-
by
allnurses (Editorial Team / Admin)
Whether you're a practicing nurse seeking to advance your career or generally curious about the role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), you've come to the right place. Discover the best NP programs in Oklahoma as we explore their nuances, costs, salary expectations, and more.
Best NP Programs in Oklahoma - Online & Campus
The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.
Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.
1. Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing offers Advanced Practice Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These programs are designed for post-BSN students and focus on minimal residency requirements.
Program Highlights:
- Specializations: Offers three tracks - Family Nurse Practitioner (66 credit hours), Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (67 credit hours), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (68 credit hours).
- Hybrid Format: Requires a three-day intensive on-campus session each semester, with the rest of the coursework available online.
- International Students: Required to reside in the Oklahoma City area and participate in on-campus activities.
- Duration: The BSN-DNP program is completed in 4 years, while MSN to DNP can be completed in 3 years.
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- Current active licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. or equivalent.
- BSN-level health assessment and statistics courses.
- Minimum of one year of professional nursing experience.
- Additional requirements for the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, including ACLS certification and specific work experience.
2. Northwestern Oklahoma State University - Alva
The BSN-to-DNP program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is designed for registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program offers a curriculum that includes 73 credit hours and features an online component with a required Summer residency program. It also includes 1,020 practicum hours and can be completed on a full-time (three-year plan) or part-time (four-year plan) basis.
Program Highlights:
- Specialization Options: The program offers advanced study for Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Advanced Placement Option: For nurses with an MSN and FNP certification, an advanced placement option requiring 37-39 credit hours is available.
- Residency Requirement: Includes a mandatory 6-day Summer residency program.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
3. University of Tulsa - Tulsa
The FNP Program at the University of Tulsa prepares nurses for advanced practice in providing primary care across the lifespan. The program offers comprehensive training in primary care with an interdisciplinary focus, combining didactic learning, laboratory skills, human patient simulation, and extensive clinical experiences.
Program Highlights:
- Intensive Preparation: Focuses on comprehensive primary care, preparing students to provide care for all ages of patients.
- Clinical Experience: Includes clinical time in underserved population clinics, urgent care, and specialty clinic rotations to expose students to diverse patient populations and essential skills for practice.
- Board Exam Eligibility: Graduates will be eligible to sit for Board Exams from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
4. University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
The DNP program at the University of Oklahoma prepares graduates to integrate nursing theories with practice, propose and initiate changes based on evidence-based practices, and influence healthcare policy. The program is designed to deliver comprehensive nursing interventions to diverse individuals and populations and develop expertise in specialized areas of clinical, teaching, and management/administrative practice.
Expected DNP Program Outcomes:
- Integration of Theories: Utilize theories from nursing and support sciences for practice and role development.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Employ evidence-based literature to propose and initiate change.
- Healthcare Policy Influence: Use political acumen to influence healthcare policy for safe, ethical healthcare delivery.
- Specialized Area Expertise: Demonstrate expertise in clinical, teaching, and management/administrative practice.
- Leadership and Management Skills: Employ leadership skills in decision-making to improve nursing care delivery and care environments.
What Is an NP Program?
An NP Program in Oklahoma is a graduate-level educational pathway designed specifically for registered nurses who aspire to become nurse practitioners. These programs delve into advanced clinical practices and theoretical knowledge, equipping nurses to provide a more comprehensive range of healthcare services.
NP Specializations
There are many NP specializations available in Oklahoma, with some of the most common being:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Provides comprehensive care from pediatrics to geriatrics, focusing on disease prevention and chronic condition management in various healthcare settings.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Specializes in mental health care, offering services like therapy and medication management in psychiatric settings.
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Focuses on adult and elderly care, addressing both acute and chronic illnesses in diverse healthcare environments.
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Delivers specialized care in women's health, covering gynecological and reproductive health in various clinical settings.
Other specializations include areas like oncology, neonatal, emergency, and acute care.
NP Coursework
The coursework in Oklahoma's NP programs encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects, integrating advanced nursing theory, research methodologies, and specialized clinical practice areas. While the specific courses may vary based on the chosen program and specialty, typical coursework includes:
- Advanced Techniques in Health Assessment
- Principles of Advanced Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology at an Advanced Level
- Primary Care Best Practices
- Healthcare Policy and Ethical Issues
- Clinical Decision-Making Strategies
- Specialized courses tailored to specific focus areas such as Family Practice, Pediatrics, Adult-Gerontology, etc.
NP Clinical Training
Clinical training is a fundamental component of NP programs in Oklahoma, offering real-world experience in various healthcare settings. The specifics of this training can differ based on the chosen program and specialty, but generally, it includes:
- A required number of clinical hours, typically around 700 to 1,040 hours, varying with the program's focus.
- Clinical rotations across diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
- Supervised clinical practice under the mentorship of experienced nurse practitioners and physicians.
- Specialized training in areas like acute care, primary care, pediatrics, or gerontology, depending on the program's specialization.
Prerequisites & Requirements
In Oklahoma, individuals aspiring to enroll in NP programs must meet specific prerequisites and requirements, similar to other states but with some regional variations.
NP Prerequisites in Oklahoma
The prerequisites for NP programs in Oklahoma generally include:
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Nursing: Applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited institution.
- Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure: Candidates must possess a current and unrestricted RN license, preferably in Oklahoma or a compact state.
- Clinical Experience: Prior clinical experience as a registered nurse is often required. The duration and specifics of this experience can vary by program, but it typically involves one to two years of full-time nursing practice.
- Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, particularly for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, is usually required.
- Prerequisite Courses: Certain foundational courses may be needed, such as anatomy, physiology, Microbiology, and statistics.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most programs ask for letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Personal Statement: A statement outlining career objectives and motivations for pursuing an NP degree is typically required.
- Resume or CV: Submission of a current resume or CV detailing educational background and professional experiences is usually necessary.
NP Requirements in Oklahoma
Upon admission into an NP Program in Oklahoma, students are required to:
- Complete Coursework: This includes courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and specialty-focused courses.
- Fulfill Clinical Hours: A set number of supervised clinical hours in relevant settings must be completed. The exact number can vary but is often in the range of 500-700 hours.
- Capstone Project or Thesis: Some programs may require the completion of a capstone project or thesis to demonstrate the practical application of acquired skills and knowledge.
- Pass a Certification Exam: Graduates typically need to pass a national certification exam in their chosen specialty area to practice as an NP.
- Obtain State Licensure: Graduates must apply for and receive NP licensure in Oklahoma, which may include additional state-specific requirements.
NP Salary Expectations in Oklahoma
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median salary for an NP in Oklahoma is $121,740, which is 3.9% lower than the national median of $126,680.
The highest-paying states for NPs are:
- California: $158,130
- New Jersey: $143,250
- Massachusetts: $138,700
- Oregon: $136,250
- Nevada: $136,230
It's important to note that NP salary expectations can vary based on many factors including level of education (MSN vs DNP), years of experience, employer, and more. Prospective students need to consider the context when developing their expectations.
NP Salary by State
Compare several specializations by state with our comprehensive nursing salary guide.
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4,390 | $51.26 | $106,610 |
| Alaska | 680 | $55.96 | $116,390 |
| Arizona | 6,240 | $58.37 | $121,410 |
| Arkansas | 2,970 | $51.50 | $107,110 |
| California | 19,130 | $76.02 | $158,130 |
| Colorado | 3,630 | $55.98 | $116,440 |
| Connecticut | 2,910 | $63.22 | $131,490 |
| Delaware | 990 | $57.97 | $120,570 |
| District of Columbia | 730 | $63.11 | $131,270 |
| Florida | 18,530 | $53.04 | $110,310 |
| Georgia | 8,110 | $55.50 | $115,440 |
| Hawaii | 530 | $61.69 | $128,310 |
| Idaho | 1,170 | $56.60 | $117,720 |
| Illinois | 7,990 | $58.81 | $122,310 |
| Indiana | 6,480 | $58.53 | $121,730 |
| Iowa | 2,610 | $61.62 | $128,180 |
| Kansas | 3,070 | $53.69 | $111,670 |
| Kentucky | 4,520 | $52.54 | $109,290 |
| Louisiana | 4,280 | $56.83 | $118,210 |
| Maine | 1,300 | $56.88 | $118,300 |
| Maryland | 4,170 | $57.53 | $119,650 |
| Massachusetts | 7,190 | $66.68 | $138,700 |
| Michigan | 7,250 | $54.70 | $113,780 |
| Minnesota | 5,300 | $61.62 | $128,160 |
| Mississippi | 4,000 | $56.38 | $117,260 |
| Missouri | 7,290 | $54.41 | $113,180 |
| Montana | 730 | $57.67 | $119,960 |
| Nebraska | 1,610 | $57.20 | $118,970 |
| Nevada | 1,800 | $65.49 | $136,230 |
| New Hampshire | 1,510 | $60.47 | $125,780 |
| New Jersey | 6,640 | $68.87 | $143,250 |
| New Mexico | 1,650 | $62.29 | $129,560 |
| New York | 17,670 | * | * |
| North Carolina | 8,040 | $55.03 | $114,450 |
| North Dakota | 570 | $54.78 | $113,940 |
| Ohio | 10,730 | $56.46 | $117,440 |
| Oklahoma | 2,700 | $58.53 | $121,740 |
| Oregon | 1,880 | $65.51 | $136,250 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,560 | $57.96 | $120,550 |
| Rhode Island | 1,390 | $60.21 | $125,250 |
| South Carolina | 3,960 | $52.47 | $109,130 |
| South Dakota | 810 | $55.58 | $115,610 |
| Tennessee | 13,060 | $47.75 | $99,330 |
| Texas | 18,820 | $59.93 | $124,660 |
| Utah | 2,740 | $55.58 | $115,610 |
| Vermont | 800 | $56.06 | $116,610 |
| Virginia | 7,040 | $56.24 | $116,980 |
| Washington | 4,150 | $65.19 | $135,590 |
| West Virginia | 1,640 | $51.34 | $106,790 |
| Wisconsin | 4,790 | $58.27 | $121,210 |
| Wyoming | 460 | $55.40 | $115,230 |
Are NP Programs in Oklahoma Worth It?
