Portland is a strong nursing market anchored by Oregon Health and Science University, one of the few academic health centers in the Pacific Northwest. Legacy Health, Providence Health, and PeaceHealth round out a robust employer landscape. Oregon nurses benefit from strong union protections and among the highest nursing wages in the country.
Types of Nursing Programs in Portland
- LPN: About 12 months at Portland Community College and private vocational schools.
- ADN: 2 years at Portland Community College. One of the most respected and affordable ADN programs in Oregon.
- BSN: 4 years at OHSU, Pacific University, or University of Portland. OHSU is Oregon's flagship academic health sciences university.
- RN-to-BSN: Online completion at OHSU and national programs for working Portland RNs.
- MSN: Graduate programs at OHSU leading to NP, CRNA, CNM, and PhD tracks.
What to Look for in a Portland Nursing School
- Accreditation: ACEN or CCNE. OHSU and University of Portland are CCNE-accredited.
- NCLEX pass rates: Oregon statewide rates are above the national average.
- Clinical partnerships: OHSU's integration with its own hospital system provides unmatched clinical training in Portland.
- Union considerations: Oregon Nurses Association is active in Portland and many hospital nurses are unionized, affecting wages and working conditions.
How to Pay for Nursing School in Portland
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year for eligible students.
- Oregon Workforce Partnership: Administers WIOA training grants for in-demand healthcare careers.
- Oregon FAME: Faculty and Employer Mentorship program supporting workforce training partnerships.
- Employer reimbursement: OHSU, Legacy Health, and Providence Health all offer tuition assistance to qualifying employees.
Nursing Salaries in Portland
- Entry-level RN: Approximately $70,000 per year
- Mid-career RN: Approximately $88,000 per year
- Experienced RN: $105,000 and above
- Nurse Practitioner: Average $133,000 per year in Oregon
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing schools are in Portland?
OHSU School of Nursing, University of Portland, Pacific University, and Portland Community College are the primary options. OHSU is the most prestigious and research-focused. Portland Community College offers the most affordable ADN pathway.
How much do nurses make in Portland?
Portland RNs are among the highest-paid in the country. Mid-career nurses typically earn around $88,000 per year. Union nurses at OHSU and Legacy Health often earn above this average.
Is Portland a good city for travel nurses?
Yes. Portland is a popular travel nursing destination with competitive pay rates. OHSU and Legacy Health use travel nurses in high-demand units, and Pacific Northwest travel contracts are among the best in the country.
Is OHSU nursing school hard to get into?
Yes. OHSU School of Nursing is competitive at both BSN and graduate levels. Portland Community College's ADN program is more accessible and well-respected by Portland employers as a path to RN licensure.
Is Oregon a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Oregon is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to hold a multistate license valid in other compact member states.
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