Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

As a licensed practical nurse, you can have a career full of opportunities and rewards.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and assistance for your patients. The average workday of an LPN is similar to that of a registered nurse (RN). You’ll spend your time checking on your patient’s status, administering their medication, checking their vital signs, and ensuring they’re comfortable. You may also assist the RN or physician with their duties as required.

While an LPN career is similar to an RN career, it typically requires much less time in school. On average, LPNs in Oklahoma gain their licensure after just one to two years of education.

If desired, you can pursue your nursing degree after you’ve entered the nursing workforce as an LPN. Many employers even pay for continuing education for their LPN employees. They may also offer tuition reimbursement programs.

• Most LPN programs take nine months to one year to complete, and you can obtain licensure once you complete a program.
• LPNs in Oklahoma average $22.74 per hour and earn an additional $6,750 in overtime each year.
• According to the BLS, LPN jobs in Oklahoma should increase 9% over the next decade.
• LPNs in Muskogee typically earn more than LPNs in other parts of Oklahoma at $34.86 per hour.
• You may find more LPN programs and job openings in Tulsa or Oklahoma City.

Overview of LPN Schools in Oklahoma

There are 31 board-approved LPN programs throughout Oklahoma at a total of 48 campuses. Location is usually the most important consideration for students choosing a nursing school. Because there are so many LPN programs across the state, it should be easy to find a campus that’s convenient to your home or workplace. You should also evaluate a school’s tuition costs, curriculum, and course schedule to find one that ideally suits your needs.

Each nursing program has its own curriculum. General courses may include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Advanced Nursing
• Clinical Training

LPN Accreditation

You must ask your school to submit your final transcripts when you apply for your LPN licensure upon course completion. The school you attend should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

While each school has its own specific criteria for new students, here are a few general guidelines that most schools include:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Entrance examination
• Background check
• Physical examination
• Health insurance
• Immunization records

Your school’s policies may differ, of course.

LPN Tuition & Costs

Cost is a factor for most nursing students. Each LPN program sets its own tuition rates, which usually don’t include fees, books or supplies, uniforms, licensing, room and board, or other expenses.

As a general idea, consider the rates at Central Oklahoma College. Tuition for one year is $15,875. The estimated room and board is an additional $8,180. Other expenses average $4,040.

While this rate is comparable to other two-year institutions in Oklahoma, there may be ways to lower the cost. Many schools have financial aid options or scholarships for those who qualify. These are helpful programs for students who can’t cover tuition out-of-pocket.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Oklahoma

LPN programs in Oklahoma typically take about a year to complete. The minimal amount of schooling makes this career a popular option for Oklahoma nursing students who want to start working as soon as possible.

Checklist to become an Oklahoma LPN:

1. Complete an accredited, board-approved LPN program that includes theory and practical coursework.

2. Apply for your LPN license through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. To complete the process, you’ll need to submit your final transcripts, application, application fee, proof of citizenship, criminal background check, and other supporting documentation.

3. Attend CPR training and receive your CPR certification card.

4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Licenses expire every two years. You must meet one of the following requirements every two years to qualify for renewal:

• 520 hours of verified employment
• 24 hours of continuing education
• current verified certification in a nursing specialty area
• completion of a board-approved refresher course
• completion of six academic semester credit hours of coursework at the current level of licensure or higher

NCLEX-PN Exam

Besides your licensure, you must also take the NCLEX-PN exam before you can begin your career as an LPN. Register for the exam through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). There is an examination fee.

There are four sections of the exam:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

You can find a practice test available on the NCSBN website.

LPN Reciprocity

LPNs who are licensed in another state can apply for an Oklahoma LPN license via endorsement. Along with the application, please include:

• Proof of citizenship
• Application fee (or waiver)
• Documentation of fee waiver eligibility
• Criminal background check
• License verification
• Proof of continuing qualifications for practice
• Additional documentation (if applicable)

International applicants must complete a foreign endorsement application and include the documentation listed above as well as verification of English language competence.

LPN Salaries in Oklahoma

LPNs are paid well over the national average salary in Oklahoma. The average LPN salary is $22.74 per hour versus the average national salary of $20.17 per hour.

