Oklahoma City University Nursing: Programs, NCLEX and What to Know (2026)
Overview of Oklahoma City University nursing programs, admissions, and outcomes. Confirm current NCLEX pass rates, tuition, and requirements with the school and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Kramer markets a 12-month on-campus Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at OCU this is the primary fast-track pre-licensure option—and highlights the Meinders Simulation Center (seven simulated hospital rooms) plus partnerships such as the Saints & Stars scholarship and employment program with SSM Health St. Anthony in Oklahoma City.
Overview & Why Students Choose Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing (KSN) sits in Oklahoma City’s clinical corridor, within reach of major health systems where students complete rotations. The school’s public materials emphasize the “Kramer Way” culture (caring, kindness, respect) and a mix of on-campus and fully online nursing degrees from pre-licensure BSN tracks through doctoral nursing practice.
Per the OCU academic program list filtered for nursing, pathways include Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN (on-campus and online), DNP options, advanced-practice certificates, and post-master’s certificates. Master’s-level nursing is part of ACEN’s continuing accreditation scope for Kramer; confirm current MSN titles and delivery on OCU graduate pages.
According to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing First-Time NCLEX-RN Candidate Ten-Year Pass Rate Percentage by Calendar Year table, Oklahoma City University–Oklahoma City posted a 81.31% first-time pass rate in 2025 among 107 first-time candidates. The same table lists Oklahoma’s aggregate first-time rate at 80.47% (2025) and the national aggregate at 86.71% (2025). For 2024, OCU’s published rate in that report was 84.31%. Confirm the latest calendar-year row with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing pass-rate PDF and with Kramer outcomes disclosures.
Reasons students choose Oklahoma City University
NCLEX picture you can cite
State-board PDF data gives a transparent, attributable first-time NCLEX-RN snapshot by calendar year so you can compare OCU to Oklahoma’s published aggregate in the same table.
ABSN speed & scholarships
OCU promotes a 12-month ABSN with departmental scholarships tied to transfer GPA (published totals and net ranges on the ABSN cost page).
Meinders simulation footprint
Kramer highlights seven equipped simulated hospital rooms for skills immersion before clinicals.
SSM Health Saints & Stars
A named scholarship and employment agreement with SSM Health St. Anthony supports some Oklahoma City–based students.
Graduate breadth
DNP tracks (family, adult-gerontology acute care, psychiatric mental health) plus completion and certificate routes appear on OCU’s official nursing program listings.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below mirrors OCU’s public nursing program catalog (degrees and certificates). Separate degree_level from pathway and delivery: for example, all pre-licensure BSN tracks award a BSN but differ by entry (traditional transfer, accelerated second degree, or LPN bridge).
Traditional BSN
For transfer students entering nursing coursework (Fall start for “Traditional BSN for Transfer” per Kramer admissions). Builds toward NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at OCU this is a 12-month, three-semester on-campus track for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s (or qualifying AA/AS + credits) and completes prerequisites first.
LPN-BSN
LPNs with an active license follow Traditional or ABSN-style requirements; some candidates take NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge exams if their LPN program lacked national accreditation.
RN-BSN (on-campus & online)
Completion BSN for active U.S. RNs; online option published at $390/credit (2025–26 table) for 30 OCU credits plus fees.
Advanced Practice DNP
DNP concentrations published by OCU include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP (see graduate costs for 2026–27 totals per published credit/program-fee tables).
DNP completion & post-master’s certificates
DNP completion tracks (clinical, public health, executive leadership, nurse educator) plus post-master’s certificates in nursing education and nursing leadership appear on the official program list.
Advanced practice certificates
Standalone advanced-practice certificate pathways (AGAC, FNP, PMHNP) are listed for applicants seeking graduate certificate credentials outside the full DNP.
ACEN’s public disclosure for Kramer confirms continuing accreditation for baccalaureate, master’s, post-master’s, and DNP programs. OCU’s online nursing materials also reference master’s coursework. The Higher Learning Commission lists BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD in nursing at OCU—confirm which research doctoral programs are currently admitting via Kramer or the graduate office.