Deciding whether an NP Program is worth it in Oklahoma requires considering various pros and cons.
Pros of NP Programs in Oklahoma
- Increasing Demand for Healthcare Services: Oklahoma, like many states, is experiencing a growing need for healthcare professionals, especially in rural and underserved areas. This trend increases job opportunities for NPs.
- Attractive Salary Potential: NPs in Oklahoma can expect competitive salaries, which are often higher than those of registered nurses, making the investment in advanced education potentially more lucrative.
- Scope of Practice Autonomy: Oklahoma offers a relatively broad scope of practice for NPs, allowing them to utilize their full range of skills and training, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and autonomy.
- Diverse Specialization Options: NP programs in Oklahoma offer various specializations, such as family practice, mental health, or pediatrics, providing opportunities to pursue areas of personal interest in healthcare.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Completing an NP Program can lead to advanced career opportunities, higher positions in healthcare settings, and the potential for leadership roles.
Cons of NP Programs in Oklahoma
- Cost of Education: The financial burden of graduate education is a significant consideration. NP programs can be expensive, potentially leading to student debt.
- Time Investment: NP programs require a substantial time commitment, often several years, which can be challenging for those balancing work, education, and personal life.
- Competitive Nature of Programs: Gaining admission into NP programs can be competitive, with stringent academic and professional experience requirements.
- Increased Responsibility and Stress: The role of an NP comes with higher levels of responsibility and stress, especially in specialized or high-demand areas.
- Ongoing Certification and Education Requirements: NPs in Oklahoma must adhere to continuous education requirements and maintain certification, which involves a commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated in the field.
Ultimately, whether an NP Program is worth it depends on your career goals and circumstances.
Importance of Attending an Accredited NP Program
Attending an accredited NP Program in Oklahoma is crucial for several reasons:
- Quality of Education: Accreditation ensures the program meets high educational standards, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum.
- Eligibility for Certification: Graduates from accredited programs are typically eligible to sit for national certification exams, which are required for practice as an NP.
- State Licensure: Most state nursing boards require completion of an accredited program for NP licensure.
- Career Opportunities: Employers often prefer or require candidates who have graduated from accredited programs, ensuring a higher standard of training.
- Further Education and Transferability: Credits from an accredited program are more likely to be recognized if you decide to pursue further education or transfer to another institution.
Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I pursue an NP Program in Oklahoma online, and are in-state tuition rates available for residents?
Many Oklahoma NP programs offer online options, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Additionally, in-state tuition rates are often available for residents, making education more affordable.
Q: Do NP programs in Oklahoma emphasize evidence-based practice, and what is the typical credit hour requirement?
Oklahoma NP programs prioritize evidence-based practice. Credit hour requirements vary but usually range from 40 to 70 for master's-level programs.
Q: Are nursing leadership and informatics specializations offered, and can I enroll in part-time or full-time programs?
Some NP programs in Oklahoma offer nursing leadership and informatics specializations. You can choose between part-time and full-time enrollment to suit your schedule and preferences.
Q: Are there on-campus NP programs in Oklahoma, and what are the advanced practice credentialing requirements for APRNs?
On-campus NP programs are available. To practice as an APRN in Oklahoma, you must meet credentialing requirements, including national certification and state licensure.
Q: What admission requirements should I expect for NP programs in Oklahoma, and are there programs covering the lifespan of patients?
Admission requirements typically include a nursing degree, RN licensure, clinical experience, minimum GPA, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume or CV. Some programs offer specializations covering the entire patient lifespan.
DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.