Oregon Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide is designed to provide you with essential information on the many nursing programs available in the state of Oregon. The colleges and universities in Oregon afford undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to earn a nursing degree in such concentrations as nursing education, nursing administration, and family nurse practitioner. However, a traditional nursing program isn’t always a viable option. Earning an online bachelor’s or master’s in nursing degree can be a convenient, flexible alternative.
Quick Facts
- 23 schools with nursing programs in Oregon are in our database (see below).
- 16 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 7 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 2 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- No schools ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 1 school ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 2 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Oregon
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- Oregon Health and Science University (#32 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Oregon Health and Science University (#32 tie)
- University of Portland (#44 tie)
Following you will find more in-depth information about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs available in Oregon.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Oregon
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Oregon nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountain Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 94.12% | 17 | $10,171 |
| Central Oregon Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 8 | 97.78% | 45 | $8,979 |
| Chemeketa Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 25 | 97.5% | 40 | $6,280 |
| Clackamas Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 97.5% | 40 | $5,227 |
| Clatsop Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 87.5% | 16 | $10,039 |
| Columbia Gorge Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 7 | 83.33% | 18 | $6,849 |
| Concordia University-Portland | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 91.67% | 36 | $21,357 |
| George Fox University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 87.8% | 41 | $26,829 |
| Klamath Falls Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 62.5% | 8 | N/A |
| Lane Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 83.33% | 18 | 98.51% | 67 | $7,551 |
| Linfield College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 80.63% | 191 | N/A |
| Linn Benton Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 93.18% | 44 | $9,560 |
| Mount Hood Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 76.47% | 17 | 84% | 75 | $7,424 |
| Oregon Coast Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 4 | 94.74% | 19 | $5,160 |
| Oregon Health Science University-Southern Oregon University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94.12% | 51 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science University-Oregon Institute of Technology | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 100% | 11 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science University-Eastern Oregon University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 85% | 20 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science University-Monmouth | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 83.87% | 31 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science University-Portland | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90.91% | 44 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science Unverstity Accelerated BSN-Ashland | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 87.5% | 24 | N/A |
| Oregon Health Science Unverstity Accelerated BSN-Portland | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96.05% | 76 | N/A |
| Portland Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 95.16% | 62 | $8,754 |
| Rogue Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 14 | 100% | 31 | $9,384 |
| Southwestern Oregon Community College | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 86.21% | 29 | $9,087 |
| Treasure Valley Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 87.5% | 16 | $12,423 |
| Umpqua Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 80% | 15 | 87.5% | 16 | $9,051 |
| University of Portland | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 83.25% | 191 | $31,880 |
| Walla Walla University | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | 89.66% | 58 | N/A |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates who graduated from an LPN program testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Oregon with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Central Oregon Community College
Central Oregon Community College’s associate degree nursing program prepares graduates for entry-level registered nurse practice. After completing the first year of the curriculum students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and earn the licensed practical nurse credential. After the second year of nursing studies, students graduate from the associate degree program and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students typically take between 9 and 11 credit hours per semester. Central Oregon Community College maintains formal articulation agreements with Oregon Health Sciences University and Linfield College that can help assist students in making a seamless transfer of credits towards an online bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Portland Community College
Portland Community College (PCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from its Sylvania campus. Admission to the program is selective and requires that students first complete 45 prerequisite credit hours and rank competitively on such factors as overall GPA and prior healthcare experience. After completing the associate’s degree students may continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing through a non-competitive entry agreement with Oregon Health and Science University. Students are also prepared to earn their bachelor’s in nursing through other programs. PCC’s associate’s degree nursing program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
George Fox University
George Fox University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing that prepares students for careers in various areas of nursing care. The curriculum is based on a foundation in the liberal arts and emphasizes Christian principles. After acceptance into the nursing program, students take courses such as Nursing Fundamentals, Essentials of Microbiology, Medical/Surgical Nursing, and Public Health Nursing. In addition to rigorous academics, students enrolled in the program engage in clinical experiences across a wide variety of care settings. Courses utilize the School of Nursing’s high-fidelity simulation lab that is a component of the program’s state-of-the-art technological education. Students may wish to join the George Fox Nursing Club for additional learning, volunteering, and peer networking opportunities. The George Fox University nursing program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses.
