Nursing in Oregon

In Oregon, nursing schools mostly cluster in the Portland metro area and the Willamette Valley. While about 32 programs exist statewide, options outside this corridor are limited. This means students living in eastern or southern Oregon often need to relocate or take online courses to access nursing education. This concentration can impact where new nurses come from and where they choose to work.

The state maintains a steady NCLEX pass rate near 90 percent. Most public college and university programs in Oregon achieve pass rates in the upper 80s to low 90s. However, a handful of for-profit nursing programs report much lower pass rates. These differences affect overall averages and signal the need to carefully research the schools you consider.

Oregon is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means nurses licensed in Oregon must apply separately for licenses if they want to work in nearby states like Washington or Idaho. This extra step can slow relocation and limit job flexibility for new nurses.

Nurses in Oregon earn salaries that vary widely. Registered nurses make about $113,000 on average, but city nurses may earn more than those working in rural areas. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and anesthetists, earn significantly above average, with some making over $200,000 annually. Still, the higher cost of living in cities like Portland reduces how far those salaries stretch, especially with rising housing prices.

Tuition costs reflect Oregon’s mix of public and private schools. LPN programs at community colleges cost between $6,500 and $10,000, while ADN programs range from $8,000 to $15,000. BSN degrees tend to be more expensive. Public universities charge from $15,000 up to $35,000 for residents, while private schools often exceed $30,000. Remember to include living expenses when planning for nursing education, as housing and basic costs can be high.

Oregon’s nursing job market shows moderate demand. The state expects ongoing nurse shortages due to retirements and population growth, especially for advanced practice roles. Urban areas offer more jobs but more competition, while rural areas have fewer nurses and may offer incentives to attract care providers.

This page will help you find nursing programs in Oregon by type and region. It also provides recent NCLEX pass rate trends so you can compare programs accurately. Use it as a tool to understand your nursing education options and the realities of working as a nurse in Oregon today.