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LPN to RN Online Programs in OK: Uncovering Top Degrees

Advancing from LPN to RN is a rewarding journey that can lead to higher pay, expanded responsibilities, and greater career satisfaction. This guide will walk you through Oklahoma’s top online LPN to RN programs, explain licensure requirements, and provide financial aid and career planning tips. If you want to broaden your skillset, earn more, or take on new challenges, you’ll find everything you need to get started. Keep reading to discover the next steps in your journey.

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Author: Jolissa Skow
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An Overview of Online LPN to RN Degrees in Oklahoma

Online LPN to RN programs in Oklahoma offer the convenience of online classes and essential hands-on clinical training, making it easier for licensed practical nurses to advance in their careers. These programs are designed for busy professionals, allowing you to keep working while earning your advanced nursing credential. Many programs let you complete online classes on your schedule, while clinical training is arranged at local healthcare facilities for added flexibility.

The courses cover key topics like medication management, patient care, and leadership in nursing, ensuring you are ready for different healthcare roles. These programs also help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam and build the skills needed for hospital, clinic, and care facility roles. Programs approved by organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Oklahoma Board of Nursing ensure high standards and licensure eligibility.

Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best programs in the state, detailing their unique features, curriculum, and admission requirements to help you find the one that best fits your goals.

Western Oklahoma State College

The online LPN to RN program at Western Oklahoma State College is designed to help licensed practical nurses advance their careers without disrupting their busy schedules. Accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), this program combines the convenience of online learning with the essential hands-on training needed to succeed as a registered nurse.

The online classes are offered asynchronously, allowing you to access recorded lectures and complete your coursework at your own pace. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for those balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Clinical rotations occur one day per week at sites in Altus, Elk City, Lawton, or Duncan. These rotations give you hands-on opportunities to care for patients and are scheduled during flexible hours, from early mornings to late evenings, Monday through Friday

At the beginning of the program, students are also required to participate in the LPN-to-RN transition course, which is delivered in a hybrid model. During the four-week class, students spend three days on campus, while the rest of the coursework is done online. For the Class of 2023, Western Nursing achieved a NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92.75%, with 64 out of 69 graduates passing the exam on their first attempt.

Duration: One Year

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $13,873 at theAltus and Elk City campus site; $14,821 at the Lawton campus site

Admissions Requirements

  • A minimum grade of “C” in all required pre-requisite courses
  • Hold an unencumbered LPN license
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 or higher
  • Demonstrate recent LPN work experience or be a newly licensed graduate
  • Complete the HESI A2 with Critical Thinking Nursing Admission Exam and achieve minimum scores of 82 in Reading and 74 in Math and a preferred minimum score of 65 in Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, vocabulary and Critical Thinking
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Working as an LPN or recent licensed graduate
  • Submit all transcripts from prior colleges
  • Apply and be accepted to Western Oklahoma State College

Curriculum:

  • Human Anatomy w/lab
  • General Chemistry w/lab
  • Functions & Modeling
  • Human Physiology w/lab
  • English Composition I
  • General Psychology
  • LPN to RN Transition Course
  • Federal Government
  • American History
  • Introduction to Nursing Principles of Pharmacy
  • Maternal/Child Nursing Care
  • Medical Surgical for Nursing
  • Clinical Decision Making

Seminole State College

Seminole State College’s LPN to RN online program provides licensed practical nurses with a flexible pathway to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and advance their careers.

Accredited by the ACEN, the program combines convenient online coursework with essential hands-on clinical training, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a registered nurse.

A unique feature of this program is the Student Navigator service, which connects students with a dedicated advisor for personalized support. From enrollment and financial aid assistance to academic guidance, the Navigator helps students stay on track and succeed throughout the program.

The 70-credit curriculum includes a balanced mix of general education and nursing-specific courses, preparing graduates for various nursing roles. Clinical training sessions are scheduled flexibly, with some taking place on weekdays, evenings, or weekends, allowing students to adapt to their other commitments.

Duration: Ten to 18 months

Mode: Hybrid

Estimated Cost: $14,000 (in-state)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Obtain a grade of “C” or higher in the following courses: Principles of Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology
  • A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher in all general education courses.
  • Complete Online Degree Programs Admission Application.
  • Complete and score at least 850 on the HESI LPN-ADN Entrance Exam.
  • Provide official transcripts and professional references

Curriculum:

  • Pre-Nursing Courses and Labs
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing I & II
  • Psychosocial Nursing
  • Leadership in Nursing Capstone
  • Clinical Practicums and Labs

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) offers an online LPN to BSN program for licensed practical nurses ready to advance their careers and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Accredited by the ACEN and approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, this program blends challenging academic lessons with in-person clinical training to prepare you for leadership roles in healthcare.

