Best Nursing Schools in Oregon

Updated on August 15, 2024

At a Glance

  • Oregon has over 15 nursing schools offering degrees and certifications at various levels.
  • Top-rated nursing schools in Oregon include Oregon Health & Science University, Linfield University, and George Fox University.
  • Admission requirements for nursing schools typically include SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, interviews, and letters of recommendation.
  • The average nursing salary in Oregon is $77,540 per year.

Oregon has over 15 nursing schools that offer quality training programs for those looking to start a career in nursing. The nursing schools provide degrees and certifications at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. When researching schools, it’s important to consider accreditation, program offerings, tuition costs, admissions requirements and more.

Here are 10 of the top-rated nursing schools in Oregon based on metrics like acceptance rate, average SAT scores and post-graduation salary.

Oregon Health & Science University

Location: Portland, OR

Rating: 9.5/10

Acceptance Rate: Not Reported

Tuition: $32,784 per year

Avg Salary: $80,000

Website: www.ohsu.edu

As Oregon’s only academic health center, OHSU is nationally ranked among America’s best nursing schools. They offer highly competitive BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs focused on patient-centered care and research. The 5-term ABSN program allows students with a bachelor’s degree to transition into nursing.

Linfield University

Location: Portland, OR

Rating: 9/10

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Avg SAT Score: 1080

Tuition: $42,840 per year

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: www.linfield.edu

Linfield’s nursing school is known for its personalized teaching style and practicing registered nurses on faculty. They offer a traditional BSN with flexible online components, an accelerated BSN, an RN to BSN, and graduate degrees. Clinical experience starts freshman year.

George Fox University

Location: Newberg, OR

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 81%

Avg SAT Score: 1160

Tuition: $40,800 per year

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: www.georgefox.edu

George Fox University houses Oregon’s largest Christian nursing program. The traditional BSN curriculum integrates faith and health with hands-on clinicals at their simulation hospital. An accelerated BSN and online RN to BSN are also available.

Oregon State University

Location: Corvallis, OR

Rating: 8.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 82%

Avg SAT Score: 1170

Tuition: $30,762 per year

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: health.oregonstate.edu

Oregon State offers both a traditional BSN program and an accelerated 15-month program for non-nurses holding a bachelor’s degree. With a focus on rural and underserved communities, students complete over 1,000 clinical training hours in hospitals across Oregon.

University of Portland

Location: Portland, OR

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Avg SAT Score: 1210

Tuition: $48,940 per year

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: nursing.up.edu

The University of Portland School of Nursing emphasizes holistic, values-based care grounded in the Catholic tradition. Nurses graduate prepared for advanced certification exams like the NCLEX-RN. Traditional BSN and accelerated BSN options available.

Concordia University

Location: Portland, OR

Rating: 8/10

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Avg SAT Score: 1050

Tuition: $36,550 per year

Avg Salary: $70,000

Website: www.cu-portland.edu

Concordia Nursing graduates consistently score over 90% on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. They offer BSN, ABSN, and online RN-BSN programs focused on evidence-based care, leadership, and faith-based values. Small class sizes prioritize hands-on learning.

Pacific University

Location: Forest Grove, OR

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Avg SAT Score: 1200

Tuition: $46,722 per year

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: www.pacificu.edu

Pacific University takes an unconventional approach that emphasizes care over cure through mentorship and interprofessional training. Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN options available with 1,000+ clinical hours required.

Southern Oregon University

Location: Ashland, OR

Rating: 7.5/10

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Avg SAT Score: 1010

Tuition: $27,864 per year

Avg Salary: $75,000

Website: www.sou.edu/nursing

Southern Oregon University is best suited for students interested in rural nursing practice. Their traditional BSN degree offers early placement into local hospitals and clinics with reasonable in-state tuition rates.

Umpqua Community College

Location: Roseburg, OR

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Tuition: $5,760 per year

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: www.umpqua.edu

For an affordable route into nursing, Umpqua Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). After licensure, many go on to complete Oregon Health & Science University’s RN-BSN program.

Mount Hood Community College

Location: Gresham, OR

Rating: 7/10

Acceptance Rate: 100% for qualifiers

Tuition: $5,295 per year

Avg Salary: $60,000

Website: www.mhcc.edu/Nursing

Mount Hood Community College provides an Associate Degree in Nursing over 5 semesters, including lectures, lab practice, simulation training, and hospital clinicals. Graduates can obtain licensure to work as an RN in Oregon.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree do I need to become a nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you must obtain either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. BSN programs are more comprehensive and increasingly preferred by employers.

How long does it take to get a nursing degree in Oregon?

Associate degrees take 2-3 years while traditional BSN programs take 4 years. Accelerated options for non-nursing bachelors can be completed in 12-18 months. Expect 40 hours per week managing classes, homework, labs and hospital training.

What is the average nursing salary in Oregon?

The average registered nurse salary in Oregon is $77,540 annually or $37.27 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overtime, raises and specializations can significantly increase pay over time.

What are admission requirements for Oregon nursing schools?

Admission is competitive so expect to submit SAT/ACT scores, high school and college transcripts reflecting strong grades in science courses, an interview, letters of recommendation, an essay, and sometimes a TEAS entrance exam. Experience in healthcare via job or volunteering is valued.

Which Oregon nursing schools have the highest acceptance rates?

Some of the highest acceptance rates for nursing schools in Oregon can be found at Southern Oregon University (97%), Umpqua Community College (100%), and Mount Hood Community College (100% for qualifiers). State schools like OSU and U of O are moderately competitive.

What math courses are required to apply for nursing school?

At minimum, expect to complete algebra, statistics, trigonometry or pre-calculus in high school or college. All Oregon nursing schools require demonstrated math comprehension to calculate medication dosages. Science prerequisites like biology, chemistry, anatomy are also required.

Is the ABSN or traditional BSN better?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject, ABSN programs allow you to transition into nursing more quickly in 12-18 months. Traditional BSN programs take 4 years but allow more time to acclimate to nursing student life and provide a wider base of foundational knowledge.

Do I need work experience to get into nursing school?

While not strictly required, healthcare exposure through volunteering, job shadowing, working as a CNA or medical scribe will strengthen your nursing school application. This demonstrates understanding of what an RN career actually entails. Seek opportunities in emergency, surgery, pediatrics and more.

How competitive is nursing school in Oregon?

With rising demand in healthcare, nursing programs have become very competitive with average acceptance rates around 75%. Applicants who take honors courses, score highly on entrance exams, obtain medical experience and express passion have the best chances. Thoroughly preparing your application is key.

What financial assistance is available for nursing school?

Many schools provide merit-based nursing scholarships or tuition remission for qualifying students. Additional options are federal loans, scholarships from Oregon Nurses Foundation, healthcare employer tuition reimbursement agreements, Navigator RN scholarships, and Nurse Corps loan repayment program.

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