A Certified Nursing Assistant’s contribution to patient care is as important as that of a licensed practical nurse or registered. The CNAs role is more hands-on while the nurse’s role is more managerial. If you’re ready to take the next step on the career ladder, in the shortest possible time, then a CNA-to-LPN transition program is your best option. There are many reasons why it pays to move upward and onward. The median annual wage for certified nursing assistants was $30,830 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In that same year, LPNs earned a median annual wage of $48,820. That’s an $18,000 difference in salary. The educational cost will pay for itself in less than one year. Moreover, the satisfaction of having accomplished this step and the opportunity to take on a more managerial role in patient care is priceless.
Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Francis Tuttle Technology Center awards extra points in the admission process for applicants with current healthcare certification and experience. There is no advanced placement option for certified nursing assistants but there is a greater chance of acceptance for currently licensed and working CNAs. The program provides students with an innovative, industry-driven educational experience that will give them knowledge and skills to work in various health care settings. Expert faculty provide a collaborative environment for learning to engage students throughout the process. The curriculum covers 1,463 hours of theory and hands-on training and requires an additional study time of 20 to 25 hours per week. Prerequisite courses include technical human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology. Program courses include fundamental care skills, nursing fundamentals, maternal pediatric nursing, pharmacology, mental health, medical surgical nursing, practical nursing leadership, leadership roles of the practical nurse, and women’s and children’s health nursing. Graduates will be eligible to take the licensure exam for practical nurses. New students are accepted in the Fall and Spring semester. A one-plus-one partnership is available for those intending to pursue a registered nursing degree after graduating from the practical nursing program.
Admission criteria:
- Must secure admission to Francis Tuttle Tech
- Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent
- Meet the minimum assessment test requirements – Accuplacer (reading 250, Writing 250, Math 250) or ACT (reading – 19, English 19, Math 19)
- Must be able to lift or move weights of up to 35% of recommended body weight
- Must able to speak, write, and comprehend the English language proficiently
- Must complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – no more than 5 years before the application date
- Complete the Group One Background Check process
- Submit to a urine drug screen at a contracted facility
- Submit documentation of healthcare certification – current unencumbered CNA certificate is accepted
- Submit a completed and signed copy of the Francis Tuttle Tech Center Validation of Health-Related Work Experience Form – proof of 30 hours or more must be provided
The cost of tuition is $3,218.60. It does not include fees, textbooks, background check, assessment testing, drug screen, and licensure requirements.
- Website: https://www.francistuttle.edu/
- Address: 12777 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73142
- Phone: (405) 717-7799
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86.96%
Gordon Cooper Technology Center
A current Certified Nursing Assistant certification is required for entry to the practical nursing program at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. There are other prerequisites that CNAs must complete before applying to the program – a total of 136 hours of prerequisites. The curriculum covers an additional 1343 hours of classroom theory, lab training and clinical practice. Course topics include medical terminology, mental health concepts, pediatric nursing, maternal child nursing, mental health nursing, medical surgical nursing, fundamentals of nursing, and transition to practice. Graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The duration of the program is 11 months. Classes meet from Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Submit official High School Transcript or GED Certificate.
- Take and pass the TABE Assessment Test: Must meet minimal required scores
- The TOEFL iBT exam is required for foreign educated and/or applicants for which English is a second language.
- Submit official transcript for medical terminology course (college course or a minimum of 45 contact hour course is required). A grade of C or better is required, and the course must have been completed within the past five years preceding the time of application
- Provide a copy of current LTC, CNA certification card
- Submit official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Submit other health-related certificates (if applicable)
- A brief letter explaining why you are choosing nursing as a career.
- Submit validation form for health-related work experience (if applicable)
- Submit a copy of your current resume’
- Qualified students must attend a faculty consultation meeting
- Submit three references: At least one reference must be completed by a present or past employer
- Must have current American Heart Association Healthcare provider CPR certification
- Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory physical examination including verification of all required immunizations
Tuition for in-district students is $2,015. Supplies and fees cost an additional $3,070.
- Website: https://gctech.edlioschool.com/
- Address: One John C Bruton Boulevard, Shawnee, OK 74804
- Phone: (405) 273-7493
- Email: info@gctech.org
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 76.92%
Moore Norman Technology Center
Certified nursing assistants may apply for the practical nursing program at Moore Norman Technology Center and receive advanced placement through a Prior Learning Assessment. The accredited PN program covers the standard techniques required for the delivery of basic nursing care and focused assessments under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. It requires completion of 1,463 contact hours of theory and hands-on training. Clinical rotations will be conducted at local hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. These will support students in the development of nursing, communication, and critical thinking skills under the direction of a registered nurse instructor. Course topics include concepts of nursing, fundamentals of nursing, basic nursing clinical, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and IV therapy skills, maternal newborn nursing, medical surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health concepts, and transition to practice. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NLCEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. Direct articulation into an associate degree nursing program at many Oklahoma colleges is also available for program graduates. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:10 pm for 10.5 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age at the time of entrance to the Moore Norman Tech Center Practical Nursing Program
- Submit a current application for admission online before meeting with a career advisor
- Submit ACT, SAT, or Next Gen Accuplacer scores – (ACT Reading 19, English 19, Math 19), (SAT EBRW 480, Math 500), (Accuplacer Reading 253, Writing 256, Arithmetic 254)
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – medical terminology
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency
- Submit documentation of pre-acceptance immunization and health screen – 2 MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza
- Obtain a negative TB skin test
- Must complete a violent offender/sex offender/criminal offender background check from the OSBI
- Must have CPR – American Heart Association Health Care Provider
- Must attend a practical nursing 8-hour orientation if accepted
- Submit to a national background check during the first week of class
- Submit to a drug screen
The program cost of $7,917 for in-district students includes tuition, drug screening, Group One National Background Check, virtual simulation, books, ATI complete bundle, stethoscope, practical nursing pin, lab coat, nursing shoes, and five sets of scrubs.