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), the row Oklahoma City University – Oklahoma City shows a 81.31% first-time pass rate for calendar year 2025 with 107 first-time candidates listed in the adjacent column. The prior calendar year (2024) shows 84.31% in that same table. Use the official PDF for year-to-year comparisons because Oklahoma also publishes statewide (80.47% in 2025) and national (86.71% in 2025) aggregates in the same document.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2025, calendar year) | 81.31% (107 first-time candidates per OK BON table) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2024, calendar year) | 84.31% (same OK BON table) |
| Source | Oklahoma Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN pass-rate PDF. Confirm current cohort data with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and Oklahoma City University. |
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 Oklahoma City University 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.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Oklahoma City University’s international office and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Kramer publishes pathway-specific prerequisites and deadlines on its admissions requirements page. Highlights below are taken from that page as of this review; nursing admission remains selective even when university admission is test-optional for freshmen.
Application timeline
| Program / entry | Deadline (examples from Kramer page) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (transfer) – Fall 2026 | Aug. 1 | Includes transcripts through last completed semester; international applicants July 1. |
| ABSN – Spring 2026 | Dec. 1 (prior year) | International ABSN applicants Oct. 1. |
| ABSN – Summer 2026 | April 1 | International applicants March 1. |
| ABSN / LPN-BSN – Fall 2026 | Aug. 1 | International applicants July 1. |
| First-year university (including nursing-intent freshmen) | Rolling | Competitive scholarship materials due Dec. 15 for priority scholarship review. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (published) | Traditional BSN transfer: cumulative 2.75+; ABSN: cumulative 3.0+; RN-BSN: cumulative 2.5+. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed among the published Kramer requirements reviewed here; confirm for your cohort if the program adds an exam. |
| Other tests | Some LPN-BSN applicants must complete NLN Nursing Acceleration Challenge exams (per Kramer LPN-BSN section). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
OCU publishes detailed 2026–27 billable costs on its cost-of-attendance pages. Figures below are summaries; housing, insurance, books, and nursing fees can add substantially.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing years 1–2 (off-campus billable) | Tuition $30,698 + general fees $5,250 = $35,948 (2026–27 COA table) |
| Online RN-BSN tuition | $390/credit hour; ~$11,755 tuition estimate for 30 OCU credits + $55 application fee (2025–26 online nursing tuition page, effective Aug. 27, 2025) |
| ABSN marketing price (before scholarships) | Block tuition $26,250 + university fees $8,680 + nursing fees $5,320 = $40,250; departmental scholarships for transfer GPA 3.0+ reduce totals to roughly $23,000–$30,500 (ABSN program page table) |
| Sample DNP totals (2026–27 graduate COA) | Advanced Practice DNP–FNP lists about $66,330 tuition+fees for 66 credits; DNP completion (clinical/executive leadership) lists about $30,150 for 30 credits—see graduate costs for each track. |
| Source | Undergraduate costs; Online RN-BSN tuition; ABSN costs; Graduate costs. Confirm current amounts with the Bursar / financial aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Licensed employment outcomes for new graduates depend on market conditions and individual effort. Use board-reported NCLEX data (above) alongside the school’s consumer information or career services pages when available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | 81.31% first-time, calendar year 2025 (107 first-time testers per OK BON PDF cited above). Prior year 2024: 84.31% in same table. |
| Program completion / employment | Kramer links a BSN program outcomes PDF from its online disclosures; job placement percentages are not reproduced here without the school’s cited cohort label. For employment claims, ask for the exact survey year and methodology. |
| Source | Oklahoma Board of Nursing NCLEX tables; OCU Online nursing (ACEN disclosures). |
Is Oklahoma City University the Right Fit for You?
Oklahoma City University works best for students who value private-campus resources in Oklahoma City and are comfortable with OCU’s faith-informed culture; weigh total cost of attendance against public in-state options.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a documented 12-month ABSN option with published scholarship math.
- Plan to practice in Oklahoma City metro hospitals and appreciate the Saints & Stars partnership pathway.
- Prefer ACEN-accredited breadth from BSN through DNP with a named simulation center.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need the lowest possible tuition regardless of aid (compare Oklahoma public programs).
- Cannot meet published science GPA bars (ABSN uses B grades in key sciences).
