Healthcare Resource
Oklahoma CRNA License 2026: APRN Requirements, Practice Model, Salary
In brief
How to get your CRNA license in Oklahoma 2026. Oklahoma Board of Nursing APRN process, collaborative agreement requirements, and CRNA salary data for Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and rural Oklahoma.
Steps at a glance
Complete CRNA program and obtain NBCRNA certification
Graduate from a COA-accredited nurse anesthesia program and pass the NBCRNA NCE. Oklahoma requires current CRNA national certification for APRN licensure.
Hold or obtain Oklahoma RN license
Oklahoma is an NLC compact member. CRNAs with a multistate compact license may practice in Oklahoma. If your primary state is non-compact, apply for OK RN licensure by endorsement through the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
Submit Oklahoma Board of Nursing APRN application
Apply online at nursing.ok.gov. Submit CRNA certification, RN license verification, anesthesia program documentation, and the $100 APRN application fee.
Execute collaborative practice agreement
Oklahoma requires CRNAs to have a written collaborative practice agreement with a licensed Oklahoma physician. In ACT settings, anesthesiologist direction satisfies this. Independent CRNA roles require a formal written agreement identifying the collaborating physician.
In this article
Oklahoma CRNAs are licensed as APRNs by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Oklahoma is a reduced practice state, a written collaborative practice agreement with a physician is required. Oklahoma has NOT opted out of the federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement. Oklahoma City (OU Health, SSM Health, INTEGRIS) and Tulsa (St. Francis, Saint Francis Broken Arrow) anchor the major markets; Oklahoma has some of the most persistent rural CRNA shortages of any state given its large rural land area and dispersed tribal healthcare facilities (IHS).
Practice Model
- Written collaborative practice agreement with licensed Oklahoma physician required
- Oklahoma has NOT opted out of federal Medicare CRNA supervision requirement
- ACT model: OU Health (Oklahoma City), Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa)
- CRNA-independent (with collaborative agreement): INTEGRIS Health, SSM Health community sites, IHS tribal facilities, rural CAH
- Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities across Oklahoma: federal practice with CRNA-independent model; loan repayment eligible
Application Requirements
- Active Oklahoma RN license (compact or OK-issued)
- Current NBCRNA certification
- Official nurse anesthesia program documentation
- Completed nursing.ok.gov application + $100 fee
- Criminal background check via OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation)
Processing Timeline
Oklahoma Board of Nursing processes APRN applications in 6-8 weeks from complete submission. OSBI background checks are efficient and typically complete within 2 weeks. Oklahoma's licensing portal is user-friendly; complete applications process without notable delays.
CRNA Salary in Oklahoma (2026)
| Market | Avg CRNA Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $188,000-$218,000 | OU Health, INTEGRIS, SSM; ACT and CRNA-independent; low COL market |
| Tulsa | $185,000-$215,000 | Saint Francis, Hillcrest, Ascension St. John; community CRNA market |
| Lawton / Ft. Sill area | $183,000-$208,000 | Comanche County Memorial; military-adjacent; moderate market |
| IHS / Tribal facilities | $185,000-$215,000 | Federal GS scale; CRNA-independent; loan repayment eligible (NHSC/IHS) |
| Rural / CAH Oklahoma | $188,000-$222,000 | Critical shortage areas; CRNA-only; signing bonuses $20K-$45K |
Top Employers in Oklahoma
- OU Health, Oklahoma City; academic medical center; ACT model; Level I trauma; CRNA residency available
- INTEGRIS Health, Oklahoma City + statewide; largest not-for-profit health system in OK; CRNA-independent at community sites
- SSM Health, Oklahoma City region; Catholic health system; CRNA-independent model
- Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa; major regional system; both ACT and CRNA-independent
- Indian Health Service (IHS), Multiple tribal facilities statewide; federal employment; loan repayment eligible
What We See at Ava Health
Oklahoma delivers outstanding CRNA purchasing power, among the lowest cost of living of any major market in the country. Oklahoma City's housing costs are 50-60% below coastal equivalents against salaries in the $188K-$218K range. IHS tribal facilities scattered across central and eastern Oklahoma offer federal benefits packages and loan repayment that can be compelling for CRNA graduates with significant debt. Rural shortages are severe in the Panhandle, southeastern Oklahoma, and the Ouachita mountain communities; these positions command the highest signing bonuses in the state.
Related: CRNA Salary by State 2026, NP License Oklahoma 2026, CRNA License Kansas 2026.
Hiring in this space?
Ava Health places nurses and allied health professionals across Florida
Permanent, travel, contract, and per diem placement. No fees to candidates.
Explore staffing services →Free tool
2026 Healthcare Salary Calculator
Estimate comp by specialty, state, experience, and practice setting. Based on MGMA, AMGA, and BLS benchmarks.
Try the salary calculator →Get Ava Health updates
Healthcare salary data and market updates from Ava Health. Sign up to hear when new resources are ready.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.