Becoming an LPN in Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma strives to offer the highest quality healthcare by focusing on educational development and continued personal growth of their nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma is slated for a 7% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs per year by 2024. Individuals seeking to meet this growing demand are encouraged to apply for state licensure by attending an approved nursing program or transferring from another state and applying by endorsement.
2018 Best LPN Programs in Oklahoma
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Oklahoma are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 47 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 20 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Oklahoma click here.
Oklahoma LPN Licensing Requirements
Oklahoma requires its LPN applicants to attend a Board-certified nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam within 2 years of graduation.
In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:
- Official transcripts from state-approved nursing program.
- Proof of eligibility to work in the US.
- Proof of passing the NCLEX.
Oklahoma Nursing Forms and Applications:
http://nursing.ok.gov/forms3.html
Physical strength and endurance are part of an LPN’s daily routine. Even though it may not be required at the time of application, it is definitely helpful in performing duties as a nurse.
Out-of-state LPN's can apply for their license in the state of Oklahoma by endorsement. The applicant must submit the appropriate form and include:
- Licensing verification and proof of continued competency by taking a refresher course or completing 6 academic hours or 105 contact hours.
- Submit an employer verification form that proves licensure in another state with at least 520 hours worked over the last 2 years.
- Official transcripts from state-approved nursing program.
- Proof of passing the NCLEX-PN or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).
Foreign applicants must also submit a full course-by-course review of their official transcripts via the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), as well as proof of English proficiency.
Oklahoma LPN licenses expire every 2 years and require continuing qualifications for renewal. Licensees must complete one or more of the following requirements within the 2 year licensing period:
- Employed in a nursing position and work at least 520 hours as a practical nurse.
- Complete at least 24 contact hours of approved continued education.
- Certify in a nursing specialty area.
- Complete a board-approved refresher course.
- Complete at least 6 academic semester credit hours in nursing (at or above current nursing level).
Learn more about Oklahoma LVN Jobs & Employment Outlook.
LPN Salary in Oklahoma By Area
The table below lists career information collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Oklahoma. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | 3,650 | $19.19 | $39,910 |
| Tulsa | 2,330 | $18.94 | $39,380 |
| Lawton | 490 | $17.09 | $35,550 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Oklahoma LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Oklahoma LPN Programs
Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-Hugo is located in Hugo, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Antlers, Durant, McAlester, Idabel, Poteau, Atoka, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC strives to provide the knowledge, skill, and opportunities for students to succeed by offering programs that allows them to achieve business excellence
Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-Poteau is located in Poteau, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Antlers, Durant, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Atoka, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC promotes individual growth by offering programs that allows them to attain valuable job skills, ensuring success in the workplace. The practical nursing program is designed to provide students training in academics and clinical skills and will prepare students to work as a highly skilled member of the healthcare team.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Durant
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-Durant is located in Durant, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Antlers, Hugo, McAlester, Idabel, Poteau, Atoka, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC strives to provide the knowledge and skill by offering students programs designed for success.
Mid-America Technology Center
Mid-America Technology Center (MATC), located in Wayne, Oklahoma, consists of 24 programs offered in feeder schools throughout the state. MATC offers a variety of full-time and short-term courses to meet student needs, equipping students with both academic and technical skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.
Central Technology Center - Sapulpa
Central Technology Center, located in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, with additional campuses in Drumright, provides technical education, empowering individuals and elevating the workforce through certification and workforce development. Central Technology Center strives to create a positive learning environment that empowers the individual, encouraging creativity and innovation.
Canadian Valley Technology - El Reno
Canadian Valley Technology Center-El Reno is located in El Reno, Oklahoma, with additional campuses located in Chickasha and Yukon. Canadian Valley offers full-time programs, short-term courses, career certifications and workforce development, meeting the needs of an always evolving community of learners.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Atoka
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-Atoka is located in Atoka, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Antlers, Durant, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Poteau, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC offers programs to help students obtain job skills to successfully compete in today's economy.
