Oklahoma is currently experiencing a heightened demand for nurses, with the healthcare and social assistance sector emerging as the state’s leading industry since 2008.
This shift occurred after declines in manufacturing and retail trade. In 2015, Oklahoma witnessed manufacturing job losses parallel to 33 other states. Presently, nursing schools in the state are providing graduates with opportunities in a thriving job market.

As of 2018, the Sooner State has employed approximately 56,000 registered nurses (RNs), 18,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 3,572 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Data from the governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development indicates an anticipated nursing shortage in Oklahoma, with a ratio of 700 RNs per 100,000 people, well below the national average. This shortage underscores the promising prospects for those pursuing a nursing career in Oklahoma.

How to Pursue a Nursing Career in Oklahoma

Nurses occupy diverse roles in various settings, encompassing both entry-level positions and advanced roles. Entry points into the nursing profession vary, with a two-year associate degree serving as a foundation for certain entry-level roles. However, employers often prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Regardless of the specific role and industry, aspiring nurses must complete programs approved by the state, either from nursing schools in Oklahoma or from institutions beyond its borders.

Nursing Degree Programs in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) represents the minimum requirement to become an RN. Nevertheless, many RNs commence their journey with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Those who initially become RNs through an associate program can enhance their job prospects by enrolling in online nursing degrees in Oklahoma.

Nurse aides and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) undergo less extensive schooling but receive commensurately lower salaries.

Individuals aspiring to become advanced practice nurses or nurse educators must attain a graduate degree and additional certifications. Oklahoma nursing programs offer options such as a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), with various specializations available for graduate and doctoral students.

Complete Your Nursing Program

Prospective nursing students or those eyeing advanced degrees must decide on the mode of study, whether online, on campus, or through a hybrid program. Online nursing programs, favored for their flexibility, allow working students to earn credits at their own pace.

Typically, programs require learners to fulfill science and math prerequisites before enrollment. Additionally, students at nursing schools in Oklahoma must undertake internships, practicums, and clinical hours. Those pursuing an online nursing degree can fulfill these requirements at healthcare facilities near their residences.

The duration of degree completion varies based on enrollment status, transfer credits, and degree level. Students seeking a swift graduation can opt for accelerated nursing programs in Oklahoma.

Pass the Licensing Exam and Obtain Your License

Prospective nurses must successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for RNs, a $200 exam requiring six hours to complete. While coursework and clinical experience aid in exam preparation, additional study may be necessary. Passing the NCLEX is a prerequisite for licensure but does not guarantee immediate job placement.

Oklahoma Nursing Licensing Process

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing oversees the licensure of LPNs, RNs, and NPs, establishing educational standards for nurse training programs. CNA certification and training are managed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Oklahoma CNAs hold specialized licenses in areas such as developmentally disabled care, home healthcare, long-term care, adult day care, residential care, and/or medication. Each specialty imposes distinct in-class and clinical training requirements.

The nursing board implements programs to enhance and retain the nursing workforce, including a streamlined licensing process for active military personnel and their spouses. Additionally, the board provides support for nurses dealing with alcohol and/or drug dependence through its Peer Assistance Program.

Licensing criteria in the state vary based on the level of license sought. The following section delineates the requirements for each type of nursing licensure in Oklahoma.

Requirements for Different Nursing Levels in Oklahoma

The provided table outlines the distinct requirements for each level of nursing licensure, encompassing minimum degrees, clinical hours, licensing exams, renewal procedures, and continuing education expectations.

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Oklahoma’s CNAs undergo training in state-approved programs, each tailored to specific specializations. Developmentally disabled direct care aides, home health aides, and long-term care aides complete a minimum of 75 hours of coursework and clinical training. Those in adult day care and residential roles fulfill at least 45 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.

Medication aides, holding licenses in developmentally disabled care, home health, or long-term care, require an additional 40 training hours, including 16 hours of fieldwork.

Reciprocity applications from out-of-state long-term care license-holders or individuals with comparable training are considered by the Oklahoma State Board of Health. Applicants can also seek recognition of their non-Oklahoma credentials, obtaining approval to take a board-approved CNA examination.

Prospective CNAs, after meeting educational criteria, take a written examination administered by Headmaster, Health Certification Project, or Prometric. Renewal involves completing eight hours of CNA work during the renewal period.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Upon completing their training programs, aspiring LPNs seek approval from the state board to take the practical nursing exam (NCLEX-PN), administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Applicants submit academic transcripts and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

The NCLEX-PN, an adaptive computerized test, adjusts question difficulty based on the test-taker’s performance. Covering areas such as care environment safety, health maintenance and promotion, and psychosocial and physiological integrity, the exam comprises 205 questions. Candidates must complete 85 questions within five hours, receiving pass or fail scores.

Out-of-state LPN license-holders can either apply for licensing through reciprocity or take the Oklahoma NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs renew their licenses by completing 24 hours of continuing education or meeting alternative criteria, including six credits of college-level nurse training, 520 hours of LPN work in Oklahoma, completion of a board-approved refresher program, or obtaining Oklahoma certification in a nursing specialty.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Candidates for RN licensure can apply after earning an ADN or higher from a traditional or online RN program in Oklahoma. Submission of academic transcripts, proof of relevant professional experience, responses to professional fitness questions, and fingerprints for a background check are required. Individuals with felony convictions cannot take the NCLEX-RN exam until five years have passed from the sentence completion date.

