Oregon’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’ve considered a nursing career, there has never been a better time to become a nurse in Oregon. Oregon has a projected growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) of 12% between 2020-2031, with 2,580 annual RN job openings. This is greater than the nationwide RN growth rate of 6% between 2020-2030.
Oregon is known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor recreational opportunities. It has diverse landscapes with a rugged coast to lush forests and mountains, making it a great place to go hiking, biking, camping, fishing, whitewater rafting, or skiing. The cities are known for their vibrant and inclusive communities. Portland stands out for its thriving arts and culture scene, diverse culinary options, and progressive values. The city fosters a unique blend of creativity, sustainability, and innovation, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.
There is no sales tax in Oregon. The price you see is the price you pay. However, there is a higher personal income tax rate in the state. The state also has a strong economy, which means there will continue to be job opportunities for those looking to relocate to Oregon.
Oregon prioritizes education, healthcare, and sustainability, contributing to its residents’ high quality of life. The state is home to renowned universities and colleges, ensuring excellent education opportunities. Additionally, the state is consistently ranked well in terms of healthcare outcomes and accessibility. This makes Oregon a great place to start your nursing career.
The Best Nursing Schools in Oregon
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Oregon to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Oregon based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Oregon Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Lane Community College
Lane Community College is a public community college in Eugene, Oregon. They offer a traditional ADN program and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program, allowing current LPNs to enter their ADN program in their second year. Their competitive, rigorous program offers students face-to-face classes, laboratory activities, clinical rotations, and an online capstone course. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in various healthcare settings, including acute care hospital settings, long-term care settings, homes, schools, occupational settings, public health departments, and physician offices, among many other options.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,333
Out-of-State: $11,345
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,333 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,345 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Fiscal Year 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
7,702 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Rogue Community College
Rogue Community College is a public community college in White City, Oregon. They offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing program with a competency-based curriculum jointly developed by nursing faculty from eleven community colleges and Oregon Health and Sciences University consortium partners. The core competencies address the need for nurses to be skilled in clinical judgment and critical thinking, evidence-based practice, relationship-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, assisting individuals and families in self-care practices for the promotion of health and management of chronic and acute illness, end-of-life care, and teaching, delegation, leadership, and supervision of caregivers.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,184
Out-of-State: $6,192
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,184 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,192 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,438 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa Community College is a public community college in Salem, Oregon. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, which prepares nurses to be lifelong learners and to practice safely, accurately, and compassionately in various settings. Graduates of the program learn attributes of accountability, caring, innovation, safety, social and cultural awareness, critical thinking and decision-making, lifelong learning, and respect for the dignity and worth of human life.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,850
Out-of-State: $13,275
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,850 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$13,275 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
85.2% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
7,492 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the OSBN |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a public research university that focuses primarily on health sciences. Its main campus, which includes two hospitals, is located in Portland, Oregon. They also have campuses located in Ashland, Klamath Falls, La Grande, and Monmouth, Oregon. They offer a BSN, online RN to BSN degree, or an accelerated BSN degree. Their program prepares graduates to practice in various settings and to care for individuals and their families across the lifespan. The program can be completed in three years, or nine terms, attending full-time.
Average Tuition
In-State: $57,168
Out-of-State: $89,532
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$57,168 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$89,532 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.51% |
| Admission Rate |
3.5% |
| Retention Rate |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,035 |
| Institution Type |
Public Research University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
19% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 BSN Program
Walla Walla University
Walla Walla University is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Portland, Oregon. They offer a BSN program that combines scientific knowledge with caring. Small class sizes allow students more individualized learning with faculty and peers. Students are given hands-on learning experiences in the 800-1,000 hours of clinicals they complete outside of the classroom in various healthcare settings. Students begin their education in the School of Nursing on the College Place campus in Washington state. After completing one year of general courses and one year in the nursing program, students transition to the Portland Campus, where they complete the last two years of their degree.
Average Tuition
In-State: $30,531
Out-of-State: $30,531
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$30,531 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$30,531 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.43% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,315 |
| Institution Type |
Private Christian University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 BSN Program
University of Portland
University of Portland is a private Catholic university in Portland, Oregon. They offer a BSN program that values integrity, compassion, and social justice while striving for academic excellence. Graduates are prepared to be professional nurses who lead clinical practice from a place of integrity and with a commitment to serve all of their patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Their program offers an innovative, student-centered, concept-based BSN curriculum that focuses on building knowledge and skills in population health, leadership, holistic generalist nursing care, healthcare innovations, evidence-based practice, and social justice.
Average Tuition
In-State: $53,836
Out-of-State: $53,836
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$53,836 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$53,836 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.33% |
| Admission Rate |
81% |
| Retention Rate |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,559 |
| Institution Type |
Private Catholic University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Oregon
When choosing a nursing program in Oregon, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Oregon
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Oregon estimates a nursing growth of 12% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
U.S. News ranks Oregon 21st in the nation for healthcare, with healthcare quality ranking 13th. The state has a robust healthcare system with renowned hospitals and medical facilities, providing ample professional growth and development opportunities.
TheUS Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Oregon earn an average annual salary of $106,610. This is well above the national average for nurses, which will help with Oregon’s high cost of living.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Oregon
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Oregon is $106,610, and it employs 37,400 nurses. Oregon also employs 1,880 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $136,250.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Oregon for RNs |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA |
$111,610 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR |
$107,180 |
| Albany, OR |
$101,740 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Oregon
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Oklahoma, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Oregon:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Oregon, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must have completed one of the following:
- 400 nursing practice hours.
- If less than 600 practice hours in three years, 20 hours of continuing education is required.
- If less than 800 hours in the previous four years, 30 hours of continuing education is required.
- If less than 960 hours of practice in five years, the applicant must apply for practice re-entry.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Oregon:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Oregon.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- Oregon APRN licenses must be renewed every two years. APRNs must complete the requirements for their RN license renewal and complete continuing education requirements if they have under 400 hours of APRN practice in the last two years. In addition, APRNs must complete 45 hours of continuing education in the population focus area they work in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Oregon
Is Oregon a good place for nurses to work?
Oregon is an excellent place to work as a nurse. The state was ranked in the top one-third of the country for overall health, including health care services provided and avoided, and residents’ general health. Working as a nurse in Oregon means that you will have the opportunity to be part of a healthcare system that values continuous improvement.
Is Oregon a compact state for nursing?
No, Oregon is not a compact state for nursing. To work as a nurse in Oregon, you must apply for your RN license through the Oregon State Board of Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in Oregon?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Oregon, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must have completed one of the following:
- 400 nursing practice hours.
- If less than 600 practice hours in three years, 20 hours of continuing education is required.
- If less than 800 hours in the previous four years, 30 hours of continuing education is required.
- If less than 960 hours of practice in five years, the applicant must apply for practice re-entry.
How much does an Oregon RN license cost?
An Oregon RN licensure by exam costs $160, but first, the applicant must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which costs $200. Licensure by endorsement costs $195. Renewing your Oregon RN license costs $145, and there is a $4 surcharge fee to support the workforce data analysis fund at the time of renewal.