Mid-Del Technology Center
Mid-Del Technology Center (MDTC)-Midwest City is located in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with an additional campus on Tinker Air Force Base. MDTC provides both full-time and short-term educational programs with a dedicated faculty, delivery both theory and skills to ensure student success.
Northeast Technology Center - Claremore
Northeast Technology Center (NTC)-Claremore is located in Claremore, Oklahoma, with additional campuses located in Pryor, Kansas, and Afton. NTC offers a variety of professional courses with flexible scheduling, providing career certification, special interest education, and workforce development ensuring student success.
Central Technology Center - Drumright
The Practical Nursing program curriculum at Central Technology Center - Drumright is divided into different courses of instruction. Each course has objectives the student will achieve before moving to the next course of instruction. Clinical courses will be completed concurrently with classroom theory. Upon completion of the program and gaining passing status on the NCLEX-PN, graduates can find wor in hospitals, home health, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, and various health care agencies.
Chisholm Trail Technology Center
Learn more by visiting the Chisholm Trail Technology Center nursing website.
Northeast Technology Center - Pryor
Northeast Technology Center (NTC)-Pryor is located in Pryor, Oklahoma, with additional campuses located in Claremore, Kansas, and Afton. NTC offers a variety of courses with flexible scheduling, providing professional education or special interest courses for both personal development and professional success.
Autry Technology Center
Autry Technology Center believes that practical nursing is an integral segment of the health care industry. Practical nursing is a dynamic profession whose goal is the prevention of illness and maintenance of health through the lifespan by giving care and comfort to the health care consumer through the utilization of a systematic plan of care.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Antlers
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-Antlers is located in Antlers, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Atoka, Durant, Hugo, Idabel, McAlester, Poteau, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC promotes growth and personal responsibility, offering programs to help students obtain job skills to successfully compete in today's economy.
Moore Norman Technology Center
Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC), located in Norman, Oklahoma, with an additional campus located in Oklahoma City, provides quality and affordable career education. MNTC offers opportunities to a variety of students, providing career certification and continuing education, allowing students to either enhance and existing skill or learn something new in a superior learning environment.
Canadian Valley Technology - Chickasha
Canadian Valley Technology Center-Chickasha is located in Chickasha Oklahoma, with additional campuses located in El Reno and Yukon. Canadian Valley offers a variety of full-time and short-term courses, leading to career certifications, as well as workforce development, ensuring student success in the workplace.
Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton
Learn more by visiting the Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton nursing website.
Northeast Technology Center - Kansas
The Practical Nursing Program at Northeast Technology Center prepares students for a rewarding career in practical nursing. Their 1463-hour program is open only to those who hold a high school diploma or GED. The program combines classroom and laboratory skills with actual on-the-job experience in clinical settings.
Metro Technology Centers
The LPN program at Metro Technology Centers prepares students to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). These nurses play an important role in the health care team and work under the supervision or direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Students will learn the role of the LPN and how to care for a variety of patients including geriatric, pediatric, oncology, and pre/post operative patients.
Pioneer Technology Center
Visit the Pioneer Technology Center nursing website to learn more.
