Top Nursing Schools in Portland, Oregon: Online & Campus
Looking to start or advance your RN nursing career in the Portland area? This guide will introduce you to the best nursing schools and help you find the program that’s right for you.
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing career journey or are a licensed RN ready to make the jump to advanced practitioner and leadership positions, nursing schools in Portland, Oregon offer some of the best accredited programs available. Then there’s the fact that RNs in Oregon are among the highest-paid RNs in the country, making now a great time to take the next step in your nursing education.
This guide highlights the best Portland nursing schools and breaks down the different education paths (including convenient online learning options) to help you find the program that’s right for you. You’ll also find helpful information on where to find financial aid, how to get licensed, and what the job market for nurses in Portland looks like.
Best Nursing Schools and Programs in Portland
The following list of best nursing schools in Portland, Oregon can help you discover the right nursing program for you. These accredited programs stand out because of their affordability, flexibility, and level of quality student support services. No matter what your personal or career goals are, you’re likely to find these factors are being important in which school you decide to attend. Start your nursing school search by discovering which nursing schools and programs stand out.
Best Overall Nursing Schools in the Portland
Best Online Nursing Programs in Portland
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Portland
Whether you’re just starting your first nursing training or are a seasoned professional looking to bolster current nursing credentials, Portland nursing schools have a program to fit your needs. Read on to learn more about the specific types of nursing programs available in the Portland area and see which one will suit your needs.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Portland
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADNs are for students without any previous nursing education who want to start practicing as RNs as soon as possible. They take full-time students about two years to complete and include both nursing and general education classes. You’ll obtain all the skills and knowledge needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Graduates work as RNs in clinics, hospitals, outpatient care units, and more.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
BSN degrees are for students with or without previous nursing education. These programs usually take full-time students four years to complete and include both general education and nursing courses, although there will be a lot more general education courses than an ADN program. You’ll study nursing topics in-depth and explore areas like health promotion, research, and pediatrics. If you already have an associate degree and RN license, you can probably finish in about two years with little to no in-person learning requirements
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSNs are usually designed for those with bachelor’s degrees in another field. Accelerated programs take less time to complete than traditional BSNs because general electives and education requirements do not need to be repeated. Expect to spend 12-24 months completing an accelerated BSN, with much of this time spent gaining hands-on experience from clinicals
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSNs are for students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field. They provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue initial RN licensure, as well as provide specialized training in advanced areas of nursing. Some of these concentrations include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology, and primary care nurse practitioner.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Portland for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
If you’re already an LPN, you can pursue RN licensure and/or a BSN degree in an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN program. In these 2 to 3-year programs, you’ll build upon your existing knowledge and hands-on skills and be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
For existing RNs wanting bachelor’s degrees in nursing, RN to BSN programs are the best choice. Incoming students with ADNs and RN licensure can increase their earning potential, further develop their skill set, and qualify for more nursing positions by completing their BSNs. These programs usually take full-time students 1-2 years to finish.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Some Portland nursing schools offer an MSN for RNs with or without bachelor’s degrees. RN to MSN programs are for those with unencumbered RN licensure and associate degrees or higher. Depending on transfer credits, an RN to MSN program can be completed in about 2-3 years.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Portland
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs are usually for current BSN nurses. For Non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees in another field, there are direct-entry MSN program. Either MSN degree path gives students the chance to develop skills in specialized areas like nursing education or adult gerontology.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
The DNP is a practice-focused degree that teaches you to apply the latest advancements in the field to improve nursing practice. DNP degrees are best for those who want to continue their clinical practice. A PhD is a research degree that prepares you for work in research facilities or academic roles at colleges and universities.
Examples of Portland Nursing Schools with this Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Portland
Despite the earning potential for nursing school graduates, the cost of attending a nursing school in Portland, Oregon is a challenge for many students. For many students, tuition can be a deciding factor as to which school to attend or whether to apply to a school at all. Fortunately, you have many financial aid options to help offset the cost of your education.
Scholarships and grants are some of the best ways to obtain funding for nursing school, as they don’t need to be paid back. In addition to applying for any financial awards available through your school, consider applying for those through private organizations like the Oregon Nurses Foundation, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, or Oregon Nurses Association. Local, state, and regional organizations also may offer funding opportunities.
Federal aid, whether through scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study positions, can help students get the nursing education they need without taking on substantial debt. Examples include these programs offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Also, be sure to complete a FAFSA each school year to help determine your eligibility for federal aid. For more information on financial aid for nursing students, check out our nursing scholarship guide, financial aid guide, and nursing student loan forgiveness guide.
How to Become an RN in Portland: Licensing Requirements
To become an RN in Portland, follow the licensure requirements set by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. After completing a state-approved RN program, apply for licensure to the state. In Oregon, you’ll apply to receive an Authorization to Test notification, which means the state approves you to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
After you pass the exam, you’ll need to complete a series of steps, including fingerprinting and a background check, with the state board of nursing before you can pursue employment. Check out our Oregon nursing school guide for more information on licensing requirements.
Earnings for RNs and APRNs in Portland
Maybe you are considering nursing education for the first time to jumpstart a new career. Perhaps you already have a nursing license and want to pursue a specialization to advance. Wherever you are in your career and educational journey, you are likely still concerned about your potential earnings after completing a nursing degree. To give you an idea of what your salary might look like upon graduation, we compiled data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics below. In the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro region, registered nurses earn an average of $116,850 per year. The 10th percentile of professionals make $94,630, while the 90th percentile earn $137,870. This is slightly more than the state’s pay statistics. Across Oregon, registered nurses earn an average annual salary of $110,940. The 10th percentile earn $86,730, and the 90th percentile earn $136,950. Review the information below for a closer look.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $86,730 | $110,940 | $136,950 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $94,630 | $116,850 | $137,870 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
