Best Nursing Schools in Oregon in 2024

Oregon, famously called the Beaver State for its fur trapping history, presents promising careers for prospective nursing students. With over 37,780 registered nurses currently employed and salaries averaging $98,630 annually, the field is expanding steadily to meet the demand for 45,980 additional nurses by 2030. 
As the 3rd highest paying state for registered nurses, at an average of $47.42 per hour, Oregon strives to license 2,580 new nurses annually to address rising healthcare needs. The top nursing schools in Oregon are preparing nursing students to fill these lucrative and rewarding nursing careers through advanced training and education. With nationwide nursing shortages predicted, graduates gain a competitive edge in Oregon’s job market by developing specialized skills that set them apart. Take a look at the range of programs available in the state to find the right option for you.

• There are 22 nursing schools in Oregon.
• The CCNE accredits 7 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 5 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Oregon is between 83.79% and 92.47%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Oregon is between 85.52% and 99.05%.
• RNs currently employed in Oregon are 37,780.
• RNs in Oregon earn an average of $98,630 per year or $47.42 per hour.
• Oregon needs 45,980 new RNs by 2030 or 2,580 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Oregon

Oregon offers a variety of nursing degree programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the field\

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When researching programs, key factors to consider include:

• Accreditation status
• NCLEX exam pass rates
• A variety of specializations offered
• Program formats and delivery methods
• Admissions requirements
• Tuition costs and financial aid
• Faculty qualifications
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Student resources and support

All nursing programs in Oregon must be approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Graduates must pass the NCLEX national licensing exam to receive an RN license, allowing them to practice.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Oregon?

Online Nursing Programs for Oregon Students

Oregon students have excellent online nursing program options through schools statewide and nationally. Online formats provide flexibility while meeting stringent OSBN academic standards. Many have clinical requirements completed at approved local facilities.

When researching online nursing programs, consider program length, clinical hours, specializations, admissions, and technology requirements. Identify schools clearly outlining academic support services.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Accelerated BSN programs provide a fast-track path to an RN license for those having already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. Intensive 12-18 month curriculums help students swiftly transition careers with structured academic and clinical training.

Best ABSN Schools in Oregon

• Best ABSN Programs in Oregon

Typical admission requirements include:

• Existing BA/BS degree
• Competitive GPA (often 3.0+)
• Completed prerequisite courses
• Clear criminal background checks
• Evidence of motivation for nursing

Programs require 500+ clinical training hours arranged through OSBN-approved hospitals and facilities. Scheduling flexibility helps students meet demanding hour requirements while managing other responsibilities.

Examine program NCLEX pass rates, with scores above 90% meeting high nursing education standards per the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education.

RN to BSN Programs

Pursuing a bachelor’s-level education as an RN is recommended for sharpening patient assessment, leadership, and healthcare technology skills. This option is best for students with an associate’s in nursing degree. Moving from an ADN to a BSN also opens up career advancement opportunities and higher salaries.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Oregon

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Oregon

Oregon nursing schools offer online and in-person RN to BSN programs with flexible schedules. Unlike the traditional nursing program, this option often takes 1-2 years to complete. Schools with generous transfer credit acceptance and nursing course credit policies help shorten program length.

When researching RN to BSN programs, consider:

• Credit for prior nursing coursework to prevent duplication
• Available specializations
• Academic and financial aid advising services
• Program length and time commitment
• Clinical hour requirements
• Cost and scholarships offered

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those ready to advance into an advanced nursing practice role may pursue a Master of Science in Nursing. Specializations in high demand include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Oregon offers both online and campus-based MSN programs ranging from 1.5-3 years. Part-time formats balancing school with work are common.

Competitive applicants have:

• BSN degree
• High GPA – often 3.0+
• Competitive GRE scores
• RN experience in specialty area
• Undergraduate statistics coursework
• Strong letters of recommendation

Licensing exams like the ANCC or AANP national certification exam are required after graduation to practice in advanced roles.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych-Mental Health NP, Adult-Gerontology NP, or other NP role offers ambitious nurses opportunities for greater responsibility, career advancement, and higher salaries.

Best NP Schools in Oregon

• Best NP Programs in Oregon

Oregon NP programs blend academic and 500-1,000 clinical practicum hours under experienced NP and physician mentor teams. This real-world experience lets students actively hone assessment and specialized care skills.

