- Oklahoma RN Programs - Bond Sarah
In order to secure licensure as an Oklahoma Registered Nurse, individuals who have never earned an accredited nursing degree are required to complete a state-approved Oklahoma RN program.
In the U.S., all states must approve and regulate their own in-state, accredited registered nurse (RN) prelicensure programs, which are ordinarily two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing is the official organizations responsible for monitoring those RN OK programs found throughout the state.
This article explains where interested students can find their local state-approved RN Oklahoma program, and details the state's licensing requirements.
Oklahoma RN Licensing Requirements
Individuals who have never been licensed as a nurse or earned an accredited nursing degree must fulfill the following requirements before becoming licensed to work as an Oklahoma Registered Nurse:
- Complete an RN OK program that has been state-approved
- Pass the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN)
- Complete a criminal history background check
Practicing nurses with a valid license intending to move to Oklahoma who want to transfer their out-of-state licensure can apply for endorsement through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. For information on obtaining the proper application, contact the board at 405-962-1800.
RN OK Program Elements
Nursing schools located across the state develop their own registered nursing curricular programs. However, all state-approved Oklahoma RN programs must minimally offer the following:
- Two full academic years of instruction and training
- A classroom-based, academic and research component
- An experiential, clinical training component
In the academic portion of programs, students receive classroom-based instruction in several areas, including:
- Social sciences
- Physical sciences
- Pharmacology
- General nursing practice
- Medical ethics
- Nutrition
- Medical and surgical nursing
- Pediatrics
- Maternity nursing
- Gerontology
- Mental health issues
In the clinical, hands-on training component of RN OK schools, students work under the supervision of a licensed nurse with patients in local hospitals. This work prepares students for their future careers as well as for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Finding Oklahoma Registered Nurse Programs
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing approves numerous ADN and BSN programs across the state, most of which are housed by community colleges, four-year colleges and some state universities.
For information on approved schools, see the board's RN education page and look up associate-level and baccalaureate programs.
Benefits of Oklahoma RN Schools
Students who graduate from a state-accredited program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam are legally able to work as an Oklahoma Registered Nurse.
As the state's demographics continues to get older, RN jobs will increase in demand, making nurse training a solid professional investment.
For information on other nursing opportunities in Oklahoma and elsewhere, see also:
The Best Nursing Programs Online
David Harris-Gershon - David Harris-Gershon – a blogger for Tikkun magazine and a freelance writer on Israel, the Middle East and America’s role in ...
