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Explore top nursing degree programs and schools in Oregon, a state that has taken a proactive approach to help close the nursing shortage gap.
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Oregon is a largely rural state with many medically underserved areas. To attract more staff and faculty to their nursing programs, nurses in Oregon are among the highest paid in the country.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has also advocated for and won staffing plans through the state legislature to manage nurse-to-patient ratios. This protects the nursing staff and patient outcomes.
This guide explores the top nursing programs in Oregon, including information on how to choose the best program for you. You can also find the steps necessary to become a nurse in Oregon and salary information for different cities.
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Oregon.
The Best Nursing Schools in Oregon
Nursing programs in Oregon enroll roughly 2,600 students each year and graduate approximately 960 nurses. If you're considering a nursing career, you'll find the top nursing programs in Oregon on this page.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Oregon, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
George Fox University
Newberg, OR
4 years
Online + Campus
Description:
A Christian college located south of Portland, George Fox University offers a nursing program that helps learners become compassionate caregivers.
Courses explore topics such as nursing care of the childbearing family, evidence-based nursing practice, and population health nursing.
Students complete seven clinical experiences, which may take place in urban, rural, and/or international settings.
Details:
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Newberg, Oregon
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $38,860 per year
Admission Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA in both prerequisite courses and first four semesters at George Fox
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.8%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $74,307 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,750
Out-of-state
$36,750
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,845
Out-of-state
$13,845
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
4,063
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
University of Portland
Portland, OR
4 years
Online + Campus
Description:
With one of the best nursing programs in Oregon, the University of Portland helps aspiring nurses develop a commitment to improving social justice for vulnerable populations.
The 122-credit nursing program covers topics such as population health, healthcare innovations, leadership, and holistic generalist nursing care.
Students can practice in the simulation lab. Learners often undertake the 765 required clinical hours in a partner hospital.
Details:
Program(s): Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Portland, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $49,424 per year
Admission Requirements: Chemistry and biology prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $78,612 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$47,478
Out-of-state
$47,478
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,868
Out-of-state
$23,868
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
4,254
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
1%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Chemeketa Community College
Salem, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Chemeketa Community College offers a two-year RN program and an LPN-to-RN track. Students begin with a free placement test.
Nursing courses explore topics such as entry into practice, complex health problems, and care in urgent and community settings.
After earning an RN license, graduates can transfer to Oregon Health and Science University's BSN program.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of science in nursing
Campus: Salem, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $130 per credit (in-state); $295 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,734 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,095
Out-of-state
$11,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,347
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Umpqua Community College
Roseburg, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Umpqua Community College offers an associate in nursing. Courses include clinical pharmacology, nursing in acute care, pathophysiology processes, and nursing in chronic illness.
Graduates can move seamlessly into the BSN program at Oregon Health and Science University, part of a consortium of nursing schools in Oregon.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Roseburg, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): N/A
Tuition: $104 per credit (in-state); $121 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: 30 credits of prerequisites with minimum C grades, passing proctored essay score
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.9%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $70,736 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,939
Out-of-state
$4,563
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
50%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Portland Community College
Portland, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Portland Community College provides a two-year nursing program, which partially fulfills the requirements to become a registered nurse.
Students take courses in topics such as clinical pharmacology, foundations of nursing in acute care, and foundations of nursing in chronic illness.
Details:
Program(s): Associate in nursing
Campus: Portland, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $123per credit (in-state); $253 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: 45 prerequisite credits with a minimum C grades
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.8%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,015 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,176
Out-of-state
$9,036
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
65%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
27,650
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#6 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Clackamas Community College
Oregon City, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Students at Clackamas Community College can pursue a two-year nursing degree that features hands-on educational experiences.
The degree requires 90-93 credits. Courses cover chronic illnesses, acute care, pharmacology, health promotion, and end of life.