Continued List of All Programs in Oklahoma
| Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center 12777 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73142 (405) 717-7799 | 92.89 | Request Information |
| #22 | Meridian Technology Center 1312 S Sangre Rd, Stillwater, OK 74074 (405) 377-3333 | 92.69 | Request Information |
| #23 | Red River Technology Center 3300 W Bois D'Arc Ave, Duncan, OK 73533 (580) 255-2903 | 92.37 | Request Information |
| #24 | Northeast Technology Center - Afton 19901 U.S. 69, Afton, OK 74331 (918) 257-8324 | 91.61 | Request Information |
| #25 | Kiamichi Technology Center - Idabel 3205 Lincoln Road NE, Hwy 259 N & 70 Bypass, Idabel, OK 74745 (888) 567-6724 | 91.24 | Request Information |
| #26 | Green Country Technology Center 1100 Oklahoma Loop 56, Okmulgee, OK 74447 (918) 758-0840 | 90.91 | Request Information |
| #27 | Indian Capital Technology Center - Muskogee 2403 N 41st Street East, Muskogee, OK 74403 (918) 687-6383 | 90.82 | Request Information |
| #28 | Kiamichi Technology Center - Talihina 13739 SE 202 Road, Talihina, OK 74571 (888) 567-6643 | 90.00 | Request Information |
| #29 | Caddo Kiowa Technology Center 1415 7th St, Fort Cobb, OK 73038 (405) 643-5511 | 89.89 | Request Information |
| #30 | Kiamichi Technology Center - McAlester 301 Kiamichi Drive, McAlester, OK 74501 (888) 567-6630 | 89.68 | Request Information |
| #31 | Tulsa Tech 3350 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 828-1200 | 88.57 | Request Information |
| #32 | Gordon Cooper Technology Center 1 John C. Bruton Blvd, Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 273-7493 | 86.87 | Request Information |
| #33 | Platt College - Tulsa 3801 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK 74145 (918) 663-9000 | 86.22 | Request Information |
| #34 | Western Technology Center 621 Sooner Drive, Burns Flat, OK 73624 (580) 562-3181 | 86.08 | Request Information |
| #35 | Indian Capital Technology Center - Tahlequah 240 VoTech Road, Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 456-2594 | 85.66 | Request Information |
| #36 | Wes Watkins Technology Center 7892 Highway 9, Wetumka, OK 74883 (405) 452-5500 | 84.30 | Request Information |
| #37 | Pontotoc Technology Center 601 W 33rd St, Ada, OK 74820 (580) 310-2250 | 83.93 | Request Information |
| #38 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center 2610 Sam Noble Pkwy, Ardmore, OK 73401 (580) 223-2070 | 83.52 | Request Information |
| #39 | Southwest Technology Center 711 W Tamarack Rd, Altus, OK 73521 (580) 477-2250 | 81.26 | Request Information |
| #40 | Indian Capital Technology Center - Sallisaw 401 Houser, Sallisaw, OK 74955 (918) 775-9119 | 80.78 | Request Information |
| #41 | Indian Capital Technology Center - Stilwell HWY 59 and Maryetta Rd., Stilwell, OK 74960 (918) 696-3111 | 80.31 | Request Information |
| #42 | Platt College - Lawton 112 SW 11th St, Lawton, OK 73501 (580) 355-4416 | 79.20 | Request Information |
| #43 | High Plains Technology Center 3921 34th St, Woodward, OK 73801 (580) 256-6618 | 78.57 | Request Information |
| #44 | Tri County Technology Center 6101 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006 (918) 331-3291 | 72.03 | Request Information |
| #45 | Platt College - Moore 201 N Eastern Ave, Moore, OK 73160 (405) 912-3260 | 63.60 | Request Information |
| #46 | Platt College - Oklahoma City 309 S Ann Arbor Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73128 (405) 946-7799 | 57.64 | Request Information |
| #47 | Kiamichi Technology Center - Stigler 1410 Old Military Road, Stigler, OK 74462 (888) 567-6805 | 43.22 | Request Information |
Additional OK Nursing Resources
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2915 N. Classen Boulevard, Suite 524
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Phone: (405) 962-1800
- Oklahoma Nurses Association
1111 N Lee, Ste. 243
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Phone: (405) 840.3476
Recent Articles
Specialty Certification for LPNs
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are a valuable member of the healthcare team. They often serve as the eyes and ears…
LPN Employment Outlook: 2018 to Future
Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, are nurses who perform direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses have…
California LVN Licensure and Challenging the Boards
The United States is currently in the midst of a nursing shortage. Demand for healthcare services, current health care legislation…
LPN Role During a Code Blue
Nurses are often the first responders to Code Blues. They are the ones at the bedside around the clock, and…
LPN’s in Teaching Roles
One role of a nurse is as an educator. Registered nurses usually provide patient teaching as is involves assessing readiness…