistate license, $200 to take the NCLEX-RN exam, and $75 to renew an Oklahoma RN license.
