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
University of Portland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive advanced nursing education through an innovative 72-credit hybrid model. Students benefit from flexible online coursework combined with monthly on-campus immersions, enabling deep professional development. The curriculum emphasizes critical healthcare skills, including 900 clinical experience hours, which prepares graduates for national certification and independent practice. Unique program strengths include integrative health approaches, leadership training, and a strong commitment to addressing health disparities with cultural humility. The program's hybrid format accommodates working professionals while providing robust, hands-on learning experiences across diverse healthcare environments.
Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Fox University's upcoming Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program represents a groundbreaking approach to advanced nursing education. Strategically positioned in Newberg, Oregon, the program uniquely addresses critical mental healthcare gaps, particularly in underserved rural communities. By integrating cutting-edge simulation training within a state-of-the-art facility, students will develop comprehensive clinical expertise and servant leadership skills. The curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare advanced practice nurses who can effectively diagnose, treat, and support patients with complex mental health needs. Set to launch in 2028, the program reflects George Fox University's commitment to innovative healthcare education and community-focused professional development.
Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - ohsu.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
OHSU's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a robust, patient-centered educational experience combining online flexibility with immersive clinical training. Designed for completion in three years, the program requires 115 credits and 1,000 clinical hours, preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Students benefit from diverse clinical opportunities, expert faculty mentorship, and innovative learning experiences including state-of-the-art simulation labs. With competitive resident tuition rates and scholarship options, the program emphasizes advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and primary care skills. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners ready to address complex healthcare needs across patient lifespans.
Concentration: Primary and Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program offers a groundbreaking three-year hybrid pathway for nurses targeting primary and acute pediatric care. Uniquely designed to prepare professionals for certification across children's health stages (birth to 21 years), the program integrates comprehensive online coursework with intensive clinical training at nationally recognized children's hospitals. Students benefit from flexible learning, specialized pediatric skills development, and competitive tuition rates. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and RN licensure prerequisite, the curriculum emphasizes advanced pediatric assessment, intervention strategies, and evidence-based practice. Competitive scholarship opportunities enhance accessibility for aspiring pediatric nurse practitioners.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
OHSU's Family Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program delivers comprehensive primary care training through an innovative hybrid model. Spanning three years and encompassing 115 credits, the program includes 1,000 clinical practice hours and eliminates GRE requirements. Students develop advanced clinical reasoning skills, focusing on holistic, patient-centered care across diverse patient demographics. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and sophisticated health assessment techniques. With a minimum 3.0 GPA and active RN license, graduates emerge as versatile primary care providers prepared to address complex healthcare challenges through expert diagnostic and management capabilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Oregon Health & Science University provides transformative three-year advanced training in mental health care. Students develop extensive expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, completing over 1,000 clinical hours across diverse healthcare environments. The hybrid program offers flexible learning with multiple campus options and maintains an exceptional 1:15 student-teacher ratio. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, active RN license, and 3.0 GPA. Graduates are comprehensively prepared to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across patient lifespans, utilizing evidence-based interventions and compassionate care strategies.
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
Concentration: Primary and Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
