Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
LPNs provide crucial bedside care for patients by following orders from registered nurses or physicians. LPNs serve as crucial healthcare personnel throughout Oregon especially in facilities that provide long-term care and rural healthcare services. The LPN’s work duties include checking patient health status and helping with personal care while keeping track of any changes in patient condition. The combination of Oregon’s aging population with its healthcare system growth makes LPNs essential for delivering prompt and compassionate patient care.
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - sumnercollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Sumner College's Practical Nursing Program in Portland, OR, is a 50-week diploma program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and accredited by ABHES. It prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam, leading to licensure as a practical nurse. The program focuses on hands-on training, ensuring students are ready for the workforce. Admissions require meeting specific criteria, with financial aid options available for eligible students.
Klamath Falls, OR - Public 2-Year - klamathcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nurse Certificate offers an intensive one-year program designed to prepare students for a critical healthcare role. Graduates are equipped to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), with a unique focus on serving rural communities. The curriculum employs a concept-based learning approach, emphasizing patient care delivery through deep understanding of nursing concepts. Prospective students can expect comprehensive academic and clinical preparation, competitive admission requirements including a 3.0 GPA, and multiple prerequisite courses in science, communication, and health sciences.
Roseburg, OR - Public 2-Year - umpqua.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Umpqua Community College's Practical Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, focusing on promoting health, aiding recovery, and managing illnesses. This OSBN-approved program offers clinical training in state-of-the-art facilities, equipping students with the skills needed to pass the PN-NCLEX and become Licensed Practical Nurses. Ideal candidates possess a strong desire to help others, commitment to career development, and the ability to work in teams. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and ethical care, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings.
Bend, OR - Public 2-Year - cocc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Oregon Community College's Practical Nursing program provides a comprehensive two-year pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse. Students gain critical clinical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing to take the national NCLEX-PN licensure examination. The program uniquely allows students to exit after the first year as a practical nurse or continue to registered nurse training. With rigorous academic prerequisites including anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, students develop professional nursing competencies in patient care, health promotion, and quality healthcare delivery.
Salem, OR - Public 4-Year - chemeketa.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chemeketa Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate program, located in Salem, Oregon, offers a comprehensive pathway for students aiming to enter the nursing field. This program emphasizes clinical and professional excellence, preparing students for the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). With a focus on patient-centered care, safety, and ethical practice, students gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. The program boasts high completion and NCLEX-PN pass rates, reflecting its commitment to student success. Admission requires completion of prerequisite courses, a criminal background check, drug screening, and proof of immunizations. Scholarships and financial aid options are available to support students.
Oregon does not provide fully online LPN programs because nursing education requires practical clinical training. Some educational institutions in Oregon provide students with hybrid learning options which combine virtual classroom study with direct patient care experiences at medical facilities. Students can complete their theoretical education through online learning while completing their clinical and laboratory requirements in person. Different programs provide varying levels of flexibility through their schedules which include part-time and evening or weekend classes for working students. Students complete their theoretical work through online lectures, quizzes, and assignments while they attend laboratory and clinical sessions at specific facilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Chemeketa Community College |
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| Sumner College |
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| Klamath Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Oregon State Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from an OSBN-approved practical nursing program, with official transcript and affidavit of graduation submitted by the school |
| Application & Fees | $160 state licensure-by-exam fee, $200 Pearson VUE NCLEX-PN exam fee, $70.50 digital fingerprint/background check fee, $9 Nursing Advancement Fund surcharge, $4 Workforce Data Analysis Fund surcharge |
| Application Processing Time | Eligibility review and Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks, permanent license generally issued 2–3 weeks after passing NCLEX and receipt of all requirements |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal on your birth date with a $145 renewal fee plus applicable surcharges |
| Continuing Competency | Completion of required pain management and cultural competency education for initial licensure and per Board requirements at renewal |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $195 endorsement fee, primary-source verification of a current unrestricted LPN license via NURSYS, proof of recent practice or equivalent, fingerprint/background check |
The wages LPNs receive in Oregon exceed the countrywide average. LPN professionals in Oregon receive an average annual compensation of about $73,000 although this amount depends on their experience level and location as well as their workplace setting. LPNs working in cities and specialized care centers tend to receive higher salaries compared to those who work in rural areas. The high demand for healthcare services in Oregon creates secure employment conditions and multiple job openings within the sector. Long-term care facilities together with outpatient clinics and home health services maintain their position as leading employers of LPNs throughout the state.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Oregon | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $58,325 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $28.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$65,183 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $58,325 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,577 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 20.3% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,900 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central Oregon Community College |
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| Umpqua Community College |
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| Chemeketa Community College |
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LPNs working in Oregon possess multiple professional advancement choices which become available after completing additional education or specialized training. The standard progression for LPNs involves entering an LPN-to-RN bridge program which leads to obtaining an associate degree in nursing and resulting RN licensure. Students can complete these programs more quickly because the programs provide prior learning credit for both coursework and experience. The pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing provides LPNs with additional career opportunities beyond their current scope.
Additional Nursing Programs in Oregon
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