Oklahoma
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Oklahoma Nursing CEU Overview
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.
Oklahoma does not require specific mandatory topics. Nurses have flexibility to choose CE courses that align with their practice area and professional development goals.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing before enrolling.
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 in Oklahoma
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.
Oklahoma License Renewal Tips
Although CE is not state-mandated, employers typically require ongoing education.
Maintain specialty certifications and their CE requirements.
Document continuing education for your professional portfolio.
Consider tribal health topics given Oklahoma's significant Native American population.
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.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Hours must relate to nursing practice.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
24
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 7 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Prescribers need pharmacology CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Oklahoma requires 24 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, 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.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Oklahoma requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Oklahoma compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Oklahoma Board of Nursing
(405) 962-1800
2915 N Classen Blvd, Suite 524, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.