Licensed Practical Nurse in Oklahoma

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$55,870

trending_down -10.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

11,820

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$285

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Oklahoma, individuals must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and undergo a criminal background check. Oklahoma is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in Oklahoma without further licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $42,600

25th percentile $48,980

50th (median) $55,870

75th percentile $61,050

90th (experienced) $64,870

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oklahoma. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	Oklahoma Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$85
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18. A criminal background check is required. Continuing competency can be met through 24 contact hours of continuing education, 520 hours of nursing practice, current certification in a nursing specialty, completion of a Board-approved refresher course, or completion of at least six academic semester credit hours of nursing coursework. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, legal permanent resident aliens, or qualified aliens with valid documentation. Oklahoma is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

Source: Oklahoma Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleOklahoma license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma? expand_more

To become a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($85 fee).

Does Oklahoma require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

Yes, Oklahoma requires a state license to practice as a licensed practical nurse. The licensing body is Oklahoma Board of Nursing. You must pass the NCLEX-PN.

What do licensed practical nurses earn in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $55,870. That's 10% below the national median of $62,340. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $42,600, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $64,870.

What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in Oklahoma? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($85) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a licensed practical nurse in Oklahoma? expand_more

Most candidates in Oklahoma complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

Does Oklahoma require continuing education for licensed practical nurses? expand_more

Yes — licensed practical nurses in Oklahoma must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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