Oklahoma Board of Nursing – Overview
Oklahoma is not a member of the nurse license compact. So, if you are a nurse with a license from another state, then 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 medicine in the state.
If you are an aspiring nurse from Oklahoma or an LPN or RN who wishes to work in the state, then you need to apply for a nursing license from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the different processes to apply for a nursing license in Oklahoma.
LPN License Requirements in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Board of Nursing – LPN License Requirements in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are two ways you can earn a license to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
The first way is by completing an approved practical nursing program, which is approved by the Oklahoma Board if situated within the state.
If the program is at a nursing school outside of Oklahoma, then it should meet similar standard requirements. When you complete the program, it ensures that you are eligible for licensing in Oklahoma and in other states too.
The second way is by equivalency. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing will license nursing students who have started their registered (professional) nursing program but were unable to 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, and maternal-infant nursing care. You have to complete at least 1 year of nursing coursework.
If you are an LPN who has partially completed a professional nursing program you will need to pay an extra US$ 40 to have your education evaluated. This is additional 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 will need to use the equivalency application form for a license to practice in Oklahoma.
You will need to fulfill the reading requirements as mentioned in the application form packet and submit the post-test with the application.
LPN Application for License in Oklahoma
Every practical nursing candidate, irrespective of their education level, will have to present evidence of completing a high school diploma or a GED.
They should also pass the NCLEX-PN exam. They also need to get approval from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
You should submit the application for a license to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing along with the required US$ 85 application fee.
Make sure that your application has a signed, passport-size photograph that follows the quality guidelines as 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, then you can use MorphoTrust for this.
You will also need to pay US$ 200 as a registration fee for the NCLEX-PN examination. You may receive a candidate bulletin from the program, or you can choose to visit the official website to register at https://www.nclex.com/.
Once you have completed the registration and application process, you will need to wait to receive an ATT (Authorization To Test). Then, you can schedule a computer-adapted exam as soon as possible, as instructed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
RN License Requirements in Oklahoma
As a prospective registered nurse, you need to first complete a professional nursing program that has been approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. You can also choose to 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 will first need to have the official transcripts sent to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. If you completed the program in another state, then you will need to send your course description with the official transcripts to the Board.
You can find sufficient information on the application process, and application form on the official website at this link https://oklahoma.gov/nursing.html.
As a nurse, you will also need to 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 in the past, then you will need to submit extensive information regarding this.
The Board considers some charges and does not hold it against the applicant. However, if you have a felony conviction then you are not eligible to apply for licensing for at least 5 years since retribution.
Apart from this, you will need to get the fingerprinting process done. If you reside in Oklahoma, then you will need to use the state-approved vendor. For this, you will need to pay US$ 85 as an application fee.
Next, you will need to register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This requires paying a US$ 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 once the application and registration processes are completed successfully.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing makes it mandatory to take the NCLEX exam for candidates and professionals who wish to practice nursing in the state.
Make sure to read the detailed instructions on the application form packet before submitting your application to take the licensing exam.
Reference links
https://heartbeat.ai/healthcare/
https://www.ecok.edu/sites/default/files/
See Also
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