Your Insider’s Guide to Transitioning from LPN to RN in Oklahoma City

As a Higher Education Reform Expert and registered nurse with over a decade of experience spanning hospital, academic and policy settings, I receive countless inquiries from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) hoping to take their careers to the next level by transitioning to Registered Nurse (RN) roles.

This guide shares my insider knowledge to help you navigate that journey successfully here in Oklahoma City.

With the region expected to see a 15% spike in Registered Nursing roles by 2026 and starting salaries averaging over $60,000 per year, making the leap from LPN to RN presents tremendous career growth and earning potential.

This path does require an investment of time and money to bridge your existing medical expertise into formal registered nurse qualifications. However, Oklahoma City offers many high quality, affordable LPN to RN programs with flexible learning models – from fully online to hybrid – to choose from.

Here, I break down everything prospective nurses need to know about the most promising local bridge programs, from curriculum specifics to cost considerations and career support services.

Let’s get started!

Navigating the LPN to RN Transition

Before diving into the top program profiles, I want to provide some high-level guidance on making the transition based on frequently asked questions from working LPNs exploring this move.

What are the main steps in making the jump?

Typically, the progression follows this workflow:

• Step 1: Enroll in an LPN to RN bridge program
• Step 2: Complete coursework bridging LPN knowledge to RN requirements
• Step 3: Attain an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
• Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse licensure
• Step 5: Start your new career as an in-demand RN!

How long does the transition take?

Duration depends on your existing credentials and desired program type. Contingent on transferring past LPN credits, bridge program timeframes can range from 12 months for Associate degrees to just 15 months for some Bachelor of Science options.

Many also allow working LPNs to complete components part-time around existing work schedules before transitioning fully into RN trainee roles through concentrated clinicals.

What subject areas are covered?

Curriculums blend theoretical and practical learning across core areas like:

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Complex Care Management
• Leadership and Research
• Community and Public Health

Hands-on clinical hours focused on skills like clinical reasoning, care coordination, patient education and development of individualized care plans are also central to RN training.

Now that you understand the usual transition process, let’s explore high-quality local programs to achieve your RN goals.

I break down the offerings into two categories based on desired graduation timeframe and degree type. Use this guidance to narrow options by cost, convenience and program characteristics as you weigh investments in nursing career advancement.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs

For working LPNs able to dedicate around 15 months towards concentratedRegistered Nurse Training on the bachelor‘s degree track, the following OKC-based programs offer strong reputations and outcomes.

1. Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing

Oklahoma City University provides an excellent accelerated Bachelor of Science pathway through its RN completion program allowing Licensed Practical Nurses to achieve an advanced nursing degree in just 15 months via concentrated study.

The competitive program only admits 30 LPNs annually but sees exceptional NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates and career outcomes making it a sound investment for focused learners.

Program Stats and Details

• 85% Program Completion
• 97% First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate
• 130 Credit BSN Curriculum
• 15 Month Duration w/ Summers Off

Admissions and Prerequisites

• 3.0 GPA Minimum
• Science Pre-Reqs
• Licensed LPN
• CPR Certification
• Essay and References

Tuition Fees

• $456 per Credit Hour
• Over $60,000 Total

OCU Kramer Nursing graduates boast a 100% job placement rating within six months thanks to the program’s robust career prep services.

Career Support

• Licensed Nurse Resume Workshop Series
• 1:1 Career Mentor Pairing
• Mock Interview Events w/ Nurse Hiring Managers

What Sets OCU Apart?

Backed by small class cohorts of just 10 trainees per faculty nursing mentor and over 1000 annual clinical training hours across specialties, OCU Kramer Nursing produces exceptional BSN-level registered nurses ready to provide quality, compassionate care.

93% of students rate the accelerated BSN program as “good to excellent” making it a top choice for focused LPN to RN advancement.

2. Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University offers motivated BSN candidates an accelerated 16-month Registered Nursing transition curriculum allowing practical nurses to upgrade qualifications efficiently.

Program Stats

• 16 Month Track
• 125 Credit Curriculum
• Selective 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Admissions Factors

• Cumulative and Science GPA
• Test Scores
• Essay Responses

Cost

• $510 per Credit Hour
• Just Over $64,000 Total

Graduates praise Southern Nazarene University’s curriculum blending clinical skills coursework using high-fidelity simulation technology and interactive online theory content.