Similar to the NCLEX-PN exam, the NCLEX-RN exam adjusts difficulty based on the competency of the candidate’s answers. The exam includes 75 out of 265 questions over six hours, with optional break times, resulting in either a pass or fail.

Continuing education requirements for RN license renewal align with those for LPNs. However, RNs must ensure that their six credits of college-level nursing courses match or exceed their licensing level (e.g., ADN, BSN, MSN, depending on the degree earned). RNs can fulfill continuing education

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

NPs in Oklahoma attain licensure as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). While NPs perform many services akin to doctors, including prescribing approved medications, they can only do so under the supervision, delegation, or management of a licensed physician.

NPs must possess an MSN with a specialization in family practice, gerontology, neonatal care, pediatric care, psychiatric health, or women’s health. Additionally, an RN license and national certification in the chosen specialization area are required. Different examination requirements apply for each national certification, administered by board-approved certifying bodies such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the National Certification Corporation, and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

During the application process, candidates submit their academic records. To renew, NPs must maintain both RN licensure and national certification. Alternatively, renewal requirements can be met through a board-approved refresher course, six credit hours of graduate-level coursework, or 520 hours of work as an APRN.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a good nursing specialty?

Determining the ideal nursing specialty depends on an individual’s career aspirations. Many opt for high-demand areas like pediatrics, oncology, or emergency room care. Those inclined towards slower-paced environments may choose to become nurse educators or researchers.

2. How do I choose a nursing field?

The choice of a nursing field is influenced by individual interests and priorities. Factors such as pay, stability, work setting, and compatibility play a role in the decision-making process. Some nurses prefer direct patient interaction in areas like pain management, while others opt for independent roles as nurse researchers.

3. How long does it take to get an RN license in Oklahoma?

Earning an RN license in Oklahoma typically takes 2-3 years for those completing an associate degree, the minimum requirement for entry-level nursing jobs. While employers accept associate degree-holders, individuals with a four-year bachelor’s degree have a competitive advantage in the hiring process. Both degrees necessitate clinical experience, and future RNs must take the NCLEX within 1-2 months of graduation.

4. Is Oklahoma a favorable state for nurses?

Oklahoma holds promise for nurses at all levels, particularly for RNs. The state boasts a diverse nursing workforce, with a significant number employed in hospitals. In 2019, around 11,722 out of 56,000 RNs in Oklahoma worked in hospitals, primarily as staff nurses. The annual mean wages for RNs reached $64,800 in the same year.

5. Is Oklahoma a nurse compact state?

Since 2017, Oklahoma has implemented the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) for both RNs and LPNs. This compact enables nurses with multi-state licenses in Oklahoma to practice in other member states without the need for additional licensing. Information on member states is available on the relevant page.

Oklahoma Nurse Salaries and Employment Trends

Salaries in Oklahoma’s nursing workforce vary significantly based on industry, job role, and educational experience. Entry-level positions, such as nursing assistants, earn a mean annual salary of $26,030 according to BLS data. LPNs, with mean annual salaries reaching $42,090 in 2019, see an increase in earnings with higher education. RNs enjoy a mean annual wage of $64,800, while NPs earn $113,200 annually.

Projections for employment growth also differ by occupation. Nationally, the BLS projects a 10% increase in jobs for all healthcare diagnosing or treating practitioners from 2019-2029. Specifically, employment for RNs is expected to rise by 7%, while CNAs may experience an 8% growth. Outpacing all other nursing positions, jobs for NPs are projected to grow by an impressive 45%.

Nursing Resources for Oklahoma

1. Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA)

ONA and the American Nurses Association offer joint membership with benefits like networking events, volunteer opportunities, online continuing education, certification discounts, and industry publications.

2. Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners (AONP)

AONP advocates for NPs and provides support through a political action committee. Membership benefits include discounted continuing education, career assistance, an insurance exchange, and scholarship opportunities.

3. Oklahoma Board of Nursing

The board oversees licensing, sets standards for nurse preparation programs, administers licensure exams, and regulates the nursing profession. Conferences, studies, and research are also hosted by the board.

4. Oklahoma Emergency Nurses Association

This association focuses on patient safety and emergency nursing practices. Members can engage as volunteers on national committees or advisory councils.

5. Oklahoma Nursing Student Association

A state-based chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association, welcoming students at all levels, including pre-nursing. Members receive benefits such as discounted national conference registration, NSNA benefits, and scholarship opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a nurse in Oklahoma offers a promising career path, particularly given the current demand for healthcare professionals. The state’s nursing schools equip students with the necessary skills and education to excel in various roles, from entry-level positions to advanced practice. Whether pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree, prospective nurses can find suitable programs, including online nursing degrees that provide flexibility for working individuals.

Oklahoma’s nursing landscape is supported by a robust framework, including the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, which regulates nursing practice and sets educational standards. Aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their licenses, a critical step in launching their careers. The diverse roles available, from registered nurses (RNs) to nurse practitioners (NPs), cater to a wide range of interests and specialties, making it essential to choose the right path that aligns with individual career goals.

Furthermore, the state’s nursing workforce is expected to grow significantly, offering various opportunities for career advancement. With many employers favoring candidates with higher degrees, enrolling in programs that provide custom nursing papers and online nursing assignments can enhance students’ academic performance and prepare them for nursing exams.

For those looking for the best nursing papers and top nursing essays to support their studies, numerous resources are available online. Utilizing online nursing essays and nursing research can help students deepen their understanding and improve their grades. Overall, Oklahoma presents a supportive environment for both aspiring and established nurses, ensuring that the future of nursing remains bright in the state.