Graduates can transfer credits to the Oregon Health and Science University's RN-to-BSN program.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Oregon City, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $111 per credit (in-state); $277 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: Admission by special application only
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.5%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,635
Out-of-state
$12,330
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
6,270
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
37%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Lane Community College
Eugene, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Lane Community College provides an LPN-to-RN bridge program. Learners can also pursue an associate degree that partially fulfills RN requirements.
This 90-credit associate degree requires 45 general education credits. Nursing coursework covers topics including clinical pharmacology and pathophysiological processes. Students complete nine practicum credits.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Eugene, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): N/A
Tuition: $121 per credit (in-state), $280 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.8%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,422 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,248
Out-of-state
$9,882
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
8,861
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#8 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Mt Hood Community College
Gresham, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Mt. Hood Community College accepts new nursing students each fall. With one of the top nursing programs in Oregon, MHCC offers advanced placements for LPNs and military medics.
Nursing students take courses such as perioperative nursing for RNs and sterile processing technicians. Courses meet during the day, and learners study full time.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Gresham, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): N/A
Tuition: $140 per credit (in-state), $260 per credit (out-of-state)
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#9 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Klamath Community College
Klamath Falls, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Klamath Community College offers a 90-credit associate degree in nursing. Students complete prerequisites, a technical core, and clinical experiences. This degree requires a capstone.
Courses include health and illness concepts and foundations of nursing practice. Enrollees complete clinical hours at an approved site in Klamath or Lake County.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): N/A
Tuition: $105 per credit (in-state), $178 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: Prerequisites with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,708
Out-of-state
$6,282
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
51%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,715
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#10 The Top Nursing Schools in Oregon
Linn-Benton Community College
Albany, OR
2 years
Online + Campus
Description:
Linn-Benton Community College offers a nursing program emphasizing evidence-based practice and culturally sensitive patient care.
Students participate in a learning skills lab on campus. Degree-seekers complete accrue off-campus clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. Courses explore care throughout the lifespan and drug therapy and nursing implications.
The school maintains relationships with nearby institutions offering RN-to-BSN programs.
Details:
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing
Campus: Albany, Oregon
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): N/A
Tuition: $140 per credit (in-state), $308 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: LBCC's nursing bulletin details its prerequisites and point system
Minimum Time Commitment: N/A
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,686 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,765
Out-of-state
$11,928
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,533
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Oregon
The criteria you use to choose a nursing program in Oregon should meet your needs. For example, you may prefer hybrid nursing classes to accommodate family obligations. However, important factors affect all prospective students, such as tuition rates and financial aid.
Some programs offer work-study opportunities to lower the cost for students. Learners attending nursing schools in Oregon should also look at nursing scholarship and grant programs available in the state, such as:
Several schools also offer financial opportunities, such as Linfield University, University of Portland, and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Nursing programs throughout the U.S. are struggling with a nursing faculty shortage, including those in Oregon. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2020 data showed 21 open faculty positions that preferred candidates with a doctorate.
The faculty shortage influences the acceptance rate in your program of choice. According to AACN, nursing schools across the U.S. turned down 80,407 qualified applicants in the 2019-2020 school year because of faculty shortages.
Another factor to consider is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate for the school. This tells you how well the nursing program prepares students for the examination.
Finally, it is essential that the nursing school in Oregon you choose is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Many state boards of nursing only grant a license to a nurse who has graduated from an accredited nursing program.
Why Become a Nurse in Oregon
Oregon offers some of the most unique nature experiences in the United States, including parks, lakes, mountains, forests, and coastline. Every beach is free to the public year-round, and many include beautiful lighthouses. Oregon does not charge sales tax and boasts a strong craft beer and coffee culture.
Portland's OHSU Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center rank nationally in adult and children's specialties. In addition, ONA advocates for laws and regulations that address staffing to protect nurses and patients. These include mandatory overtime, staffing committees, and the provision for a Nursing Staff Advisory Board.
