Online Nursing Schools in OR: Discovering Top Programs

Inside Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Oregon

Nursing programs may be offered entirely or partially online, depending on what type you choose. For example, students training for clinical nursing work must get hands-on instruction during their program. In these cases, you may be able to take some of your coursework online but then travel to campus for laboratory work. Also, you will be required to complete clinical experiences at a local healthcare facility for further training.

On the other hand, some programs may be held entirely online. For example, those who have completed clinical training may be able to enroll in a program that emphasizes a certain area of nursing theory. Master’s and doctoral programs without a clinical component may be offered 100% virtually.

The first step is determining what nursing education you have (if any) and what type of degree or certification you’re aiming toward.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate nursing programs are designed for those who are at the beginning stages of their careers. There are diploma, certificate, and associate degree programs that teach the fundamentals of nursing to build your career on. Also, bachelor’s degree programs are available for people with some nursing experience who want to sharpen their knowledge and skills to qualify for higher-level positions and more money.

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate and post-graduate degree programs allow you to build on your previous nursing training and experience to improve your career. For example, if you want to specialize in one area of the field, a nursing master’s or doctoral degree program provides a concentrated education. These programs allow you to get the expertise you need to practice your area of interest, and it can take between one and five years to complete depending on the program.

Bridge Degree Programs

Nurses who want to go back to school may be reluctant because of the time it would take to earn another degree. Fortunately, bridge programs make it easier to advance in your education. These degrees can help you save time and money because they build on the education you’ve already completed. As a result, you’re required to complete fewer course credits, and you focus your studies on the new material you’re introduced to.

Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in Oregon

The RN licensure process in Oregon is administered by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). There are two ways to meet the OSBN’s requirements for RN licensure. Applicants with current RN licenses from another U.S. state or jurisdiction will likely obtain their Oregon RN licenses through endorsement. If you’re applying for an RN license for the first time, you’ll obtain your license by examination. Here’s a look at the steps you’ll take to do that.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

To qualify for the NCLEX-RN and Oregon RN licensure, you must complete an OSBN-approved or non-Oregon state-approved RN degree program. For many students this will be an ADN or BSN program offered by one of the Oregon nursing schools mentioned in this guide. Check any current program’s approval status against the list of OSBN-approved nursing programs. This RN program accreditation ensures that you will learn the skills needed to land a job after graduation.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

You’ll register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, the exam’s exclusive administrator. Once you complete the registration process and your RN license application is processed, Pearson VUE will email you an Authorization to Test (ATT). You can then schedule your exam via your Pearson VUE online account.

The NCSBN provides helpful advice for preparing to take the NCLEX-RN. You’ll sit for your exam at any of Pearson VUE’s domestic or international testing locations. Official exam results will be forwarded to you by the OSBN approximately six weeks after taking the exam. However, you can access unofficial results two business days after the exam.

After you pass the exam and meet all other licensure requirements, you’ll receive a notification email from the OSBN with your RN license number. The OSBN does not issue a physical license. If you did not pass, you can retake the exam every 46 days. You must, however, re-register with Pearson VUE and re-apply with the OSBN each time.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

Start the application process via the OSBN Licensing Portal. The state licensing requirements include submitting a complete application form, providing fingerprints for a criminal background check, and paying the application fee. You’ll also need to supply a copy of your nursing program transcript to the OSBN upon graduation. Students about to finish their RN degree programs should begin the application process four to six weeks before graduation.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Oregon RN licenses expire at midnight on the day before the licensee’s birthday every two years (odd-numbered years for those born in odd-numbered years and even-numbered years for those born in even-numbered years). There’s a one-time requirement of seven continuing education hours on the subject of pain management with no other CE requirements needed for license renewal.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Although it may not be required, earning a specialty certification can help you further your career and command more money. Do your research into the specialty certifications you may qualify for because different credentials will have different standards.

Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs in Oregon

Now that you’re familiar with nursing degree programs on the graduate and undergraduate levels, you can take a deep dive into the schools in Oregon that offer these programs. To help you navigate them, we have curated the list below based on the qualities that nursing students care about most, including the ability to receive financial aid like scholarships. Even if these specific schools aren’t the right ones for your needs, the rankings below will give you an idea of what to look for. As you review our choices, if you want to find out how we made this list, take a look at the explanation of our methodology.

Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in Oregon

In Oregon, there will be an 11.60% increase in jobs for registered nurses statewide, making it a good time to consider pursuing this career. In fact, every year, an additional 2,930 jobs will be added to the RN workforce, helping to address employers’ nursing shortages. Nationwide, there will be a 5.60% increase in jobs, resulting in 193,100 positions created annually. If you're concerned about potential earnings, the information we’ve compiled illustrates salary potential. In Oregon, registered nurses earn between $86,730 and $136,950, with an average salary of $110,940. However, specific locations around the state have different salary ranges. In Eugene, RNs earn between $83,810 and $131,640, with an average salary of $100,780. In Salem, professionals earn between $85,440 and $127,640, with an average salary of $107,080. For more useful information, review the tables below.