Overview of Nursing Schools in Oregon
- There are 20 nursing schools in Oregon. The CCNE accredits 5 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 5 schools in Oregon.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Oregon is between 86.44% and 97.70%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Oregon is between 84.88% and 92.01%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Oregon can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Oregon
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Oregon
There are endless reasons for registered nurses to pursue higher education in the form of a bachelor’s degree. Nurses who do this will find college programs designed to meet their needs. Programs expose nurses to curriculum while preparing them for roles that are not currently covered by their certification. Registered nurses understand the important of staying updated and fresh in nursing knowledge and the effect it has on the care they provide. Nurses are encouraged to search multiple schools to ensure they find a program that best fits their needs. Schools offer online and distance education programs that allow nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree without stepping foot in a classroom.
In our Oregon RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Oregon RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Oregon, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Oregon RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 15 | 5 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 92.93% | 88.99% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 86.44% to 97.70% | 84.88% to 92.01% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Oregon Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 20
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 1
Oregon Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Portland: 3
- Oregon Health and Science University – Accelerated Portland: 2
- Linn-Benton Community College: 1
- Clatsop Community College: 1
- Linfield College-School of Nursing: 1
- Umpqua Community College: 1
- George Fox University: 1
- Portland Community College: 1
- Rogue Community College: 1
- Treasure Valley Community College: 1
Best Ranked RN Programs in Oregon
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Oregon and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 15 ADN degree programs and 4 BSN degree programs in Oregon. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Oregon to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
- Chemeketa Community College
- Rogue Community College
- Clatsop Community College
- Lane Community College
- Portland Community College
- Clackamas Community College
- Oregon Health and Science University - Accelerated Portland
- Umpqua Community College
- University of Portland
- Linn-Benton Community College
- Central Oregon Community College
- Treasure Valley Community College
Chemeketa Community College
Pass Rate
- 4000 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem, OR - 97305
- (503) 399-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 187
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,850
Book and Supplies: $975
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,169
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Rogue Community College
Pass Rate
- 3345 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass, OR - 97527-9291
- (541) 956-7501
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 71
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,184
Book and Supplies: $1,365
Percent Received Aid: 91%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,817
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 11%
Clatsop Community College
Pass Rate
- 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR - 97103
- (503) 325-0910
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 27
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,230
Book and Supplies: $1,590
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,833
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
Lane Community College
Pass Rate
- 4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR - 97405-0640
- (541) 463-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 193
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,333
Book and Supplies: $1,490
Percent Received Aid: 91%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,241
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
Portland Community College
Pass Rate
- 12000 SW 49th Avenue, Portland, OR - 97219-7132
- (971) 722-6111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 381
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,810
Book and Supplies: $1,731
Percent Received Aid: 76%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,267
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 20%
Clackamas Community College
Pass Rate
- 19600 Molalla Ave, Oregon City, OR - 97045-8980
- (503) 594-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 121
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,625
Book and Supplies: $1,800
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,092
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 22%
Oregon Health and Science University - Accelerated Portland
Pass Rate
- 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR - 97239-3098
- (503) 494-7800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.62%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 2112
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,948,847
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Umpqua Community College
Pass Rate
- 1140 Umpqua College Rd., Roseburg, OR - 97470-0226
- (541) 440-4600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 59
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,282
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,733
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 28%
University of Portland
Pass Rate
- 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR - 97203-5798
- (503) 943-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.97%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
Total Faculty: 287
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $750
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 99%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $27,663
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 8%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Linn-Benton Community College
Pass Rate
- 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR - 97321
- (541) 917-4999
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 124
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,675
Book and Supplies: $927
Percent Received Aid: 82%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,446
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 21%
Central Oregon Community College
Pass Rate
- 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR - 97703
- (541) 383-7500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 125
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,527
Book and Supplies: $12,051
Percent Received Aid: 81%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,461
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 24%
Treasure Valley Community College
Pass Rate
- 650 College Blvd, Ontario, OR - 97914
- (541) 881-8822
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 41
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,895
Book and Supplies: $1,359
Percent Received Aid: 92%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,457
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 35%
Grade
|
University
|
Oregon Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.30 | Columbia Gorge Community College | 12 | ADN |
88.00 | Southwestern Oregon Community College | 13 | ADN |
87.60 | Mt Hood Community College | 14 | ADN |
86.10 | Blue Mountain Community College | 15 | ADN |
86.00 | Oregon Coast Community College | 16 | ADN |
87.72 | George Fox University | 4 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Oregon
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Oregon
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Oregon offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Oregon Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Oregon RN Licensing Requirements
Oregon State Board of Nursing
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Road
Portland, OR 97224-7012
(971) 673-0685
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: Complete the one-time Pain Management Continuing Education requirement
RN Licensure by Exams
After a candidate has completed the degree requirements, he/she will have the dean or director to sign the appropriate form to verify identity. A Passport-type photograph will be required. Official transcripts will need to be sent to the Board. The candidate must also complete the verification form that is found in the application along with the correct fingerprint card to a fingerprinting facility. That candidate will pay the Oregon State Board of Nurses $52 to process a background check and $160 for the application fee. From here, the candidate will register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX exam and pay the $200 fee. When, and only when, the candidate receives authorization to test (ATT) he/she can schedule the test at the most convenient center. Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX on the first attempt will have to apply to retake and pay an additional $25 fee to the Oregon State Board.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Candidates who obtained licensure in one of the other fifty states can apply for licensure in Oregon by endorsement. This application is online. Candidates must submit license verification from the first state of licensure as well as the most recent one. Registered nurses applying by endorsement will be responsible for a $195 fee as well as $52 for fingerprint processing. Nurses who are not currently practicing will be required to complete a reentry course.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who completed a program outside of the U.S. jurisdiction will need to obtain a CGFNS certificate or VisaScreen. If the nursing program was not in English, candidates will be required to pass an English proficiency exam. Fees for internationally educated nurses vary.
RN Salaries in Oregon
There are many nursing positions that are only available to nurses who have obtained a bachelors degree. Becoming a hospice or home health care nurse are both positions that require higher education. There is a huge demand for nurses in Oregon and the need is expected to increase by 109% by the year 2020. Graduates are likely to choose management and administrative options that allow them to work in a hospital setting with a different role. Graduates may also become charge nurses or hospital administrators.
Oregon Registered Nursing Salaries
The Portland metropolitan area has the highest amount of registered nurses along with the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.