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Best Oregon RN to BSN Programs + Online Bridge Options

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated November 29, 2022
    Oregon has everything a person could possibly want and it is a highly popular state to study, live and work in. Indeed, some 3.9 million people currently do. The two largest cities in the state are Portland and Salem, the...
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    Oregon has everything a person could possibly want and it is a highly popular state to study, live and work in. Indeed, some 4.3 million people currently do. The two largest cities in the state are Portland and Salem, the latter also being the capital. It is in the Pacific Northwest, which means residents can enjoy mild weather pretty much all year round.

    Oregon, like most states, has not been able to meet the goals that it has declared in terms of increasing the number of registered nurses (RNs) that they employ. There are a number of measures in place to improve this, including the N2K Nursing Education Program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that almost 37,000 RNs were employed in the state in 2020, with an annual mean wage of $96,230. This is well above the national average and another initiative to encourage more people to become RNs in the state.

    There are a number of schools in Oregon that offer BSN programs. It is important that you research as many of these as possible to give yourself an idea of the opportunities that are out there.

    Here are the top Oregon BSN degree programs to give you a good idea of your options.

    View ranking methodology
    1
    Concordia University
    LocationPortland, OR

    Concordia University is one of the best nursing schools in the state. The school offers small classes where the students are cared for as being part of a community. They are given many opportunities to interact with the faculty, who give personal attention to each individual. Indeed, there is a strong focus on spiritual growth and students are taught how to be compassionate Christians through the curriculum.

    Nursing students also take part in real life experiences and hands-on practicum experiences in a range of different health care settings. Students are taught to see beyond the presented symptoms, therapy and diagnosis. Instead, they get to know the people in their care and help them to promote overall good health. Graduates are known to offer the best bedside care and become true leaders in their field. Indeed, nurses from Concordia are in high demand and the school ensures they are the best of the best. This is why the pass rates for the NCLEX-RN are incredibly high. The school also has a highly acclaimed cadaver lab, which is one of the best in this entire part of the country.

    • Campus: Portland, OR
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $425 per semester credit
    • Minimum time commitment: Four years
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: High school or GED, discussion with admission counselor
    • Programs: BSN
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    2
    George Fox University
    LocationNewberg, OR

    At George Fox University, the curriculum strikes a balance between scientific knowledge and compassionate care. Nursing majors are prepared to take on a truly rewarding career in health care settings, such as research facilities, clinics, doctor’s offices, hospitals and more. Although the school is focusing strongly on the population of Oregon, graduates are in high demand across the country. Furthermore, the school ensures all students are dedicated to their lifelong learning and encourages them to continue on towards their master’s and doctorate degree. The program is highly effective, as is shown in their 98.5% pass rate. Finally, the school incorporates Christian philosophies in their curriculum so that students grow not just academically but also spiritually.

    • Campus: Newberg, OR
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $31,510 per year
    • Minimum time commitment: Four years
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: Contact admissions officer
    • Programs: BSN
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    3
    Linfield College
    LocationPortland, OR

    Linfield College ensures each nursing student is able to have one-on-one attention with a faculty member. The learning community is fully supportive by offering small class sizes and a full open door policy. Indeed, graduates feel that this supportive, open method of teaching is exactly what makes this college so excellent.

    • Campus: Portland, OR
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $18,500 per semester
    • Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on chosen track
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: High school or GED, prerequisite courses
    • Programs: BSN, Accelerated BSN
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    4
    Oregon Health & Science University
    LocationPortland, OR

    The Oregon Health & Science University entered in a new partnership in 2001 to create the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education. This venture was born due to the critical shortage in nursing professionals in the state of Oregon. Thanks to this partnership, the availability of nurses has increased tremendously. Additionally, it has allowed the school to adapt their curriculum to the ever changing needs of the health care community. The curriculum is based on competency and delivered through state-of-the-art clinical facilities, as well as faculty excellence and expertise. There is also a full range of support services available for all students to ensure they have every possible opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree.

    • Campus: Portland, OR
    • Type: Public
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: Varies depending on residency and chosen track
    • Minimum time commitment: Between 2 and 3 years
    • Online availability: Some
    • Degree requirements: High school or GED, other requirements depending on chosen track
    • Programs: Accelerated bachelor’s, BS in Nursing, CC transition online and RNBS
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    5
    Oregon Institute of Technology
    LocationKlamath Falls, OR

    At Oregon Institute of Technology, nursing students are enabled to enroll in a program that results into an exciting career that offers a range of advantages. The curriculum ensures that students gain sound clinical judgement, the ability to improve the health of the people they serve and excellent technical skills. Students are encouraged to become the best they can be through a supportive learning environment.

    • Campus: Klamath Falls, OR
    • Type: Public
    • Accreditation: OSBN, NLN
    • Tuition: Between $155 and $493.35 per credit hour depending on residency
    • Minimum time commitment: Four years
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: GPA, essay
    • Programs: BSN
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid

    6
    University of Portland
    LocationPortland, OR

    At the University of Portland, students can take part in a comprehensive baccalaureate program that is founded on liberal arts and science. Once this is completed, they will major in professional nursing. During this time, they will gain a holistic view of the person as a whole and they use clinical reasoning to ensure wellness and health is maintained across populations. Students become highly competent in promoting, assessing, restoring and maintaining health. They achieve this through real-life experiences in a range of different nursing settings.

    • Campus: Portland, OR
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $19,175 per semester
    • Minimum time commitment: Four years
    • Online availability: No
    • Degree requirements: High school or GED, SAT/ACT, recommendation form, essay
    • Programs: BSN
    • School Site: Tuition and Financial Aid