2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

Becoming a Nurse in Oklahoma

Becoming a nurse in Oklahoma takes dedication and education. The amount of time you spend in school and training depends on what type of type of nurse you want to be. 

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing issues licenses for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The Oklahoma State Department of Health handles certified nurse aide (CNA) certification. Oklahoma belongs to the Nursing Licensure Compact, which makes it possible to receive a multistate license that lets you practice in other Compact states. 

The Sooner State's educational system is producing fewer nurses than it needs, forcing healthcare organizations to rely heavily upon out-of-state travel nurses to fill the workforce. This was a problem before the pandemic, but the situation worsened under COVID-19 as more nurses left the workforce. Working conditions in Oklahoma may be stressful in the near term as healthcare staffs stretch themselves thing, but there may be plenty of open positions.

Read on to learn about the licensing requirements for CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in Oklahoma. 

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get Nurse Aide Certification in Oklahoma

Aspiring Oklahoma CNAs must complete an approved training program before passing a test with written and hands-on skills sections. Completing these steps allows CNAs to add their names to the Nurse Aide Registry.

CNA certifications need to be renewed every two years. The renewal application includes an Affidavit of Lawful Presence declaring the candidate's legal immigration status. Applicants must also provide proof of at least eight hours of work as a CNA in the previous two years. 

How To Get a Practical Nurse License in Oklahoma

Aspiring Oklahoma LPNs can apply for a single-state or multistate license depending on personal preference. They can also choose licensure by examination — which involves taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) practical nursing version — or licensure by endorsement, which requires them to prove that they have an LPN license in another state

In any case, LPNs must graduate from a board-approved LPN training program. They also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency and pass a background check.

Oklahoma LPN license renewal takes place every odd-numbered year. Renewal requires that the LPN worked at least 520 during the previous two years or completed 24 or more hours of continuing education.  

How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Oklahoma

Individuals must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program as the first step to becoming an RN in Oklahoma. Licensure-by-examination candidates then need to pass the NCLEX-RN, while endorsement candidates must submit proof of RN licensure elsewhere. Either group can choose to apply for a single-state license or a multistate license. 

All applicants must also demonstrate their U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and successfully complete a criminal background check. 

As with LPNs, RNs must prove that they worked at least 520 during the previous two years or completed at least 24 continuing education hours to renew their licenses. RNs renew every even-numbered year by the end of their birth month.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing recognizes four categories of APRN:

• Certified nurse practitioner (NP)
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

APRN license applicants must prove that they've finished a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and hold a nursing certification in one of the four specialties. The state of Oklahoma also requires proof of citizenship or legal immigration status alongside a background check. After receiving their license, any NP, CNM, or CNS may apply for authority to prescribe medication; CRNAs can't prescribe in Oklahoma.

APRNs renew their APRN license along with their RN license every even-numbered year.