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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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.
Features of online LPN to RN programs:
- Remote learning: Allows you to complete online classes on your schedule
- In-depth education: Offers courses covering topics including medication management, patient care, and leadership in nursing, among others.
- Clinical training: Arranges your clinical rotations at partnered healthcare facilities
- Career preparation: Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and builds the skills needed for hospital, clinic, and long-term care facility roles
Programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and approved by 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.
Features:
- Online classes are offered asynchronously, allowing you to access recorded lectures and complete coursework at your own pace
- 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; scheduled during flexible hours, from early mornings to late evenings, Monday through Friday
- NCLEX-RN pass rate of 92.75% for class of 2023, with 64 out of 69 graduates passing the exam on their first attempt
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 (part online and part in-person). During the four-week class, students spend three days on campus, while the rest of the coursework is done online.
Duration: One Year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $13,873 at theAltus and Elk City campus site; $14,821 at the Lawton campus site
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum grade of “C” in all required pre-requisite courses
- LPN license
- Cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
- Working as an LPN or recent licensed graduate
- HESI A2 with Critical Thinking Nursing Admission Exam
- Criminal background check
- Transcripts from prior colleges
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 equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a registered nurse.
Features:
- Combines convenient online coursework with essential hands-on clinical training
- 70-credit curriculum that includes a balanced mix of general education and nursing-specific courses
- Clinical training sessions scheduled flexibly, with some taking place on weekdays, evenings, or weekends
A unique feature of this program is the Student Navigator service, which connects students with a dedicated advisor to help them stay on track and succeed. Services they offer include:
- Enrollment guidance
- Financial aid assistance
- Academic support
Duration: Ten to 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Estimated Cost: $14,000 (in-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- “C” grade or higher in science courses
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all general education courses
- Completion of Online Degree Programs Admission Application
- HESI LPN-ADN Entrance Exam
- Official transcripts
- 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.
Features:
- 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 proctored online for added convenience
- Structured format ensures a consistent schedule, with classes offered in the fall, spring, and summer terms
- Requires 116 hours of in-person clinical training at healthcare facilities within 100 miles of your home
- Offers independent practical learning projects, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Estimated Cost: $11,212
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN or LVN license
- Oklahoma residency (out-of-state students are not accepted)
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Completion of prerequisite courses
- 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 first.
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.
Expert Insight
During your LPN to RN clinicals, expect to implement care plans that you devised in your lecture classes. As an RN student, you’ll design comprehensive care plans that may be highly complex. Be prepared to put these plans into action in real-life situations, evaluate the plan’s effectiveness, and modify as needed.
Student Resource: Salary & Career Comparison of Oklahoma LPNs and RNs
For LPNs in Oklahoma, transitioning to an RN role can be financially rewarding as the median salary for RNs in Oklahoma is $78,760, compared to $50,510 for LPNs. Check out these salary comparisons:
- 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.
