Continuing Education Requirements for Oklahoma Nurses
Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Oklahoma
If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) looking for a lifestyle change, read on to find the information you need about nursing in vibrant Oklahoma. Here, you'll read about licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!
In this article, we will cover:
- Licensing information
- Steps for renewing an Oklahoma nursing license
- Continuing education requirements
- Job & salary outlook for nurses in Oklahoma
- Top hospitals in Oklahoma
- Nursing organizations & associations in Oklahoma
- Basic steps for licensing and certification
- Contact information
Licensing information
Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Oklahoma whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Oklahoma from another state. For more information visit the Oklahoma licensing information page.
Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX exam fee: $200
- Application fee: $85 (RN/LPN, $150 multistate)
Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fees: $85 (RN/LPN, $150 multistate); $70 (APRN, $85 Rx authority)
- Temporary license (if requested): $10
License renewal fees
- Application fees: $75 (RN/LPN); $45 (APRN)
Additionally, Oklahoma is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.
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Steps for renewing an Oklahoma nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page to confirm your license.
- Complete your Oklahoma nursing continuing education requirements before your license expires
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
- Go to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing to enter your renewal application
Visit the Renewal Portal for specific requirements. Oklahoma is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in Oklahoma unless you are declaring Oklahoma as your Primary State of Residency.
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Continuing education requirements
RN/LPN: 24 contact hours every 2 years; or
- Provide proof of employment in a position that requires RNs/LPNs to verify 520 work hours every two years; or
- Show proof of certification in a nursing specialty area; or
- Complete refresher course that is Board-approved; or
- Complete a minimum of six credit hours in nursing coursework that correlates with the nurse's current level of licensure or higher
APRN:
- 24 contact hours every 2 years (15 hours in pharmacotherapeutic); and
- 2 hours of education in pain management or 2 hours of education in opioid use or addiction
- Maintain national certification
- More information on APRN CE requirements at Oklahoma APRN CE requirements
Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.
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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Oklahoma
Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.
We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Oklahoma is the right state for you.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Oklahoma ]
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Top hospitals in Oklahoma
If you're not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Oklahoma will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:
- St. Francis Hospital Tulsa – Tulsa, OK: Rated high performing in 10 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Colon Cancer
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Maternity Care (uncomplicated pregnancy)
- Ascension St. John Medical Center-Tulsa in Tulsa, OK: Rated high performing in seven adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
- Colon Cancer
- Heart Attack
- Kidney Failure
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Integris Baptist Medical Center-Oklahoma City, OK: This hospital is a member of the Magnet Recognition Program® and is rated high performing in six procedures and conditions. Some of these include:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Heart Attack
- Diabetes
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the "gold standard" for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.
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Nursing organizations and associations in Oklahoma
Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you're in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Oklahoma:
Oklahoma Nurses Association – "We work as a community of professional nurses across all specialties and practice settings to address the issues that face nurses on a daily basis. These issues include – nurse-force numbers, workplace violence, standards of care, scope of practice and patient safety. ONA focuses on practice, educational, political and professional issues that impact registered nurses in Oklahoma."
Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners – "AONP believes that by providing better networking among our members, we will be better able to promote high standards of health care and thereby enhance the identity and continuity of nurse practitioners in our state."
Indian Nurses Association of Oklahoma – "INAOK is the organization for all registered professional nurses and nursing students of Indian origin/heritage that creates a community of excellence in nursing practice and healthcare through professional development, networking and collaboration."
Check out thecomprehensive list of national organizations as well.
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Basic steps for licensing and certification
Step 1: Education
Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Step 2: Licensing
When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.
The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates' knowledge:
1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity
Step 3: Experience
This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.
Step 4: Certification
The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.
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Source: https://www.incrediblehealth.com/blog/oklahoma-ceu-license-requirements/
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