For career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs provide a fast, intensive route into the nursing profession. These programs combine rigorous training with access to varied clinical environments, making them an appealing option for second-degree students.
This guide highlights top Accelerated BSN programs in Oklahoma and compares key factors such as accreditation, program format, and institutional strengths. It also explains how ABSN programs work, outlines common admission requirements, and offers practical guidance to help you evaluate programs and plan your path toward registered nurse (RN) licensure.
What Is an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to transition into nursing without completing a second four-year degree. These programs build on prior academic experience and deliver nursing education in a condensed, full-time format.
Most ABSN programs in Oklahoma can be completed in approximately 12 to 24 months, depending on the school and program structure. Students typically progress through the program as a cohort and follow a demanding, year-round schedule.
ABSN curricula generally include:
- Classroom-based nursing coursework
- Hands-on skills labs
- Supervised clinical experiences in healthcare settings
Upon completion, graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required for registered nurse licensure in Oklahoma and all other U.S. states, allowing graduates to pursue entry-level RN roles across a wide range of healthcare environments.
Top Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Oklahoma
For individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into a nursing career, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs offer a fast-track option. The following list highlights accredited ABSN programs in Oklahoma, focusing on key factors such as program format, accreditation, and publicly reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates.
NCLEX pass rates are generally reported at the school or campus level and may not reflect outcomes for a specific program track, such as an accelerated BSN. They should be considered as one data point alongside accreditation, program structure, and clinical experiences when comparing programs.
University of Tulsa
Online Accelerated BSN
Program Basics
- Program type and audience: Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for working professionals and adult learners who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing.
- Format and length: Fully online nursing coursework is delivered in eight-week sessions with multiple start dates each year. The accelerated program can be completed in as few as 21 months.
- Credits and structure: Curriculum is built on 60 core nursing credits taken at TU; 31 credits of general coursework are waived for ABSN students, and total hours at TU vary based on official transcript evaluation.
- Clinical and in-person learning: Includes a one-week, on-campus ABSN skills boot camp in Tulsa and 630 hours of clinical experience through small-group clinical rotations in students’ local communities, virtual simulation labs, and project-based clinicals.
- Accreditation: Nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Licensure and NCLEX outcomes: Designed to prepare students for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN. Oklahoma Board of Nursing data show TU’s overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate at 100% in 2024 (33 candidates), following rates in the mid-90% range in 2022 and 2023, above both state and national averages for those years.
Program Highlights
The University of Tulsa’s online ABSN offers an ACEN-accredited, second-degree pathway that combines fully online eight-week courses with a one-week on-campus skills boot camp and 630 hours of clinical experience in students’ home communities. Built for adults with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the program emphasizes research-based practice and soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and self-care, and is organized to support strong performance on the Next Generation NCLEX-RN, as reflected in recent first-time pass rates reported by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
About The University of Tulsa
Since graduating its first School of Nursing class in 1973, The University of Tulsa has maintained a focus on preparing skilled, dedicated nurses. Its online nursing programs extend this tradition to learners across the United States, emphasizing academic rigor and preparation for competent, compassionate practice.
Oklahoma City University
Accelerated BSN
Program Basics
- Program type and audience: 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for individuals who already hold a non-nursing associate (Associate of Art or Associate of Science) or bachelor’s degree.
- Format and length: In-person, full-time program consisting of 56 credit hours completed over three consecutive semesters within 12 months.
- Credits and structure: Accelerated nursing curriculum of 56 credit hours that builds on previously earned degree credits and culminates in a BSN.
- Clinical and in-person learning: Includes class, lab, clinical, and simulation experiences, with clinical placements at major hospital and community sites in the Oklahoma City metro area.
- Time commitment and employment expectations: Students are expected to commit about 32 hours per week to class and lab/clinical/simulation time, plus additional study; the program strongly recommends that students do not work while enrolled.
- Accreditation: Nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Licensure and NCLEX outcomes: Prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and includes an in-person NCLEX review before graduation. Oklahoma Board of Nursing data list Oklahoma City University – Oklahoma City with a 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 84.31% (51 candidates).
