Licensure Information & Requirements

The Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City Nurse Science Program is approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Graduates of this state-approved program are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses.

Requirements for Licensure in Oklahoma

Applicants for Oklahoma licensure must meet all state and federal requirements to hold an Oklahoma license to practice nursing. In addition to completing a state-approved nursing education program that meets educational requirements and successfully passing the licensure examination, requirements include submission of an application for licensure, a criminal history records search, and evidence of citizenship or qualified alien status [59 O.S. §§567.5 & 567.6].

To be granted a license, an applicant must have the legal right to be in the United States (United States Code Chapter 8, Section 1621). In addition, Oklahoma law only allows a license to be issued to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and legal permanent resident aliens. Other qualified aliens may be issued a temporary license that is valid until the expiration of their visa status, or if there is no expiration date, for one year.

Applicants who are qualified aliens must present to the Board office, in person, valid documentary evidence of:

A valid, unexpired immigrant or nonimmigrant visa status for admission into the United States;
A pending or approved application for asylum in the United States;
Admission into the United States in refugee status;
A pending or approved application for temporary protected status in the United States;
Approved deferred action status; or
A pending application for adjustment of status to legal permanent resident status or conditional resident status.

The Board has the authority to deny a license, recognition or certificate; issue a license, recognition or certificate with conditions and/or an administrative penalty; or to issue and otherwise discipline a license, recognition or certificate to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on any professional or occupational license or certification, or judicial declaration of mental incompetence [59 O.S. §567.8]. These cases are considered on an individual basis at the time application for licensure is made, with the exception of felony convictions. Potential applicants to state-approved education programs, with a criminal history, may obtain an initial determination of eligibility for licensure or certification from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing for a fee.

Review the initial determination of eligibility for licensure petition

Regulatory Authority: 59 O.S. §567.12

Create a Nurse Portal

Nursing students applying for new licenses must create a Nurse Portal and apply for licensure via their portal. Currently licensed LPNs will use their existing Nurse Portal to apply for RN licensure upon completion of the program.

Information on creating a Nurse Portal

Information on the licensure by examination process

Note: Applicants are required to submit fingerprints as a part of the licensure process.

Transcript Requirements

Beginning Spring 2022, nursing program staff upload transcripts on your behalf. Once verified, the program director signs off and completes that requirement. Transcripts are generally available from the Office of the Registrar mid-week the week after final exams. We process, upload, and approve as quickly as possible.

Special Notes:

If you have holds on your account, we will not be able to access your transcript for upload. Please ensure that all holds are resolved prior to the end of the semester to ensure that your transcript is not delayed.
If you have not applied for graduation, your degree will not show on your transcript. Please respond to messaging from the department and campus about applying for graduation during the first part of 4th semester.
If you have not created a Nurse Portal and paid required fees, your name will not appear on our list to associate with your transcript. After the initial upload process, nursing program staff will check weekly for new names to appear and will upload and approve as quickly as possible.
This does not apply to Practical Nurse Equivalency candidates.

Register for the NCLEX Licensure Exam

The NCSBN has a new website that guides you through the registration process and has a lot of other useful information available.

Practical Nurse Equivalency

After successful completion of the first year of the nursing program, and relevant support and related courses, students are eligible to sit for LPN boards. Applicants should be aware of the OBN rules and follow the Board instructions for determining eligibility when pursuing this option.

Transcripts: It is the applicant's responsibility to have transcripts delivered to the Board. Practical Nurse Equivalency applicants are not a part of the transcript upload process mentioned above.

If you have any questions about Practical Nurse Equivalency, reach out directly to the Board.