Oklahoma

Oklahoma has three primary nursing roles. In order of increasing responsibility and pay, these roles are certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN). Each nursing role carries distinct educational requirements.

Certified nursing assistants must complete a brief certificate program. This CNA certificate can be earned within eight to ten weeks at a number of community colleges and technology centers throughout Oklahoma. The state’s CNAs earn a median annual salary of $21,490.

Despite being an entry-level position, the certified nursing assistant (CNA) holds many responsibilities. A CNA takes care of a patient’s daily needs, such as grooming, bathing, and completing household tasks. The role requires only a brief training course, typically several weeks to a few months in length, in order to gain certification. The median income of a CNA in Oklahoma is $21,500. We profile several of the state’s top nursing assistant programs below.

Canadian Valley Technology Center

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) holds many responsibilities in assisting sick, injured, and elderly patients. LPNs usually work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). The LPN role is especially attractive to students who wish to enter the workforce quickly, since most candidates pursue a brief 12- to 18-month certificate. The lengthier option to pursue a two-year associate’s degree is also available in Oklahoma. The state’s LPNs earn a median annual salary of $36,900. We profile below several of the top LPN programs in Oklahoma.

Registered nurses (RNs) are the critical cogwheel in the healthcare system, serving as a liaison between medical staff, more junior nurses, and the patient. Oklahoma has two types of prelicensure RN programs: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The state’s RNs earn a median annual salary of $56,870. Below we’ve profiled three of Oklahoma’s top RN programs in depth.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Nurses are increasingly in high demand throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Students considering a nursing career should learn more about the three critical nursing roles.

Certified nursing assistant