Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon 2024

1. Educational Requirements: A Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited program is essential for practicing as a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon. Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
2. Licensure and Certification: Once you have successfully completed your educational journey, the next step is to pass a national certification exam in your area of specialization. After this, you can apply for your NP license through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
3. Scope of Practice: Oregon falls under the “Full Practice” state category, enabling NPs to independently assess, diagnose, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans. The state doesn’t require NPs to work under the supervision of a physician.
4. Prescriptive Authority: NPs in Oregon enjoy the authority to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. You won’t need to enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician to have this authority.
5. Employment and Salary: Currently, 2,090 Nurse Practitioners are employed in Oregon. They earn an average annual salary of $128,190 or an hourly wage of $61.63.
6. Job Outlook: Oregon is projected to need 3,840 new Nurse Practitioners by the year 2030, translating to about 300 new positions every year.
7. Regulatory Body: The Oregon State Board of Nursing oversees all rules, regulations, and practice guidelines for NPs in Oregon. Stay updated by following their publications and announcements.

For more in-depth information and to stay updated on any changes in laws or regulations affecting NPs, you can visit the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the Nurse Practitioners of Oregon, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) advocacy page for Oregon.

The stats indicate that not only is Oregon a state that pays its NPs well, but there’s also considerable demand for new NPs in the years to come, making it a good place to consider for your nursing career.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon

#1 in Oregon

#2 in Oregon

See our Ranking Methodology

Time It Take to Become an NP in Oregon

How much time it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon really depends on your background. Depending on the path you take it will be 2 to 4 years of education before you can become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. If you’re already an RN it can take as little as 2 years by earning your MSN. If you are not an RN some direct entry programs are as short as 2 years as well. If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can do a DNP program in 2-3 years and become and NP while also earning your doctorate.

Here are examples of how long it will take you to become an NP depending on what degree you are starting with:

Starting Degree	How Many Years to Become an NP
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)	2 – 3 years
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)	2 years
Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field	2 – 3 years
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)	1 – 2 years

NP Bridge Programs for Oregon Students

Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon from an RN position requires additional education and experience. Often, an RN will need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree before moving on to an NP program.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• 2 years of RN work experience
• Completion of pre-requisites like anatomy and physiology
• Completion of BSN degree
• Graduate degree from one of the Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon
• 500-700 hours of supervised clinical practice

BSN to Nurse Practitioner

With a BSN degree, you can enter a Master’s level NP program, which will prepare you to take the national certification exam in your specialty area.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in your BSN program
• Completion of advanced pre-requisites like statistics
• 500-700 hours of supervised clinical practice
• Graduate degree from an accredited NP program

MSN to Nurse Practitioner

For nurses with an MSN, post-master’s certificate programs are an option to become a nurse practitioner. These programs focus on providing the specialty education and clinical experience needed for NP certification.

• Valid RN license in Oregon
• MSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• 500-700 hours of supervised clinical practice
• Completion of a post-master’s NP certificate program

Direct Entry MSN Nurse Practitioner

Direct entry MSN programs for NPs are designed for individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. They typically first prepare students for RN licensure, followed by graduate-level NP education.

• Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of pre-requisites like anatomy and physiology
• Successful completion of the program, including RN licensure and graduate-level NP education

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner Program

BSN to DNP programs provide BSN-prepared RNs with the opportunity to become an NP while also earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

• Valid RN license in Oregon
• BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of advanced pre-requisites like statistics
• Successful completion of the DNP program

MSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

MSN to DNP programs are ideal for master’s prepared nurses who are already NPs but want to earn a doctorate.

• MSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Current certification as an NP
• Completion of a DNP program

Post-Master’s Certification Nurse Practitioner

Post-master’s certification programs are a fast track to becoming an NP for nurses who already hold an MSN.