Program Highlights
Oklahoma City University’s Accelerated BSN is a 12-month, in-person pathway for students who already hold a degree in another field and can commit to an intensive, full-time schedule. Over three semesters, students complete 56 credit hours of nursing coursework alongside lab, clinical, and simulation experiences at hospital and community sites in the Oklahoma City area, supported by structured NCLEX-RN preparation and publicly reported outcomes through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
About Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University offers the Accelerated BSN through its Kramer School of Nursing. The BSN program defines its graduates as professional nurses who provide ethical and legal care, collaborate with and educate clients, promote health across the lifespan in diverse cultures, and manage and coordinate care while demonstrating respect, acceptance, and empathy.
University of Oklahoma–Health Sciences Center
Accelerated BSN
Program Basics
- Program type and audience: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for individuals who want to pursue a nursing career and already hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
- Format and length: Full-time program designed to be completed in 12 months of concentrated study, beginning in the Summer term and concluding the following May.
- Credits and curriculum: Nursing curriculum consists of 60 credit hours that integrate theoretical and clinical content.
- Enrollment pattern: Accelerated BSN admits one cohort per year in the Summer and offers full-time enrollment only.
- Accreditation: The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Degree and licensure eligibility: Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN; the program notes that RN license eligibility and requirements vary by state board of nursing.
- NCLEX outcomes context: Oklahoma Board of Nursing data list University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City with a 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92.05% (302 candidates); additional campus-specific results are reported for other OU locations.
Program Highlights
The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing’s Accelerated BSN condenses 60 credit hours of nursing coursework into a one-year, full-time program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. With a single Summer start each year and continuous enrollment through the following May, the pathway is structured for applicants who can commit to an intensive, clearly defined timeline that leads to a BSN degree and eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN, supported by campus-level outcomes reported by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
About The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing
The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, based in Oklahoma City, offers the Accelerated BSN alongside traditional BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate certificate programs. The college is located at 1100 N. Stonewall Avenue in Oklahoma City and is part of the broader University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
University of Central Oklahoma
BSN Fast Track
Program Basics
- Program type and audience: Fast Track B.S. in Nursing for individuals who have earned a traditional bachelor’s degree in another field and are ready to pursue a career in nursing.
- Format and length: Accelerated program that can be completed in about 16 months, using a hybrid format that combines online and in-person courses.
- Degree and curriculum framework: Leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. While the BSN is structured as a 124-credit program, Fast Track students apply prior coursework toward non-nursing requirements and complete an accelerated sequence of nursing courses.
- Accreditation: University of Central Oklahoma’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Educational emphasis: The nursing program is designed to meet the needs of hospitals and medical facilities in the Oklahoma City area and reflects UCO’s mission of transformative learning, emphasizing hands-on practice, ethical decision-making, collaboration, evidence-based practice, leadership development, and public and community health.
- NCLEX outcomes: Oklahoma Board of Nursing data list University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond with a 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.74% (141 candidates), above both the 2024 Oklahoma and national averages.
Program Highlights
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Fast Track in Nursing is a second-degree option that allows students with a prior bachelor’s degree to complete a BSN in approximately 16 months through a hybrid blend of online and on-campus coursework. Built within UCO’s 124-credit BSN framework, the track aligns with the program’s focus on transformative learning, hands-on practice, ethical and evidence-based care, and preparation for roles in Oklahoma City–area health care settings, with NCLEX-RN performance reported by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
About the University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, offers its nursing programs through the College of Mathematics and Science. Since 1972, the School of Nursing has graduated more than 3,500 nurses and emphasizes hands-on practice, ethical decision-making, and collaboration, with graduates described as well-prepared to enter the nursing workforce.
Additional Options: Online and Hybrid ABSN Programs for Oklahoma Residents
In addition to campus-based Accelerated BSN programs located within Oklahoma, some prospective students may consider online or hybrid ABSN options offered by institutions based outside the state. These programs typically deliver nursing coursework online while arranging in-person clinical placements at approved healthcare facilities within Oklahoma, allowing students to remain in their local communities.
Joyce University is one example of this model. Its Accelerated BSN program is CCNE accredited and combines online didactic coursework with required in-person clinical experiences conducted at approved sites in Oklahoma. This approach can appeal to second-degree students who need more flexibility or who do not live near a traditional ABSN campus, while still meeting hands-on training and licensure requirements.
Programs like this are not the norm, but they are becoming more common as nursing education expands into hybrid formats. Availability is often state-specific and depends on clinical partnerships, authorization from state nursing boards, and accreditation rules. For that reason, Oklahoma residents considering out-of-state ABSN programs should carefully confirm clinical placement locations, licensure eligibility, and any travel requirements before applying.
Why Consider ABSN Programs in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma can be a practical choice for students pursuing an Accelerated BSN, particularly those balancing cost, clinical access, and post-graduation opportunities alongside an intensive academic schedule.
Key factors that draw ABSN students to Oklahoma include:
- Lower cost of living
Housing, transportation, and everyday expenses are often more affordable than in many large metropolitan or coastal areas, helping reduce overall costs during a full-time ABSN program. - Diverse clinical settings
Students may complete clinical training in academic medical centers, regional hospitals, community clinics, and rural health facilities, gaining experience with a wide range of patient populations and care environments. - Ongoing demand for registered nurses
Demand remains strong across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas, which can support employment opportunities after licensure for graduates who plan to remain in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s nursing licensure process follows national standards, which also allows graduates to pursue RN licensure in other states through endorsement if their career plans change.
What to Expect from ABSN Programs in Oklahoma
Accelerated BSN programs in Oklahoma are structured to deliver the full nursing curriculum in a compressed timeframe. Students should expect an intensive, full-time experience that typically runs year-round, with limited breaks between terms and a heavy weekly workload.
Coursework commonly covers core nursing subjects such as:
- Adult health nursing
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
- Mental health nursing
- Nursing leadership
These courses are often paired with skills labs, allowing students to practice clinical techniques before applying them in real-world settings.
Clinical training is a central component of ABSN programs and generally includes 600 to 800 or more supervised clinical hours. Students complete rotations in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, gaining hands-on experience across multiple areas of nursing practice.
Because of the accelerated pace, ABSN programs require a significant time commitment. Many students spend 40 to 50 hours per week on classes, labs, clinicals, studying, and assignments. As a result, working while enrolled is often discouraged, and students are encouraged to plan financially and personally for the demands of the program..
Admission Requirements for Oklahoma ABSN Programs
Admission requirements for Accelerated BSN programs in Oklahoma are similar across schools, though exact criteria vary by institution. Because ABSN programs move at a fast pace, admissions teams look for applicants who are academically prepared and able to manage an intensive, full-time schedule.
Most programs require the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 2.75–3.0, with stronger emphasis often placed on science prerequisites
- Completed prerequisite coursework, which commonly includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics or other math coursework
- Human growth and development
- Anatomy and physiology
- Entrance exam scores, such as the TEAS or HESI, depending on the program
- Application materials, which may include:
- Official transcripts
- Résumé or CV
- Personal statement or admissions essay
- Letters of recommendation or professional references
- Official transcripts
Some programs require prerequisites to be completed within a specific timeframe to ensure the material is current. In addition, cohort sizes are often limited, making admission competitive even for qualified applicants.
To stay on track, prospective students should review each program’s requirements carefully, confirm deadlines, and apply early with all materials prepared and submitted in full.
Choosing the Right Nursing Path in Oklahoma
Who ABSN Programs Are a Good Fit For
Accelerated BSN programs are designed for a specific type of student and work best when expectations align with the pace and structure of the curriculum. In Oklahoma, ABSN programs are generally a good fit for individuals who:
- Already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- Are able to commit to a full-time, accelerated schedule
- Have completed most science and general education prerequisites
- Are seeking a faster route to registered nurse licensure
Because ABSN programs move quickly and run year-round, they may be less suitable for students who need to work full time, prefer part-time or self-paced study, or are still completing multiple prerequisite courses.
ABSN vs. Other Nursing Pathways in Oklahoma
ABSN programs are one of several pathways to becoming a registered nurse in Oklahoma, and they are specifically designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Other common routes include traditional BSN programs for first-degree students, associate degree programs that lead to RN licensure through a different academic track, and bridge pathways such as LPN-to-BSN or RN-to-BSN programs for licensed nurses seeking advancement.
For second-degree students who want to enter nursing as efficiently as possible, ABSN programs offer a structured, accelerated route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and eligibility to apply for the NCLEX-RN. Comparing this option with other pathways can help prospective students confirm that an ABSN aligns with their prior education, timeline, and long-term goals.
Tips for Choosing the Right ABSN Program in Oklahoma
With several Accelerated BSN options available, choosing the right program means looking beyond the program title and comparing how each option aligns with your schedule, learning preferences, and long-term goals.
When evaluating ABSN programs in Oklahoma, consider the following:
- Program format
Decide whether an on-campus, hybrid, or partially online format fits your needs. Keep in mind that all ABSN programs require in-person labs and clinical experiences, regardless of how coursework is delivered. - NCLEX-RN preparation and outcomes
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates can offer insight into licensure preparation, but they should be viewed alongside cohort size, program structure, and student support services. - Total cost and financial aid
Look beyond base tuition to account for fees, books, uniforms, technology requirements, and clinical-related expenses. Ask each school about scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid options. - Clinical placements and student support
Strong programs provide reliable clinical sites, access to experienced faculty and preceptors, and academic support such as advising, tutoring, and NCLEX preparation resources. - Start dates and cohort size
Some ABSN programs admit students once per year, while others offer multiple start dates. Smaller cohorts may allow for more individualized support but can also increase competition for admission.
Taking time to compare these factors side by side can help you identify an ABSN program that fits both your immediate needs and your long-term plans as a registered nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do ABSN programs in Oklahoma typically take?
Most Accelerated BSN programs in Oklahoma can be completed in about 12 to 24 months, depending on the school, program structure, and whether coursework runs year-round or includes short breaks between terms.
Can I work while enrolled in an ABSN program?
ABSN programs are highly intensive and generally require a full-time commitment. While limited part-time work may be possible for some students, many programs discourage employment due to the 40–50 hour weekly demands of coursework, labs, clinicals, and studying.
Are there online ABSN options in Oklahoma?
Some ABSN programs offer online or hybrid coursework, but all require in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Fully online Accelerated BSN programs are not available due to hands-on training and licensure requirements.
How competitive is admission to ABSN programs?
Admission to ABSN programs can be competitive, particularly at schools with limited cohort sizes. Strong academic performance in prerequisite courses, a solid GPA, and a well-prepared application can improve an applicant’s chances of acceptance.
Why is accreditation important for ABSN programs?
Confirming accreditation is an essential step when comparing programs, as it affects licensure eligibility and academic recognition. Accreditation indicates that a nursing program meets national standards for curriculum and clinical training. Graduating from an accredited ABSN program is typically required to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue registered nurse licensure. ABSN programs in the United States are commonly accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Taking the Next Step
If you’re considering an Accelerated BSN program in Oklahoma, the most important next step is focused comparison and early planning. Because ABSN programs move quickly and admit limited cohorts, understanding each program’s requirements ahead of time can make a meaningful difference.
Start by reviewing each school’s official program page to confirm current admission criteria, start dates, and application deadlines. Speaking with an admissions counselor can also help clarify prerequisite expectations, clinical scheduling, and whether the program’s structure fits your availability.
As you prepare to apply, prioritize completing any remaining prerequisite coursework and organizing application materials such as transcripts, personal statements, and references. Comparing programs side by side—looking at timelines, learning format, total cost, and clinical expectations—can help you identify the option that best supports your transition into nursing.
Applying early not only improves your chances of admission, but also gives you more time to plan financially and prepare for the demands of an accelerated nursing program.
