Check out our 2024 list of the top online nursing degrees in Oklahoma. We've included available NCLEX pass rate data for each school and important steps to becoming a nurse in the state. For inclusion on our list, the colleges with the best online nursing degrees in Oklahoma are based on the following criteria:
- The nursing school has a primary location in Oklahoma.
- The school offers an online bachelor's program in nursing or an online RN to BSN.
- The nursing school has publicly available for the baccalaureate degree level from the previous year. 2023 pass rates are sourced from Oklahoma's government reports.
- The vast majority of coursework (or all) is completed online. Some of the best online nursing programs still require limited in-person clinical hours, internships, or practicums.
2025 Best Online Nursing Programs in Oklahoma
School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|
University of Tulsa | 94.87% | 133 |
Rogers State University | 90.91% | 915 |
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center | 90.83% | 294 |
Northwestern Oklahoma State University | 87.5% | 268 |
University of Central Oklahoma | 87.5% | 1,782 |
Oklahoma City University | 86.11% | 132 |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 83.33% | 199 |
Langston University | 80.0% | 71 |
Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 58.99% | 1,845 |
Becoming a Nurse in Oklahoma
Becoming a nurse in Oklahoma takes dedication and education. The amount of time you spend in school and training depends on what type of type of nurse you want to be.
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing issues licenses for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The Oklahoma State Department of Health handles certified nurse aide (CNA) certification. Oklahoma belongs to the , which makes it possible to receive a multistate license that lets you practice in other Compact states.
The Sooner State's educational system is producing fewer nurses than it needs, forcing healthcare organizations to rely heavily upon out-of-state travel nurses to fill the workforce. This was a problem , but the situation worsened under COVID-19 as more nurses left the workforce. Working conditions in Oklahoma may be stressful in the near term as healthcare staffs stretch themselves thing, but there may be plenty of open positions.
Read on to learn about the licensing requirements for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in Oklahoma.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Nurse Aide Certification in Oklahoma
Aspiring Oklahoma CNAs must complete an before passing a test with written and hands-on skills sections. Completing these steps allows CNAs to add their names to the Nurse Aide Registry.
CNA certifications need to be every two years. The renewal application includes an Affidavit of Lawful Presence declaring the candidate's legal immigration status. Applicants must also provide proof of at least eight hours of work as a CNA in the previous two years.
How To Get a Practical Nurse License in Oklahoma
Aspiring Oklahoma LPNs can apply for a single-state or multistate license depending on personal preference. They can also choose licensure by examination — which involves taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) practical nursing version — or licensure by endorsement, which requires them to prove that they have an LPN license in another state
In any case, LPNs must graduate from a board-approved LPN training program. They also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency and pass a background check.
Oklahoma LPN license renewal takes place every odd-numbered year. Renewal requires that the LPN worked at least 520 during the previous two years or completed 24 or more hours of continuing education.
How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Oklahoma
Individuals must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as the first step to becoming an RN in Oklahoma. Licensure-by-examination candidates then need to pass the NCLEX-RN, while endorsement candidates must submit proof of RN licensure elsewhere. Either group can choose to apply for a single-state license or a multistate license.
All applicants must also demonstrate their U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and successfully complete a criminal background check.
As with LPNs, RNs must prove that they worked at least 520 during the previous two years or completed at least 24 continuing education hours to renew their licenses. RNs renew every even-numbered year by the end of their birth month.
We offer guides about how to become a travel nurse, how to become a neonatal nurse, and how to become a pediatric nurse for interested nursing students.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing recognizes four categories of APRN:
- Certified nurse practitioner (NP)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
APRN license applicants must prove that they've finished a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and hold a nursing certification in one of the four specialties. The state of Oklahoma also requires proof of citizenship or legal immigration status alongside a background check. After receiving their license, any NP, CNM, or CNS may apply for authority to prescribe medication; CRNAs can't prescribe in Oklahoma.
APRNs renew their APRN license along with their RN license every even-numbered year.
Future APRNs may be interested in our pages: Guide to Online Nurse Practitioner Degrees, How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist, and 2023 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs.
Student Reviews of Online Nursing Programs
I had really high expectations for the quality of education that would come from a name such as Purdue. This was my first time doing any sort of formal adult education online, everything else was years ago in person. There was a lot of support at the beginning and my advisor checked in every couple of months during the process so I felt supported that way. My issue was some of the poor teachers. I probably had (just guesstimating) 10-15 teachers and only about four were really good and felt like... Read More
Review Date: 9/22/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This has been very straight forward college experience. Classes and instructors well thought, professors very attentive and quick with their grading and responses to any questions. Format was pretty straight forward, discussion post every Thursday, two responses to peers DQ every Sunday and Monday the main assignment. Each class was 8 weeks long and I have to say those 8 weeks went pretty fast. Aspen offers reasonable payment plan that worked great for me. Highly recommend to take classes at Aspen... Read More
Review Date: 8/17/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The professors here want you to succeed and it shows through their daily dedication to teaching the material we need to know to become outstanding nurses. At chamberlain, I feel like I'm around family. We share our stories with each other and that is what keeps us motivated to keep pursuing our dream.
Review Date: 11/25/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Having the opportunity to purse my next degree though ASPEN University was a fabulous experience. Enrollment was simple and your advisor was available for questions. Financial Aid department was always helpful, answered emails in a timely manner. Majority of the Professors were great to work with, answered emails quickly, offered fair feedback. RN-BSN program was a great program, I would recommend to anyone pursing their BSN.
Review Date: 12/20/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I want to announce that I graduated in 2016 with my BSN from Walden University. The entire course was challenging. I have learned a lot about research. Also, the classes compelled me to critically think. The most enjoyable thing that I enjoyed with online learning was that I was able to attend school at my kitchen table in my pajamas.
Review Date: 10/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Excellent program with great online resources to create a supportive atmosphere to promote excellence in educational attainment. The Online RN to BSN program is very flexible and gear for working nurses. The campus and its facilities are clean and high tech. GCU has great sports team that play in NCAA division 1. Not to expensive for a private university supports military with tuition discounts.
Review Date: 12/5/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended Walden online for my bachelors degree and had a good experience. any online nursing program has to have students that are self motivated, none will hold your hand. I completed 2 classes at a time and they were 6 weeks a piece. I am currently looking for a start date for a NP program with Walden. I see alot of reviews that complain about having to find your own preceptors.... just wanted to say that is the norm for online NP programs. every NP i work with has had to find there own, and... Read More
Review Date: 1/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was an lpn. I applied for the associate degree in nursing, went through all the courses and took the cpne. I passed on the first time and i've been nursing every since. I am now in the bachelor's program for nursing and its going very well. Best decision i ever made.
Review Date: 7/1/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'll get straight to it. Christianity has become a laughing stalk here in America. Far too many people claim to be Christian, yet their behavior is nothing like one. Don't even think about going to this school. They are greedy. GCU is focused on separating you from your money. Nothing else. They have ridiculous hidden fees that your counselor will not mention, until it is time to take your money. Then they will copy and paste everything into a nice email for you. Like all schools, they are gung ho... Read More
Review Date: 2/2/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Although this school is not for the faint of heart, it is a hybrid progressive and rigorous program. You have lab which includes lecture and Hands-On skills in an actual lab setting as well as multiple clinical and additional study / review sessions if requested. To get a four-year degree in 16 months requires a lot of work on the part of the student but the faculty that is currently in place as of January 2019 is more than fair and really make every effort for the student to be successful. Most... Read More
Review Date: 1/25/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Being your non-traditional school it is important to take your studies as seriously as any other college or university. If you put in the effort and do your studying you can gain a great deal of insight in your field. With my major being Nursing the instructors as well as advisors/financial aids/other staff are willing to help you out with obtaining information you need. I have came across some teachers that will challenge you and change the way you learn for the better. The greatest resource I discovered... Read More
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program I went through was a cohort program that was provided by the hospital that I worked at. With this program I took one class at a time for 6 weeks. It was a 1 day a week class. I highly recommend the college. The college works with students right out of high school and older students who havent attended school in many years. The hospital I worked at paid for my schooling. I was blessed that the school and hospital worked together to further their nurses career.
Review Date: 4/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Only cares about test scores, nonunderstanding professors if death occurs in family, charges you for things you dont even use, and charges you for things after charge date. I thought this school cared about the students but really they just want your money
Review Date: 11/12/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Hi, I started Chamberlain University in January 2019 at the Charlotte location. The love and support I receive from the staff on a daily basis is remarkable! If feels great to be enrolled at a University that pushes their students to excel! Especially, in nursing!
Review Date: 3/26/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It is a money making school, it is not education oriented. Student being place in the wrong class, no administration to help you out. Ended up spending more money and more time. Like I said money making machine. The advisors are not helpful when you try to reach to Assistant Dean or the Dean they send you right back to advisors who ended up doing nothing to help. My advice don't come to that school
Review Date: 1/24/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I attended Concordia University of Wisconsin for my undergraduate in nursing. If I had to change where I would go to get my undergraduate I would not. Concordia University and the College of Nursing program they have is beyond spectacular. When people ask me what I liked most about my experience in this nursing program the first thing that comes to my mind is the professors. The professors are not only your teachers, but they become friends. They understand you on a personal and professional level.... Read More
Review Date: 3/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I love UWM, but I have say that the Nursing program was not the best. My year was in the middle of the curriculum change and it pretty much affected all the students throughout the whole nursing program. In terms of preparing the students for the NCLEX, UWM is not the best. We didnt start prepping for the NCLEX until my last semester. Barely learned a thing. No lie all I cared about was to pass the class and graduate. The ATI class that was required in the last semester was useless to me. It sucks... Read More
Review Date: 6/25/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Central is a very good school. It has grown exponentially during my time there. I have enjoyed every moment. You will come across others that you do not agree with but that is life and you have to find a way to navigate around these obstacles.
Review Date: 7/27/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Had a great teacher, but the school is run very poorly! I've had nothing but problems with them. 3 years later and I'm still trying to undo the financial screw up they did! They are awful and don't care about trying to help their students.
Review Date: 8/15/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate experience at the University of South Carolina. I obtained my bachelors degree in nursing, and I couldn't have felt more prepared for the workplace. The University offered wonderful resources to enhance my learning.
Review Date: 2/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
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