- Require a fully online pre-licensure BSN without on-campus clinical immersion.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Oklahoma City anchors multiple nonprofit and faith-based health systems; Kramer explicitly markets collaboration with SSM Health St. Anthony. Other major employers in the metro include OU Health, Integris, and VA facilities—useful for clinical variety and eventual hiring pools.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| SSM Health St. Anthony | Named partner for the Saints & Stars scholarship and employment agreement highlighted on Kramer’s public pages. |
| OU Health (Oklahoma City) | Academic health system in the same city as Kramer; common destination for advanced clinical exposure. |
| Integris Health | Large regional nonprofit network headquartered in Oklahoma City. |
| Oklahoma City VA Health Care System | Federal VA complex providing specialty patient populations for capstone-style learning. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Kramer promotes the seven-bed Meinders Simulation Center on-campus plus student support tied to the Kramer Way philosophy. Nursing-specific clubs and honor societies vary by year—check Student Life and the school’s nursing calendar for active groups.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Address
- 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, US
- Telephone
- +1-405-208-5917 (Kramer School of Nursing)
- Contact email
- kramer@okcu.edu
- Website
- okcu.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Oklahoma City University nursing website and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- Re-read Kramer’s published prerequisites for your pathway (science grade minimums differ between Traditional BSN and ABSN). TEAS/HESI are not spelled out on the page we reviewed—confirm whether an exam applies to your cohort.
- 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 Oklahoma City University a strong choice for nursing school?
Kramer is ACEN-accredited for its nursing degrees (Continuing Accreditation per OCU’s online disclosure link) and sits in Oklahoma City near major hospitals. First-time NCLEX-RN performance is published in the Oklahoma Board of Nursing PDF cited on this page (81.31% in calendar year 2025 with 107 first-time testers). Confirm the latest rates and accreditation statements with ACEN and the Board.
What nursing programs does Oklahoma City University list publicly?
OCU’s official program browser with nursing filter lists Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, LPN-BSN, on-campus RN-BSN, Online RN-BSN, advanced-practice DNP tracks, DNP completion options, advanced-practice certificates, and post-master’s certificates. Master’s-level study is within ACEN’s accreditation scope; verify current MSN titles with Kramer.
What GPA and transcript rules does Kramer publish for pre-licensure BSN pathways?
For Traditional BSN transfers, Kramer lists a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher plus science prerequisites mostly at C or better (microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, psychology). ABSN applicants need a cumulative 3.0 and B grades in key sciences. RN-BSN applicants need a 2.5 cumulative GPA and an active RN license.
Does Oklahoma City University require TEAS or HESI for nursing?
The Kramer admissions requirements page reviewed for this guide does not list TEAS or HESI. Policies can change; confirm directly with nursing admissions for your intended entry term.
What is Oklahoma City University’s most recent first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing multi-year table shows Oklahoma City University-Oklahoma City at 81.31% first-time in calendar year 2025 (107 candidates) and 84.31% in 2024. Compare against Oklahoma’s 80.47% and national 86.71% aggregates from the same 2025 columns.
How much does the online RN-BSN cost at OCU?
The online nursing tuition page effective August 27, 2025 lists $390 per credit for RN-BSN Online, 30 OCU credits, $55 application fee, and about $11,755 estimated tuition before books and fees.
How does OCU price the Accelerated BSN?
The ABSN webpage lists $26,250 block tuition plus $8,680 university fees and $5,320 nursing fees ($40,250 before aid) and scholarships for transfer GPAs 3.0+ that bring sample totals to roughly $23,000-$30,500 depending on GPA tier.
What deadlines should ABSN applicants watch?
For Spring entry, Kramer lists a December 1 application deadline; Summer uses April 1; Fall uses August 1, with earlier deadlines for international applicants.
Where will Oklahoma City University nursing students complete clinicals?
OCU does not publish an exhaustive site list in the sources used here; expect metro Oklahoma City hospitals and ambulatory partners. Ask Kramer for the current affiliation list for your cohort.
References
- Oklahoma City University — Kramer School of Nursingokcu.edu/nursing
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN pass rate PDFoklahoma.gov NCLEX tables
- OCU — Kramer admissions requirementsAdmissions detail
- 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, for NCLEX alignment with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing PDF, tuition figures on OCU cost pages, and Kramer admissions terminology.
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