Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for every approved LPN program in Oregon
Oregon has just six OSBN-approved LPN programs statewide, yet healthcare demand continues to rise, particularly in long-term care and outpatient clinics. Every seat counts, and admission is competitive.
The six ranked programs are assessed on net cost, graduate earnings, and student outcomes, the metrics that most directly shape a new LPN’s financial and professional future. Because only a handful of schools offer the required clinical training, the NCLEX-PN pass rate serves as a leading indicator of whether a program’s curriculum and support structures genuinely prepare graduates for licensure and employment.
Oregon practical nursing students can choose from half a dozen high-quality certificate and diploma programs, each preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN. The following ranking puts affordability front and center, alongside institutional effectiveness and student support, to help you find the best value for your nursing education.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Umpqua Community College | Roseburg, OR | $8,000/yr | Rural students wanting a stay-local pathway | |
Umpqua Community College's fast-track Practical Nursing program is built into a seamless pipeline from nursing assistant through RN and BSN degrees, keeping students in the Douglas County community. With a net price of $8,340 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 31%, the program offers an affordable, campus-based entry into nursing. Students benefit from the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE) structure and dual-enrollment opportunities with local high schools.
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| #2 | Klamath Community College | Klamath Falls, OR | $5,000 – $8,000/yr | Rural Oregon residents pursuing affordable LPN | |
Klamath Community College offers a one-year Practical Nurse Certificate with a concept-based curriculum tailored for rural healthcare settings. The program has a low net price of $7,050 and a strong institution-wide graduation rate of 43%, making it a value-minded choice for southern Oregon students. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA in prerequisites and a pre-admission exam, with graduates prepared to serve the Klamath Basin.
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| #3 | Chemeketa Community College | Salem, OR | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Salem-area learners seeking affordable LPN training | |
Chemeketa Community College's Practical Nursing certificate is a 60-credit program on the Salem campus, covering fundamentals of nursing and patient-centered care. With a net price of $8,200 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 21%, it provides an accessible path for mid-Willamette Valley students. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN in Oregon.
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| #4 | Lane Community College | Eugene, OR | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Lane Community College's Practical Nursing program is embedded in the first year of the Lane/OHSU OCNE RN pathway, allowing seamless progression to an associate degree and BSN. The year-long, campus-based program in Eugene has a net price of $9,123 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 20%. It boasts a 96% on-time completion rate and ACEN accreditation.
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| #5 | Rogue Community College | Grants Pass, OR | $11,000/yr (net price) | ||
Rogue Community College's Practical Nursing program on the Table Rock Campus provides hands-on training for a career in southern Oregon, covering vital signs, wound care, IV monitoring, and medication administration. The net price of $11,042 and institution-wide graduation rate of 9% reflect the school's open-access mission, with over 93% of students receiving Pell grants. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN and work in hospitals, long-term care, and home health.
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| #6 | Sumner College | Portland, OR | $25,000 – $30,000/yr | ||
Sumner College offers a 50-week Practical Nursing diploma in Portland, approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and accredited by ABHES. As a private college, it has a higher net price of $29,411 but boasts an institution-wide graduation rate of 83% and strong graduate earnings. With multiple start dates and no waiting lists, it provides flexible access for Portland-area students seeking a fast entry into nursing.
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The table compares published tuition and net price for all six Oregon LPN programs. Net price is an institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, so actual costs for LPN students may differ. The cost spread ranges from about $7,000 at public community colleges to over $29,000 at the one private institution.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klamath Community College | Public | $4,965 | $8,025 | $7,050 | $17,480 |
| Chemeketa Community College | Public | $6,345 | $14,040 | $8,200 | $12,822 |
| Umpqua Community College | Public | $6,104 | $6,104 | $8,340 | $9,000 |
| Lane Community College | Public | $6,202 | $13,078 | $9,123 | $14,761 |
| Rogue Community College | Public | $5,256 | $6,300 | $11,042 | $17,042 |
| Sumner College | Private | N/A | N/A | $29,411 | $16,500 |
The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard tracks earnings for students one year after completing a program. As of 2026, Oregon LPN programs have not yet published program-level earnings data through Scorecard, so a direct comparison of starting pay by school is unavailable.