- Website: https://www.mntc.edu/
- Address: 13301 S. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73170
- Phone: (405) 364-5763 ext. 7260
- Fax: (405) 809-3548
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97.56%
Mid-Del Technology Center
Mid Del Technology Center’s practical nursing program is open only to current Certified Nursing Assistants who have completed the prerequisite courses. CNAs will get the opportunity to complete the requirements to practice as a professional nursing in just 11 months. The curriculum covers 1,463 contact hours of theory and practical instruction and includes 256 clock hours of prerequisite courses. Course topics include fundamental concepts and skills, medical surgical nursing, mental health concepts, maternal and pediatric nursing, pharmacology, practical nursing leadership, and transition to practice. The class will also include an intensive for the NCLEX-PN. Clinical rotations cover geriatric care, acute medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health, and preceptorship rotation. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Clinical sessions are from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. The duration of the program is 11 months.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – medical terminology and anatomy and physiology
- Submit documentation of current CNA certification
- Submit satisfactory scores for the pre-entrance exam (TABE, Accuplacer, or ACT)
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency
- Complete an OSBI background check
- Submit three reference letters – one from an past employer
- Must provide current immunization record – TB skin test, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap
- Must have current CPR certification – American Heart Association Healthcare provider
The program cost of $5,950 includes tuition, books, drug screen, national background check, clinical hub fee, uniforms, NCLEX Prep, and licensure exam.
- Website: https://www.middeltech.com/
- Address: 7217 S. E. 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110
- Phone: 405-737-4461 ext 1225
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.47%
Central Oklahoma College
The Practical Nursing program at Central Oklahoma College may award extra points to certified nursing assistants. The state-approved training culminates with an Associate Degree in Occupational Studies and prepares students with the skills and technical abilities to provide basic nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. Theory and hands-on training will support the development of communication skills, critical thinking, leadership, and clinical judgment. The clinical rotations conducted at local hospitals and nursing homes will provide students with the opportunity to practice physical assessments, data collection, therapeutic communication, administer drug and IV therapy, and work with children, pregnant patients, and the elderly. The curriculum covers a total of 1524 clock hours and 92.5 quarter credit hours. Graduates will have the confidence to pass the NCLEX-PN. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Submit high school transcript or diploma listing date of graduation
- Complete the online readiness assessment
- Apply for admission to the Practical Nursing Program
- Complete a practical nursing entrance interview
- Pass the designated admissions entrance exam
- Provide proof of immunization record as required by the clinical sites
- Must successfully pass a national criminal background check before the clinical rotation
- Pass a drug screen before the clinical rotation
- Obtain CPR certification before the clinical rotation
The program cost of $29,625 includes tuition, technology fee, books, supplies, and registration fee.
- Website: https://centraloc.edu/
- Address: 14820 Serenita Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134
- Phone: (405) 609-6622
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%
Meridian Technology Center
Meridian’s Practical Nursing program at Meridian Technology Center requires Long Term Care certification for admission. Through the online learning management system, MTC makes the curriculum available to students 24 hours a day. The curriculum covers 1,463 hours of instruction including theory and practical training. Students will complete nine theory courses and four clinical courses. The clinical rotations will be conducted at local healthcare facilities and will give students an opportunity to hone their skills. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, long-term care aide, introduction to nursing, fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, pharmacology and iv skills, medical surgical nursing, maternal newborn nursing, transition to practice, and pediatric nursing. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Must complete an application orientation activity to get a better understanding of the program
- Submit an application for admission by the stipulated deadline
- Provide documentation of completing the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher –Medical Math, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Long-Term Care Aide
- Submit record of CNA certification for advanced standing consideration
- Must meet the minimum Academic Assessment requirement
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- Obtain TB clearance
- Provide documentation of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Tdap
- Must be able to meet the physical and mental requirements of nursing
- Must have a current CPR card from the American Heart Association Basic Life Support
Tuition costs $4,072 for in-district students and $8,144 for those out-of-district. Additional costs include physical, CPR, vaccination, books, uniforms, background screening, drug screen, and state exam fee.
- Website: https://www.meridiantech.edu/
- Address: 1312 South Sangre Road, Stillwater, OK 74074
- Phone: 405.377.3333
- Toll Free: 888.607.2509
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 77.78%