OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing trains nurses statewide from the OU Health campus in Oklahoma City and sites in Tulsa, Lawton, Duncan, and Norman. This guide summarizes verified program pathways, OUHSC bursar tuition components for Spring 2026, and Oklahoma Board of Nursing first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by campus row.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Founded in 1911, OU’s college describes itself as Oklahoma’s largest nursing school and sits on one of the few comprehensive academic health centers in the country—pairing classroom learning with the clinical density of OU Health in Oklahoma City while operating additional BSN sites across the state.
Overview & Why Students Choose OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
Oklahoma’s flagship nursing college is part of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and anchors an academic-health partnership with OU Health. The college markets full-time, part-time, and online programs delivered from Oklahoma City plus extension sites in Lawton, Tulsa, Duncan, and Norman—important if you need a specific campus or hybrid format.
The school states it is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for undergraduate nursing (2024–2025 cycle on its About page). Treat rankings as one signal among many; verify methodology on the publisher’s site.
According to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing “First-Time NCLEX-RN Candidate Ten-Year Pass Rate Percentage by Calendar Year” report, the University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City row shows a 78.32% first-time pass rate for 2025 among 309 first-time candidates, compared with an Oklahoma aggregate of 80.47% (2,746 candidates) and a national aggregate of 86.71% (192,908 candidates) in the same table.
Confirm the next publication on the Board’s pass-rate PDF and with OU’s admissions team; cohorts differ by site.
Reasons students choose OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
Statewide BSN footprint
Traditional BSN runs at Duncan, Lawton, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa with a structured two-year upper-division nursing sequence after prerequisites—useful if you want to study close to home.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Second-degree students can target a 12-month nursing sequence starting in Summer with Oklahoma City or Tulsa placement, per the college’s Accelerated BSN pages.
Graduate APRN depth
The DNP menu published online includes Family NP, PMHNP, Neonatal NP, CRNA, and Adult-Gerontology CNS pathways among others—strong if you already know your APRN focus.
Research-intensive mission
Faculty describe intensive research, community outreach, and doctoral training through the PhD in Nursing alongside clinically focused DNP tracks.
Nursing Programs Offered
The college’s public program index lists bachelor’s, master’s, DNP, PhD, and post-master certificate pathways. Delivery blends face-to-face clinical instruction with online or hybrid components on several tracks—always confirm modality for the exact cohort you want.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-eligible BSN)
Traditional BSN
Two years of upper-division nursing (60 semester hours) after prerequisites; fall start; sites include Duncan, Lawton, Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa per the Traditional BSN page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—a 12-month, 60-credit nursing sequence for applicants who already hold a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree; summer start in Oklahoma City or Tulsa.
LPN to BSN
Listed under the BSN family on nursing.ouhsc.edu for licensed practical nurses advancing toward the BSN; review the catalog for prerequisite and residency details.
Post-licensure & RN completion
RN to BSN
Online/hybrid completion BSN for licensed RNs; aligns with working nurses—verify clinical and residency expectations in the current catalog.
Graduate nursing
MSN — Nursing Administration
Master of Science in Nursing leadership/administration track listed on the college’s MSN page.
MSN — Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialist MSN concentration published on nursing.ouhsc.edu.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Includes BSN-to-DNP options in Family NP, PMHNP, Neonatal NP, Executive Leadership, Adult-Gerontology CNS, CRNA, plus a general DNP listing.
PhD in Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy program preparing nurse scientists; featured on the college “Explore Our Programs” landing page.
Post-graduate certificates
APRN post-master certificates
Certificates in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family NP, PMHNP, and Neonatal NP per the Post Graduate Certificates menu.