How do Oregon LPN programs compare when it comes to NCLEX-PN pass rates? The answer reveals more than just a number, it signals how well a school prepares graduates for licensure and their first nursing job.
Pass rates are a direct measure of instructional quality. The NCLEX-PN is the required licensing exam for practical nurses, and each candidate gets one shot to prove competency. A program with consistently high pass rates shows that its curriculum, clinical training, and student support align with the test’s demands. Employers in Oregon often review these rates when evaluating new graduates, because a strong first-attempt pass record correlates with readiness for clinical practice. Conversely, a low or declining pass rate may point to gaps in preparation or resource constraints that could slow your entry into the workforce. A program that falls below 80% for multiple years may face corrective action from the board, adding another layer of accountability.
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) publishes detailed annual reports that list pass rates for every approved LPN program. Data from 2023 through 2025 show a range of outcomes. For context, the national average first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2023 was 86.67%. Several Oregon schools have historically tracked above that benchmark, while a handful have dipped below it in recent cycles. What matters most is the trajectory: a program that improves year-over-year after a dip signals responsive curriculum adjustments, whereas a multi-year decline warrants caution. Because cohort sizes vary, some programs graduate under 20 students, others over 80, a single year’s percentage can fluctuate with just a few extra failures. That’s why a three-year view gives a more accurate picture than one snapshot.
When you compare pass rates, also consider test-taker volume. A school with 15 graduates and a 93% pass rate still only had one student miss the mark, while a program with 50 graduates at 88% represents fewer retakes per capita. Both figures can be solid, but the larger cohort suggests institutional consistency. Pay attention to whether a program publicly shares its NCLEX data on its website, transparency often reflects confidence in outcomes. The OSBN report covers the period 2021–2025, so you can check multi-year trends for any licensed Oregon LPN school.
The OSBN website remains the most authoritative source for Oregon-specific NCLEX-PN statistics. Review the latest annual report to compare the schools you’re considering, and note whether the board has flagged any programs for low performance. Pair those numbers with your campus visit impressions and questions about remediation policies for students who don’t pass on the first attempt.
Oregon has only a handful of OSBN-approved LPN programs, so competition for seats is real. Apply to multiple programs and meet every prerequisite early, don't wait until deadlines to gather transcripts, test scores, and immunization records.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Oregon follows a clear, state-regulated path. Here is the step-by-step journey from the classroom to your first nursing job.
Getting into an LPN program in Oregon means meeting specific academic and procedural requirements set by each school. These requirements are not just paperwork hurdles; they ensure that applicants are ready to handle a rigorous nursing curriculum and clinical rotations. While every program has its own details, most follow a similar pattern: demonstrate basic academic readiness, pass an entrance exam, document health and safety compliance, and apply well before the deadline.
Every OSBN-approved practical nursing program in Oregon starts with a core set of prerequisites. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement. Beyond that, programs typically expect college-level coursework in anatomy and physiology, often with a lab component, because a solid understanding of human body systems is essential before you begin nursing classes. Oregon Coast Community College, for example, requires a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses for its Practical Nursing Certificate. Some programs may also call for math, English composition, or psychology, but anatomy and physiology is the most consistent requirement across the state.
Health and safety documentation is another universal prerequisite. All programs require up-to-date immunization records, including proof of vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, and tetanus. A recent tuberculosis test and a flu shot are usually mandatory. CPR certification at the healthcare provider level (BLS for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association) is almost always required before starting clinical rotations. Students should also expect to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, as these are standard in healthcare education settings.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is the standard entrance exam for most Oregon LPN programs. It measures proficiency in reading, math, science, and English. Schools set their own minimum score thresholds. Rogue Community College, for instance, requires an overall TEAS score of at least 58.7% for admission to its LPN program. Many programs weigh the TEAS heavily in the selection process, so a score well above the minimum can strengthen your application. Some schools may offer the HESI A2 or another exam, but the TEAS is by far the most common.
