[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oregon is a largely rural state with many medically underserved areas. To attract more staff and faculty to their nursing programs, nurses in Oregon are among the highest paid in the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) has also advocated for and won staffing plans through the state legislature to manage nurse-to-patient ratios. This protects the nursing staff and patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the top nursing programs in Oregon, including information on how to choose the best program for you. You can also find the steps necessary to become a nurse in Oregon and salary information for different cities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Oregon.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs in Oregon enroll roughly 2,600 students each year and graduate approximately 960 nurses. If you’re considering a nursing career, you’ll find the top nursing programs in Oregon on this page.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Oregon, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The criteria you use to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]choose a nursing program[/hen-ui-link] in Oregon should meet your needs. For example, you may prefer [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-online-nursing-programs-work/”]hybrid nursing classes[/hen-ui-link] to accommodate family obligations. However, important factors affect all prospective students, such as tuition rates and financial aid.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs offer work-study opportunities to lower the cost for students. Learners attending nursing schools in Oregon should also look at n[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarships/”]ursing scholarship and grant programs[/hen-ui-link] available in the state, such as:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.oregonsna.org/scholarships.html” target=”_blank”]Oregon Student Nurses’ Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oregonrn.org/page/Scholarships” target=”_blank”]Oregon Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://oregonnursesfoundation.org/scholarships/” target=”_blank”]Oregon Nurses Foundation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://app.oregonstudentaid.gov/Catalog/Default.aspx” target=”_blank”]Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several schools also offer financial opportunities, such as Linfield University, University of Portland, and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. Nursing programs throughout the U.S. are struggling with a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nursing-educators-navigate-the-nursing-shortage/”]nursing faculty shortage[/hen-ui-link], including those in Oregon. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2020 data showed 21 open faculty positions that preferred candidates with a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The faculty shortage influences the acceptance rate in your program of choice. According to AACN, nursing schools across the U.S. turned down 80,407 qualified applicants in the 2019-2020 school year because of faculty shortages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another factor to consider is the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate for the school. This tells you how well the nursing program prepares students for the examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, it is essential that the nursing school in Oregon you choose is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state boards of nursing[/hen-ui-link] only grant a license to a nurse who has graduated from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oregon offers some of the most unique nature experiences in the United States, including parks, lakes, mountains, forests, and coastline. Every beach is free to the public year-round, and many include beautiful lighthouses. Oregon does not charge sales tax and boasts a strong craft beer and coffee culture.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Portland’s OHSU Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center rank nationally in adult and children’s specialties. In addition, ONA advocates for laws and regulations that address staffing to protect nurses and patients. These include mandatory overtime, staffing committees, and the provision for a Nursing Staff Advisory Board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2021, ONA found that several hospitals [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oregonrn.org/page/113″ target=”_blank”]exploited the state of emergency[/hen-ui-link] and deviated from staffing ratios. This occurred even when there were no COVID-19 patients in the hospital. In response to this, the state legislature passed House Bill 3016, which placed further restrictions on hospital staffing plans to protect nurses and patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, House Bill 403 could allow nursing students to offer some patient care opportunities under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). This bill creates a nursing intern license for students who have had at least one year of nursing school and have passed a skills test.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This may help improve education and practice for students while freeing up time for RNs in the workplace.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The annual nursing salary is well above the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual RN salary is $80,010, while the average annual nursing salary in Oregon is $96,230.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oregon is not a right-to-work state. These are statutes that prohibit an employer or [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-union-pros-cons/”]nursing union[/hen-ui-link] to require membership in a union for employment. Oregon is also not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which would allow nurses to work across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Oregon earn more than the average nursing salary in the United States. Oregon ranks fourth as the top-paying state for RNs, and data from [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]Projections Central[/hen-ui-link] indicate a job growth rate of 15.2%. The average nurse practitioner’s (NP) annual salary is also higher than the average NP salary in the country. Learn more about RN salaries in Oregon.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the difference is not as great as it is for RNs. NP salaries rank 10th as a top-paying state with a projected employment growth of 32%. This is lower than the national projected growth of 45%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/state/oregon” target=”_blank”]average cost-of-living index[/hen-ui-link] in Oregon is 113.1, compared to 100 for the country overall. The cost-of-living index for housing is 148.9, which drives up the index since many of the other factors are at or below 100.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Oregon’s metropolitan areas are paid more than those in the rural areas, and Portland is home to the top two hospitals in the state. However, while there are above-average salary opportunities, the cost of living in these areas also tends to be higher.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Oregon[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Portland — Vancouver — Hillsboro[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$98,700[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Eugene[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$97,050[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medford[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$93,050[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salem[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$92,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bend — Redmond[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$92,140[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several paths to attending a nursing school in Oregon. You may start your journey as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse[/hen-ui-link] (LPN). You could attend an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although there are several ways to start, they can all lead toward [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/reasons-why-rns-should-pursue-their-bsn-degree//”]becoming a BSN-prepared nurse[/hen-ui-link], which is highly sought after by employers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Oregon RN to BSN Programs + Online Bridge Options” href=”/state/oregon/rn-to-bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Oregon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Are nurses in demand in Oregon?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oregon has a nursing shortage, which is evident in rural areas. As the state develops programs to address the shortage of hospital staff nurses, the nursing schools in Oregon also are experiencing a shortage of faculty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This lowers the number of qualified applicants that can be accepted into a nursing program each year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Oregon?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of time it takes to become an RN can vary and depends partly on what program you choose. Nurse candidates usually choose between an ADN or a BSN program, which can take 2-4 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs don’t accept nurses into the program until they have completed nursing prerequisite classes. There are also [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] that either lead to an ADN or a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much does an Oregon nursing license cost?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application fee for an RN license is $195 if you are applying for an endorsement after having been licensed in another state. The fee is $160 if this is your first application after [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who apply for an APRN license pay a $150 application fee. Additional fees may also apply for a criminal background check and prescriptive privileges.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the average NCLEX-RN pass rate in Oregon?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing show the pass rate for first time, U.S.-educated nursing candidates in Oregon was 90.1% in 2020. This ranks Oregon higher than the national pass rate of 86.6% and ranks Oregon 18th among all states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is one factor you may consider as you choose the nursing school in Oregon you wish to attend.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]