RN Programs in Lawton, Oklahoma

Get your RN degree in Lawton, Oklahoma - online & campus-based options available.

Contact a school today for more info.

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Lawton, Oklahoma

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Lawton, Oklahoma? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting your journey. From understanding what an RN does to finding the best local programs, we’ve got you covered.

Why Become an RN in Lawton?

Lawton, located in southwestern Oklahoma, is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The city offers a strong sense of community and a relatively low cost of living.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Oklahoma is around $67,000 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029. This makes nursing a stable and lucrative career choice.

For more information about Lawton, visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet some basic prerequisites. These typically include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Being at least 18 years old
• Passing any required entrance exams, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• Completing a background check

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally include both classroom instruction and clinical training. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

• Core Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology
• Nursing-Specific Courses: Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Psychiatric Nursing
• Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced professionals

RN Training Programs in Lawton, Oklahoma

Great Plains Technology Center

• Address: 4500 W Lee Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
• Program: Practical Nursing Program
• Description: This program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. While primarily for LPNs, it provides a strong foundation for those planning to advance to RN status.
• Website: Great Plains Technology Center

Cameron University

• Address: 2800 W Gore Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
• Program: Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
• Description: Cameron University offers a comprehensive AAS program that includes both coursework and clinical experiences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Website: Cameron University Nursing

If you cannot find an RN program directly in Lawton, nearby cities like Oklahoma City offer additional options, typically within a 90-mile radius.

RN Employment Opportunities in Lawton

Lawton has several major healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment:

Comanche County Memorial Hospital

• Address: 3401 W Gore Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
• Description: This is a full-service hospital offering a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services.
• Website: Comanche County Memorial Hospital

Southwestern Medical Center

• Address: 5602 SW Lee Blvd, Lawton, OK 73505
• Description: Southwestern Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services, including specialized care in cardiology and oncology.
• Website: Southwestern Medical Center

RN Certification Requirements

To become an RN in Oklahoma, you will need to:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for licensure through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Lawton can vary widely. For example, tuition at Cameron University ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per year for in-state students. Financial aid options are available, including federal loans, grants, and scholarships. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial assistance.

Licensure Reciprocity

Oklahoma is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs to practice in other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses. If you’re moving to Oklahoma from another state, check the NLC website for more information on licensure reciprocity.

Get Started Today

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Lawton, Oklahoma, is a fantastic career choice with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Start your journey today by contacting one of the local schools and taking the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing.

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Lawton RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Lawton?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Oklahoma. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Oklahoma. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Oklahoma.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.