Author:      Tisha Bradford

As we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, the essential function of frontline health workers stands out as those doctors, nurses, and first responders work to keep us safe every single day. The pandemic has also sharpened our understanding of the importance of the sustainability of these professions.

We are going to dive into the area of nursing and map out five post-secondary pathways into this prestigious field. This series will include weekly information, resources, and salary potential beginning with the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

In Oklahoma, an ADN is the minimum requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN). You’ll find ADN programs at community colleges and some four-year institutions across Oklahoma. The associate degree requires just two years of full-time study, much shorter than traditional four-year degree programs. Students who become RNs through an associate program can enroll in one of many online RN-to-BSN programs in Oklahoma to increase their employability. More info regarding online courses can be found here.

What you can do with this degree

After earning an associate degree in nursing, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a prerequisite for RN licensure in all states. With an RN license, RNs find employment in hospitals, physician offices, nursing facilities, etc.

Earning Potential in Oklahoma

According to bsnedu.org the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported ADN nurses working in Oklahoma earned an average annual salary of $47,400 and an average hourly wage of $22.78. More info regarding ADN salary plus an employment outlook can be found here.

Resources for ADN

• The Reach Higher: DirectComplete program has just recently announced a nursing scholarship funded through the Oklahoma Health Care Workforce Center (OHCWC). The scholarship will provide a limited number of awards of $750 per year to help with fees, books, materials and, possibly, past educational debt to those who qualify. Click here to access the scholarship application.
• Complete list of ADN programs in Oklahoma organized by major metropolitan area
• Complete list of Oklahoma nursing schools

Next week we’ll look at obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Citations:

Online/nursing Schools in Oklahoma – https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/oklahoma/

Nursing Schools Almanac – https://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/articles/best-associates-degree-nursing-adn-programs-oklahoma#context/api/listings

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics – https://www.bls.gov/

Bsned.org – https://www.bsnedu.org/oklahoma-salary/

Nursingprocess.org – https://www.nursingprocess.org/adn-salary/