Linfield College
Linfield College confers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to students who successfully complete the four-year program. Students generally enter the nursing program in the junior year after fulfilling general college requirements and prerequisites. The nursing curriculum spans four semesters and consists of scholarship of nursing, mental health and illness across the lifespan, leading and managing in nursing, and nursing care of children, adults, and older adults with acute conditions. Nursing majors also complete approximately 1,000 hours at clinical practicums throughout the program. Admission to the nursing program is extremely competitive with 200 available seats each year and more than 800 applicants.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
University of Portland
The University of Portland features two graduate nursing programs – the nurse educator and the clinical nurse leader – leading to the Master of Science (MS). Regardless of the track, graduate students generally require two years to fulfill degree requirements and the program is offered in hybrid format. On-campus classes are typically held one weekend a month with students completing coursework online during the week. Practicums are mandatory with students in the clinical nurse leader track required to complete a minimum of 500 hours in a clinical setting. Applicants must provide GRE scores, hold a current registered nurse’s license, and possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Oregon Health and Science University
Oregon Health and Science University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program features concentrations in nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, family nurse practitioner, and psych mental health nurse practitioner. Students can generally complete the MSN program in two years; an additional year of study leads to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition to coursework, nursing students must complete mandatory clinical practicums. The nursing department also offers the Masters of Public Health and the Masters of Nursing Education in a distance-based format. Successful applicants to the program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), possess a current registered nurse’s license, and submit GRE scores.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Linfield College
900 SE Baker St
McMinnville, OR 97128
(503) 883-2200
https://www.linfield.edu/
Student Review: “So far, my experience at nursing school has been very challenging. Honestly, the coursework itself is not very difficult to understand, it is just such a heavy volume. I have had to really learn to manage my time well in order to get everything done. I do enjoy the close community of students which makes it easy to work together. The professors are also great at providing resources to be successful. However, sometimes communication between staff is lacking which leads to disorganized labs and simulations.” – Student at Linfield College
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 494-8311
https://www.ohsu.edu/
Student Review: “I originally started my undergraduate degree as a Biology major pre-med, but later switched to pre-nursing and was accepted into Oregon Health & Science University. I was upset at not being able to go to Medical School, but the nursing program at OHSU was wonderful and gave me new respect for the field. I was able to collaborate with many scientists and even work on some research while completing my nursing degree. The academics were challenging, but the rotations were always supported by resources and professors who didn’t just “teach” the course but cared for each student. Although it was challenging, my cohort became my family and we became very close by the end. It was wonderful to see all of the experiences and opportunities we were given collectively.” – Student at Oregon Health & Science University
Portland Community College
12000 SW 49th Ave
Portland, OR 97219
(971) 722-6111
https://www.pcc.edu/
Student Review: “My academic experience in the nursing program at Portland Community College was mediocre. The majority of the students were all females with probably 10 -15 percent males. The first two or three terms were very basic. Lots of review of vocabulary, bones, muscles etc. There was also a point when we were encouraged to read about alternative medicine. Specifically, I am talking about chiropractics. I didn’t much appreciate this considering that it “alternative”. Our teachers were also politically minded as well. Every day an instructor would discuss the benefits of teachers unions and why they were necessary. This made me very uncomfortable and simply distracted me from my work. Eventually, things got better. I made new friends in the nursing program and got along great. It really does pay to have a stable and supportive environment when in school. Especially if it is a nursing program. PCC itself is a great school with great teachers. However, if I could go back in time I would have probably chosen a different major. Also, clinical’s were scheduled and rescheduled several times. I don’t know why but the whole process was terrible. PCC does have amazing school bookstores. Every nursing book and instrument that I needed was there. That much was a slam dunk.” – Student at Portland Community College
University of Portland
5000 N Willamette Blvd
Portland, OR 97203
(503) 943-8000
https://www.up.edu
Student Review: “I really enjoyed my time at the University of Portland. While the school is difficult to get into as most nursing programs are, at UP they keep the class sizes small enough that you can get to know your teachers and fellow students easily. I liked that I could and was encouraged to approach my teachers and talk to them about what I was experiencing and struggling with and some ways to try and overcome that. They do a good job of providing you with clinical sites that you learn from and keeping both you and your nurses you are working within the loop on how you are doing and what can be done to make you a better nurse. I also feel the courses taught there have helped to prepare me for both the NCLEX and to be a great RN.” – Student at University of Portland
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave N
Monmouth, OR 97361
(503) 838-8000
https://wou.edu
Student Review: “I am very happy with the education I received at Western Oregon University. My academic advisers were always available to me, and I was able to have a 1 on 1 relationship with my professors which helped me during my course of studies. Because of the close proximity to major hospitals, I was able to get a job right after graduation working in a major hospital E.R. as an R.N. The only downside to attending such a small college, it’s not as well known as other major state colleges in Oregon. Since I did get a job so close to the college, however, it wasn’t a major drawback for me. Overall I am completely satisfied with the education I received!” – Student at Western Oregon University
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Oregon State Board of Nursing: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/NA-MA-program.aspx