Anyone looking for a solid career in Oklahoma should give serious consideration to working in nursing. According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the state has more than 160 hospitals, and healthcare professionals in Oklahoma can work in settings ranging from rural community clinics to Native American healthcare facilities to trauma hospitals.Those who are thinking about launching a nursing career in Oklahoma should explore details such as nurses’ duties, the typical nurse salary in Oklahoma, and the requirements for becoming a nurse in Oklahoma. Once a career path is decided on, prospective nurses can consider enrolling in an online or on-campus nursing degree program.
Nurse Responsibilities and Core Duties
Registered nurses (RNs) in Oklahoma and other states have a wide range of responsibilities, all of which center on treating patients, monitoring their conditions, and educating them regarding their health. RNs often perform duties such as the following:
- Observing and recording vital signs
- Assessing overall health conditions
- Administering treatments
- Helping conduct diagnostic tests
- Operating medical equipment
- Performing health screenings
Nurses in Oklahoma can also be responsible for the following:
- Developing healthcare plans
- Coordinating with other members of a healthcare team
- Educating patients and their families about how to manage their health conditions
How Much Do Nurses Make in Oklahoma?
Knowing how much nurses make in Oklahoma can be helpful in researching a career in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of registered nurses in Oklahoma was $81,160 as of May 2024. The actual salary a registered nurse receives in Oklahoma can vary, however, based on factors such as employer and years of experience.
Location is also a factor in the salary levels of Oklahoma registered nurses. For example, the BLS reported that, as of May 2024, the median annual salary for registered nurses was as follows:
- $82,130 in Tulsa
- $80,460 in Oklahoma City
For nonmetropolitan areas of Oklahoma, the BLS reported that as of May 2024, the median annual salary for registered nurses was as follows:
- $80,240 in Northeast Oklahoma
- $77,300 in Northwest Oklahoma
- $76,960 in Southeast Oklahoma
- $72,970 in Southwest Oklahoma
Additional Benefits of Entering the Nursing Field
In addition to earning a rewarding salary, Oklahoma nurses can enjoy several benefits:
- Work in an in-demand field. Oklahoma is experiencing a shortage of workers in areas such as nursing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Projections Central website, Oklahomans can expect 4.8% growth in positions for registered nurses through 2032, with an average of 2,240 job openings for registered nurses in Oklahoma each year through 2032.
- Specialize in their area of interest. Acute care, ambulatory care, emergency care, pediatrics, and public health are just a few of the specializations a registered nurse in Oklahoma can pursue.
- Work a flexible schedule. Registered nurses in Oklahoma can work full time or part time; they can also work days or evenings.
- Conduct rewarding work. Each day, registered nurses in Oklahoma get to perform meaningful work that allows them to help others improve their health.
Support a family. As discussed above, the salaries of Oklahoma registered nurses are attractive, which can allow registered nurses in the state to support their families financially.
Requirements to Become a Nurse in Oklahoma
Qualifying to earn a nurse’s salary in Oklahoma involves satisfying certain requirements, which are outlined below.
1. Obtain Required Education and Clinical Experience
To become a registered nurse in Oklahoma, an individual needs to earn either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Each of these degree programs prepares students to take the exam necessary to obtain licensure as registered nurses. Through these degree programs, students take courses in subjects such as:
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Chemistry
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Obstetrics nursing
In earning a nursing degree, students also complete laboratory work and required clinical hours, gaining experience in providing care to patients in real-world healthcare settings.
2. Pass the Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses
After obtaining a qualifying nursing degree, individuals who want to work as registered nurses in Oklahoma need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers.
3. Obtain State Licensure as a Registered Nurse
Before they can begin working as registered nurses in Oklahoma, individuals need to obtain a license from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN). This involves completing tasks such as submitting an application form, providing transcripts, and undergoing a criminal background check. Registered nurses in Oklahoma also need to renew their licenses every two years. To renew a license, a registered nurse must comply with continuing education requirements.
Completing a Nursing Program Can Prepare You to Earn an Attractive Nursing Salary in Oklahoma and Conduct Important Work
Equipped with the knowledge and skills that a nursing degree program offers, individuals can enter fulfilling nursing careers. Each day, Oklahoma nurses earn salaries that allow them to provide for their families, and they also have the opportunity to make significant contributions to improving their patients’ health.
If you want to acquire nursing expertise, then explore the nursing degree programs that Mid-America Christian University offers to learn how these programs can help you reach your career objectives. MACU’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree program helps nurses gain state RN licensure, while the University’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree program helps licensed nurses advance in the field. MACU also offers an Associate of Arts (AA) in Pre-Nursing program to help nursing students prepare for a BSN program.
Learn more about our programs, and start working to achieve your goals toward a meaningful career in nursing today.
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Careers in Education: Teaching and Beyond
Hitting the Ground Running: Caitlyn Tuckey’s Journey to Business Leadership
Sources:
American Nurses Association, Nursing Career Pathways
American Nurses Association, Types of Nurses and What They Do
American Nurses Association, Why Is Nursing a Good Career Choice?
Mid-America Christian University, 2025-2026 Academic Catalog, Undergraduate & Graduate
National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2025 NCLEX Examination Candidate Bulletin
Oklahoma Board of Nursing, Meeting Requirements for Continuing Qualifications for Practice for License Renewal Guidelines
Oklahoma Board of Nursing, Review Application Types, Instructions, Information
Oklahoma Department of Commerce, The Frontline of Health in the Heartland
Projections Central, Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Northeast Oklahoma
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Northwest Oklahoma
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Oklahoma City, OK
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Southeast Oklahoma
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Southwest Oklahoma
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Tulsa, OK
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Maps
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses