Maria Delgado, RN
June 26, 2025
Oregon’s nursing education offerings span a full spectrum of career levels, from foundational certification to advanced clinical practice. Whether you’re beginning your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from a Registered Nurse (RN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or preparing for advanced practice as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s community colleges, universities, and healthcare systems blend rigorous academics with immersive clinical experiences. With options for hands‑on practicums at accredited healthcare facilities and flexible online coursework tailored to busy schedules, Oregon’s nursing programs equip graduates with the skills, professional credentials, and competitive salary potential needed to excel across diverse care settings.
McMinnville, OR - Private 4-year - linfield.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Linfield University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program blends advanced technology with essential nursing knowledge, preparing students for a dynamic healthcare environment. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on social justice and care for underrepresented populations. With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed for the national licensure exam, students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The Traditional BSN program spans four semesters, offering admissions in fall and spring. Linfield's commitment to fostering professional, responsive nurses makes it an ideal choice for those dedicated to impactful healthcare careers.
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - sumnercollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Sumner College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Portland, OR, offers a unique path to becoming a Registered Nurse with no prerequisites required. This hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning, including clinical experiences, over 32 months. Accredited by CCNE and approved by OSBN, it boasts a 98% retention rate. With rolling enrollment, students can start any term. Oregon's RNs earn an average of $98,630 annually, with the field growing by 15.2% in the next decade. Transfer up to 25% of credits to reduce costs. Admissions consider TEAS scores, interviews, and essays.
Eugene, OR - Private 4-year - bushnell.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bushnell University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students to become ethical nurse leaders in a supportive academic environment. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership in healthcare. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical and project-based practices in various settings. The program emphasizes a Christian worldview, fostering compassion and respect in nursing. Admission requirements include a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for healthcare. Costs and financial aid options are available to help students achieve their educational goals. This program is ideal for those seeking to make a difference in the nursing field.
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Bushnell University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a 12-month, campus-based course designed for those eager to fast-track their nursing career. With a focus on ethical leadership and compassionate care, students gain hands-on experience under expert faculty guidance, preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate and a 93.85% completion rate, offering clinical rotations in diverse settings. Costs are $1225 per credit for 44 credits, with financial aid options available. Admission requires meeting specific prerequisites, with applications opening in December for fall and spring starts.
Klamath Falls, OR - Public 2-Year - klamathcc.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Klamath Community College now offers a pioneering online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed for working registered nurses seeking degree advancement. This innovative program addresses critical nursing shortages, especially in rural areas, by allowing RNs with associate degrees to complete their bachelor's conveniently. With only 60 additional credits needed, nurses can seamlessly progress their education while maintaining employment.
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - warnerpacific.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Warner Pacific University's Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Portland, OR, is designed for aspiring nurses seeking a comprehensive education. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this program blends rigorous academics with practical experience. Students learn to provide compassionate, ethical care in diverse settings. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and more, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a nursing application essay. This program is perfect for those aiming to make a difference in healthcare through leadership, advocacy, and evidence-based practice.
Oregon’s LPN programs combine coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. Students develop practical skills administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and supporting patient recovery under professional supervision. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning Oregon licensure, graduates bolster the practical nursing workforce, improving access to quality care from Portland’s urban centers to the state’s coastal and mountain communities.
Oregon’s CNA programs deliver six to twelve weeks of focused training in patient hygiene, infection control, and vital‑sign checks, accompanied by supervised clinical practicums. Participants refine their ability to assist with daily‑living activities, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with nursing staff. Once certified, CNAs reinforce care teams in hospitals, long‑term care homes, and clinics. Their efforts ensure that patients receive consistent, compassionate support.
Oregon’s RN to BSN offerings equip licensed nurses to advance their practice through a mix of interactive online coursework, covering clinical leadership, population health, informatics and health policy, and hands-on practicums in both coastal hospitals and high-desert clinics. Designed for working professionals, these bridge programs come in flexible part-time and accelerated formats, so you can continue your job while earning a bachelor’s degree. Completing a BSN sharpens skills in evidence-driven care coordination and systems thinking, aligns with employer and accreditation requirements, and unlocks roles in specialty certification, management and community health across Oregon.
Oregon’s Nurse Practitioner programs take nurses with a BSN into advanced-practice roles by combining in-depth graduate coursework with robust clinical immersions, generally completed over two to four years, in specialties like family health, pediatric care, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered through on-campus cohorts, hybrid models, and fully online tracks at universities and health systems statewide, these MSN and DNP pathways equip graduates for APRN certification and Oregon licensure. Once credentialed, NPs step into vital roles as primary care providers, chronic illness coordinators, and telehealth practitioners in Portland-area hospitals, community clinics in the Willamette Valley, and rural coastal and mountain communities. By broadening the pool of highly trained clinicians and extending advanced nursing services into underserved regions, NP programs are key to strengthening Oregon’s healthcare network.
Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
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Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Available, many linked to BSN via OCNE partnerships, BSN strongly preferred |
RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in Oregon |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses preferred, strong RN-to-BSN support |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs practice independently statewide |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide |
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