Online LPN Programs in Oklahoma: Top Schools

In-Depth Profiles of Online LPN Classes in Oklahoma

While you won’t find a fully online LPN program in Oklahoma, you will find programs that include online components. Each offers a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes, virtual and on-campus labs, and clinical experiences that combine to make you a highly skilled LPN. Unlike certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs, LPN programs focus less on personal care and more on healthcare tasks. You’ll be responsible for taking vital signs, administering medications, changing dressings, and maintaining health records. Below we’ve spotlighted three online LPN programs in Oklahoma that give you a solid idea of what to expect.

Answering Popular Questions from LPN Students in Oklahoma

While you’ve just learned a lot about LPN programs in Oklahoma, there’s no doubt you still have lingering questions. That’s why we’ve compiled the questions prospective students typically have and summed up the answers below. Keep reading to learn about program costs, financial aid, and more.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Oklahoma?

LPN programs in Oklahoma focus on giving you a foundation of medical knowledge, the skills to care for patients, and practice in real-world settings. For example, at ICTC, the Medical Terminology class will give you a working knowledge of the language of medicine; the Introduction Into Nursing class will cover concepts of adult learning, communication, professionalism, and nursing ethics and law; and the Anatomy and Physiology class will delve into the structures and functions of the human body. All of that prepares you for labs and clinicals, where you’ll put your classroom learning into action.

How much do LPN programs cost in Oklahoma?

As with many programs, the cost for your LPN program in Oklahoma will vary. Many community colleges offer LPN programs, and community colleges tend to be one of the best values in terms of education costs. Seek out the community colleges nearest you, as many offer the lowest prices to students in their area and higher prices to those who may live in Oklahoma or an adjacent state but don’t live in that district or county. At Meridian Technical Center, if you live in the district you’ll pay just $4,600 for your LPN program. The “in district” designation covers an area of more than 900 square miles and includes part or all of 15 counties. If you live out of the district, your price will double to $9,200.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN program in Oklahoma?

Yes, you’ll have a variety of financial aid options to choose from. While community college programs are among the most affordable options, they still require a sizable financial commitment. Grants, scholarships, and student loans are available to help make tuition costs manageable. If you’re looking to take out student loans, typically those are available from the federal government and private lenders. Another way to control college expenses is to look for an accelerated or fast-track program. By getting your license more quickly, you’ll also be in the workforce faster and bringing home a paycheck.

How long do LPN programs in Oklahoma take to finish?

The typical Oklahoma LPN program requires 12 to 18 months of study. The Practical Nursing program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center is fairly typical and takes 12 months. However, at ICTC you may spend 18 months, depending on the specific program and campus you choose. The daytime program at Muskogee, Sallisaw, and Tahlequah generally runs Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm and takes 12 months. Campuses in Stilwell and Coweta generally require students to be in class three days per week and include some evening clinicals. However, at the very end of the program students switch to five-day-a-week attendance.

What’s the difference between CNAs and LPNs?

If the price tag to become an LPN or the idea of spending 12 to 18 months in school gives you pause, you may be wondering if a CNA program is the way to go instead. The answer depends on the nursing activities you enjoy the most. As a CNA, your responsibilities are focused on providing basic care and helping patients with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, feeding, and repositioning patients. LPNs spend more time on healthcare roles — checking blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs; changing bandages; discussing care with patients and reporting information to other members of the healthcare team; documenting patient care; and maintaining health records. Of course the salaries are different too, with LPNs earning more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for Oklahoma LPNs is $51,880 versus $33,090 for CNAs.

Licensing Requirements for LPNs in Oklahoma

To become an LPN in Oklahoma requires state licensure which, in turn, requires completion of several licensing steps. Here’s a quick rundown of the five major steps you’ll take in obtaining your initial LPN license.

• Background check. Oklahoma state law requires all applicants for nurse licensure to complete a criminal background check. The background check involves fingerprint and name-indexed searches of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation databases of criminal history records. To complete the background check requirement, you must first submit your nurse license application online via the Oklahoma BON Nurse Portal.
• Education and training. LPN licensure in Oklahoma requires graduation from a state board–approved practical nursing education program. Oklahoma law specifically requires students to receive theory and clinical experience in adult care, childcare, and maternal-newborn nursing. Theory coursework is also required in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
• Professional nursing examination. Once you’ve met all other requirements for Oklahoma LPN licensure, you’ll take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). The exam is taken in person at a Pearson VUE NCLEX Test Center. Question formats include multiple response, ordered response, and fill-in-the-blank. Typically you’ll receive your results within six weeks (often much sooner).
• Renewal of licensure and continuing education. Oklahoma LPN licenses must be renewed every two years. You’ll need proof that you’ve worked as an LPN for at least 520 hours, taken 24 hours of continuing education, or taken six semesters of higher-level nursing coursework, such as in an LPN to associate degree bridge program or LPN to bachelor’s degree bridge program.

Salary & Career Pathways for Practical Nurses in Oklahoma

Once you have your LPN license in hand, what comes next? If you are an LPN in Oklahoma, the future looks bright. The national growth rate for LPNs is 5.3%, but those in Oklahoma will see a growth rate of 6.3% from 2022 to 2032. During that decade, you can expect to see an average of 1,150 annual openings. Some of these are new jobs, while others result from expanding healthcare systems, workers retiring from the field, or LPNs choosing to advance their education and work as registered nurses.

When it comes to salary, LPNs in Oklahoma will see a median annual wage of $50,510. The highest-paying area is Tulsa, where LPNs can look forward to a median wage of $55,570. Regarding the lowest and highest wages for the profession, those in Oklahoma will see incomes ranging from $36,230 (10th percentile) in the Enid area to $68,450 (90th percentile) in Lawton. Check out the charts below to discover what to expect from the area where you hope to work as an LPN in Oklahoma.