Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Oregon

There are few states as beautiful as Oregon. From the hundreds of miles of breathtaking coastline to the unique communities of Portland or Bend, Oregon is not only a great place to go sightseeing, but it’s also an ideal place for many nurses to settle down and seek higher-paying career opportunities. If you’re looking to switch up your current position as a nurse practitioner and seek more specialized nursing career options, you may be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner. To learn how you can seek these opportunities in Oregon, check out the sections below. Jump to program listings.

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon

At RegisteredNursing.org, we understand the critical role of accessible nursing education, which is why our comprehensive rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Oregon highlight top-tier distance learning opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. These virtual programs provide flexible pathways for nurses to advance their careers without compromising their current work or personal commitments. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program based on academic rigor, clinical preparation, faculty credentials, and student success rates, ensuring that prospective students have accurate and trustworthy information for making informed educational decisions. Online nurse practitioner programs in Oregon represent a transformative approach to advanced nursing education, enabling professionals to expand their skills and contribute more effectively to healthcare delivery. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - ohsu.edu

MSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice (Primary and Acute Care)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Health & Science University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program offers an exceptional hybrid pathway for nurses seeking advanced pediatric specialization. Uniquely designed to certify practitioners in both primary and acute care pediatrics, the three-year curriculum covers comprehensive children's health from birth to 21 years. Students benefit from high-quality clinical training at nationally ranked children's hospitals, with flexible online coursework. The program emphasizes specialized pediatric skills, requiring a 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and providing competitive tuition rates. No GRE is required, and numerous scholarship opportunities enhance accessibility for aspiring pediatric nurse practitioners.

• Dual Primary and Acute Care Track
• Three-year Hybrid Program
• 111 Total Credit Requirement
• 25 Practicum Course Credits
• 7 D.N.P. Project Course Credits
• Out-of-State Clinical Options
• Tuition: $699 Resident/Resident
• 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement

MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Family Nurse Practitioner D.N.P. program at Oregon Health & Science University delivers comprehensive training for advanced primary care nursing. This hybrid three-year curriculum spans 115 credits and includes 1,000 clinical practice hours, preparing nurses to deliver holistic family-centered healthcare. With no GRE requirement and a minimum 3.0 GPA prerequisite, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning. Students develop robust skills to assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions across patient lifespans, emerging as highly skilled primary care providers ready to address complex healthcare challenges in diverse clinical settings.

• 3-year Doctor of Nursing Practice
• 115 total program credits
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• RN license prerequisite
• Hybrid program format
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Advanced clinical reasoning focus
• Comprehensive primary care training

MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Health & Science University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides comprehensive three-year advanced nursing education. Students develop extensive expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, completing over 1,000 clinical hours across diverse healthcare environments. The hybrid program offers flexible online learning with multiple campus options and a small 1:15 student-teacher ratio. Admission requires a B.S. in nursing, active RN license, and 3.0 GPA. Graduates are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across patient lifespans, utilizing evidence-based approaches and demonstrating high certification exam pass rates.

• 3-year Doctor of Nursing Practice
• 1,000+ clinical practice hours
• Flexible online/hybrid learning
• Multiple campus options
• High certification exam pass rate
• Small 1:15 student-teacher ratio
• Statewide Oregon program access
• Diverse clinical placement settings

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Portland

Portland, OR - Private 4-year - up.edu

MSN to DNP - DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Portland's DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a comprehensive hybrid online educational experience tailored for advanced nursing professionals. Students engage in a 72-credit curriculum that masterfully blends virtual learning with monthly on-campus immersions, ensuring robust academic and clinical preparation. The program uniquely emphasizes integrative health approaches and leadership development, providing students with 900 clinical experience hours. Graduates are strategically positioned to pursue national certification and practice independently across diverse healthcare environments. With a commitment to social justice and cultural humility, this program prepares nurse practitioners to address complex healthcare disparities and deliver holistic patient care.

