Oregon RN Programs

Earn your ADN degree or BSN degree at an Oregon college

Becoming a Registered Nurse in Oregon

There are a variety of reasons that people choose to become RNs. Registered nursing is a fast paced medical career with RNs being highly sought after. Becoming an RN allows for many advancement opportunities; RNs can become lead nurses or become nurse practitioners. Registered nursing programs can be completed in a short amount of time (2 to 4 years), which is relatively short compared to other professions with similar pay.

The average RN salary in Oregon is $99,410 a year, or $48 per hour. Before a person may become a registered nurse in Oregon they must first complete an educational program, unless they already hold a RN license in another state, in which case they can be endorsed to get a license in Oregon. Either a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) must be earned. The ADN can be completed in two years of study, while the BSN generally takes four years. The BSN and the ADN both require the same fundamental classes about health, biology, and different forms of nursing. Both degrees are acceptable for the educational requirements to become an RN, but those graduating with a BSN degree often will get more classes, and a BSN degree is often required for more advanced nursing positions, such as head nurse. A BSN degree can be earned at universities, and an ADN can be earned through a community college. The state of Oregon has about twenty-five degree programs for becoming an RN.

A license is required to legally practice as an RN in the state of Oregon. To become licensed in Oregon applicants must not have only earned a degree in nursing, but also pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). Before the exam can be taken, the nursing candidate must apply with the Oregon Board of Nursing for licensure, then they will be eligible to register to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam is held at different sites and various times that the applicant can find through the state board of nursing. The applicant’s test results are given to them through their board of nursing; the results are not sent until after Oregon’s board of nursing has received the applicant’s transcripts. If the test is passed the applicant is sent a nursing license. If the test is failed the applicant has the opportunity to retake the exam. If the applicant has to retake the exam they must send notice to the Oregon state board of nursing and reapply for the NCLEX-RN and pay another fee.

Associates Degree RN Programs in Oregon (OR)

Accredited Oregon RN Schools

See our complete list of qualified RN nursing education programs in the state of Oregon. The schools listed here offer pre-licensure nursing programs that meet the registered nursing education requirements set forth by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Although the schools listed on this page are accredited by the Oregon Board of Nursing and approved by the state of Oregon, they might not be accredited by national organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Individuals should check to see if the state-approved nursing school they are considering also enjoys national accreditation status if they are seeking a school with both accreditations.