In 2021, ONA found that several hospitals exploited the state of emergency and deviated from staffing ratios. This occurred even when there were no COVID-19 patients in the hospital. In response to this, the state legislature passed House Bill 3016, which placed further restrictions on hospital staffing plans to protect nurses and patient outcomes.
Additionally, House Bill 403 could allow nursing students to offer some patient care opportunities under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). This bill creates a nursing intern license for students who have had at least one year of nursing school and have passed a skills test.
This may help improve education and practice for students while freeing up time for RNs in the workplace.
The annual nursing salary is well above the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual RN salary is $80,010, while the average annual nursing salary in Oregon is $96,230.
Oregon is not a right-to-work state. These are statutes that prohibit an employer or nursing union to require membership in a union for employment. Oregon is also not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which would allow nurses to work across state lines.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Oregon
Nurses in Oregon earn more than the average nursing salary in the United States. Oregon ranks fourth as the top-paying state for RNs, and data from Projections Central indicate a job growth rate of 15.2%. The average nurse practitioner's (NP) annual salary is also higher than the average NP salary in the country. Learn more about RN salaries in Oregon.
However, the difference is not as great as it is for RNs. NP salaries rank 10th as a top-paying state with a projected employment growth of 32%. This is lower than the national projected growth of 45%.
The average cost-of-living index in Oregon is 113.1, compared to 100 for the country overall. The cost-of-living index for housing is 148.9, which drives up the index since many of the other factors are at or below 100.
Nurses in Oregon's metropolitan areas are paid more than those in the rural areas, and Portland is home to the top two hospitals in the state. However, while there are above-average salary opportunities, the cost of living in these areas also tends to be higher.
There are several paths to attending a nursing school in Oregon. You may start your journey as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). You could attend an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.
Although there are several ways to start, they can all lead toward becoming a BSN-prepared nurse, which is highly sought after by employers.
The application process for nurse licensure in Oregon begins at the Oregon State Board of Nursing, which regulates the education, licensure, and practice of nursing in the state. You can use the online portal to submit your application for the first time, for endorsement from another state, or to renew your license.
The application process requires a national criminal background check, official school transcripts, and verification of your original and current RN state license if you are applying for endorsement.
You must also submit a fee of $195 for an endorsement and $160 for licensure by examination. License renewal is required every two years. You must submit seven hours of pain management continuing education credits and pay a $100 fee.
APRN Requirements
Oregon requires all advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to graduate from an accredited master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program. Applicants must also have an unencumbered RN license in Oregon. An APRN applicant from another state may apply for their RN licensure at the same time.
In the APRN application, the applicant must provide source documents for their education requirements, which may be an MSN or a DNP. They must also provide their certification through a national organization.
There are additional requirements for prescriptive privileges. Fees for the application include $150 plus fees for prescriptive authority and a criminal background check. RN and APRN licenses expire every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Oregon
Are nurses in demand in Oregon?
Oregon has a nursing shortage, which is evident in rural areas. As the state develops programs to address the shortage of hospital staff nurses, the nursing schools in Oregon also are experiencing a shortage of faculty.
This lowers the number of qualified applicants that can be accepted into a nursing program each year.
How long does it take to become an RN in Oregon?
The length of time it takes to become an RN can vary and depends partly on what program you choose. Nurse candidates usually choose between an ADN or a BSN program, which can take 2-4 years to complete.
The application fee for an RN license is $195 if you are applying for an endorsement after having been licensed in another state. The fee is $160 if this is your first application after passing the NCLEX.
Nurses who apply for an APRN license pay a $150 application fee. Additional fees may also apply for a criminal background check and prescriptive privileges.
What is the average NCLEX-RN pass rate in Oregon?
Data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing show the pass rate for first time, U.S.-educated nursing candidates in Oregon was 90.1% in 2020. This ranks Oregon higher than the national pass rate of 86.6% and ranks Oregon 18th among all states.
This is one factor you may consider as you choose the nursing school in Oregon you wish to attend.
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