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Travel Nursing in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's healthcare market is anchored by Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with INTEGRIS Health, SSM Health St. Anthony, OU Health, and Saint Francis Health System serving as the state's major employers. OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City is the state's premier academic medical center and Level I trauma center. The state's rural communities, particularly in western and southeastern Oklahoma, face significant nursing shortages.
The Sooner State is a compact license member with one of the lowest costs of living in the country. Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer urban amenities with affordable housing, while the state's Native American heritage, cowboy culture, and warm hospitality create a distinctive experience. Travel nurses in Oklahoma consistently find strong savings potential.
Quick Stats
Agencies
35+
Avg Weekly Pay
$1,900-$2,800/wk
Compact License
Yes
Oklahoma is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Oklahoma immediately.
Top Cities
Oklahoma CityTulsaNormanLawtonEdmond
Top Agencies for Oklahoma
These agencies are known for strong Oklahoma assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Oklahoma participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Compact license holders can practice immediately. Non-compact nurses must apply through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 3 to 5 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Verify compact license status before accepting an Oklahoma assignment.
- Oklahoma's board processes applications efficiently.
- A criminal background check is required.
- Rural assignments may carry premium pay.
Popular Cities in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
INTEGRIS Health, OU Medical Center, and SSM Health St. Anthony anchor OKC's healthcare market. The city offers affordable housing, a growing restaurant scene, and a revitalized downtown.
Tulsa
Saint Francis Health System and Hillcrest Medical Center serve Oklahoma's second-largest city. Tulsa's art deco architecture, growing arts scene, and Gathering Place park make it a pleasant assignment destination.
Norman
Norman Regional Health System serves this University of Oklahoma college town south of OKC. Affordable housing and college-town amenities.
Lawton
Comanche County Memorial Hospital serves this southwestern Oklahoma city near Fort Sill. Very affordable housing with military-adjacent healthcare demand.
Edmond
INTEGRIS Health Edmond and OU Medical Center Edmond serve this growing OKC suburb. Excellent amenities and affordable housing.
Popular Specialties in Oklahoma
ER
OU Medical Center's Level I trauma center and rural Oklahoma ERs create consistent emergency nurse demand.
ICU
OKC and Tulsa hospitals maintain busy ICUs with regular travel nurse openings.
Med Surg
Oklahoma's chronic disease rates drive substantial med surg demand statewide.
Telemetry
High cardiovascular disease rates create steady telemetry demand.
Housing Notes
Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living in the country. OKC averages $750-$1,100/month. Tulsa is $700-$1,000. Smaller cities are even less. Agency stipends of $1,100-$1,500/week far exceed actual costs.
Nursing Schools in Oklahoma
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing
Oklahoma City, OK
BSNMSNDNPPhD
AccreditedOnline
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Oklahoma, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| ER | $2,100-$2,800/wk |
| OR | $2,100-$2,900/wk |
| Med Surg | $1,700-$2,400/wk |
| Telemetry | $1,900-$2,600/wk |
| L&D | $2,000-$2,700/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Oklahoma is a compact license state.
Extremely. Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. Travel nurses save significantly here.
INTEGRIS Health, SSM Health, OU Health, and Saint Francis Health System are the largest employers.
Yes. Oklahoma has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 4.75%.
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