How To Become a Nurse in Oklahoma 2025

There is no shortage of nursing careers in Oklahoma, especially in locations like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. You can take advantage by earning the right credentials before enjoying high-paying roles in various patient-care fields. This article will show you how to become a nurse by exploring a few reputable degree programs in Oklahoma.

What Does an RN Do?

If you wish to become a certified registered nurse, then it helps to know the most common nursing responsibilities and job positions. Nurses serve patients and assist doctors in various roles, such as public health advocate, licensed practical nurse (LPN), emergency room nurse, and other rewarding nursing jobs. Here's a list of common responsibilities of nurses in Oklahoma:

• patient assessment
• emergency care
• patient education and advocacy
• bedside care
• healthcare administration
• interpreting diagnostic tests

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Oklahoma?

You can begin your nursing career in as little as two years after graduating high school by earning an associate degree and obtaining an RN license. Many nurses who seek more advanced positions will pursue other credentials, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which take at least two more years each. You can, however, reduce the completion time by enrolling in accelerated nursing programs online and finish within 12 months.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma

Check out these three steps for becoming a nurse in your state. This section explains the essential educational requirements for nurses along with the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Step 1: Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the entry-level credential for beginning a nursing career. There are several nursing schools and community colleges that offer this credential, which introduces students to the basic elements of the field. Many two-year programs also offer clinical experience opportunities toward the end of the program.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

There are multiple BSN programs in Oklahoma, which you should consider if you know you are going to attend a four-year university for a bachelor's degree. Although you can take the NCLEX-RN exam with just a community college degree, many of the larger nursing schools report higher first-time rates among BSN graduates. It's also possible to use these programs to get a head start on a master's degree in the field, opening even more professional opportunities.

Step 3: Finish Other Licensing Requirements

The last major step to becoming a nurse involves satisfying Oklahoma's other licensing requirements. You should become familiar with these requirements as you work through your degree program.

The state requires you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit to background checks, and renew your license every so often. Each license (RN, LPN, etc.) has specific requirements and application fees to consider.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Oklahoma

Let's look at the top nursing programs in Oklahoma. Nursing students can fulfill the licensing requirements by attending one of these institutions or by enrolling in other online nursing programs.

1. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma has nursing degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. This includes four ways to earn a BSN:

• traditional four-year degree
• accelerated BSN
• RN-to-BSN bridge program
• LPN-to-BSN option

The accelerated path permits students to finish the degree within 14 months. Oklahoma also provides convenient ways to take courses in person or online.

• Estimated tuition cost:$290.79 per credit hour (in-state); $634.17 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College has low-cost nursing programs designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. It allows students to earn credentials, such as an LPN, ADN, or Associate of Applied Science (AAN). You can take some courses online, but most programs require in-person attendance for clinicals, labs, and exams.

• Estimated tuition cost: $135.29 per credit hour (in-state); $314.72 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers a pre-nursing associate degree, a traditional BSN program, and two other bridge programs. You can also earn an MSN in either nursing education or nursing administration. This is also an attractive option for out-of-state students who pay only $1 more per credit hour than in-state residents.

• Estimated tuition cost: $333 per credit hour (in-state); $334 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a traditional BSN, a fast-track BSN, and an RN-to-BSN bridge program. While most traditional BSN courses offer on-campus instruction, the fast-track option features 51% online delivery, and the RN-to-BSN program is 100% online. Each program requires at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) and at least a grade of C in any science course for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $290.79 for residents (in-state); $634.17 for residents (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers very competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Its CCNE-accredited BSN program prepares students for rewarding careers as labor-and-delivery nurses, school nurses, health policy nurses, and more. Students begin the program by completing 58 hours of prerequisite courses before applying to the nursing school's competitive upper division.

• Estimated tuition cost: $205.30 per credit hour (in-state); $697.90 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Oklahoma

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports faster-than-average growth for nursing jobs across the country. RNs earn an annual median salary of $93,600 but this includes nurses with advanced credentials. This career field could experience about a 6% increase in jobs between 2023 and 2033, according to BLS projections.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Oklahoma

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding nursing education in Oklahoma. They address issues like degree costs, coursework difficulty, and degree completion times.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Oklahoma?

Nursing school can cost several thousand dollars each year if you do not get enough financial aid to cover tuition, books, and other expenses. That's why it's important to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for scholarships and grants. There are also many online colleges that accept FAFSA, making it easier and more convenient to attend courses affordably through distance education.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing degrees require prerequisite courses, such as biology and chemistry, before you can enter a degree program. Fortunately, you can address these requirements by taking self-paced nursing prerequisites online any time of year. If you opt to take online courses, make sure you get the best laptop for nursing students so that you have reliable tech equipment for every class.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to complete all prerequisites, core courses, and continuing education requirements as soon as possible. While taking your courses online doesn't always make things faster, it helps you avoid the time and money it takes to commute to and from a college campus.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree would be an associate degree in the field. There are several versions, including the ADN, which you can take at a community college, four-year college, or online institution. An associate degree covers all the lower-division nursing courses and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and other nursing license requirements.

Find a Nursing Degree

Learn.org can help you prepare for RN licensure by showing you the best accredited nursing programs in each state. This includes associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and every other nursing education credential.