Alongside the exam, programs calculate a prerequisite GPA. While a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 is typical, the actual average GPA of admitted students is often higher because spots are limited. Oregon Coast Community College uses a limited-entry admission method, meaning not all qualified applicants will be accepted. The same is true at most community colleges and technical schools across Oregon: meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a seat.
Application windows for Oregon LPN programs are narrow and often open just once per year. Many programs accept applications in the winter or early spring for a fall cohort start. Oregon Coast Community College, for example, begins its practical nursing cohort in the fall. Other schools may have a winter start date. Because deadlines vary significantly, missing an application window can mean waiting a full year for the next cycle. Prospective students should map out application dates for multiple programs and plan to submit materials several months ahead of the cohort start.
Admission to an LPN program in Oregon is competitive. Most schools use a point-based ranking system that awards points for TEAS scores, GPA in prerequisite courses, and sometimes healthcare experience like working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Simply meeting minimums places you in the applicant pool, but the candidates who get accepted tend to have higher-than-minimum scores and may already hold a CNA license. Programs do not use a first-come, first-served model; applications are evaluated after the deadline, and the most competitive applicants are offered admission.
Because every Oregon LPN program sets its own prerequisites, entrance exam cutoffs, and application deadlines, it is critical to review the latest details on each school's nursing department website. Visit program pages for Chemeketa Community College, Clackamas Community College, Umpqua Community College, Klamath Community College, and Southwestern Oregon Community College to compare timelines and admission criteria. The Oregon State Board of Nursing maintains a list of approved programs, which is a reliable starting point for your research. Many schools also hold information sessions where you can ask questions directly. Planning ahead and staying organized with deadlines, test dates, and document submissions will put you in the strongest position for admission.
Is there a fully online LPN program in Oregon?
The short answer is no, you cannot earn a practical nursing license through a completely remote program in Oregon. State regulations require hands-on clinical experience, which means every LPN program includes in-person components. Any program labeled “online” is actually a hybrid model: didactic coursework may be delivered online, but labs and clinical rotations must be completed on-site at approved healthcare facilities.
None of the six programs featured in our rankings list an online or hybrid format, all are campus-based. That said, Oregon does offer OSBN-approved hybrid LPN paths outside our ranked list. For example, the Diploma Practical Nursing – IDL at Institute of Technology in Salem uses a hybrid structure, with 18 theory classes online and 4 lab/clinical classes held in person over 50 weeks. The RISE Partnership through Rogue Community College also provides a hybrid option, blending remote instruction with required clinical attendance. In every case, the “online” label only applies to lectures and discussion; direct patient care hours cannot be completed virtually.
A common misconception is that the Oregon State Board of Nursing will automatically reject graduates of out-of-state online programs. In reality, licensure by endorsement hinges on whether you hold a current, unencumbered LPN license from another U.S. state, not on a pre-screening of your original program’s delivery mode. If you completed an online-heavy program elsewhere and passed the NCLEX-PN, you can apply for an Oregon license by endorsement. The OSBN does not require that your previous school was OSBN-approved; it only needs to have been authorized in the state where it operated. However, you must still meet all other endorsement requirements, including fingerprinting, background checks, and verification of employment or licensure.
Hybrid programs can be a good fit for working adults who need flexibility with lecture schedules. Since theory classes are often asynchronous, you can study around a job or family commitments. But keep in mind that clinical rotations still demand significant in-person time, typically one to two days per week during the program. For instance, the Institute of Technology hybrid requires 50 weeks of combined online and on-site work, while many campus programs run 12 to 13 months. If you’re balancing work and school, a hybrid option may reduce commute time for classroom sessions, but you’ll need reliable transportation for clinical placements. Always verify with the school exactly how on-site hours are distributed before enrolling.
