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A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Oklahoma

Goodwork author

Goodwork author

— 3 min read
A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Oklahoma

How to Get Your Nursing License in Oklahoma (2025 Guide)

Oklahoma is gaining attention for its affordable cost of living, low crime rates, and high quality of life. The state averages about 234 sunny days per year, offering four full seasons and plenty of open space for hiking, lakeside weekends, and family-friendly outdoor activities.

Whether you're a new graduate or an experienced nurse relocating, this guide covers everything you need to know to get licensed and start working in Oklahoma. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for:

  • Licensure by examination
  • Licensure by endorsement
  • Renewal requirements
  • Continuing education
  • Licensing fees
  • Contacting the Oklahoma Board of Nursing

You can also browse verified healthcare job openings here.

🧾 Obtaining Your Oklahoma Nursing License by Examination

✅ Step 1: Graduate from an Accredited Program

Oklahoma offers many state-approved ADN and BSN programs, including:

Start your licensure process at least 60 days before graduation.

✅ Step 2: Apply for Licensure

Submit your application via the Oklahoma Nurse Portal and include:

  • $85 application fee
  • Social Security Number
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or qualified alien status
  • Background check
  • Registration for the NCLEX exam ($200)

✅ Step 3: Submit Your Transcripts

Ask your school to send your official transcript (with degree conferral date) to:

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2501 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 207
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Out-of-state graduates may also need to submit course descriptions.

✅ Step 4: Criminal Background Check

Schedule your fingerprinting through IdentoGO or call 877-219-0197. If you're out-of-state, you’ll receive fingerprint cards to complete at a local law enforcement office.

✅ Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Once authorized, schedule your NCLEX within 90 days. The exam includes:

  • Safe & Effective Care
  • Infection Control
  • Health Promotion
  • Psychosocial Integrity
  • Pharmacology
  • Basic Comfort Care

If you fail, you can retest after 45 days, up to 8 times per year. Each retake requires a new application ($85) and exam registration ($200).

🔁 Getting Licensed by Endorsement (Already Licensed RNs)

If you're licensed in another state and moving to Oklahoma, apply for licensure by endorsement through the Nurse Portal.

You’ll need:

  • $85 (or $150 for multistate license)
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Official transcripts
  • License verification from your original state
    • If your state uses Nursys, request it there
    • If not, your board must send it directly to Oklahoma

You must also show ongoing qualifications to practice, such as:

  • Completion of a refresher course
  • 6 credit hours of nursing coursework
  • 520 hours of nursing employment
  • 24 hours of continuing education
  • Current specialty certification

🔄 Renewing Your Oklahoma RN License

📅 Renewal Timeline

RN licenses expire on the last day of your birth month in even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $75. Request a paper form by mailing:

Oklahoma Board of Nursing
2501 N. Lincoln Blvd., Suite 207
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

📚 Continuing Competency

Meet one of the following to renew:

  • 520 hours of nursing practice
  • 24 contact hours of CE
  • Completion of 6 semester hours in nursing
  • Certification in a specialty
  • Completion of an approved refresher course

Audit documentation may be required.

Need CEUs?
Use Nurse.com or RN.com for free and low-cost CEU options that are accepted by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

💵 Oklahoma Nursing Fees (2025)

Fee TypeCost
NCLEX Exam$200
License Application$85 (RN/LPN) or $150 (multistate)
Endorsement License$85 (RN/LPN) or $150 (multistate)
Temporary License (Optional)$10
License Renewal$75 (RN/LPN), $45 (APRN)

Oklahoma is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold multistate licenses.

📞 Oklahoma Board of Nursing Contact Info

🏥 Additional Resources

Want to work in Oklahoma?
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