Comprehensive Guide to Nursing Colleges and Programs in Oregon
In a time where compassionate, resilient, and determined nurses are needed more than ever, Oregon offers a variety of nursing programs to meet this demand. This article provides a detailed overview of nursing education opportunities in Oregon, encompassing various program types, institutions, and key considerations for prospective nursing students.
The Importance of Nursing Education
A nursing education in Oregon strikes a balance between caring for others and sound scientific knowledge. Through quality education, nurses are equipped to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations. Graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, research facilities, community-based clinics, doctors’ offices, and even in missions roles overseas.
Types of Nursing Programs in Oregon
Oregon offers a range of nursing programs to accommodate students at different stages of their education and career:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN): Offered at community colleges like Portland Community College (PCC) and Treasure Valley Community College, these programs provide a foundation for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Available at universities like George Fox University, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and Linfield University, a BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and provides a broader scope of practice.
- RN-to-BSN Programs: Designed for Registered Nurses with an ADN or diploma, these programs allow nurses to earn a BSN degree, often online and in an accelerated format. Examples include programs at Bushnell University, Linfield College, and Grand Canyon University (GCU).
- Accelerated BSN Programs: These programs are for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to transition to nursing more quickly. Concordia St. Paul offers a 16-month accelerated BSN program.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): OHSU is an excellent graduate school, so nursing students interested in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): George Fox launched a Nurse Anesthesia DNP program in 2025.
Featured Nursing Colleges and Universities in Oregon
George Fox University
Located in Newberg, with campuses in Portland, Salem, and Redmond, George Fox University offers a traditional four-year BSN program. The baccalaureate program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The university emphasizes a balance between caring for others and sound scientific knowledge, training students to make a difference in healthcare.
Key Features Include:
- Interprofessional Education Program: Held twice a year, this program allows students to collaborate with professionals from various health disciplines.
- Simulation Lab: A state-of-the-art facility with mannequins that simulate real-world healthcare scenarios.
- Nurse Anesthesia DNP Program: Launched in 2025, focusing on providing care to underserved populations.
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)
OHSU has campuses across Oregon, allowing students to study in their preferred region. It is renowned as one of the best nursing schools in the state and boasts the best CRNA school in Oregon.
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Key Features Include:
- Varying NCLEX Pass Rates: The OHSU-Portland accelerated BSN program has a high pass rate of 95.45%.
- Graduate Programs: Excellent options for students interested in pursuing an MSN or Ph.D.
- Partnerships: OHSU partners with Southern Oregon University (SOU) to offer nursing programs on the SOU campus. OHSU also partners with PCC and Treasure Valley Community College.
Linfield University
With just over 2,500 enrolled students, Linfield University offers a traditional BSN program with small clinical class sizes (no more than eight students) and theory courses (never more than 40).
Key Features Include:
- Other Nursing Options: Online RN-BSN and a 15-month accelerated second-degree program.
- Partnerships: Reduced tuition online RN-BSN programs at Linfield College for Chemeketa Community College graduates.
University of Portland
Located on a bluff overlooking Portland and the Willamette River, the University of Portland offers a traditional BSN program and admits transfer students regularly.
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC)
Located on the Oregon Coast, OCCC is launching its RN to BSN program in Fall 2026 as part of a consortium of Oregon Community Colleges. The program is designed for registered nurses who already hold an AAS degree in Nursing.
Key Features Include:
- RN to BSN Program: Students will complete coursework online while finishing with an in-person capstone experience in Lincoln County.
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing: A two-year degree that qualifies students to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX - RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
- LPN-RN Program: A straightforward and accessible path to becoming a Registered Nurse.
- Practical Nursing Certificate: A one-year curriculum for students seeking to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- Medical Assistant Certificate: Prepares students for entry-level employment in a clinic or other healthcare settings.
- Emergency Medical Technician: Courses train students to take the state certification tests for the EMT Basic level.
- Nursing Assistant Program: Fulfills the Oregon State Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a nursing assistant.
- Occupational Therapy Assistant: Students can take prerequisite courses at OCCC and receive the degree via distance delivery while remaining at home on the Coast.
Portland Community College (PCC)
PCC is the largest post-secondary education institution in Oregon. Students who complete the ASN are eligible to complete a BSN either through OHSU or Linfield College, so this can be an affordable way to begin your journey toward a BSN.
Treasure Valley Community College
Treasure Valley Community College is a regionally accredited two-year institution in Ontario, Oregon. From 2015-2017, 100% of the associate degree program graduates found a job. Upon finishing the three-year associate in nursing, students are eligible to transfer to OHSU to finish their BSN.
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Chemeketa Community College
While the in-state tuition at Chemeketa Community College is low, many students end up attending school without paying tuition. Chemeketa also connects graduates to reduced-tuition online RN-BSN programs at Linfield College and the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay.
Additional Institutions
Other institutions offering nursing programs or pathways in Oregon include:
- Bushnell University (RN-BSN program)
- Concordia St. Paul (Accelerated BSN)
- Walla Walla University (first two years in College Place, Washington; then Portland)
Accreditation
Accrediting bodies evaluate the quality of schools and programs. It is crucial to choose an accredited nursing program. Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
- Contact Admissions Offices: Reach out to the admissions offices of the schools you're interested in.
- Check Requirements: Nursing programs often have stricter admissions requirements than general college admissions.
- Submit Applications: Apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of acceptance.
- Additional Materials: Be prepared to submit additional materials as required by specific programs.
Reasons to Choose Oregon for Nursing
As one of the highest-paying states for nurses, Oregon is a desirable location for nursing professionals. The state employs more nurses per capita than some of its neighbors, potentially making it easier to find a position. While Oregon may not have a vast number of BSN programs, the available options are generally of high quality.
Read also: Chamberlain University Costs
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