Oklahoma

We've organized a comprehensive list of Oklahoma nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Oklahoma city.

Oklahoma school overviews

Oklahoma nursing programs and careers

City-specific information

2024 Rankings: The 10 Best Nursing Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has three primary nursing roles. In order of increasing responsibility and pay, these roles are certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN). Each nursing role carries distinct educational requirements.

Certified nursing assistants must complete a brief certificate program. This CNA certificate can be earned in eight to ten weeks at a number of community colleges and technology centers throughout Oklahoma. The state’s CNAs earn a median annual salary of $21,490.

Nursing schools and programs in Lawton, Oklahoma

The nursing community in Lawton, Oklahoma, consists of nearly 900 registered nurses (RNs), 500 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 400 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Though these are the most common nursing roles in this southwestern Oklahoma city, dozens of nurses here also work in advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles like nurse practitioner and certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Best master of science in nursing (MSN) programs in Oklahoma

A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that enables nurses to further their careers in advanced fields like nursing administration, nursing education, and family practice nursing. The MSN degree is a prerequisite for registered nurses (RNs) to assume specialized roles with higher earning potential, like nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist. For example, Oklahoma’s RNs earn a median annual salary of $57,000. By comparison, the state’s nurse practitioners earn $81,000 per year, and its nurse anesthetists receive $165,000 in annual compensation.

Best bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s nursing schools are experiencing increased demand for their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. This is driven by employer preference: the state’s healthcare providers increasingly favor BSN-educated nurses in their hiring and promotion decisions. While Oklahoma’s registered nurses (RNs) earn an attractive median salary of $56,870, those with BSN degrees frequently earn top-quartile pay of $67,460 or more.

Best associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, most associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) programs focus on licensure for aspiring registered nurses (RNs). However, a handful of associate’s degree programs offered by Platt College prepare candidates to work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). In either case, the associate’s degree requires just two years of fulltime study, much briefer than traditional four-year degree programs. Oklahoma’s registered nurses can look forward to an attractive median income of almost $57,000 upon graduation. We highlight below a few of the top ADN programs in the state.

Best licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs in Oklahoma

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) holds many responsibilities in assisting sick, injured, and elderly patients. LPNs usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). The LPN role is especially attractive to students who wish to enter the workforce quickly, since most candidates pursue a brief 12- to 18-month certificate. The lengthier option to pursue a two-year associate’s degree is also available in Oklahoma. The state’s LPNs earn a median annual salary of $36,900. We profile below several of the top LPN programs in Oklahoma.

Top nursing schools in Oklahoma: Most expensive to least expensive

Students who aspire to a nursing career should carefully consider the financial costs before enrolling in a nursing program. The all-in cost of school includes not only tuition and fees, but also books and supplies, room and board, and miscellaneous living expenses. These costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including length of program and type of institution. Below we analyze the cost to attend nursing school at several of Oklahoma’s top institutions.

Oklahoma City University