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, a projected 12% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs is due through the year 2026. Individuals seeking to meet this growing demand in Oklahoma are encouraged to apply for state licensure by attending an approved nursing program. Oklahoma LPNs earn around an hourly wage of $18.55 or annual salary of $38,590, which is roughly $5,440 less per year than national average.
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.
Details on Oklahoma LPN Schools & Classes
Oklahoma boasts over 40 schools that offer practical nursing programs, making it easy for students to find one to fit their needs. Technology centers throughout the state carry the program, which can last anywhere from 1-2 years depending on part-time or full-time attendance. Schools are increasingly adding online elements to these programs, including offering some coursework online, though students should be prepared to attend the majority of classes in-person.
Students learn to deliver safe, effective nursing care through classroom lectures, labs, simulations, and clinical experiences. Course titles may include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology & Intravenous Therapy Skills
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Nursing Specialties
- Maternal/Newborn Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Accreditation
Narrowing down potential schools can be challenging; however, students should only consider fully accredited LPN programs. Accredited schools and programs are held to high academic standards and are regularly re-evaluated to ensure consistency. Organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are some of the most popular accrediting bodies. Students should also check with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to ensure that their program of choice is board-approved.
Admission Requirements
Each LPN program in Oklahoma will have its own unique admissions requirements, but common ones include:
- Official high school transcript with graduation date or GED equivalency
- Completion and submission of application before deadline
- Satisfactory scores on pre-entrance exams
- Personal interview by faculty/staff
- Completion of any prerequisite courses
Tuition and Costs
The total cost of a practical nursing program in Oklahoma can be broken down into a few key areas: tuition, mandatory school fees, and materials (including textbooks and other supplies). Students may also need to factor in some indirect expenses, such as transportation fees or room and board, if applicable. For those worried about paying for school, financial aid opportunities are widely available.
As an example, in-state tuition for the LPN program at Metro Technology Centers runs approximately $3,360. Book costs are an additional $1,068 and supplies will run students an estimated $841.
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 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)
NCLEX Exam Information
All students are required to sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination in order to obtain licensure as a practical nurse. This exam tests students’ knowledge and comprehension of the practical nursing curriculum. For an overview of the NCLEX-PN exam, check out our comprehensive guide here. Additionally, students may find it beneficial to take the NCLEX-PN practice test as they study for the real thing.
LPN Reciprocity and eNLC
Oklahoma is one of the states that has opted in to the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which allows nurses to practice in any participating eNLC state without requiring additional licensure.
Licensed practical nurses coming from a non-eNLC state 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.
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
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