These are the major metropolitan areas in Oklahoma along with the average LPN salary for each one. All information is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Enid, OK ($47,390)
• Fort Smith, AR-OK ($41,540)
• Lawton, OK ($39,900)
• Oklahoma City, OK ($44,300)
• Tulsa, OK ($44,930)
• Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($42,220)
• Northwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($40,220)
• Southwest Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($41,430)
• Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($42,790)

While salaries vary across the state, it’s important to remember that cost of living may also vary from one metropolitan area to the next. Your work experience and education may also affect your salary, as well as whether you work nights and weekends or primarily day shifts. If you work in a physician’s office, you may expect a slightly lower salary than an LPN who works in a nearby hospital. As you gain experience and increase your education, you may command higher rates than you did as an entry-level LPN.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Oklahoma

There are numerous job openings for LPNs in Oklahoma, and that’s only expected to increase over the next few years. The BLS anticipates a job growth rate of 9 percent between now and 2029. Older generations will continue to age and experience growing health concerns that will require more specialized care. The need for qualified LPNs will grow, and employers may offer bonuses and other incentives for new graduates. They may also offer flexible work schedules, health insurance, dental insurance, performance bonuses, educational incentives, and more.

Top LPN Schools in Oklahoma

Autry Technology Center
1201 West Willow
Enid, OK 73703
Ph: 580-242-2750 Ext 163

Autry Technology Center offers flexible, full-time courses for future LPNs. They have short-term courses available.

Caddo-Kiowa Tech. Center
P. O. Box 190
Ft. Cobb, OK 73005
Ph: 405-643-5511 Ext 263

Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center offers a full-time LPN program. The program meets five days per week for a total of 30 weekly hours. Childcare is available.

Central Oklahoma College
14820 Serenita Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73134
(405) 609-6622

Central Oklahoma College has a practical nursing program, and students earn an associate’s degree upon program completion. The program includes a Practical Nursing Lab.

Central Technology Center – Drumright Campus
3 CT Circle
Drumright, OK 74030
Ph: 918-352-2551 Ext 288

Central Technology Center’s LPN program includes both classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience with a simulated person. The program includes three levels of coursework.

Great Plains Technology Center – Lawton Campus
4500 West Lee Blvd. Lawton, OK 73505
Ph: 580-250-5595

The Great Plain Technology Center offers an LPN program that’s focused on preparing students for their next career. The student NCLEX pass rate for 2019 was 94 percent.

Great Plains Technology Center – Frederick Campus
2001 E. Gladstone Frederick, OK 73542
Ph: 580-335-5525

The Great Plain Technology Center Frederick Campus was founded in 1989. The school’s second campus also offers an LPN program.

Green Country Technology
P.O. Box 1217
1100 N. Loop 56 Okmulgee, OK 74447
Ph: 918-758-0840 Ext 246

Green County Technology’s LPN program gives students an opportunity to work in a variety of clinical settings. The program fully trains students for a career as an LPN.

Indian Capital Tech Center – Muskogee Campus
2403 N. 41 St. East Muskogee, OK 74403-1799
Ph: 918-686-7565

Indian Capital Tech Center’s LPN program meets daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a break for lunch. Students undergo extensive training and education so they’re fully prepared for LPN licensure.

Kiamichi Technology Center – Hugo Campus
107 South Fifth Hugo, OK 74743
Ph: 580-326-6491

Kiamichi Technology Center has an LPN program with both full-time and part-time options. The schedule is fast-paced, so students should be eager to participate and study.

Platt College
3801 S. Sheridan
Tulsa, OK 74145-6502
Ph: 918-663-9000

Platt College has several LPN programs available. Each prepares the student for the NCLEX exam and LPN licensure. You’ll earn an associate’s degree upon program completion.

Additional Resources

Oklahoma Board of Nursing

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing is the local authority for nurses in Oklahoma. The board is in charge of licensing, guidelines, policies, and oversight.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Each state and U.S. territory has its own board of nursing. These boards comprise the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which is an independent, not-for-profit organization. The NCSBN created the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams and currently maintains and administers both tests.