Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in OK

Inside Online RN to BSN Programs in Oklahoma

In an online RN to BSN program, you’ll be taking classes via video, in either a synchronous or asynchronous format. Many online RN to BSN programs in Oklahoma also have a clinical component, which can be completed at a hospital or other clinical site near you, or at an approved site near your school’s campus. Different programs vary in cost, admissions requirements, class format, and completion time, so be sure to do your research before applying. To get you started, here are a few high-quality online RN to BSN programs in Oklahoma to consider.

FAQs for Oklahoma RN to BSN Online Students

It’s normal to want to know all the details before making the time and financial commitment required for an RN to BSN program. In fact, most students in your position have a lot of questions. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions and their answers below.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an RN to BSN program in Oklahoma?

Earning an RN license gives you the foundational knowledge needed to serve patients well. However, earning your BSN deepens your knowledge of the healthcare field and allows you to provide even better care for your patients.

A good RN to BSN program in Oklahoma should provide you with the knowledge you need to succeed and experiences that allow you to apply that knowledge. While most programs in Oklahoma provide experiential learning opportunities, the University of Oklahoma is a leader in this area. Their program integrates clinical hours into each semester, and students reflect on challenges and lessons from their clinical experiences in class.

In Oklahoma, how long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program?

The beauty of many RN to BSN programs in Oklahoma, whether online or on campus, is that you control how long they take. While many are designed to be taken in nine months, such as the program at Oklahoma City University, you can take many programs part-time, which can be especially helpful for working students.

One program that offers the most flexibility is the online RN to BSN program at the University of Oklahoma, which offers the ability to graduate in two semesters as a full-time student or three or four semesters as a part-time student.

In Oklahoma, how much do RN to BSN programs cost?

Program costs vary greatly. If you’re an Oklahoma resident, you’ll find the costs more affordable than for non-residents if you’re attending a state school, where you’ll be eligible for in-state tuition. Private colleges and universities will typically charge the same rate of tuition to all students, regardless of residency status. Some schools like Oklahoma State University offer block tuition rates, which makes it more affordable to attend full-time because you pay the same per semester whether you take 12 or 18 credit hours. Finally, be sure to consider any materials and commuting costs in your program, in addition to tuition.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my RN to BSN program in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma invests greatly in financial aid for nursing students. The State of Oklahoma has partnered with Oklahoma State University to provide an additional $55 million in nursing scholarships. Students must agree to work in rural communities upon graduating.

This new state-funded program isn’t the only way to fund your nursing education. From loans to grants to scholarships, there are programs available, as well as scholarships for nursing students.

In Oklahoma, what are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs?

The main requirement for every RN to BSN program in Oklahoma, whether online or on campus, is to have an RN license in that state. Some programs have additional requirements that vary between programs. These include:

• A GPA requirement in all previous coursework
• A specific number of hours worked in the field
• An associate degree in a related field
• Filling out application questions and essays
• Paying an application fee

If in doubt, check out your specific program’s requirements, as they can vary. For example, Oklahoma City University has no prerequisite courses, while Northwestern Oklahoma State University has several.

Salary & Career Comparison: RN vs. BSN

While many students choose to go from RN to BSN out of the desire to advance their knowledge in the nursing profession, it's entirely valid to wonder how your new qualifications will impact your salary and career advancement in Oklahoma after you've graduated. BSNs typically earn higher salaries than RNs, as BSNs have been found to lead to better results in higher-responsibility, higher-paid fields like surgical nursing, leading to preferential hiring at many hospitals and in other clinical settings in Oklahoma and elsewhere.

Further, many MSN programs will require you to hold a BSN in order to apply, so those planning to continue their education or take on a specialty like nurse anesthesiology or nurse midwifery, which averaged a six-figure salary in 2023, where a master's degree is required, a BSN will be a must. Even if you don't plan to pursue a postgraduate nursing degree, many BSN programs will prepare you to take on a leadership role (as you can see from the leadership classes in the programs highlighted above), making a BSN a good choice for those looking to advance in a specific nursing role and potentially train and mentor other nurses.

Ranking the Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Oklahoma

Choosing the right RN to BSN program is a big step for advancing your nursing career. To help, we’ve ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Oklahoma using key factors like program format (fully online or hybrid), student resources, tuition and financial aid availability, and graduation rates. Learn more about our ranking criteria in the methodology section.