How to Become a Registered Nurse in Oklahoma

Oklahoma map

To be considered a good nurse in the healthcare industry, candidates are expected to demonstrate a caring nature and a genuine concern for their patients and the family of their patients.

These nurses have excellent communication skills and demonstrate high attention to detail.

Furthermore, candidates must have high stamina and empathy for their patients and families to be outstanding nurses in the healthcare industry.

These candidates must possess excellent problem-solving abilities and must be able to work well under pressure as this is a very demanding job.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Oklahoma

The following schools and programs are approved by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.

1. Carl Albert State College

Carl Albert State College Logo

Carl Albert State College is located in Proteau, Oklahoma, and offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.

The program may be completed over four semesters and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Admission to the program is based on a point system and is very competitive.

Students must first meet the entry requirements before the points system selects the candidates participating in the program.

The school permits one program each year in the fall.

Students must also complete 18 credit hours of prerequisite coursework for a total tuition of $3,825.75.

The estimated program cost, including fees, expenses, and prerequisite coursework, is $25,065.60.

2. Murray State College

Murray State College Logo

Murray State College is located in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and offers a 70-credit hour associate degree nursing program.

Upon graduation from the program, students may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and receive an Associate of Applied Science degree.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA score of 2.0.

The curriculum is comprised of nursing courseware and general studies.

Students who graduate from this program may pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing or RN-BSN programs.

The program includes general studies, nursing courses, and clinical experience.

Tuition for Oklahoma residents, including fees and expenses, is $172 per credit hour and $333 for out-of-state students.

3. Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College Logo

Oklahoma City Community College is located in Oklahoma City and offers a 71 – 72 credit hour Associate in Applied Science degree and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The school admits 72 students into the program each fall and spring.

The program is designed to be completed in five semesters.

However, most students take longer to complete the program.

Fall students meet twice a week from morning to midday, and clinical and lab work is mandatory.

Spring students meet twice a week in the early evening, and lab and clinical work are also mandatory.

The school offers a career ladder program from LPN to RN, and intake is in the fall.

Tuition for in-state students is $ 9,058.79 and $ 15, 841.99 for out-of-state students.

4. Connors State College

Connors State College Logo

Connors State College is located in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The school offers an associate degree program in nursing that admits 48 students each January and August.

The school offers a career ladder path for LPNs.

The curriculum is centered around nursing courseware, general studies, and clinical and lab work, and the school emphasizes its faculty’s excellence and expertise in the field.

The school is tried and proven, and the curriculum is designed to gradually move from simple to more complex courseware.

Furthermore, class sizes are small to ensure individual attention to each student.

Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN upon graduation.

Tuition is $109.75 for residents per credit hour and $250.64 for out-of-state students.

5. Durant Campus

Durant Campus Logo

Durant Campus is located in Durant, Oklahoma.

The school offers an Associate Degree program in Nursing which may be completed in four semesters.

In addition, the school also offers a career ladder program for LPNs.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The curriculum comprises general studies, nursing courseware, and clinical and lab work.

The average in-state tuition is $6,750, and the average out-of-state tuition is $15,390.

Registered Nurse Schools in Oklahoma – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Oklahoma

School NameAddress
Carl Albert State College1507 S McKenna St, Poteau, OK 74953
Murray State College1 Murray Campus Dr, Tishomingo, OK 73460
Oklahoma City Community College7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159
Connors State College700 College Rd, Warner, OK 74469,
Durant Campus425 University Blvd, Durant, OK 74701

Salary

Registered nurses working in the capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are compensated based on their qualifications and years of experience.

The salary range for an RN, depending on the exact position in this city, is $54,417 to $97,589.

The salary will also depend on the facility that the RN is working in.

Annual Salary Range:
$56K
$62K
$71K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Oklahoma

City NameSalary
Oklahoma City$60,660
Tulsa$63,710
Norman$60,270
Broken Arrow$63,510
Lawton$56,510
Edmond$60,470
Altus$56,320
Muskogee$63,120
Enid$60,070
Stillwater$60,070
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Oklahoma

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Enid, OK590$80,240$38.58$92,290$55,440
Lawton, OK840$86,150$41.42$140,420$65,190
Oklahoma City, OK13,710$82,020$39.44$99,020$62,830
Tulsa, OK9,570$85,480$41.1$101,520$60,540
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to be licensed in Oklahoma to work as a registered nurse (RN)?

Yes.

The Oklahoma Board of Nursing requires all qualified nurses to sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination to be registered nurses and legally work in the field.

What disqualifies you from being a nurse in Oklahoma?

Certain previously convicted crimes may prevent you from being licensed as a registered nurse in Oklahoma, as felony convictions, including fraud, theft, falsification, or lying.

What minimum educational qualification is required to be a registered nurse in Oklahoma?

The minimum required education is an associate degree.

Students who pursue an associate degree may also pursue online RN-to-BSN programs to better their job prospects in the field.

Is there a demand for registered nurses in Oklahoma?

Yes, there is a high demand for registered nurses in Oklahoma.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics and Oklahoma Employment Security Commission state that there will be a 9.1% demand for nurses in Oklahoma by 2028.

In addition, approximately 203,200 new openings are projected for this role each year.

How long is an Oklahoma RN license valid?

The license is valid for two years.

After that, you need to renew your RN license before the expiration date to continue practicing in the nursing profession.

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