How to Become an RN in Oklahoma: 5 Steps
If you want to learn how to become an RN in Oklahoma (OK), the process involves earning a nursing degree, passing the NCLEX exam, and applying for a license — similar to other states but with a few Oklahoma-specific requirements. This guide breaks down each step specifically for the Sooner State.
With Oklahoma ranked in the top five states for nursing shortages, the need for skilled RNs has never been greater. Learning how to become a registered nurse in Oklahoma is your first step toward making a difference where it’s needed most.
Becoming an RN in Oklahoma: A Snapshot of the Role
One of the benefits of becoming an RN is that the role can vary greatly depending on where you work, allowing you to tailor your career to your strengths. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, working in the emergency room (ER) could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you enjoy building long-term relationships with patients, community health nursing or home health may be a fulfilling career path for you.
With a wide range of nursing specialties to choose from, you have plenty of opportunities to pursue work you love, whether in clinical or nonclinical settings. Here are some examples of specialties you could pursue if you complete the steps of how to become an RN in Oklahoma:
- Critical care nursing: Provide intensive care to critically ill patients in MICUs, CVICUs, NICUs, and more.
- Psychiatric nursing: Offer mental health support and treatment for patients with psychiatric conditions.
- Cardiac nursing: Care for patients with heart disease in specialized units, cardiac rehab programs, and outpatient clinics.
- Pediatric nursing: Support infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals or clinics.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Oklahoma?
The time it takes to learn how to become an RN in Oklahoma depends on the educational pathway you choose, but generally takes two to four years. There are two main pre-licensure degree options:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a 2-year degree offered by community and technical colleges.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a 4-year degree offered by colleges and universities.
Interested in earning a BSN nursing degree? Oklahoma is home to several top-ranking schools:
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- University of Tulsa
- Oral Roberts University
Prefer an ADN degree? Here are some examples of RN schools in Oklahoma offering associate degrees:
- Carl Albert State College
- Northern Oklahoma College
Before applying to your chosen registered nurse programs in Oklahoma, check if it’s approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. This ensures the program meets state standards and protects you from fraudulent programs that could waste your time and money.
Interesting fact: It’s estimated that 80% of employers show a strong preference for the BSN, and 43% require it for new grads. Nursing leadership organizations are calling for the BSN to be the gold-standard nursing degree, so it may be a better choice if you plan to go into leadership, research, or specialty areas.
What Is the Fastest RN Program in Oklahoma?
If your goal is to enter the nursing field quickly, consider direct-entry programs in your area, which allow you to use credits from a previous bachelor’s degree to shorten the time to graduation. Another fast option is an accelerated program, which can help you earn a BSN and even an advanced practice degree in less time.
How Much Is RN School in Oklahoma?
Educational costs are hard to estimate because tuition rates frequently change. Generally, an ADN is a more affordable option because credits cost less and you’ll take fewer classes. For example, a class credit from Oklahoma City Community College is around $87. Compare that to the University of Oklahoma, where credits are about $137 per hour. BSN students also take additional classes in leadership and research, so those additional credit hours add up.
How to Become an RN in Oklahoma: 5 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
Your first step is earning an ADN or BSN nursing degree. Regardless of the degree pathway you choose, your educational journey includes theory (nursing classes) and practice (clinical rotations) with some exams in between.
Your nursing coursework will cover essential subjects such as the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pathophysiology
- Maternal and newborn care
- Mental health nursing
When it comes to clinical rotations, they will change each semester and cover a range of specialties, including pediatrics, psychiatric care, and labor and delivery.
Interesting fact: Some students choose to work as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) while in school to gain experience in patient care before becoming an RN. Find CNA jobs in Oklahoma.
Step 2: Apply for a License by Exam
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) oversees RN licensing. You’ll need to create an account on the Oklahoma Nurse Portal and apply for a single-state or compact license. While a compact license requires a few additional steps, it can be worthwhile if you plan to practice in other states, such as Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas.
If you’re submitting a single-state application, here’s what you’ll need:
- Verification of citizen status
- Proof of graduation from an approved prelicensure program
- Criminal background check
- $85 application fee
After completing your OK RN application, you must register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE. To do that, you need to find your nursing school from the dropdown menu, submit any required documents, and pay the $200 fee. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and can schedule your exam.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN
This is the final step in the licensure process of how to become an RN in Oklahoma. The NCLEX-RN is the standardized assessment that tests if new nurses are ready for real-world practice. It has 85 to 150 questions and must be completed within five hours. The exam is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your previous answers to accurately measure your knowledge and skills.
What does the NCLEX cover? Here are the four content areas to know about:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Once you take the exam, you’ll receive an official report of your test results within six weeks. You can access unofficial results within two days for an extra fee.
But what if you fail the NCLEX in Oklahoma? You’ll need to submit a separate Rewrite the Licensure Exam application and pay an additional fee to the board and Pearson VUE. You can retake the exam 45 days after your first testing date, up to eight times a year.
Tip: Looking for quality resources to help you prepare for NCLEX? Your school may offer a prep course after graduation to help you review test-specific material. Some students also purchase online NCLEX prep programs, which contain study tips and practice questions.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to start looking for RN jobs in Oklahoma? If you’re interested in a hospital-based specialty, consider a new grad residency program, where you’ll be put into a cohort with other new graduates and learn about hospital policies, safety, and more.
What kind of workplace do you envision for your nursing career? Here are some hospitals and medical centers in Oklahoma where you can find opportunities.
- Ardent Health Services
- Ascension
- Bethany Children’s Health Center
- Comanche County Memorial Hospital
- Hillcrest HealthCare System
- Integris Health
- Mercy
- Norman Regional Health System
- OU Health
- Saint Francis Health System
- SSM Health
- State of Oklahoma
Tip: When applying for jobs with your employer, you might be asked for licensure verification. You can do it through Oklahoma’s Licensure Verification Portal.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
In Oklahoma, your nursing license must be renewed every two years, usually expiring on the last day of your birth month. You can meet the renewal requirements through work experience, continuing education, or other qualifying options. Learn more about renewing your Oklahoma nursing license.
How Much Does an RN Make in Oklahoma?
The average RN salary in Oklahoma is $85,800 per year or $41 per hour. Your exact earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and the type of healthcare setting you work in.
If you’re looking to maximize your nursing salary, consider picking up a side hustle or applying for jobs in Oklahoma’s most populous cities, where pay rates are often higher.
Fresh Roles for RNs in OK — Tailored to Your Needs
Now that you know how to become an RN in Oklahoma, why not check out roles for nurses in your area? IntelyCare’s personalized job notifications let you know when opportunities open up. Learn more today.