Oklahoma Board of Nursing – Overview
Oklahoma is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. So, if you are a nurse with a license from another state, you can apply for an Oklahoma license by endorsement.
If you are a nursing graduate and applying for the license for the first time, then you should choose to apply by examination.
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing issues licenses to practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to practice nursing in the state.
If you are an aspiring nurse from Oklahoma or an LPN or RN who wishes to work in the state, you must apply for a nursing license from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
In this article, we will examine in detail the different processes for applying for a nursing license in Oklahoma.
LPN License Requirements in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you can earn a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse in two ways.
The first way is by completing an approved practical nursing program approved by the Oklahoma Board if situated within the state.
If the program is at a nursing school outside of Oklahoma, it should meet similar standard requirements. Completing the program ensures that you are eligible for licensing in Oklahoma and other states.
The second way is by equivalency. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing will license nursing students who have started their registered (professional) nursing program but cannot graduate.
Some professional nursing students may also be eligible for licensure.
To get eligible for a license, you must have studied anatomy, physiology, nutrition, human growth and development, mental health and pharmacology.
You could also have studied and practiced in child nursing care, adult nursing care, or maternal-infant nursing care. You must complete at least one year of nursing coursework.
If you are an LPN who has partially completed a professional nursing program, you must pay an extra $40 to have your education evaluated. This is in addition to the requirements stated below.
As a nursing graduate who has completed a professional nursing program but has been unable to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you must use the equivalency application form for a license to practice in Oklahoma.
You must fulfill the reading requirements mentioned in the application form packet and submit the post-test with the application.
LPN Application for License in Oklahoma
Every practical nursing candidate, regardless of education level, must present evidence of completing a high school diploma or a GED.
They should also pass the NCLEX-PN exam and get approval from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
You should apply for a license from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing and pay the required $85 application fee.
Ensure that your application has a signed, passport-size photograph that follows the quality guidelines stated in the application form packet.
Next, you will need to start the fingerprint-based criminal background check. If you have completed your nursing program in Oklahoma, you can use MorphoTrust for this.
You must also pay $200 as a registration fee for the NCLEX-PN examination. The program may send you a candidate bulletin, or you can register on the official website at https://www.nclex.com/.
Once you complete the registration and application process, you must wait for an ATT (Authorization To Test). Then, as instructed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, you can schedule a computer-adapted exam as soon as possible.
RN License Requirements in Oklahoma
As a prospective registered nurse, you must first complete a professional nursing program approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. You can also complete a similar program with equivalent standards from a board-approved school in another state.
RN License Application in Oklahoma
At the time of application, you must first have the official transcripts sent to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. If you completed the program in another state, you must send your course description with the official transcripts to the Board.
You can find sufficient information on the application process and form on the official website at this link https://oklahoma.gov/nursing.html.
As a nurse, you must also present evidence of having an acceptable and legal background. The application may include professional fitness questions.
If you have a criminal background or charges have been brought against you, you will need to submit extensive information regarding this.
The Board considers some charges and does not hold them against the applicant. However, if you have a felony conviction, eligibility for licensure may vary; specific criteria and rehabilitation evidence must be provided.
You will also need to get the fingerprinting process done. If you reside in Oklahoma, you will need to use the state-approved vendor. For this, you will need to pay an application fee of $85.
Next, you must register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This requires paying a $200 registration fee. Once you have completed the application and registration, you will receive an ATT.
This ATT means that you have 90 days to take the exam. However, the Board suggests that candidates take the exam as soon as possible after successfully completing the application and registration processes.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing requires candidates and professionals who wish to practice nursing in the state to take the NCLEX exam.
Please read the detailed instructions on the application form packet before submitting your application to take the licensing exam.
See Also
How to Become a Dermatology Nurse
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