Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is well-known for its position as a leader in healthcare institutions nationwide. But if you’re like many nurses who struggle to find positions where you’re valued and paid fairly for your services, you may be interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner. The role of a nurse practitioner is highly specialized and getting licensed and trained as one may be easier than you expect. Whether you live in Oklahoma City or somewhere amongst the scenic rolling hills of this great state, you can find nurse practitioner programs readily available. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Before we discuss how to become a nurse practitioner, there are several primary concerns that RNs in Oklahoma typically consider. Two of the most common ones is the cost associated with tuition and the time that it typically takes to complete an NP program. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options for RNs to become nurse practitioners in Oklahoma, especially if they have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and some nursing experience.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are essentially two main traditional nurse practitioner degree programs — a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both of these will qualify you to become a nurse practitioner, but the MSN will allow you to graduate in a much shorter amount of time. On average, you can expect to complete an MSN degree program in around two years of full-time study, though this will depend on how many credits your program requires and how many you’re allowed to transfer. One great example of a speedy nurse practitioner program in Oklahoma is Oklahoma City University which offers a program that can be completed in around 2 years, or possibly less.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re like most students, you’re looking for the best possible value for your nurse practitioner education. MSN programs are usually the most frugal choice as you’ll be required to be enrolled for a shorter amount of time. You can make the most of your savings by establishing residency in the state and choosing schools with smaller nursing programs. One of the cheapest options for nursing students in Oklahoma is Southwestern Oklahoma University which offers a tuition rate of $7,000 to $15,000 per semester.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Whether you decide on an MSN, a DNP, or some other variation (see more below), you’ll usually find that most nurse practitioner programs usually have some type of specialized curriculum that allow you to become certified in one of dozens of nurse practitioner specializations. If you’re looking for a specialized nurse practitioner program located in Oklahoma, take a look at Oklahoma City University which offers a nurse leadership specialization.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond the traditional programs like MSN and DNP programs, there are also many other types of accelerated and bridge programs that you may be interested in depending on your individual background and the level of degree and experience you already have.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are generally 2-year programs that come in a variety of specializations. Examples of MSNs in Oklahoma include:

• Oklahoma City University – Oklahoma City, OK
• Southwestern Oklahoma University – Weatherford, OK

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are an umbrella term that typically refers to ADN to MSNs, in which RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) complete accelerated BSN and MSN-level nurse practitioner coursework. The University of Oklahoma currently hosts the state’s only RN to MSN program.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest educational level you can obtain as a nurse practitioner is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs are great for students with a lot of ambition and plenty of time to spare as they usually require at least six years of full-time study. Here are a few DNP programs located in Oklahoma:

• University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, OK
• Oklahoma Wesleyan University – Bartlesville, OK

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

A Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is designed for MSN-educated nurses who want to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, they’re a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Post master’s nursing certificates are offered at the following Oklahoma schools:

• University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, OK
• Oklahoma City University – Oklahoma City, OK

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree who majored in a non-nursing area to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one challenging program. If you think that accelerated or direct entry MSN degree programs would be ideal for your educational goals, you can find these programs available at:

• University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, OK

General Admissions Requirements

The exact types of admissions requirements you’ll need to meet will vary depending on the nurse practitioner programs you apply to, however, in general, you can expect the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Oklahoma NP License and Certification Requirements

In order to become a licensed nurse practitioner in Oklahoma, applicants must follow several steps to ensure they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. These requirements include:

• Active RN License: Candidates must possess a valid, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license issued by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
• Advanced Education: Completion of a graduate-level nurse practitioner program that has been accredited is mandatory. The program should focus on providing both the clinical and theoretical training required for the NP role.

Prospective nurse practitioners must submit evidence of their education and RN licensure as part of the application process. Additionally, they are required to complete and file an application form and pay the associated licensing fee, which is typically around $170. Detailed information about how to apply for NP licensure in Oklahoma can be accessed through the state's nursing board website.

NPs seeking certification in a specific specialty must obtain this credential through nationally recognized organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Generally, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have completed a graduate-level program aligned with their chosen specialty and passed the certification exam.

As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Oklahoma operate under a collaborative practice model. This means that while they have considerable autonomy in diagnosing, treating, and managing patient care, they are still required to collaborate with a physician for prescribing authority. This setup ensures that NPs can deliver a high level of care while maintaining a partnership with a medical doctor for more complex cases. Support and professional resources can be found through the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA), which advocates for the profession and provides continuing education opportunities.

List of NP Programs in Oklahoma

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