Nursing career prep services like LinkedIn profile optimization workshops and virtual interview platforms prepare learners for smooth role transitions.

Career Support

• Digital Portfolios and LinkedIn Profile Reviews
• 1:1 Licensed Career Counselor Pairing
• Virtual Interview Practice Portal

With CCNE accreditation and an excellent regional reputation, Southern Nazarene University constitutes a stand-out accelerated Registered Nurse pathway option.

Of spring 2022 program graduates, 100% secured RN positions prior to completion – a testament to SNU Nursing’s career prep efficacy and strategic hospital staffing partnerships facilitating graduate job placement success.

Flexible LPN to RN Associate Degree Programs

For nurses seeking RN qualifications at the Associate level on an adaptable timeline, usually spanning 12-24 months, the following OKC-based colleges offer affordable accredited programs tailored to working LPNs.

1. Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College provides flexible and affordable LPN to RN pathways through its Associate Degree in Nursing advanced placement program.

Program Stats

• 72 Credit RN Curriculum
• Advanced Standing for LPNs
• ACEN Accredited

Admissions and Prerequisites

• High School Transcripts
• TEAS Exam Score
• Proof of LPN Licensure
• Essay Question Responses

Tuition Fees

• $117 per Credit Hour
• Just Over $9,500 Total

OCCC prioritizes strong career foundations by integrating industry-aligned skills like clinical judgement, quality improvement, and conflict resolution into its nursing curriculum.

The college also prepares graduates for licensure and job placement success through robust career services.

Career Support

• Graduate Employment Assistance Program
• Interview Stream Video Platform Access
• Hospital Recruiter Events

With flexible advanced placement options for working nurses and a stellar regional reputation, OCCC Nursing constitutes an affordable NA pathway choice.

In 2022, 100% of OCCC ADN graduates passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on first attempts. Meanwhile, the program maintains a strong area hospital partnership network offering graduates abundant career prospects.

2. Rose State College

Rose State College provides LPN to RN students flexible completion options spanning 12-24 months via its Nursing Advanced Placement Program.

Program Stats

• 72 Credit Associate Degree Curriculum
• Advanced Standing for LPN Graduates
• ACEN Accredited

Admission Components

• Proof of Unencumbered LPN Licensure
• Transcripts Demonstrating Prerequisites
• TEAS Exam Score
• Letters of Recommendation

Tuition Fees

*$138 per Credit Hour

• Roughly $10,000 Total

Rose State offers innovative concept-based curriculum components centered on clinical reasoning and coordinated care delivery alongside advanced health assessment coursework.

Robust career foundations curriculum via the college‘s Professional Development Institute empowers successful transitions into RN practice.

Career Support

• Licensure Exam Prep Access
• “Meet the Employers” Events
• Job Application and Interview Coaching

With small clinical cohorts, concept reinforcement through simulation labs, and tailored support services, Rose State College provides adaptable and affordable registered nurse advancement pathways for qualified LPNs.

The program maintains strong relationships with over 100 regional healthcare employers, ensuring graduates find matches aligned to personal and professional ambitions on exciting nursing career tracks.

As you evaluate options to advance towards registered nursing practice, be sure to assess program characteristics spanning costs, credentials, career foundations and flexibility against personal needs and constraints.

Weigh Affordability Against Time Investment

Associate-level options allow more adaptable and economical upskilling pathways compared to accelerated Bachelor of Science routes requiring more intensive investments of both time and tuition. Know your budget and schedule constraints.

Evaluate Career Support Resources

Look for programs emphasizing resume workshops, mock interviews, employer events and licensure prep ensuring your bridging investment returns job placement and advancement dividends.

Consider Online Accommodations

Given ongoing COVID impacts, analyzed blended digital and direct clinical training combinations allowing skills development on adaptable terms.

Choose programs addressing in-demand care innovations like telehealth, care coordination, data-driven quality improvement and team leadership rising in importance given shifts toward episodic and virtual acute care.

I hope this breakdown gives you a helpful starting point for choosing the ideal Oklahoma City LPN to RN program for your needs from cost to academic approach and career job prep.

As you evaluate options to expand your nursing expertise, feel free to reach out with any other questions! I‘m always happy to share additional insider perspectives on navigating LPN to RN bridges available locally.