Your Guide to the Best Online RN to BSN Programs in OR

A Break Down of Online RN to BSN Programs in Oregon

When you’ve enrolled in an online RN to BSN program in Oregon, you’ll be taking synchronous, asynchronous, or self-paced video classes from the comfort of your own home. Some programs will also have a clinical element that will be completed in person at a hospital or clinical site in your local community, or at a designated site on or near campus. Different programs may have different requirements and specialties for you to consider. While the state of Oregon has a variety of online and online-first hybrid RN to BSN programs, we’ve profiled three high quality programs below to give you an idea of what you might expect:

Answering Commonly Asked Questions from Students

It’s normal to have questions before enrolling in an Oregon online RN to BSN program. In fact, most students do. To that end, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers to help you in your research:

What will I learn in an RN to BSN program in Oregon?

Nursing schools in Oregon are focused on developing leaders in the field of nursing. Upon graduating from an Oregon RN to BSN program, you should expect to be prepared to take on leadership and decision-making roles within the nursing field. For example, OHSU offers three courses specified as nursing leadership. Issues of multicultural values, diversity and social justice are emphasized in the curricula to prepare nurses to serve a diverse population. Oregon schools also highly value effective communication with patients and collaboration with team members. Nurses in these programs advance in their understanding of evidence-based practice and how healthcare policies affect systems and nursing care.

What should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program in Oregon?

Accreditation and NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are some of the best indicators of quality programs. Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the standard accrediting bodies you should seek out. You also want to be sure that the program is approved by the Oregon Board of Nursing. Other factors to consider are class or cohort sizes, course offerings, and graduate success rates. Beyond that, if you have a particular area of nursing you’re especially interested in, like anesthesiology or pediatrics, check for programs that are strong in these areas.

What requirements do I need to meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Oregon?

Admission requirements vary from school to school. RN to BSN programs in Oregon look for students who have successfully completed their nursing coursework and general education courses. To apply to these programs, you must have the following:

• Unencumbered RN license issued by the state of Oregon
• Associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution

Some programs require the following:

• Minimum grade of C for all nursing courses
• Minimum GPA (ranging from 2.75+)

Prerequisite course requirements vary widely by the university, but most include core coursework in nutrition, life science, social science, and some level of writing course.

How long is an RN to BSN program in Oregon?

Most RN to BSN programs in Oregon take between one to two years for students following a traditional study schedule either online, in person, or in a hybrid format. The time to completion depends on enrollment status and the institution you choose to attend. The shortest programs are 12 months, which usually encompasses three to four terms, and will require intensive full-time study for the duration of the program. These programs include OHSU, Linfield, Bushnell, and Walla Walla University. OHSU also offers a part-time enrollment option that takes around 20 months to complete.

How much do RN to BSN programs in Oregon cost?

Prices for RN to BSN programs in Oregon vary substantially from school to school. The three programs featured above are some of the most affordable options for RN to BSN programs in Oregon. Walla Walla University also offers RN to BSN programs at a higher cost. In general, an RN to BSN program in Oregon will cost between $12,000-$20,000. Some schools assess fees for transfer credits, while others, such as Bushnell, accept transfer hours for free. Many schools offer financial aid to help offset costs, and grants may also be available for nurses.

Salary Comparison & Career Outlook: RN vs. BSN

Beyond advancing your knowledge of nursing, you may be wondering how your new BSN will impact your earnings and overall career prospects as opposed to an RN. Regarding salary, BSNs typically make more money than RNs, due to their more advanced education qualifying them for higher-paid positions and/or more specialized roles, and preferential hiring by many hospitals and clinics. Oregon is one of the highest-paying states for nurses, with mean salaries above six figures for registered nurses (RN or BSN–the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate), so you can expect high earnings with your BSN.

Further, many schools will require you to hold a BSN if you want to pursue further education, such as an MSN. Earning your MSN may be necessary if you want to become a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or take on another highly specialized nursing role. These types of specialized nursing jobs are some of the highest-paying nursing roles in the country, with nurse practitioners in Oregon earning an average of $144,950 per year in 2023, as well as having an especially impactful role in their day to day job working directly with patients.