Program formats include:

• Full-time 1-3 years
• Part-time options balancing work
• Post-master’s certificates for current NPs

Check that prospective NP programs prepare graduates for national certification exams like the ANCC or AANPC exams required for state APRN licensure allowing clinical practice privileges.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For RNs looking to help shape the future of nursing practice and research, Oregon offers both research-focused Nursing PhD programs as well as practice-oriented DNP programs.

While the PhD prepares nurse scientists for academic research roles, the DNP degree offers additional clinical and leadership training for influence in clinical settings. A DNP project allows implementing evidence-based change initiatives.

Both pathways require a BSN and often MSN entry, with intensive dissertation or capstone project requirements. Examine faculty research interests when identifying a program aligning with personal specialization goals. Also assess funding and scholarships offered.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Oregon

There is high in-demand across Oregon for qualified nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% job growth for RNs in the state from 2019-2029, higher than the 4% national average.

Nurses in Oregon earn competitive salaries significantly above the national median salary. Specialization allows access to even higher wage potential. Nurses can qualify for state offered loan repayment assistance programs by working in rural or high-need areas after graduation.

Nursing career paths are wide-ranging, with diverse work environments from hospitals to schools to prisons available across Oregon for RNs, NPs, nurse executives and more. Specialty focused certifications let nurses gain expertise in areas from oncology, to pediatrics, gerontology and beyond.

How to Earn Your Oregon Nursing License

To become an RN in Oregon, candidates must complete the following licensure process:

• Graduate from a nursing diploma, ADN or BSN program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing
• Submit fingerprints for criminal background checks
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for RN licensure with the OSBN with final transcripts
• Renew Oregon RN license every two years through continuing education

New nurses may consider specializing in high-demand areas like ICU/trauma, oncology, labor & delivery, emergency, pediatrics and more. Gaining niche expertise helps nurses better treat patients with complex cases.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Oregon

All prospective students should thoroughly research nursing programs in Oregon to find the best fit aligning with their career goals, preferred learning format, and financial needs.

Accreditation

Ensuring a program holds accreditation through either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) verifies academic quality standards are met. ACEN or CCNE approval is needed to take the NCLEX licensing exam post-graduation.

NCLEX Pass Rates

Passing the national NCLEX exam to gain RN licensure and embark on practice is necessary for all nursing graduates. Checking program NCLEX pass rates offers insight into the rigor and quality of nursing education curriculums. The Oregon standard is scores above 90%.

Tuition Costs & Scholarships

Nursing programs range widely in cost from a few thousand per academic year at community colleges to over $50,000 annually at private universities. Fortunately Oregon offers options to lower expenses through school-offered scholarships and grants, external scholarships and financial aid. Qualified students may access Nurse Corps loan repayment benefits in return for RN service after graduation.

Clinical Opportunities

Look for schools partnering with major healthcare systems, hospitals and clinics in Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and beyond. This suggests strong relationships for quality clinical training during nursing school. Such experience also eases the transition into practice post-graduation.

Student Support

A lower student-to-faculty ratio suggests students have more personalized attention during their program. Also look for established academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and even post-graduation job placement support. Access to these services helps ensure student success.

There are a variety of nursing programs available in Oregon. Feel free to check our rankings to find out the top schools and colleges in Oregon as well as the best programs suited for your career goals.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Oregon

To legally practice as a registered nurse in the state of Oregon, candidates must successfully:

• Graduate from an approved nursing diploma, ADN or BSN program. The top 10 nursing schools in Oregon offer a variety of nursing programs to choose from.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your nursing license in Oregon.
• Renew license every two years through continuing education

New nurses may pursue specializations like labor & delivery, oncology, pediatrics, surgery and more to provide skilled care to patients with complex cases. Gaining expertise in high demand domains allows greater leadership and earning potential.

Nurses fulfilling service commitments in rural or underserved regions may access state and federal loan repayment assistance programs to lessen school debt. Such initiatives ease entry into the diverse, rewarding field of nursing across Oregon.

In-Demand Specializations

Certain RN specializations are projected to see greater than average growth in Oregon over the next decade according to state labor analysts. Getting certified in one of these high demand areas enhances hiring potential and earning prospects:

ICU/Trauma

With the state’s volume of critical outdoor recreation accidents, intensive care expertise ensures quality treatment for severely injured patients.