International applicants: the college states that only Traditional BSN and ABSN meet F-1 in-person requirements; hybrid programs such as LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and certificates do not—confirm with OUHSC admissions and ISS.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing First-Time NCLEX-RN Candidate Ten-Year Pass Rate Percentage by Calendar Year report (PDF dated for 2024 publication, with columns through calendar year 2025), first-time pass rates for each University of Oklahoma campus row are published separately—rates move year to year, so treat them as snapshots, not guarantees.
| OU campus (OK BON label) | 2024 pass rate | 2025 pass rate | 2025 first-time candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City | 92.05% | 78.32% | 309 |
| University of Oklahoma – Tulsa | 82.14% | 72.65% | 117 |
| University of Oklahoma – Lawton | 83.33% | 66.67% | 30 |
| University of Oklahoma – Norman | 90.00% | 78.13% | 32 |
| University of Oklahoma – Duncan | 100.00% | 81.82% | 11 |
| University of Oklahoma – Online | N/A listed | 75.00% | 4 |
| Source | Oklahoma Board of Nursing — RN ten-year pass rate report PDF and nursing.ok.gov. Confirm current rates with the Board and OU. | ||
Oklahoma & national context (same report, 2025 column): Oklahoma’s aggregate first-time pass rate was 80.47% (2,746 candidates); the national aggregate listed was 86.71% (192,908 candidates).
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
- OU policy note: As published on Traditional/Accelerated BSN pages, F-1 applicants are limited to the in-person Traditional BSN and ABSN pathways because hybrid LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and certificate programs do not meet federal in-person course requirements—re-check current ISS guidance before applying.
Policies change frequently. Verify with OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing’s international office and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
OU uses NursingCAS for undergraduate nursing applications plus an OUHSC supplemental application. Prerequisites must be completed with at least a C (not C−) and at least three of four sciences (Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology) must be done before the application deadline; every attempt counts in the science GPA per the Traditional/ABSN pages.
Application timeline
| Checkpoint | Typical pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN entry | Annual fall cohort | Applicants compete for Duncan, Lawton, Norman, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa seats via holistic review (cumulative GPA, science GPA, prerequisites completed, etc.). |
| Accelerated BSN | Summer start | 12-month intensive sequence; Oklahoma City or Tulsa sites per program page. |
| NursingCAS verification example (2026 cycle text) | Example date cited on-site | OU’s BSN pages reference NursingCAS verification by February 23, 2026 for a stated cycle—always pull the current deadline from the college. |
For semester-by-semester deadlines, use the college’s Application Deadlines page.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite GPA policy | Minimum C per course; science attempts factor into science GPA (Traditional/ABSN pages). |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly highlighted on the Traditional/ABSN overview pages reviewed here—confirm via NursingCAS instructions or admissions. |
| Foreign language prerequisite | If taken in college, must be ≥ C; high school credit must be passing per BSN pages. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Spring 2026 Tuition and Fees PDF (bursar) as linked from the OUHSC Tuition & Fees hub. Totals depend on credit load, residency, professional fees, and term fees—use the PDF with the Financial Aid estimated cost of attendance calculator for your situation.
| Component | Published amount (Spring 2026 schedule) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition / credit hour (resident) | $190.20 |
| Nonresident undergraduate tuition surcharge / credit hour (add to resident rate) | $610.75 (per bursar note: nonresident totals = resident + surcharge) |
| College of Nursing undergraduate program fee / credit hour (NRSU/NRSUN) | $143.25 |
| Mandatory hourly student fees / credit hour (undergraduate) | $62.50 |
| College of Nursing graduate program fee / credit hour (NRSG/NRSN) | $108.75 |
| MSN tuition / credit hour (resident professional rate listed) | $363.65 (+ nonresident surcharge $779.25 per schedule if applicable) |
| DNP tuition / credit hour (resident professional rate listed) | $626.40 (+ nonresident surcharge $845.55 per schedule if applicable) |
| Term fees (Fall/Spring example) | $266.25 per term (undergrad/professional line item in PDF—confirm current term) |
| Source | OUHSC Tuition & Fees hub · Spring 2026 Tuition and Fees PDF |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Public NCLEX data for OU appears in the Oklahoma Board of Nursing ten-year first-time candidate table cited above (calendar-year 2025 column). The college also highlights U.S. News undergraduate rankings—use both alongside conversations with clinical instructors and alumni.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (example: Oklahoma City row, calendar 2025) | 78.32% first-time pass rate among 309 first-time candidates (Oklahoma Board of Nursing PDF). |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed in the materials summarized here—ask OU’s Office of Student Affairs for graduate surveys. |
| Source | OK BON NCLEX pass rate PDF; confirm newer cohorts on nursing.ok.gov. |
Is OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Choose OU Ziegler if you value a large public program embedded in an academic medical center and can commit to rigorous science prerequisites and multi-campus logistics.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want access to OU Health–adjacent clinical training and statewide BSN placement options.
