Online Nursing Schools in OK: Navigating Top Programs

Inside Several Types of Online Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

Do you want to explore the nursing profession, but you’re concerned that you won’t be able to fit your studies into your busy schedule? Thanks to hybrid nursing programs, which combine online and on-campus activities, you don’t have to be. These programs give you a level of flexibility with the online coursework, which can often be taken during times that are most convenient for you. Then you enhance your online learning with hands-on training during labs on campus every week. You will also be required to participate in clinical experiences at a healthcare facility. This will give you a well-rounded education that prepares you for the rigors of a nursing career.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

Do you want to get a nursing job quickly? Or are you interested in a longer program that could propel into future graduate programs? No matter what your goals, there is an undergraduate program for you. If you want to get a quick and intensive nursing education, you can train in a certificate or diploma program. These programs generally take a year to complete. For a more comprehensive education, you can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs combine nursing and general education to provide a well-rounded experience.

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Nursing graduate degree programs are designed to provide professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge they need to qualify for higher-level opportunities. If you want to specialize in a certain area of nursing, a master’s degree, which can take one to two years to complete, will provide that expertise. If you want to become a nurse leader, researcher, or professor, you can earn a doctoral degree. Depending on the program, you may spend up to five years on your studies.

Bridge Degree Programs

RN bridge programs allow busy working nurses to advance their education while saving time and money. Since they already have a foundation of nursing knowledge, students are able to skip certain classes and concentrate on higher-level course content. For example, some bridge programs allow students to dedicate their studies to a nursing specialization. These intensive programs let nurses skip more fundamental coursework so they’re not spending time on concepts they’re already familiar with.

Steps to Licensure for Registered Nurses in Oklahoma

An RN license is a requirement for practice as a registered nurse in Oklahoma, and this requirement is met in one of three ways. You can possess a multistate license from one of the 39 member jurisdictions making up the Nurse License Compact, or you can obtain an Oklahoma RN license through the endorsement process. For a first-time license applicant, though, obtaining an Oklahoma RN license happens via examination. The application for licensure by examination is administered by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN).

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

For most Oklahoma residents, earning a nursing degree from an accredited program means completing either an ADN or BSN—although some nurses may enter the field by earning a higher-level degree. To meet state standards, programs should be nationally-accredited and state-approved. When nursing schools in Oklahoma undergo the accreditation process, they are given a seal of approval for the quality of the education they provide. Upon graduation, make sure a copy of your official program transcript is submitted to the OBN.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN examination is administered exclusively by Pearson VUE. Once you register, including paying the registration fee, and your RN license application is approved by the OBN, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Pearson VUE that allows you to schedule your exam, which you do through your Pearson VUE account. You’ll then take the exam at any one of Pearson VUE’s domestic or international test locations.

For helpful information on preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, visit this NCSBN website.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

The OBN recommends you submit your application approximately two months before graduation from your pre-license nursing program. You’ll complete your application online using the Oklahoma Nurse Portal. RN licensing requirements include proof of citizenship, declaration of your primary state of residence, and your fingerprint card for conducting state and national criminal history searches. You may also need to provide descriptions and additional documentation regarding any criminal charge, disciplinary action, or competency questions to which you answered “yes” on the application.

You’ll receive the official results of your NCLEX-RN exam and verification of your newly-issued RN license from the OBN via the Nurse Portal approximately six weeks after taking the exam. Pearson VUE will not provide you with your official exam results. However, you may access unofficial results through Pearson VUE two business days after taking the exam.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

All Oklahoma-issued RN licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month of even-numbered years. You can renew your license online using the OBN Nurse Portal. Renewal requires payment of the renewal fee and proof of meeting one of five options for continuing qualifications, including continuing education hours, professional employment, and certification in a nursing specialty area.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

In order to make yourself more marketable in the workplace, you may want to pursue a specialty certification, such as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license. The process is different for specialty certifications, so be sure to consult the board of nursing’s website to ensure you meet all of the requirements and follow the application process.

Earnings and Job Prospects for Registered Nurses in Oklahoma

If you are wondering whether studying to become a nurse is a good idea, consider the data we have compiled below. In Oklahoma, nurses earn, on average, $78,760 per year. The highest-paid registered nurses make $101,390, while the lowest earn $61,360. Of course, depending on the location you work in, these figures will differ. For example, in Lawton, the highest-paid registered nurses make $140,420, and the lowest make $65,190. On average, nurses here earn $81,910. In Enid, registered nurses make a bit less. Here, the average salary for registered nurses is $78,300, with the highest percentile of earners making $92,290 and the lowest earning $55,440. Additionally, there will be a 4.80% increase in jobs around the state, which amounts to 2,240 new jobs created each year. In the United States, the outlook is a 5.60% increase, with 193,100 new openings expected in the coming years.

Review of the Best Online Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

Researching nursing degrees and learning how to become a registered nurse are just starting points. You’ve gotten a lot of information on degree programs on all levels, and now it’s time to use that information to evaluate schools. Not every school will give you what you need, even if they have the degree program you’re considering. To give you a look at what different nursing schools in Oklahoma have to offer, we analyzed data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and put together the following rankings. Review the schools to see if any are the right choice for you. Also, take a look at the “About the Rankings” pop-up to learn more about our ranking methodology.