LPN wages in Oregon vary significantly by region. The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metro area typically offers the highest pay, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for healthcare workers in the state's largest urban center. The Salem and Eugene-Springfield areas also provide strong wages, while Bend-Redmond and Medford fall near the state median. Rural and non-metropolitan regions tend to pay less, though some employers offer incentives to attract nurses to underserved areas.
Based on the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), annual wages for LPNs across Oregon (all areas combined) show this distribution:1
These figures are statewide averages, so earning potential in specific cities or facilities may be higher or lower. For example, LPNs in the Portland metro area often report wages near the 75th percentile, while those in more rural settings may fall closer to the 25th percentile. Because wages shift with new data and employer demand, nurses are encouraged to check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool for the latest metro-level figures.1
Oregon's median LPN wage stands above the national median of $55,860. This roughly 14% premium reflects the state's higher cost of living and strong union presence in healthcare. However, LPN wages here remain below those of some West Coast neighbors like Washington and California, making it an attractive but more affordable option for nurses in the Pacific Northwest.
The long-term outlook for LPNs in Oregon is steady. Nationally, the BLS projects employment for licensed practical nurses to grow 3% from 2024 to 20342, slower than the average for all occupations. However, demographic trends in Oregon, particularly an aging population that requires long-term care and expanded outpatient services, create persistent demand. The Oregon Employment Department periodically updates its state-specific projections, which generally align with or modestly exceed national trends due to these needs. While automation and shifting care models may temper growth, LPNs will continue to play a critical role in skilled nursing facilities, home health, and primary care clinics across the state.
Two roads lead from LPN to RN in Oregon: a focused 12-month associate-degree bridge at a community college or a longer bachelor's-degree pathway that opens doors to leadership and specialty roles. Both start with your current practical nursing license, but the shortest and most direct route is the ADN bridge, while the BSN option generally adds another year or more of coursework.
Several community colleges offer LPN advanced placement into their associate-degree nursing (ADN) tracks. The structure is consistent: you enter with advanced standing, complete nursing courses plus any remaining general education requirements, and earn an AAS in Nursing in about 12 months. Lane Community College, Rogue Community College, and Oregon Coast Community College all run 12-month bridges that award the same AAS degree their traditional students earn. Each program requires a current, unencumbered Oregon LPN license and completion of prerequisite coursework that varies by school. Expect about 45-50 quarter credits, with most credits coming from nursing-specific didactic and clinical hours. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses.
Because the OSBN recognizes that an LPN license signals foundational nursing competence, all three bridge programs grant substantial advanced placement. You do not repeat fundamental nursing courses; instead, you jump into advanced content and clinicals. However, prerequisite requirements are not uniform: one program might require anatomy and physiology and microbiology with labs before entry, while another embeds some sciences into the bridge curriculum. All programs listed accept LPNs who trained at any OSBN-approved program, not just their own graduates, so you can choose your initial LPN school without being locked into a single bridge option.
Not every Oregon LPN program has a built-in bridge. If you intend to go on to your RN, verify before enrolling that your chosen LPN school’s credits will transfer and that the school does not restrict articulation to its own graduates. Some colleges may reserve bridge seats for their own LPN alumni during high-demand semesters, but open admission to others on a space-available basis. Calling the nursing department directly and asking about articulation agreements, prerequisite checklists, and average bridge admit GPA can save you from a dead end after LPN graduation.
A less common but hands-on option is the LPN-to-RN apprenticeship at Willamette Valley Medical Center, which partners with Chemeketta Community College. This program blends paid clinical work with classroom instruction and requires at least one year of LPN experience. Apprentices earn while they learn, which offsets tuition and provides a direct employment pipeline. For those who prefer a BSN, a handful of Oregon universities offer LPN-to-BSN bridge tracks, though these are fewer in number and typically demand more general education credits before entry.
Find answers to the most common questions about LPN education and careers in Oregon. This FAQ covers program rankings, costs, timelines, and licensure requirements using the latest data.