Oncology

As Oregon’s senior population rises, more nurses skilled in providing empathetic cancer care are needed, often in outpatient settings.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Labor and delivery nursing skills are essential as birth rates grow statewide. Compassionate OB/GYN nurses help ensure safe deliveries.

Pediatrics

Family relocations to Oregon and an emphasis on preventative child health is spurring demand for pediatric nurses statewide.

Primary Care

Nurse practitioners skilled in general medicine including chronic disease management allow greater access to basic healthcare.

Job Outlook & Salaries

The job outlook for nurses in Oregon remains very strong. Positions for registered nurses are projected to grow 7% in the state from 2019-2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – higher than the 4% national nurse job growth average.

This steady growth comes from an aging population with more complex healthcare needs, improved access to insurance, and patient desire for compassionate coordinated care. Retiring senior nurses also continue opening job opportunities.

Salaries in Oregon also continue trending upwards, with the state’s nurses earning over $88,000 per year on average according to state data – significantly higher than the national median RN salary. Specializing in advanced roles like nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife enables access to six figure incomes.

The economics, as well as chance to make a meaningful difference for fellow Oregonians makes nursing an increasingly appealing profession. Students entering school today will graduate into varied job prospects across diverse, supportive care settings statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing In Oregon

When is the best time to enter the nursing program that best prepares me for success?

It is wise to enter the right nursing program as early as possible. Competitive applicants often apply 1-2 years in advance of starting. This accounts for waitlists in many top programs. Wherever you apply, confirm that the nursing curriculum strongly correlates to the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) content. This will help you seamlessly enter the nursing field. By choosing a university whose teaching closely maps to NCLEX competencies in the key areas of nursing, you give yourself the best chance to demonstrate readiness. Don’t just consider a school’s academic rankings; evaluate pass rates on professional exams.

How do university programs train nursing students in essential patient care skills?

Through rigorous coursework and clinical hours, university programs teach indispensable nursing care capabilities. You gain experience in social sciences, technology and holistic care to address the multifaceted needs of people you serve. Competency labs allow refining essential skills from taking vitals, assisting with exams, documenting notes, and bedside manner. Guided by seasoned nursing instructors acting as patients, you apply person-centered communication, cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and more – preparing you to provide safe, ethical, high-quality patient care. Such immersive learning facilitates entering nursing practice ready to impact lives.

What is a post-master’s nursing education certificate?

A post-master’s certificate is additional education for nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing. These certificate programs allow nurses to specialize in areas like nurse practitioner roles, nursing administration, nursing informatics, or nursing education. The concentrated coursework builds focused skills in a specialty area. Post-master’s certificates usually take 1-2 years to complete. They provide advanced practice nurses a way to expand or hone their knowledge in a particular field without needing to earn another full master’s degree.

What is a two-year nursing degree?

A two-year nursing degree, also called an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), provides the education needed to become a registered nurse (RN). ADN programs are offered at community and junior colleges and take 2-3 years to complete. Coursework covers topics like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, nursing skills, and clinical rotations. The accelerated timeline and lower cost make a two-year degree an accessible entry point to start a nursing career. RNs with an ADN can later continue on to earn a Bachelor’s degree.

How do I find the right nursing program for me?

Finding the best nursing program requires researching various colleges and comparing factors like cost, location, program types, and specializations offered. Consider whether you want an ADN or BSN degree, an undergraduate or graduate program, or certain nursing roles you may want to pursue. Review each school’s admission requirements, course descriptions, clinical opportunity details, grades, and faculty qualifications. Tour campuses if possible and determine which nursing program aligns with your goals, learning needs, and preferred environment. Meet with advisors to ask questions and get input.

What are undergraduate and graduate nursing programs?

Undergraduate nursing programs award Associate’s and Bachelor’s science in nursing degrees that allow students to become registered nurses. Associate’s (2 years) leads to an ADN, while Bachelor’s (4 years) leads to a BSN. Graduate nursing programs award Master’s degrees (2 additional years) or Doctorates (2-7 additional years) for specialties like nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, and advanced nursing administration roles. Graduate programs require a BSN degree and RN work experience prior to admission. Both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs mix academic coursework with hands-on clinical training.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Oregon

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Oregon State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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