- Are targeting APRN or nurse leadership graduate work with BSN-to-DNP pathways in one college.
- Prefer a NursingCAS-based workflow with clear prerequisite checklists published on OUHSC sites.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need guaranteed placement at a single small cohort campus without relocation.
- Expect the lowest total cost among all Oklahoma programs—compare fees carefully, especially as a nonresident.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure pathway (BSN clinicals remain heavily in person).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Oklahoma City anchors OU Health, blending university hospitals, children’s and women’s services, and specialty clinics—creating a high-acuity training environment for students assigned to Oklahoma City rotations. Tulsa, Lawton, and other sites connect learners with community hospitals, tribal health partners, and regional health systems; confirm your placement city during admissions.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| OU Health (Oklahoma City) | Flagship academic health system adjacent to the HSC campus—major site for advanced clinical immersion. |
| Regional hospitals (Tulsa, Lawton, etc.) | Provide community and specialty experiences tied to each BSN extension site. |
| Rural & tribal health | Oklahoma’s geography pushes many programs to partner beyond metro centers; ask OU about rural rotation options. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Students take classes and labs at 1100 N Stonewall Ave on the Oklahoma City Health Sciences campus, with access to OU Health facilities and campus-wide student services. The college lists student organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau and a masters/doctoral student association; partnership programs (e.g., BS-to-PhD) appear on graduate pages—explore what matches your goals.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Address
- 1100 N Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, US
- Telephone
- +1-405-271-1491
- Contact email
- Nursing@ouhsc.edu
- Website
- nursing.ouhsc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official OU Ziegler College of Nursing programs page and download the current catalog section or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS, HESI, or other entrance exam. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
OU’s About page states BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by CCNE. Confirm current status on the CCNE directory and with the college.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City?
According to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing pass-rate PDF, the University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City row lists a 78.32% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2025 among 309 first-time candidates. Confirm newer cohorts on the Board’s site.
Do OU Ziegler NCLEX rates differ by campus?
Yes. The same Oklahoma Board table lists separate rows (for example Tulsa, Lawton, Norman, Duncan). Compare the row for the site you are considering and discuss placement during admissions.
Does OU Ziegler require the TEAS or HESI?
Those exams were not highlighted on the Traditional or ABSN overview pages we reviewed. Check your NursingCAS checklist or email Nursing@ouhsc.edu for pathway-specific testing rules.
How do I apply to OU’s Traditional BSN?
Complete NursingCAS, submit transcripts to CAS, then finish the OUHSC supplemental application. Meet prerequisite grades (≥ C, not C−), science completion rules, and verification deadlines cited on the college site.
Where is the Accelerated BSN offered?
OU’s Accelerated BSN page cites Oklahoma City and Tulsa sites with a summer start and 12-month completion timeline after prerequisites.
What tuition should I budget for OUHSC nursing undergraduates?
The Spring 2026 bursar PDF lists $190.20/credit hour resident undergraduate tuition plus a $143.25/credit hour nursing undergraduate program fee and $62.50/credit hour mandatory hourly fees, before term charges—nonresidents add the published surcharge. Build a budget from the PDF, not from this summary alone.
Can international students enter OU’s RN-to-BSN or DNP on an F-1 visa?
OU’s BSN pages state hybrid/online programs such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and certificates do not meet F-1 in-person requirements—international students may apply only to the in-person Traditional BSN and ABSN. Verify with international student services.
Who do I call with admissions questions?
General nursing inquiries: phone 405-271-1491 or email Nursing@ouhsc.edu per the college About/Contact page.
References
- OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing — programsnursing.ouhsc.edu/programs-academics
- OU Ziegler — About / contactnursing.ouhsc.edu/About
- OUHSC Tuition & Fees hubfinancialservices.ouhsc.edu (Bursar)
- OUHSC Spring 2026 Tuition and Fees PDFTF_SP_26.pdf
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing — NCLEX RN ten-year pass rates PDFnclexpass1.pdf
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing — agency sitenursing.ok.gov
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, with emphasis on NCLEX figures (Oklahoma Board PDF), OUHSC tuition tables (Spring 2026 PDF), and program pathways on nursing.ouhsc.edu.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy