State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
24
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ Oklahoma requires registered nurses to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Nursing in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has approximately 48,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 4 million. The Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas contain most healthcare resources, including OU Health and Saint Francis Health System. Oklahoma faces nursing shortages in rural areas, with some counties lacking hospital services entirely.
Oklahoma does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. The state relies on initial education standards and professional responsibility. This approach gives Oklahoma nurses flexibility to pursue education relevant to their specific practice areas.
Common practice settings
OU Health
The academic medical center in Oklahoma City provides specialty care and nursing education.
Tribal Health Systems
Oklahoma has the largest tribal health system in the country, serving significant Native American populations.
Rural Oklahoma
Many rural counties face healthcare access challenges and nursing shortages.
Renewal tips
01
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
02
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
03
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
04
Consider tribal health topics given Oklahoma's significant Native American population.
The Nurse Licensure Compact in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work across state lines in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, or Colorado.
Read the compact license guide→The requirements, by license
Every license type,side by side.
Hours, cycles, mandatory topics, exemptions. Switch between RN, LPN, APRN and the four advanced-practice specialties.
License
RN
Registered nurse.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Hours must relate to nursing practice.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
24
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7h |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional requirements
In context. Oklahoma requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, Kansas requires more (30 hours), while Missouri has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Oklahoma allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
(405) 962-1800
2915 N Classen Blvd, Suite 524, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Verify before relying on this