If you are a resident of the state of Oklahoma and are interested in training to become a licensed practical nurse, you've come to the right place. On this page, you can quickly get up to speed regarding licensing requirements and more for LPNs in Oklahoma. As you will learn, it doesn't take very long to become an LPN. It is also among the most affordable ways to get the ball rolling on a career in this exciting field.
Given how crucial it is to complete an approved training program, it pays to take your time while choosing one. The quality of the program that you complete will directly impact your ability to pass the licensing exam, and it will have repercussions for the rest of your nursing career. Since it's so important, read on to get recommendations for top LPN training programs in Oklahoma.
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Top LPN Programs in Oklahoma
Now that you know the basics about becoming a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma, you are ready to get started. As you know, the first step is enrolling in and completing an LPN training program. The right program will be approved by the Board of Nursing. Ideally, it will also boast competitive pass rates for the NCLEX; 95 percent or higher is generally best.
With so many LPN programs available across the state, narrowing things down can be tricky. Kick-start your search by considering one of the following recommendations. They are all approved by the Board of Nursing:
Caddo Kiowa Technology Center
1415 7th St, Fort Cobb, OK 73038 (405) 643-5511Chisholm Trail Technology Center
283 OK-33, Omega, OK 73764 (405) 729-8324Francis Tuttle Technology Center
12777 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 717-7799Green Country Technology Center
1100 OK-56 Loop, Okmulgee, OK 74447 (918) 758-0840Indian Capital Technology Center
401 E Houser Ave, Sallisaw, OK 74955 (918) 775-9119Indian Capital Technology Center
240 Vo-Tech Dr, Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 456-2594Metro Technology Centers
1901 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-8324Pioneer Technology Center
2101 N Ash St, Ponca City, OK 74601 (580) 762-8336Southern Oklahoma Technology Center
2610 Sam Noble Pkwy, Ardmore, OK 73401 (580) 223-2070Tri County Technology Center
6101 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006 (918) 331-3291Tulsa Tech
3350 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 828-1200Wes Watkins Technology Center
7892 OK-9, Wetumka, OK 74883 (405) 452-5500
LPN Licensing Requirements in Oklahoma
Regulations regarding LPN licensing in Oklahoma are handled by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. This agency enforces a number of requirements for those who wish to be licensed as LPNs in the state. Therefore, it helps enormously to learn what you need to do ahead of time, so that you can fly through the process faster and more easily.
Some of the most important LPN licensing requirements in Oklahoma include:
- Completing an LPN program that is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. In most cases, this type of program can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
- Submitting an application for licensure by examination to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Along with your application, include official transcripts from your LPN training.
- Registering for, taking and passing the licensing exam for LPNs, the NCLEX-PN. It is administered at testing locations around the state on dates throughout the year, so you can sit for it as soon as your training is finished.
Oklahoma is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC. If you possess a multistate LPN license from another NLC state, you can simply begin practicing here in Oklahoma. Contact the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to learn about transferring an LPN license from a non-NLC state.
To find out when your LPN license expires in Oklahoma, the state board of nursing suggests you to check your pocket license card or the board’s online license verification system. The validity of your LPN license in Oklahoma is two years. At renewal, you can choose from several continuing education options. If you have worked at least 520 hours as an LPN during the last two years before your license expires, you are all set. Otherwise, you must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education or choose from other options.
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Send your application for LPN licensure to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. In the future, when you need to renew it or have other concerns, contact the same agency. Contact information is as follows:
Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N Classen Blvd Ste 524, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Phone: (405) 962-1800
Fax: (405) 962-1821
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Oklahoma
Completing the process to become an LPN in Oklahoma requires investments of money, time and effort. It's normal to want to make sure that you will get something for those investments.
According to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, LPNs in Oklahoma earn an average salary of $43,250 per year, which is equal to $20.79 per hour. This is lower than the national average pay for LPNs, which is $48,820, or $23.47 per hour. However, the cost of living in most parts of Oklahoma is quite low, and this offsets the lower pay.
As for job prospects for LPNs in Oklahoma, they are good now and will remain so for the foreseeable future. According to the BLS, the LPN field will grow by around 7 percent from 2014 to 2024. This is lower than the national growth rate, which is 16 percent, but it still means that around 480 new LPN jobs will become available each year during that time.
LPN Salaries in Oklahoma by Area
Many factors affect how much you can expect to be paid as an LPN. Where you are located is a big one, and this applies to within the state as well as across the country:
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enid | 140 | $22.78 | $47,390 |
| Tulsa | 2,410 | $21.60 | $44,930 |
| Oklahoma City | 4,340 | $21.30 | $44,300 |
| Lawton | 480 | $19.18 | $39,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
While it takes two to four years just to complete the training to become an RN, you can complete LPN training in just 12 to 18 months. Find an LPN program in Oklahoma and enroll today!
