2024 - Best LPN Programs 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 9% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs is due through the year 2029. Individuals seeking to meet this growing demand in Oklahoma are encouraged to apply for state licensure by attending an approved nursing program. LPNs in Oklahoma earn approximately $23.12 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $48,090. This is roughly $7,770 per year less than the national average.
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 43 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 in Oklahoma City runs approximately around $3,360. Book costs are an additional $500 or so and supplies will run students an estimated $1,500.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Oklahoma LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
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 U.S.
- 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 NLC
Oklahoma is one of the states that has opted in to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in any participating NLC state without requiring additional licensure. Licensed practical nurses coming from a non-NLC 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.
2024 OK NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 43
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 804
- 2022 Average Statewide Oklahoma NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 85.9%
Top Ranked Oklahoma LPN Programs
Northeast Tech - Claremore
Northeast Technology Center (NTC)'s Claremore campus offers a variety of professional courses, including a flexible, full-time practical nursing program. Students enrolled in the 12+ month program learn to fulfill the role and scope of practice of the LPN, delivering competent and skilled nursing care to patients across the lifespan.
Mid-America Technology Center
Mid-America Technology Center (MATC), located in Wayne, Oklahoma, offers a variety of courses to meet student needs. The school's LPN program takes just 10 months to complete from start to finish and is delivered by experienced instructors. Graduates of MATC's program find gainful employment in a multitude of medical settings, including local hospitals and healthcare clinics.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Durant
Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC) of Durant offers a practical nursing program in two formats: full-time and part-time (day). The full-time program culminates after 11 months of study, while the part-time will take 18 months from start to finish. KTC's curriculum vows to train competent and caring LPNs.
Northeast Tech - Pryor
Northeast Tech is located in Pryor, Oklahoma, and offers a variety of courses and programs with flexible scheduling, including their practical nursing program which can be completed in 12-15 months. The curriculum includes hands-on clinical training, lecture and discussion, lab skills, simulated experiences, and much more.
Moore Norman Technology Center
Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) is located in Norman, Oklahoma, with an additional campus located in Oklahoma City. MNTC provides quality and affordable career education, including an LPN program that teaches students the fundamentals of nursing care through 1,415 hours of skilled instruction. The program can be completed in just 10 months of full-time study or 16 months of part-time study.
Canadian Valley Technology Center - Chickasha
Canadian Valley Technology Center's (CV Tech) Chickasha campus offers a variety of full-time and short-term courses, including an LPN program that prepares students for the role under the direction of a physician or registered nurse. The curriculum encourages students to become problem-solvers adept in identifying patient issues.
Metro Technology Centers
The LPN program at Metro Technology Centers prepares students to become licensed as practical nurses. 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.
Western Technology Center
Located in Burns Flat, Western Technology Center is home to a practical nursing program where students complete nearly 1,500 clock hours. The curriculum includes courses such as Concepts of Nursing, Pharmacology and Intravenous Therapy Skill, and many others.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Poteau
Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC)'s Poteau campus promotes individual growth by offering programs that allow students to attain valuable job skills, ensuring success in the workplace. The full-time practical nursing program is designed to train students to work as highly skilled healthcare team members in a variety of medical settings.
Canadian Valley Technology - El Reno
Canadian Valley Technology Center is located in El Reno, Oklahoma, with additional campuses located in Chickasha and Yukon. CVTC offers full-time programs, short-term courses, career certifications and workforce development to meet the needs of the community. Its 24-month LPN program readies students for careers delivering quality patient care in hospitals and medical facilities.
Kiamichi Technology Center - Hugo
Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC) - Hugo is located in Hugo, Oklahoma, with additional locations throughout the state. KTC strives to provide opportunities for students to succeed by offering a practical nursing program that consists of 1508 instruction hours. This 11-month program admits students in July each year, where they will embark on a combination of classroom and clinical nursing education.
Great Plains Technology Center - Lawton
Great Plains Technology Center, located in Lawton, gives students the tools they need to become successful LPNs through their practical nursing program. GPTC's offerings include a traditional course which begins each June, along with day FLEX courses starting in August and February. The program offers 1,463 hours of instruction in its entirety.
Northeast Tech - Kansas
The Practical Nursing Program at Northeast Tech's Kansas campus 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.
Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Francis Tuttle Technology Center, situated in Oklahoma, is a prominent institution dedicated to technical education and career development. With a wide array of programs, it equips students with practical skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields and thrive in the job market.
Indian Capital Technology Center - Sallisaw
Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) is located in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, with additional locations in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Stilwell. ICTC prepares students for healthcare careers through its practical nursing program, which can be completed in 11 months of full-time study.
