The OSU Institute of Technology Nursing 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. 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. Applicants for practical nurse licensure must also hold a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree (G.E.D.) [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 right to deny a license to an individual with a history of criminal background, disciplinary action on another health-related 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. An individual with a felony conviction cannot apply for licensure for at least five years after completion of all sentencing terms, including probation and suspended sentences, unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon is received [59 O.S. §567.5 & 567.6]. For more information on eligibility for licensure for individuals with a history or criminal conviction, visit the OBN website http://nursing.ok.gov/initialdeterm.pdf.
Students wishing licensure in another state will need to contact that state board of nursing (the Departmental Secretary will have their addresses).
For further clarification about the OSUIT Registered Nursing program’s accreditation status, comments, or concerns, call the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing at 404-975-5000, or the Oklahoma Board of Nursing 405-962-1800.
Licensing for non-residents/out of state students
Oklahoma is additionally a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) which enables graduates of the OSUIT nursing program to seek a multistate license allowing practice in all NLC member states. For more information about the NLC including a map of current member states, please visit: https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm. For students residing in non-NLC member states it will be the student’s responsibility to review education and licensing requirements for those states as requirements vary. For information about nursing licensure, practice and nursing regulatory bodies in addition to licensure requirements by state, please visit: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm