ACNP Programs in Oklahoma (Online & Campus) – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a nurse in Oklahoma looking for a graduate program that will give you a real return on your educational investment? ACNP programs in Oklahoma will prepare you to work in fast-paced medical environments like emergency rooms and intensive care units, where you can look forward to making $127,360 a year. As an acute care nurse practitioner, your skills will be in such high demand that within the next 10 years, the need for your services will go up by 39 percent. Does this sound good to you? Then you'll want to keep reading the guide below to the best ACNP programs in Oklahoma.

FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Oklahoma.)

1. University of Tulsa - Tulsa

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Throughout my more than 25 years in nursing, I loved working in adult/geriatric care. If you are a Registered Nurse who enjoys caring for adult and geriatric populations, enjoys addressing acute care needs, and is considering an advanced degree, becoming an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner is a good option. By pursuing an Acute Care NP program, you can meet the requirements to become nationally certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

At the University of Tulsa, you will find an excellent ACNP program in Oklahoma with the option to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialize in acute adult and geriatric care. Students are admitted each fall, and the program takes approximately three years to complete. The BSN-to-DNP pathway is designed to prepare you for advanced practice in acute and critical care settings, where you will provide healthcare services for patients from adolescence to the end of life. The program combines didactic preparation with a broad range of human patient simulation, skills laboratory experiences, and clinical practicums in acute and critical care hospital and clinic-based environments.

The 74-credit curriculum features classes such as Epidemiology, Diagnostic Reasoning for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Practice, Healthcare Informatics, and Advanced Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care. This post-baccalaureate DNP program requires the completion of at least 1,000 clinical hours. Program faculty and coordinators assist in securing clinical contracts and identifying clinical preceptors.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To apply for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must complete an application through the Graduate School and provide supporting materials. You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned at an accredited nursing program, documentation of a current RN license, and at least one year of full-time acute care nursing experience as an RN. You need to provide two letters of recommendation (one from a nursing supervisor and one from an advanced practice registered nurse), a current resume or curriculum vitae, and copies of all academic transcripts reflecting a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. An interview with program faculty may be required.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master’s Certificate program at The University of Tulsa allows you to build on your existing knowledge, skills, and credentials as you prepare to provide acute care to adult and geriatric patients. The PMC program is self-paced and offers almost all classes online. One brief campus visit is required.

The Post-Master’s Certificate program consists of two 16-week semesters and one 12-week semester. The curriculum comprises 18 credit hours, including three clinical courses with corresponding practicum experiences. A minimum of 600 clinical hours is required to complete the PMC program.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must hold either a Master of Science in Nursing degree, a doctoral degree, or a PhD in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution and have a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where you will complete clinical rotations.

Additionally, you must have at least two years of professional nursing experience, evidence of national certification in an advanced practice nursing specialty, and evidence of current APRN licensure. Candidates are required to submit a Personal Essay, two professional recommendations, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. You may be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

· At the University of Tulsa, student support is a priority. As a student in the ACNP program, you will receive one-on-one support from faculty, advisors, and preceptors who are dedicated to your academic and professional success.
· Continuous learning is essential to your success as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. In fact, most states require nurse practitioners to complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. One of the great things about the ACNP program in Oklahoma at the University of Tulsa is that many of the courses you take count toward the continuing education requirements for state and national APRN certification.
· If you are ready to continue your education and become an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, you have likely considered the financial investment required. The University of Tulsa works to bring education within reach for all prospective students. The school offers financial assistance options and payment plans for qualifying students.
· While there are many reasons the University of Tulsa is considered an excellent option for prospective students seeking an ACNP program in Oklahoma, one that truly stands out is that graduates have a 100% first-time pass rate on national certification exams. High pass rates indicate a strong program that offers essential preparation that leads to student success.

2. Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Advanced Practice Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Practice Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Are you a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse interested in earning a clinical doctorate in nursing? Do you enjoy the challenge of working with clients experiencing acute or critical health issues, and do you prefer an adult or geriatric patient population? If so, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner BSN-to-DNP program at Oklahoma City University can help you achieve your goals.

The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in four years. The program features a hybrid format, combining synchronous and asynchronous online learning with on-campus classes held at least once each week. The 67-credit curriculum includes classes like Transcultural & Global Health Care, Management of Adult-Gerontological Health Problems, Research Integration for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning.

1,040 clinical hours are included in the post-bachelor’s DNP curriculum. Clinical practicums consist of direct patient care experiences and indirect hours, which are earned by completing the DNP Scholarly Project.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, hold a current, unencumbered RN license, have current ACLS certification, and have at least two years of Adult Acute Care work experience, preferably in an Intensive Care or Emergency Department setting. You need to complete a graduate nursing application and submit a resume or CV, a Personal Statement, three professional references, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. Your transcripts should show a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and reflect the completion of BSN-level Health Assessment and Statistics courses.

Advanced Practice Certificate Program Details: The Advanced Practice Certificate program at Oklahoma City University is designed for advanced practice nurses desiring to obtain academic preparation and certification in a new APRN role. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathway is one of the APC options offered by the school.

The program admits new students in the spring of each year. Most students complete the program in three semesters. A brief, on-campus intensive session and in-person clinical practicums complement synchronous and asynchronous online coursework. The curriculum features a 23-credit study plan comprised of courses such as Adult-Gerontological Advanced Practice, Management of Adult-Gerontological Health Problems, and Procedural Skills for Advanced Practice Providers. All students in the Advanced Practice Certificate program must complete a total of 780 clinical hours, with at least 750 of those hours being in direct patient care.

Advanced Practice Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Advanced Practice Certificate program, you must first seek admission to the university and then the APC program. You need an active, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma or a Compact Licensure State with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification in Oklahoma.

All candidates must have a master’s degree in nursing with proof of completion of graduate-level coursework in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Assessment, and Advanced Pathophysiology, and have a graduate grade point average of 3.25 or higher. You are required to submit a curriculum vitae or resume, a personal statement, two recommendations, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to seek programs with qualified, experienced faculty. For example, at Oklahoma City University, the ACNP faculty is comprised of nurses with decades of experience. Many faculty members are doctorally-prepared, Certified Nurse Educators. The nursing faculty work with you to promote an environment conducive to the highest level of learning, preparing you to advance your career.
• Another reason Oklahoma City University is considered home to one of the best ACNP programs in Oklahoma is that the Kramer School of Nursing is recognized for its strong emphasis on compassionate care and leadership, which are essential in preparing students for advanced practice roles as Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
• OCU believes all nurses should have the opportunity to seek advanced learning and gain additional degrees or certifications. One way the school contributes to this possibility is by offering competitive tuition costs. On average, students pay $240 per credit hour, which is less than many comparable programs. Additionally, the school offers several financial assistance options, including grants, loans, scholarships, and assistantships.
• Graduates of the Oklahoma City University ACNP programs have outstanding job placement rates. Many students receive job offers while still enrolled in the program, while others report finding placement in an ACNP role within three to six months of graduating and passing national certification exams.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN OKLAHOMA?

WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA EXPECT?

HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN OKLAHOMA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA?

HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF OKLAHOMA?

ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. OTHER SALARIES

ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION

ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES

ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN OKLAHOMA

ACNP SALARY IN OKLAHOMA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN OKLAHOMA

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Oklahoma?

S.No.	Accrediting Agency
1	Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2	Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Oklahoma?

2

3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Oklahoma?

$61.23

4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Oklahoma?

$2,449

5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Oklahoma?

$10,610

6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Oklahoma?

$127,360

7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Oklahoma?

10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)

+38.61%

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