• 72-credit hybrid program
• 900 hours clinical experience
• Online with monthly immersions
• National certification preparation
• Focus on integrative health
• Independent practice skills
• Leadership in healthcare systems
• Social justice oriented

*Source: IPEDS 2024 postsecondary education data, NCES.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

While you will likely be able to unlock much more independence and higher-paying salaries once you’re licensed as a nurse practitioner, you may be thinking “How much is it going to cost?” or “How much time do I need to invest?” to enroll in a nurse practitioner program. The answer is a lot less than you think.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

The two primary degrees associated with nurse practitioners are the Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). If you’re looking to save time, a master’s degree is usually ideal. A master’s degree in nursing is the minimum requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner and they usually take about two years to complete following a bachelor’s degree program. However, some MSN programs are able to be completed even faster than this. For example, many students choose Oregon Health and Science University’s online MSN which can take as little as 18 months to complete.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

As mentioned MSN programs are not only the quickest route to becoming a nurse practitioner, it’s also typically the cheapest. On average, most MSN programs cost between $20,000 and $$60,000. Of course, this will depend on which school you attend, technology fees, room and board, the price of your textbooks, and the cost of living in the area where your school is based. Linfield University is one such option which offers a tuition of around $20,000 to $25,000 per year.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most common reasons that many nurses become nurse practitioners is so that they can specialize in a specific area and apply a more direct approach to the patients they serve. If you’re looking for a specialized MSN program located in Oregon, take a look at the University of Portland’s Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

While MSN and DNP programs are the most common routes for nurse practitioner education, there are several accelerated and bridge program opportunities available online and in-person, depending on the degree level you currently hold. Take a look at your options below.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As we mentioned, MSN degrees are the most common and typically the fastest and cheapest traditional nurse practitioner degree program. They usually take around 2 years to complete following a bachelor’s degree. Here are some examples in Oregon:

• Linfield University – McMinnville, OR
• Oregon Health and Science University – Portland, OR

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are also known as RN to MSN or ADN to MSN programs. These bridge programs are typically geared toward registered nurses who are licensed and have graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing as a way to combine both BSN and MSN programs into one short and effective program that draws on the RN’s experience and associate’s level education. As of now, the only RN to MSN program is offered by Oregon Health and Science University.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of nurse practitioner degree is a doctor of nursing practice. This degree usually takes 4-6 years of study after your master’s degree and will come in a variety of specializations. Here are some DNP programs located in Oregon:

• University of Portland – Portland, OR
• Oregon Health and Science University – Portland, OR

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-master nurse practitioner certificate programs are not degree programs and they will only be available to fully licensed nurse practitioners who have graduated from a graduate degree program in nursing. However, they are highly valuable to students who want to specialize in multiple areas of practice.

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Decide to become a nurse practitioner later in life? Accelerated, direct-entry and master’s entry NP programs are a bridge program that allows you to combine your BSN and MSN into one nursing program. This type of program isn’t for everyone — it is long and very intense, but for many, it is worth the time and money saved. Here are a few available in the state:

• Linfield University – McMinnville, OR

General Admissions Requirements

While each specific nurse practitioner degree level will have its own set of requirements, most NP programs will require the following to be eligible for admission:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Oregon NP License and Certification Requirements

Once you’ve completed your nurse practitioner degree, it’s time to get licensed as a nurse practitioner and certified in your area of focus. To apply for licensure, you’ll need your RN licensure, official transcripts from your NP education program, and any relevant clinical training records. The application process also involves filling out the state's official licensing form and submitting an application fee, which typically amounts to about $150. For detailed guidance on how to apply for NP licensure in Oregon, applicants can refer to the state’s online licensing portal.

Oregon also requires nurse practitioners to be certified in their area of specialty. Certification is generally obtained through recognized bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and candidates must usually hold an RN license and have completed a graduate-level program in their specialty. Most certifying bodies also require passing an exam to verify the applicant's expertise.

As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Oregon have full practice authority, which means they can independently assess, diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications without physician collaboration. This allows NPs in Oregon to provide comprehensive care to patients in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Additional resources, professional support, and opportunities for continuing education can be found through the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), which plays a key role in supporting the state’s NPs throughout their careers.

List of NP Programs in Oregon