Online LPN Programs in Oklahoma: Top Schools

In-Depth Profiles of Online LPN Classes in Oklahoma

There are a number of LPN programs in Oklahoma that feature online components. Due to the nature of practice (and requirements for the NCLEX-RN and state licensure) all of these programs include in-person components such as campus-based labs and hands-on clinical practice hours attended at local healthcare facilities.

As you explore program options, be sure to consider these factors:

• Delivery format. Expect a mix of online classes and required in-person labs and clinical experiences. Additionally, online content may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously.
• Program length.
• Accreditation and approval. Consider those programs approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and Accredited by the ACEN.
• NCLEX-PN pass rates. Strong pass rates are a reliable indicator of program quality.
• Student support services. Including academic and career counseling, financial aid services, and assistance in locating facilities for attending clinical practice requirements.

To give you an idea of what your can expect to find during your program search, here are spotlights of three current online LPN programs in Oklahoma.

Answering Popular Questions from LPN Students in Oklahoma

After reviewing the spotlights above, you’re bound to have a few questions of your own about LPN programs and careers in Oklahoma. To help you out, here are the answers to five questions frequently asked by prospective Oklahoma LPN students.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Oklahoma?

LPN programs in Oklahoma focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out a wide range of patient care tasks under the supervision of doctors, registered nurses and others. These include:

• Clinical and technical skills such as taking vital signs, medication administration, wound care and dressing changes, IV therapy, catheter insertion, and infection control.
• Patient care and assessment, including basic patient assessments, monitoring and reporting on patient condition, and assisting with patient mobility, positioning, and transportation.
• Safety and emergency skills such as providing basic life support, fall prevention, etc.
• Soft skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, cultural competence, and legal and ethical responsibilities.

How much do LPN programs cost in Oklahoma?

The costs of LPN programs in Oklahoma vary, due mostly to:

• Whether a program is offered by a public or private school. Private schools typically charge higher tuition rates (sometimes substantially higher) than public schools.
• Whether the student is an in-district, in-state, or out-of-state resident. Public schools often charge higher tuition rates to students who reside out of district or state.

The program prices quoted in the spotlights above offer a good idea of the range of costs of LPN programs in Oklahoma. Keep in mind that these figures do not necessarily include the costs of such things as books and study materials, uniforms and equipment, etc.

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

Almost certainly. Qualifying LPN students have a variety of financial aid options to tap into, including:

• Scholarships and grants
• Student loans
• Tuition discounts
• Employer tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Tuition deferment and installment plans

If you’re thinking about a student loan, you’ll want to look into those offered through the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program. Loans are also available from state and private sources as well.

Whatever you’re looking for, your first step should be to contact the financial aid offices at each school you’re considering to get the most up-to-date information on available funding help.

How long do LPN programs in Oklahoma take to finish?

Completion times for LPN programs vary from program to program. And while there are accelerated LPN programs elsewhere with program lengths of as few as six months, students in Oklahoma should expect to spend from 12 to 18 months in their LPN studies, as indicated in the times listed in the program spotlights above.

What’s the difference between CNAs and LPNs?

Both Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and LPNs assist doctors, RNs and other healthcare team members in providing basic patient care. The differences between the two concern scope of practice:

• CNAs provide help with a patient’s daily activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, repositioning, and transportation.
• LPN scope of practice extends past that of CNAs to include performing a number of medical-related tasks including taking vital signs, administering medications, performing wound care, collecting samples, updating patient records, etc.

There are also major differences in terms of education requirements, with CNA courses that can be completed in as little as a few weeks, as compared to one year or more for LPN programs.

LPNs also command substantially higher salaries than CNAs. (More on LPN salaries below.)

Licensing Requirements for LPNs in Oklahoma

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

• Completion of an LPN education program. Look for programs that are approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing (OBON) and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
• Apply for Oklahoma LPN license. You’ll submit your application and all required supporting documents through OBON Nurse Portal. Supporting documents include your official LPN program transcripts and fingerprints for use in a criminal background check.
• Take and pass the NCLEX-PN. Once you’ve submitted your license application and received your Authorization to Test (ATT), you will register to take the NCLEX-PN, the required exam for obtaining your LPN license. You will register for and schedule your test online through PearsonVUE, the exam’s vendor.
• Receive your LPN license. After passing the NCLEX-PN, you will be notified by the OBON and receive your LPN license, allowing you to begin working as a practical nurse in Oklahoma.
• Renewal of licensure and continuing education. Oklahoma LPN licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires paying the renewal fee and completion of continuing competency requirements.

Salary & Career Pathways for Practical Nurses in Oklahoma