Best Nursing Schools in Oregon

Best RN Programs in Oregon

Oregon Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

Nursing careers offer several entry points, depending on your goals. If you’re just beginning, you may choose between an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each option has its benefits, but it's important to understand the distinctions between them to make the best choice for your career path.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Oregon include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Oregon.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

If you’re ready to invest more time in your nursing education, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an excellent option. A traditional BSN program typically takes four years to complete, but if you already have nursing experience and an ADN, you may be eligible for an RN to BSN program, which can be completed in as little as two years. Additionally, for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can build upon your existing education and allow you to earn your BSN in as little as one year.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Oregon typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

An Oregon RN to BSN is a bridge designed to help you earn your BSN more quickly. While a traditional BSN typically takes at least four years to complete, an RN to BSN program allows you to graduate in as little as two years. However, this timeline depends on whether you already hold an ADN and are licensed as an RN, as both are required for admission to these programs.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re looking to advance beyond entry-level nursing education and pursue higher-level nursing careers, you'll need to earn a graduate degree, such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These roles, including nurse practitioners, offer competitive salaries and a high degree of autonomy, but they require substantial education. Fortunately, for those with nursing experience, bridge programs are available to help accelerate your path to graduation.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Oregon:

• Oregon Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Oregon MSN Program
• Oregon RN to MSN Programs
• Oregon Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Oregon DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Oregon

Requirements for RN Licensure in Oregon

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Oregon Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Getting an Oregon Nursing License

Oregon State Board of Nursing has set-up criteria to meet and submit for licensure by examination or endorsement.

Licensure by examination requires an application, fees and the following information to be submitted:

• Official sealed transcript - sent by School of Nursing to state Board
• Passport photograph - 2" x 2", signed/notarized and dated
• Registration for NCLEX - eventually obtaining a passing score
• Fingerprint-based criminal background check

Endorsement for licensure can be obtained by providing the following documentation:

• Verification of Education - official transcript sent directly to the state Board via the institution
• Verification of NCLEX examination
• Verification of Licensure - either by request using forms in application or NURSYS (if applicable)
• National Criminal Background Check

Learn more about OR RN license information at the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Oregon

More nurses are taking the initiative to upgrade their degrees by either taking accelerated BSN/MSN programs or working while taking MSN bridge programs. Taking any of these programs can fast track your career and provide the opportunities you are looking toward. BSN accelerated programs are available at a couple of different colleges in Oregon and can be completed within 12 to 18 months, although this does vary depending on prerequisite courses required. Fees for these programs can be flexible in that they will vary depending on the number of prerequisite courses required and any other housing accommodations that may be required.

• Oregon Accelerated BSN Programs
• Oregon Accelerated MSN Programs

Continued List of All RN Programs in Oregon

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.