Olivia Chen, NP
July 14, 2025
Oregon’s nurse practitioner programs prepare registered nurses for advanced, autonomous practice in settings from Oregon Health & Science University’s urban centers to community clinics in the Willamette Valley and beyond. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks, offered by OHSU, Pacific University, and the University of Portland, among others, focus on specialties like Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric‑Mental Health NP. Graduates become eligible for national certification and Oregon APRN licensure with full prescriptive authority, equipping them to meet the state’s diverse healthcare needs.
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - up.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Portland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive primary care. Spanning 72 credits, this hybrid program combines online learning with monthly on-campus immersions, offering students a flexible and rigorous educational pathway. Graduates gain 900 hours of direct clinical experience, preparing them to sit for national certification exams and practice independently across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes integrative health, leadership development, and addressing health disparities with cultural humility.
Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Fox University is pioneering advanced nursing education with its upcoming Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program, launching in 2028. Located in Newberg, Oregon, the program aims to address critical healthcare needs, especially in rural communities. The innovative curriculum will be housed in a state-of-the-art simulation space, ensuring students receive comprehensive, hands-on training to become exceptional servant leaders in mental health nursing.
Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - ohsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner Degree Program (DNP-FNP) at Oregon Health & Science University prepares students to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care across the lifespan. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, offering flexibility for rural students. With a focus on advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and primary care, students gain hands-on training in diverse settings. The program requires 115 credits, including 1,000 clinical hours, and is designed for completion in three years. Admission requires a BSN or BS in nursing, an RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Tuition is $713 per credit for Oregon residents and $926 for non-residents, with scholarships available.
Concentration: Primary and Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University offers a comprehensive Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Dual D.N.P. program uniquely designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced pediatric care expertise. This innovative three-year hybrid program prepares nurses for certification in both primary and acute care, spanning children's health from birth to 21 years. Students gain specialized skills through high-quality clinical training at nationally ranked children's hospitals, with flexible mostly online coursework. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, RN license, and offers competitive tuition rates with numerous scholarship opportunities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to deliver comprehensive family-centered care. Students complete a rigorous 3-year curriculum covering 115 credits, including 1,000 clinical hours and a specialized project. The hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions across patient lifespans. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and clinical reasoning, graduates emerge as highly skilled primary care providers ready to address complex healthcare challenges.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Oregon Health & Science University provides comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals. Over three years, students develop expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, gaining over 1,000 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. The program costs $699 per credit for Oregon residents, with scholarship opportunities available. Admission requires a B.S. in nursing, active RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across patient lifespans, addressing complex psychological challenges with evidence-based, compassionate care.
To serve working nurses and those in remote areas, many Oregon programs deliver didactic content online through asynchronous modules and live webinars, with periodic on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and hands‑on workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to complete patient‑care hours close to home. A handful of schools even offer fully online coursework for theory, requiring only short campus visits for skills assessments.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Health & Science University |
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| University of Portland |
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| George Fox University |
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| Certifying Board | Oregon State Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from an accredited NP program and hold current national APRN credential (e.g., AANP or ANCC), with verification by the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Expires the day before your birthday every two years (odd/even years based on birth year) |
| Continuing Education | Maintain active national certification, no additional state-mandated CE requirements |
| License Application Fee | $105 initial APRN licensure fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts verifying completion of required practicum (typically at least 400 supervised hours) |
| Processing Time | Applications are processed in order received, incomplete applications void after one year |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs may apply concurrently for RN and APRN licensure but must secure Oregon RN licensure first and submit primary-source APRN credential verification |
Nurse practitioners in Oregon earn an average annual salary of about $123,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $100,000 and experienced practitioners, particularly in Portland and Salem, earning up to $150,000. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and loan repayment assistance. Advanced certifications, leadership roles, and faculty positions can further boost earning potential.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Oregon | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $132,890 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $63.92 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$155,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $132,890 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$114,800 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~3,500 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Health & Science University |
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| George Fox University |
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| University of Portland |
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Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership, faculty, or executive roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or teaching may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Oregon
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Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Primary and Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
