Oklahoma

It is crucial for aspiring nurses to understand the different pathways available for a nursing career. We profile below the key nursing roles in Tulsa, Oklahoma, including the educational requirements and typical pay of each.

Certified nursing assistant

A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that enables nurses to further their careers in advanced fields like nursing administration, nursing education, and family practice nursing. The MSN degree is a prerequisite for registered nurses (RNs) to assume specialized roles with higher earning potential, like nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist. For example, Oklahoma’s RNs earn a median annual salary of $57,000. By comparison, the state’s nurse practitioners earn $81,000 per year, and its nurse anesthetists receive $165,000 in annual compensation.

In Oklahoma, most associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) programs focus on licensure for aspiring registered nurses (RNs). However, a handful of associate’s degree programs offered by Platt College prepare candidates to work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). In either case, the associate’s degree requires just two years of fulltime study, much briefer than traditional four-year degree programs. Oklahoma’s registered nurses can look forward to an attractive median income of almost $57,000 upon graduation. We highlight below a few of the top ADN programs in the state.

Students who aspire to a nursing career should carefully consider the financial costs before enrolling in a nursing program. The all-in cost of school includes not only tuition and fees, but also books and supplies, room and board, and miscellaneous living expenses. These costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including length of program and type of institution. Below we analyze the cost to attend nursing school at several of Oklahoma’s top institutions.

Oklahoma City University