Jake Flannigan, NP
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs provide registered nurses with a pathway to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through Oklahoma the nursing advancement serves as an essential tool to enhance healthcare delivery specifically in rural areas and hospital system development. BSN-prepared nurses earn positions as patient care leaders while demonstrating better qualifications for roles in education, public health, and management.
Alva, OK - Public 4-Year - nwosu.edu
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Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Online RN-to-BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to enhance their careers through a flexible, ACEN-accredited curriculum. It integrates Jean Watson’s caring theory, focusing on leadership, advanced nursing practices, and preparation for diverse healthcare environments. Admission requires an RN license, and the program boasts high NCLEX pass rates and a 100% job placement rate, making it ideal for working professionals seeking advancement without an ACT or SAT requirement.
Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu
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Oklahoma State University-Main Campus offers an online RN to BSN program, accredited by CCNE, designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers in 9-12 months. This flexible program allows part-time or full-time enrollment with new cohorts each semester, focusing on nursing theory, global health, research, and community nursing. No specific concentration is highlighted, and as a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible for working professionals. Key features include transfer credit options, a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement, and a capstone course for comprehensive development.
Weatherford, OK - Public 4-Year - swosu.edu
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Southwestern Oklahoma State University's RN to BSN program is an online offering that allows for completion in as little as 10 months through flexible eight-week intervals, catering to working nurses. With a competitive cost of $10,500, it features experienced faculty and a low student-faculty ratio, enhancing learning. Ranked #3 in Oklahoma, it prepares graduates for advanced roles with potential starting salaries of $28-$30 per hour. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program, making it accessible for career advancement.
Edmond, OK - Public 4-Year - uco.edu
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The University of Central Oklahoma's online RN to BSN program provides a flexible pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, enhancing clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice. It focuses on person-centered care, population health, and healthcare technology, preparing graduates for advanced roles without requiring ACT or SAT exams. Accredited and military-friendly, it supports professional growth through multiple nursing options.
Oklahoma City, OK - Private 4-year - okcu.edu
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Oklahoma City University's RN-BSN program accelerates degree completion in just nine months, offering both online and on-campus options for flexibility. With no additional math or science prerequisites, it leverages 94 credit hours from the RN license, focusing on enhancing clinical competence, critical thinking, and holistic care skills. Small class sizes and special package pricing support a supportive learning environment, and no entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's-level program.
The state of Oklahoma offers multiple online RN to BSN programs which draw active interest from practicing nurses. Students can finish their courses from home because these programs operate without requiring physical attendance at any campus. Students access flexible asynchronous courses through which they can study independently at any time. Students can select from hybrid programs that merge online learning with sporadic in-person meetings for those who want classroom interaction. Some educational institutions provide evening or weekend class schedules for students who work shifts. All educational programs deliver flexible learning experiences through their admissions processes that include continuous enrollment options throughout each year. The online learning opportunities serve rural Oklahoma nurses by enabling them to pursue BSN degrees at distant universities without needing to move or commute.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University |
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| Oklahoma City University |
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| Southwestern Oklahoma State University |
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| Certifying Board | Oklahoma Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of a Board‑approved BSN, submit transcripts and Evidence of Status, complete fingerprint check, pass NCLEX‑RN |
| License Renewal Period | Expires last day of birth month in even years, renew every two years |
| Continuing Education | Complete one option biennially, 520 practice hours, 24 CE hours, current specialty certification, Board‑approved refresher, or six nursing credits |
| License Application Fee | $85 initial application, $200 NCLEX registration, $51.25 background check |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, and psychiatric‑mental health |
| Application Processing Time | ATT issued on approval (valid 90 days), fingerprint results in 3–5 business days, full license on clearance |
| License by Endorsement | Apply via Nurse Portal with $85 fee (plus $10 temp if needed), verify current RN license, submit transcripts, fingerprint check, and CE proof |
BSN-educated nurses in Oklahoma receive higher salaries compared to nurses who hold associate-degree credentials. Registered nurses across Oklahoma receive average annual salaries of $75,000 yet Tulsa and Oklahoma City offer higher compensation rates. BSN-educated nurses gain access to leadership roles, specialized units, and administrative positions which typically provide higher income opportunities. The demand for RNs in Oklahoma will sustain steady growth because of population aging combined with ongoing healthcare requirements across urban and rural regions. Many healthcare organizations set BSN as a mandatory requirement for both Magnet status pursuit and career progression. The growing need for nurses along with RN to BSN program adaptability enables nurses to access better career prospects which leads to increased financial stability within Oklahoma’s healthcare system.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Oklahoma | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $65,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $31.61 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$75,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $60,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$46,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,400 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University |
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| Rogers State University |
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| Oklahoma Wesleyan University |
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The BSN degree enables nurses to pursue roles which extend beyond traditional bedside nursing duties. RNs who earn their BSN become eligible for charge nurse and unit manager positions and gain qualifications for public health and case management careers. Most organizations consider the BSN as the minimum educational requirement to advance professionally or perform specialized clinical duties. Nurses holding a BSN degree can apply for professional certifications that focus on critical care nursing, oncology, and emergency nursing. Students who earn their BSN can use the degree to enter graduate programs that lead to nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse educator career paths. Hospitals that pursue Magnet recognition need BSN-educated nurses to fill supervisory positions. The BSN degree enhances both clinical expertise and creates enduring professional development opportunities for nurses in the evolving nursing field.
Additional Nursing Programs in Oklahoma
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