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.
Central Tech - Drumright
The Practical Nursing program curriculum at Central Tech in 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 work in hospitals, home health, and much more.
Tulsa Tech
Tulsa Tech's practical nursing program prepares adult learners for a rewarding, hands-on healthcare career. Students can choose from the 12-month daytime program option or the 15-month evening option. Both programs consist of 1,463 hours of instruction, which includes classroom theory, labs, and clinical experiences.
Kiamichi Technology Center - McAlester
Kiamichi Technology Center (OKTC)-McAlester is located in McAlester, Oklahoma, with additional location is Talihina, Antlers, Durant, Hugo, Idabel, Poteau, Atoka, Spiro, Stigler, and Wilburton. OKTC promotes skills, knowledge, and opportunity by offering programs that allows them to achieve business excellence
Indian Capital Technology Center - Tahlequah
Indian Capital Technology Center (ICTC) is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with additional locations in Muskogee, Sallisaw, and Stilwell. ICTC is dedicated to preparing its students to become productive and economically efficient members of society, providing upgraded skills and on-the-job training for success in the workplace.
Continued List of All Programs in Oklahoma
Ranked | Program | Score |
---|---|---|
#21 |
Southern Tech
2610 Sam Noble Pkwy, Ardmore, OK 73401
(580) 223-2070 | 89.30 |
#22 |
Meridian Technology Center
1312 S Sangre Rd, Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 377-3333 | 88.09 |
#23 |
Mid-Del Technology Center
1621 Maple Dr, Midwest City, OK 73110
(405) 739-1707 | 84.93 |
#24 |
Indian Capital Technology Center - Stilwell
HWY 59 and Maryetta Rd., Stilwell, OK 74960
(918) 696-3111 | 84.72 |
#25 |
Kiamichi Technology Center - Stigler
1410 Old Military Road, Stigler, OK 74462
(888) 567-6805 | 84.70 |
#26 |
High Plains Technology Center
3921 34th St, Woodward, OK 73801
(580) 256-6618 | 84.60 |
#27 |
High Plains Technology Center - Muskogee
2403 N 41st Street East, Muskogee, OK 74403
(918) 687-6383 | 84.00 |
#28 |
Pontotoc Technology Center
601 W 33rd St, Ada, OK 74820
(580) 310-2250 | 83.91 |
#29 |
Kiamichi Technology Center - Idabel
3205 Lincoln Road NE, Hwy 259 N & 70 Bypass, Idabel, OK 74745
(888) 567-6724 | 83.90 |
#30 |
Northeast Technology Center - Afton
19901 U.S. 69, Afton, OK 74331
(918) 257-8324 | 82.84 |
#31 |
Pioneer Technology Center
2101 N. Ash, Ponca City, OK 74601
(580) 762-8336 | 82.59 |
#32 |
Wes Watkins Technology Center
7892 Highway 9, Wetumka, OK 74883
(405) 452-5500 | 82.05 |
#33 |
Tri County Technology Center
6101 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006
(918) 331-3291 | 80.93 |
#34 |
Green Country Technology Center
1100 Oklahoma Loop 56, Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-0840 | 80.61 |
#35 |
Red River Technology Center
3300 W Bois D'Arc Ave, Duncan, OK 73533
(580) 255-2903 | 79.44 |
#36 |
Southwest Technology Center
711 W Tamarack Rd, Altus, OK 73521
(580) 477-2250 | 79.17 |
#37 |
Kiamichi Technology Center - Antlers
405 SW O Street, Antlers, OK 74523
(580) 298-6354 | 78.58 |
#38 |
Central Oklahoma College
14820 Serenita Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134
(405) 609-6622 | 75.85 |
#39 |
Kiamichi Technology Center - Talihina
13739 SE 202 Road, Talihina, OK 74571
(888) 567-6643 | 74.83 |
#40 |
Kiamichi Technology Center - Atoka
1301 W Liberty Road, Atoka, OK 74525
(888) 567-6645 | 71.93 |
#41 |
Gordon Cooper Technology Center
1 John C. Bruton Blvd, Shawnee, OK 74804
(405) 273-7493 | 68.30 |
#42 |
Miller-Motte College - Tulsa
, , OK
| 45.65 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
Program |
---|
ATA College, Tulsa
10820 E 45th St STE 100, Tulsa, OK 74146
(918) 496-0800 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
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
LPN Salary in Oklahoma
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 | 3,770 | $23.45 | $48,770 |
Tulsa | 2,640 | $24.26 | $50,460 |
Lawton | 410 | $24.08 | $50,090 |
Enid | 190 | $23.13 | $48,110 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)