• Valid RN license in Oregon
• MSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of post-master’s NP certificate program

University	Offered as	City/State
Oregon Health and Science University – Accelerated Portland	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Portland, OR
University of Portland	Campus, Hybrid	Portland, OR

Requirements for Online NP Programs

Navigating the admission process for online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon can be a streamlined experience when you know what to expect. Here, we break down the typical steps:

Admission Process and Timeline

1. Application Submission: Candidates start by completing and submitting an online application to the program of their choice. This step includes the submission of all required documents such as transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. The application period typically opens up a year in advance, and deadlines can vary by program.
2. Review Process: After the application deadline, the admissions committee reviews each application thoroughly. This process typically takes 6-8 weeks.
3. Interview: Some programs may require an interview as a part of the admission process. This could be in person or conducted remotely.
4. Admission Decision: Candidates usually receive an admission decision within 1-2 weeks following the interview. This decision will be communicated via email.

Program Length and Time to Completion

The length of online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon can vary based on the degree level (MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate), the candidate’s prior educational attainment, and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

• MSN Programs: MSN programs typically take 2-3 years to complete for full-time students. For part-time students, the duration can extend to 3-4 years.
• DNP Programs: DNP programs generally require 3-4 years of full-time study. Part-time students can expect to complete the program in 4-6 years.
• Post-Master’s Certificate Programs: These programs are designed for nurses who already hold a Master’s degree. They typically take 1-2 years to complete.

Balancing work and life commitments with education can be a challenge. However, the flexibility of online programs allows students to adapt their study schedules to meet their unique needs.

40 Top Employers for NPs

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon provide a variety of career opportunities. The state’s diverse health care settings allow Nurse Practitioners to work in a range of environments, from urban hospitals to rural clinics.

Hospitals and Medical Centers

Hospitals and medical centers offer Nurse Practitioners in Oregon a chance to work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

• Providence Health & Services: https://www.providence.org/
• Legacy Health: https://www.legacyhealth.org/
• Oregon Health & Science University: https://www.ohsu.edu/
• Kaiser Permanente: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/
• Asante: https://www.asante.org/

Outpatient Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

Outpatient clinics and urgent care centers in Oregon allow Nurse Practitioners to provide immediate, essential care.

• ZoomCare: https://www.zoomcare.com/
• AFC Urgent Care Portland: https://afcurgentcareportland.com/
• Nova Health: https://www.novahealth.com/
• Concentra: https://www.concentra.com/
• GoHealth Urgent Care: https://www.gohealthuc.com/

Private Practices and Specialty Clinics

Private practices and specialty clinics offer Oregon’s Nurse Practitioners the chance to focus on specific areas of medicine.

• The Portland Clinic: http://www.theportlandclinic.com/
• Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery: http://entsalem.com/
• Oregon Medical Group: http://www.oregonmedicalgroup.com/
• Salem Gastro: http://salemgastro.com/
• Northwest Pediatric Gastroenterology: http://nwpdxgastro.com/

Community Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Community health centers and FQHCs provide essential care to underserved populations in Oregon.

• Multnomah County Health Department: http://multco.us/health
• Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center: http:/virginiagarcia.org/
• La Clinica: http:/laclinicahealth.org/
• Central City Concern: http:/centralcityconcern.org/
• Mosaic Medical: http:/mosaicmedical.org/

Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes

Long-term care facilities and nursing homes allow Nurse Practitioners in Oregon to provide essential care for elderly patients.

• Prestige Care: https:/prestigecare.com/
• Avamere Family of Companies: https:/avamere.com/
• Marquis Companies: http:/marquiscompanies.com/
• EmpRes Healthcare Management: http:/empres.com/
• Frontier Management: http:/frontiermgmt.com/

Academic Institutions and Universities

Academic institutions and universities offer Nurse Practitioners the opportunity to teach the next generation of healthcare professionals in Oregon.