The program is divided into seven eight-week sessions, allowing you to complete your BSN in 12 months. Each session includes six credit hours of coursework, delivered mainly online through SWOSU’s learning system. Exams are proctored online for added convenience, and the structured format ensures a consistent schedule, with classes offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms.

Along with the online classes, you’ll complete 116 hours of in-person clinical training at healthcare facilities within 100 miles of your home. You’ll also work on independent practical learning projects, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios. This combination of online flexibility and hands-on experience makes SWOSU’s program an excellent choice for advancing your nursing career.

Duration: One year

Mode: Hybrid

Estimated Cost: $11,212

Admissions Requirements:

  • Hold an unencumbered LPN or LVN license
  • Be a legal resident of Oklahoma (out-of-state students are not accepted)
  • Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • All prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning nursing course
  • Score at least 70% on the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE)
  • Maintain a retention GPA of 2.5 or higher

Curriculum:

  • Advanced Physical Assessment
  • Acute & Chronic Care
  • Community Health
  • Professional Nursing Concepts & Practice
  • Professional Nursing Leadership

FAQs About LPN to RN Online Programs in Oklahoma

Now that you have an overview of Oklahoma’s LPN to RN programs, you may have questions about program requirements, accelerated pathways, career differences, financial aid options, and clinical training. Below, we’ve answered some of these questions to help you navigate your journey toward becoming a registered nurse.

Can you complete an LPN to RN program without prerequisites?

Yes, while LPN-to-RN programs without prerequisites exist, they are rare. Most programs require foundational courses like Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology. However, some flexible options allow you to complete prerequisites alongside nursing courses, saving time and helping you start your training sooner. Review specific program requirements in Oklahoma to determine if this pathway works for you.

Are accelerated LPN to RN programs available in Oklahoma?

Yes! Oklahoma offers 6-month accelerated LPN to RN programs that are ideal for those looking to fast-track their nursing careers. These intensive programs are designed to transition you quickly into an RN role but typically require completing general education courses before enrollment. If you’re ready for a focused and demanding schedule, these programs offer an efficient way to achieve your RN goals.

What are the key differences between LPN and RN careers?

There are several differences between LPN and RN careers. Transitioning from LPN to RN comes with greater responsibilities, including creating care plans, leading teams, and coordinating patient care. RNs in Oklahoma earn higher salaries and enjoy opportunities to specialize in pediatrics, critical care, or surgical nursing. This career advancement not only provides financial benefits but also allows for a more significant impact on patient care and professional recognition.

What financial aid options are available for LPN to RN students?

Oklahoma offers various financial aid options, including scholarships for RN programs and employer tuition reimbursement. Many healthcare employers support employees in advancing their education through tuition assistance. Contact your school’s financial aid office early to explore available opportunities and maximize your funding options.

What should I know about clinicals in an LPN to RN program?

Clinical placements are vital to LPN to RN programs, offering hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. These sessions allow you to apply classroom knowledge and gain practical skills before becoming an RN. If you’re enrolled in an online program, remember that clinicals must be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility. If you need additional guidance, there are various guides to clinicals for online students, which cover scheduling, preceptor arrangements, and site selection.

Student Resource: Salary & Career Comparison of Oklahoma LPNs and RNs

For LPNs in Oklahoma, transitioning to an RN role can be financially rewarding. The median salary for RNs in Oklahoma is $78,760, representing a 56% increase over the median LPN salary of $50,510. RNs in the 10th percentile earn $61,360 per year, which is higher than the median pay for LPNs. Skilled RNs in the 90th percentile make $101,390, approximately $40,000 more than the top-earning LPN salary of $61,680.

While the projected RN growth rate of 4.8% is slightly below the national average, there is steady demand for RNs. Oklahoma is expected to add 1,800 new RN jobs, compared to just 860 new jobs for LPNs. The larger number of RN roles indicates better job security and opportunities, making the RN career path an excellent choice. Review the following data to gain a better understanding of your prospective career as an RN.

Occupation ↕ Area ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ Median ↕ 90th Percentile ↕
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Oklahoma $39,960 $50,510 $61,680
Registered Nurses Oklahoma $61,360 $78,760 $101,390

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Occupation ↕ Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
Registered Nurses United States 3,172,500 3,349,900 177,400 5.60% 193,100
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses United States 655,000 689,900 34,900 5.30% 54,400
Registered Nurses Oklahoma 37,490 39,290 1,800 4.80% 2,240
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Oklahoma 13,590 14,450 860 6.30% 1,150

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Jolissa Skow AUTHOR

Jolissa Skow is an experienced health and education writer with a passion for making complex topics accessible to a wide audience. With a background in English and journalism, she has spent over a decade crafting research-driven content that informs and empowers readers. Her work spans health, wellness, and medical education, blending clear communication with evidence-based insights. Through her experience in digital content strategy, Jolissa ensures that important health information reaches those who need it most, helping individuals make informed decisions about their well-being.

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