Northern Oklahoma College has been ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma in PracticalNursing.org’s 2027 rankings of LPN-to-RN/BSN programs.
NOC earned the top position among 10 Oklahoma colleges and universities included on the website’s list, which reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for NOC based on a three-year weighted average. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is the licensing examination for aspiring registered nurses.
Advancing from LPN to RN is more than earning another credential for our students,” said Nursing Division Chair Dr. Vickie Crouch. “ It is an investment in their future, an opportunity to broaden their scope of practice, and a pathway to greater professional responsibility and career growth. At Northern Oklahoma College, we are proud to help experienced nurses build upon their accomplishments, achieve their potential, and make an even greater difference in the lives of patients, families, and the communities they serve. At NOC, we don’t simply prepare LPNs to become RNs—we invest in the people, potential, and possibilities that will shape the future of nursing.”
According to PracticalNursing.org, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates carry the greatest weight in its rankings. Accreditation, program completion and retention also factor into the evaluation.
NOC President Diana Morris said, “As healthcare systems continue to rely on highly skilled workforce, LPN-to-RN pathways play an important role in helping experienced nurses advance into expanded clinical roles. By creating opportunities for nurses to build on their existing knowledge and patient care experience, these programs strengthen the profession while helping meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.”
The website highlighted NOC’s accessibility for working licensed practical nurses across northern Oklahoma and opportunities for qualified applicants to receive advanced standing toward completion of the nursing program.
NOC’s LPN-to-RN bridge pathway allows licensed practical nurses to build on their previous education and experience as they work toward becoming registered nurses. Applicants must meet nursing program admission requirements, hold an active, unencumbered Oklahoma LPN license and complete required coursework, including Transition to Registered Nursing, to receive advanced standing credit.
For more information about NOC’s LPN-to-RN pathway, visit NOC’s nursing application webpage, email nursing@noc.edu or call 580-628-6679.
The complete rankings are available at PracticalNursing.org.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students about 85% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 69% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College or giving to the NOC Foundation, please contact the development office at (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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