• University of Portland School of Nursing : https:/nursing.up.edu/
• OHSU School of Nursing: https:/ohsu.edu/school-of-nursing
• Linfield University School of Nursing: https:/linfield.edu/nursing
• George Fox University School of Nursing: https:/georgefox.edu/nursing
• Concordia University Portland College of Health & Human Services: https:/cu-portland.edu/chhs

Government and Military Facilities

Government and military facilities give Nurse Practitioners the chance to serve those who serve our country.

• VA Portland Healthcare System : https:/portland.va.gov/
• DoD Civilian Medical Jobs Oregon: www.civilianmedicaljobs.mil/Search/Oregon

Home Health Care Agencies

Home health care agencies provide opportunities for Nurse Practitioners to deliver personalized care in patient homes across Oregon.

• Signature Healthcare at Home: www.signaturehch.com/
• Adventist Health Home Care Services: www.adventisthealth.org/home-care-services
• Providence Home Services : www.providence.org/services/home-services
• PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Health : www.peacehealth.org/sacred-heart-home-health
• Serenity Home Health : serenityhomehealthllc.business.site/

Most Popular NP Certifications

As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology,  neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
• Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health,  military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
• Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
• Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in children’s hospitals, urgent care.
• Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, children’s hospitals, private practices.
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
• Women’s Health NP: Community health centers, women’s prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.

Certification	Percent of NPs
Family Nurse Practitioner	69.7
Adult Care	10.8
Adult–Gerontology Primary Care	7.0
Psychiatric/Mental Health	4.7
Acute Care	4.1
Pediatrics–Primary Care	3.2
Adult–Gerontology Acute Care	2.9
Women’s Health	2.9
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care	1.8
Neonatal	1.0
Pediatrics–Acute Care	0.7

Classes NP Students Take in Oregon

Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon provide a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that equips aspiring Nurse Practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge. Students take a range of courses that cover essential topics in nursing and healthcare. Here are some of the courses you’ll likely encounter in an Oregon program:

1. Advanced Pathophysiology: This course examines the altered physiological states of diseases and disorders, preparing nurses to understand disease progressions and apply their knowledge in clinical practice.
2. Advanced Pharmacology: Nurses learn about the principles of pharmacotherapeutics, including drug selection, patient monitoring, and patient education about various medications.
3. Advanced Health Assessment: Students learn to perform comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan, developing critical thinking skills to interpret clinical findings.
4. Healthcare Policy: This course covers the ins and outs of healthcare policies, teaching students how to advocate for policy changes to improve patient care.
5. Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Students learn to critique, interpret, and apply nursing research findings to their practice, promoting evidence-based care.
6. Family Nurse Practitioner I, II, and III: These series of courses focus on managing primary healthcare needs for individuals and families, divided into separate courses to cover different life stages.
7. Clinical Practice Hours: Students complete supervised clinical hours to gain hands-on experience, applying their classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
8. Ethics in Healthcare: This course explores ethical issues in healthcare, equipping students to navigate these dilemmas in their practice.

One school that offers these courses is the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, which provides multiple Nurse Practitioner tracks for students to choose from.

Costs of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon

To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
• Perkins Loan Cancellation
• Military Programs
• Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness

Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School  and Scholarship guide  can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.

10 Scholarships for Oregon NP Students

Investing in education can be a significant financial undertaking. For Nurse Practitioner students in Oregon, several scholarships can ease this burden. Here’s a list of ten scholarships specifically designed for Oregon nurses:

1. Oregon Nurses Foundation Scholarships: This foundation offers annual scholarships to undergraduate and graduate nursing students in Oregon. Applications typically close in February, and the award amount varies.
2. Northwest Organization of Nurse Leaders: Offers scholarships for nursing students pursuing advanced degrees. The award amount varies, and the application deadline is typically in May.
3. Oregon Student Access Commission: Provides a variety of scholarship programs for Oregon residents, including nursing students. Deadlines and award amounts vary by scholarship.
4. American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): AANP offers scholarships to its members, including those residing in Oregon. The deadline usually falls in March, and the award amount varies.
5. March of Dimes Dr. Margaret C. Freda Graduate Nursing Scholarship Award: This scholarship is open to registered nurses currently enrolled in graduate education with a focus on maternal-child nursing. The application period typically closes in February, and the award is $5,000.
6. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This program, offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding for nursing students in return for a commitment to work in eligible critical shortage facilities. The award covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs.
7. Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association: Offers scholarships to undergraduate nursing students. The deadline is typically in January, and the award amount varies.
8. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Provides scholarships for nursing students at all levels. Deadlines and award amounts vary by scholarship.
9. National Black Nurses Association: Offers scholarships for African American nursing students. The deadline is typically in April, and the award amount varies.
10. American Indian Graduate Center: Provides scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students, including those pursuing nursing. The deadline is typically in June, and the award amount varies.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize their opportunities for financial aid, including scholarships and grants. This critical step helps students access a broad range of public and private scholarships, ensuring they have the financial resources to complete their Nurse Practitioner education in Oregon.

NSalaries for Nurse Practitioner Graduates in Oregon

The role of a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon comes with both a sense of fulfillment and a strong compensation package. Based on a comprehensive 2023 report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, and the US Department of Education, the specifics of the compensation package for an Oregon Nurse Practitioner are as follows:

Currently, there are 2,090 Nurse Practitioners employed in Oregon. These professionals earn an average of $128,190 per year, translating to approximately $61.63 per hour. This accounts for 1% of U.S. Nurse Practitioners working in the Beaver State.

By 2030, Oregon will need to add 3,840 new Nurse Practitioners to meet the healthcare demands. This will translate into around 300 new nursing roles each year.

Beyond the salary, Nurse Practitioners in Oregon also enjoy a variety of non-financial benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities: The nursing field offers vast opportunities for career advancement, both in terms of position and specialization.
• Job Security: Given the projected demand, Nurse Practitioners can enjoy strong job security.
• Continuing Education Opportunities: Many employers offer programs to help NPs further their education and specialization.
• Work-Life Balance: Many NPs enjoy flexible schedules, allowing for a balance between work and personal life.
• Comprehensive Benefit Packages: These can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.
• Professional Autonomy: Many Nurse Practitioners in Oregon enjoy a high level of independence in their practice.

This detailed information gives a clearer understanding of the compensation and other benefits a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon can expect. It provides a compelling argument for choosing this path for your nursing career.

Using the combined data of tens-of-thousands of NP salary surveys, the data from the U.S. Department of Education, get the detailed Salary and Employment report below.

List of All Online & Campus Programs in Oregon

University	Offered as	City/State
Oregon Health and Science University – Accelerated Portland	Campus, Hybrid, Online	Portland, OR
University of Portland	Campus, Hybrid	Portland, OR

Source: American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Oregon Organizations for Nurse Practitioner

Resources for Nurse Practitioner Students in Oregon:

As a Nurse Practitioner student in Oregon, there are various resources available to support your education and career aspirations. Here is a list of organizations and websites that can provide valuable information and assistance:

• Oregon Nurses Association (ONA): The ONA offers resources and support for Nurse Practitioner students in Oregon, including access to networking opportunities, educational events, and professional development resources. Visit ONA
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP): AANP provides a wealth of resources for Nurse Practitioner students, including educational webinars, practice exams, and career guidance. Visit AANP
• Oregon State Board of Nursing: The Oregon State Board of Nursing is responsible for regulating nursing practice in the state. Their website provides information on licensure requirements, scope of practice, and updates on regulations relevant to Nurse Practitioners. Visit Oregon State Board of Nursing
• National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF): NONPF offers resources for Nurse Practitioner students and faculty, including educational guidelines, research publications, and networking opportunities. Visit NONPF
• Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State: This resource provides a comprehensive guide on how to become a Nurse Practitioner in Oregon, including information on educational requirements, licensing, and career pathways. Visit Nurse Practitioner Programs in Your State.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology