Oregon LPN Programs

Browse our list of state approved LPN certification programs

Have you ever thought about becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse? Can you handle dealing with sick and injured patients and their families on a daily basis? Do you have a good memory? Are you emotionally stable? If you answered yes to these questions then chances are you would make a great LPN.

There are many great training programs and schools in the State of Oregon for becoming an LPN. Most of the schools offer one-year LPN programs or two-year Associate’s degree programs, with the option of taking some of your classes online. Some of the required classes include anatomy and physiology, human nutrition, fundamentals of nursing, and composition. Specific curriculum and course requirements vary by school and according to what type of degree you are pursuing.

In the State of Oregon there is a lot of variation in LPN salaries. Two factors that contribute to an LPN salary in Oregon are the population of the city which you are working in and if you are working in a hospital or nursing home. In 2024 the average salary of an LPN in Oregon is currently $72,457 per year. There is an option of being promoted to a Charge Nurse, and a Charge Nurse is the person who oversees other LPNs. Charge Nurses in the Portland area make an average of $110,277 per year and in Salem they make an average of $132,758 per year.

The job duties for LPNs mainly consist of providing basic care for sick and injured patients. LPNs will often administer IV’s and drips per the supervising doctor’s orders. LPNs are often called upon to assist patients with bathing, dressing, feeding and toileting. In some cases LPNs perform clerical work which may involve ordering medication and scheduling appointments.

If you are thinking about going into the nursing field the LPN position can be an excellent starting point. The traits that every LPN should have are a caring nature, detail-oriented, empathetic, emotionally stable, adaptable, strong physical endurance, quick thinking skills, strong work ethic, great judgment, and excellent communication skills. A career in nursing can be very challenging at times, but can also be extremely rewarding.

List of LPN Programs in Oregon (OR)

Oregon LPN Schools

Our directory lists all Oregon schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Oregon state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve.

Required LPN Classes in Oregon

The specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse.

How to Become an LPN in Oregon

Start the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Oregon Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Oregon as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment.