Best Nursing Schools in Oregon: Rankings, Cost & NLC Status

Oregon is a strong state for nursing education if you know how to compare programs correctly.

The state has a unique mix of Portland-area academic medical centers, regional community hospitals, rural health systems, public health programs, coastal and frontier clinical needs, community college ADN pathways, private BSN and accelerated BSN options, the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education, and one major academic health center with statewide campuses.

But Oregon also has details applicants cannot ignore.

The Nurse Licensure Compact is not active in Oregon.

NCLEX performance varies significantly by school and by campus.

Some well-known programs have strong name recognition but uneven recent first-time NCLEX results.

This guide uses NurseZee's own ranking criteria. We do not use or reference outside ranking lists.

How we ranked Oregon nursing schools

This guide uses NurseZee's own ranking method.

We evaluated Oregon programs using factors that directly affect students:

• OSBN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates
• multi-year NCLEX trend
• candidate volume
• public versus private cost
• clinical placement access
• pathway options
• Oregon licensure fit
• ADN-to-BSN options
• accreditation and board approval checks
• fit for urban, rural, and regional nursing careers

Why NCLEX pass rates matter

The NCLEX-RN is the exam graduates must pass for RN licensure.

The Oregon State Board of Nursing's January 2026 report lists first-time NCLEX pass rates for Oregon RN and LPN education programs from 2021 through 2025.

Those data are useful because they show:

• first-time pass percentage
• total candidates tested
• trends across five years
• differences between campuses
• differences between traditional and accelerated tracks

But NCLEX is not the only factor.

A school with a small 100% cohort may be excellent, but a larger 95% cohort may provide a stronger data signal.

A school with one weak year may still be strong if it explains the drop and fixes the issue.

How to use this guide

Use this guide to build a shortlist.

Then verify:

Board approval:
Accreditation:
Program pathway:
Campus:
NCLEX pass rates:
Candidate counts:
Total cost:
Clinical sites:
Graduation rate:
Retention:
Job placement:
Admissions requirements:

For a broader program-vetting checklist, see NurseZee's nursing program red flags guide.

Oregon Nurse Licensure Compact status

Oregon is not an active Nurse Licensure Compact state as of this guide's update.

That means a compact multistate license from another state does not automatically authorize nursing practice in Oregon.

If you want to practice as an RN in Oregon, you need Oregon licensure through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

2025 Oregon NLC legislation

Oregon Senate Bill 966 was introduced in the 2025 legislative session to enact the interstate Nurse Licensure Compact.

The bill was in committee upon adjournment and did not become active compact law.

What this means for students

If you graduate in Oregon and want to work in Oregon:

Apply for Oregon RN licensure.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
Wait for Oregon license issuance before practicing.

If you graduate in Oregon and later move to a compact state:

You may need licensure by endorsement in that state.
Oregon is not a compact state, so an Oregon license is not a multistate compact license.

If you already hold a compact license from another state:

Do not assume you can work in Oregon.
Apply for Oregon licensure before practicing.

Why NLC status matters

Oregon's non-compact status affects:

• travel nurses
• border-state commuters
• telehealth nurses
• graduates who move after school
• employers recruiting out-of-state nurses
• students comparing Oregon with Washington, Idaho, or other compact states
• endorsement timing after graduation

NLC status can change through legislation, so always check current OSBN and NLC resources.

Best nursing schools in Oregon: ranking snapshot

This table is a starting point, not a final decision.

1. Bushnell University

Bushnell University earns the top spot in this Oregon guide because its recent OSBN first-time NCLEX-RN performance is unusually consistent.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists Bushnell University's baccalaureate program results as:

2022: 100% (4)
2023: 100% (19)
2024: 100% (37)
2025: 100% (33)

The 2022 cohort was small, but the 2024 and 2025 cohorts give a stronger signal.

Pathways

Bushnell offers nursing education in Eugene, including a BSN pathway and an accelerated BSN option.

Its ABSN page describes a 12-month, face-to-face accelerated BSN program designed to prepare students for NCLEX-RN licensure.

Best for

Bushnell may be a strong fit if you want:

• Eugene location
• private Christian university setting
• strong recent NCLEX consistency
• smaller-campus environment
• accelerated BSN option
• supportive academic culture
• a non-Portland nursing school option

Cost and value

Bushnell is private, so compare total cost carefully.

Ask:

What is the full BSN or ABSN cost?
How much institutional aid is typical?
Can students work during the ABSN?
What is the weekly schedule?
Where are clinical sites located?
What percentage of admitted students graduate on time?

Honest caveat

A 100% NCLEX rate is excellent, but applicants still need to ask about candidate count, graduation rate, clinical placement, and total debt.

Questions to ask Bushnell

How many students started the cohort that produced the 2025 NCLEX group?
What is the program completion rate?
Where are clinical placements?
What NCLEX support is built into the curriculum?
How intense is the 12-month ABSN schedule?

2. OHSU Portland Accelerated B.S. with a major in nursing

Oregon Health & Science University is Oregon's major academic health center and a central force in nursing education across the state.

For this ranking, the OHSU Portland accelerated pathway stands out because of its strong 2025 result and large candidate count.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists OHSU Portland Accelerated Program results as:

2021: 95% (88)
2022: 96% (97)
2023: 96% (105)
2024: 95% (99)
2025: 97% (113)

That is one of the strongest large-cohort trends in Oregon.

Pathways

OHSU offers nursing programs at multiple Oregon locations and online.

OHSU states that students can find nursing programs at six Oregon locations and online, including Portland, Ashland, Bend, Klamath Falls, La Grande, and Monmouth.

OHSU's undergraduate program page describes:

B.S. with a major in nursing:
3 years / 9 terms for full-time students

Accelerated B.S. with a major in nursing:
full-time, fast-paced pathway for students preparing quickly for nursing careers

Best for

OHSU Portland Accelerated may be a strong fit if you:

• already have a bachelor's degree or substantial prerequisites
• want an accelerated public academic health center route
• want Portland clinical access
• can handle a full-time fast-paced schedule
• want strong recent NCLEX outcomes
• want a path connected to OHSU's larger nursing ecosystem

Cost and value

OHSU can be a strong value for Oregon residents compared with many private accelerated options.

But accelerated programs can reduce your ability to work.

Calculate:

• tuition
• fees
• supplies
• housing
• lost income
• clinical travel
• loan interest

Honest caveat

OHSU results vary by campus and track.

Do not assume the OHSU Portland accelerated result applies to every OHSU pathway.

For example, the OSBN table lists OHSU Portland's non-accelerated 2025 result as 70% (40), while OHSU Portland accelerated was 97% (113).

Ask track-specific questions.

Questions to ask OHSU

Which exact OHSU campus and track am I applying to?
What are the 2023, 2024, and 2025 NCLEX rates for that exact track?
What explains any track-specific pass-rate changes?
Where are clinical placements?
Can students work during the accelerated pathway?

3. Linfield University

Linfield University's School of Nursing is based in Portland and offers multiple prelicensure nursing pathways.

It is especially important for students comparing accelerated, transfer, and master's-entry options.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists multiple Linfield results:

Linfield University Master's Degree Program:
2024: 95% (22)
2025: 96% (24)

Linfield University Accelerated Program:
2021: 86% (56)
2022: 96% (51)
2023: 100% (53)
2024: 88% (34)
2025: 96% (45)

Linfield University Portland:
2021: 87% (141)
2022: 85% (139)
2023: 88% (147)
2024: 89% (158)
2025: 86% (155)

The accelerated and master's-entry outcomes are stronger than the larger Portland traditional/transfer track.

This is exactly why pathway-specific review matters.

Pathways

Linfield describes its accelerated BSN as a 12-month program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and have completed prerequisites.

Linfield also describes its BSN as a two-year transfer-only program for students who have completed prerequisites and most general education requirements.

Best for

Linfield may be a strong fit if you want:

• Portland nursing-only campus environment
• accelerated BSN option
• master's-entry professional nursing route
• transfer-style BSN path
• private university setting
• Portland clinical access

Cost and value

Linfield is private.

Ask about net cost, not sticker price only.

Also ask which track best matches your background:

Traditional transfer BSN?
ABSN?
Master's entry?
Online RN-to-BSN?

Honest caveat

Linfield's outcomes vary significantly by pathway.

The accelerated and master's-entry results are strong. The larger Portland track has been stable but lower.

Applicants should ask how each pathway differs in curriculum, support, admission profile, and NCLEX preparation.

Questions to ask Linfield

Which track am I eligible for?
What were the 2025 candidate counts by track?
Why is the accelerated track's NCLEX trend different from the larger Portland track?
What is the completion rate for each track?
How are clinical placements assigned?

4. Walla Walla University Portland

Walla Walla University offers a Portland nursing pathway that deserves attention based on its 2025 NCLEX signal.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists Walla Walla Portland results as:

2021: 94% (62)
2022: 81% (55)
2023: 87% (39)
2024: 94% (30)
2025: 96% (27)

The 2025 and 2024 results are strong, though the 2022 and 2023 years were lower.

Pathways

Walla Walla's Portland transfer page describes a Bachelor of Science nursing program on the Portland campus, with prerequisite and transfer-credit expectations.

Its catalog materials note nursing progression and campus-specific application categories.

Best for

Walla Walla may be a good fit if you want:

• Portland nursing education
• transfer-style BSN pathway
• smaller cohort than some large programs
• values-based private education
• strong 2024/2025 NCLEX rebound

Honest caveat

The multi-year trend is uneven.

Ask what changed between 2022/2023 and 2024/2025.

Questions to ask Walla Walla

What explains the improvement from 2022/2023 to 2024/2025?
How many students are admitted each year to Portland?
Where are clinical sites located?
What is the total cost after aid?
How do transfer credits apply?

5. OHSU regional campuses

OHSU is not one simple program.

It has multiple campuses and pathways across Oregon.

That is a major strength for statewide access.

It also means outcomes differ by campus.

OHSU campuses and locations

OHSU lists nursing locations in Portland, Ashland, Bend, Klamath Falls, La Grande, and Monmouth, as well as online options.

OHSU's B.S. with a major in nursing page lists five campus options for the 3-year pathway:

• Ashland
• Klamath Falls
• La Grande
• Monmouth
• Portland

2025 NCLEX-RN performance by selected OHSU track

The OSBN 2025 results include:

OHSU-SOU Accelerated, Ashland: 92% (39)
OHSU-SOU, Ashland: 78% (27)
OHSU-OIT, Klamath Falls: 68% (22)
OHSU-EOU, La Grande: 93% (29)
OHSU-WOU, Monmouth: 94% (32)
OHSU Accelerated, Portland: 97% (113)
OHSU, Portland: 70% (40)

Those differences are too large to ignore.

Why OHSU still matters

OHSU remains central to Oregon nursing education because it offers:

• statewide campus access
• academic health center connection
• graduate pathways
• public mission
• links to the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education
• RN-to-BS and completion options
• rural and regional workforce relevance

Best for

OHSU regional pathways may be a good fit if you want:

• public nursing education
• a campus near your region
• rural or regional clinical exposure
• OHSU degree pathway
• BSN completion options
• access beyond Portland

Honest caveat

Do not choose an OHSU campus based on the OHSU name alone.

Compare the exact campus.

Ask direct questions if a campus has recent low NCLEX results.

Questions to ask OHSU regional campuses

What is the 2025 NCLEX rate for this exact campus?
What is the three-year trend?
How many candidates tested?
What changed if results dropped?
What clinical sites are used?
What student support was added after low pass-rate years?

6. George Fox University

George Fox University offers a CCNE-accredited BSN program in Newberg.

It may appeal to students who want a private Christian university setting near the Portland metro area.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists George Fox University results as:

2021: 88% (48)
2022: 92% (59)
2023: 98% (58)
2024: 94% (124)
2025: 90% (110)

That is a solid multi-year pattern, though 2025 was lower than 2023 and 2024.

Pathways

George Fox describes its nursing program as a CCNE-accredited BSN program.

Best for

George Fox may be a strong fit if you want:

• traditional BSN
• private Christian university environment
• Newberg location
• supportive campus culture
• 90%+ recent NCLEX performance
• proximity to Portland-area clinical opportunities

Cost and value

George Fox is private, so compare total net cost.

Ask whether the program offers scholarships, grants, and clear clinical placement information.

Honest caveat

The 2025 result is still solid, but it declined from the 2023 peak.

Ask about trend context and how the program supports NCLEX readiness.

Questions to ask George Fox

What were the 2025 cohort characteristics?
What NCLEX prep is included?
Where are clinical placements?
What is the completion rate?
What is the average net cost after aid?

7. University of Portland

University of Portland is a well-known private nursing option in Portland.

It belongs on many student shortlists because of its location, direct-entry BSN pathway, CCNE accreditation, and healthcare access.

But applicants need to be careful with current NCLEX data.

NCLEX-RN performance

The OSBN table lists University of Portland results as:

2021: 89% (149)
2022: 72% (215)
2023: 90% (252)
2024: 91% (225)
2025: 80% (215)

That 2025 first-time rate is a concern and should be discussed directly with the school.

University of Portland's own nursing page cites a 98.25% total NCLEX pass rate in 2024, but that is not the same as the OSBN first-time 2025 rate.

For comparing nursing programs, use official OSBN first-time data.

Pathways

University of Portland offers a BSN and describes its program as CCNE-accredited.

Its nursing materials describe first-year entry and transfer admission routes.

Best for

University of Portland may be a fit if you want:

• private Catholic university environment
• direct-entry BSN option
• Portland clinical access
• concept-based curriculum
• campus-based undergraduate experience

Honest caveat

Because the OSBN first-time pass rate was 80% in 2025 and 72% in 2022, applicants should ask hard questions.

That does not mean the school should be dismissed automatically.

It means you need written answers.

Questions to ask University of Portland

What explains the 2025 OSBN first-time NCLEX-RN result?
How does the school define and calculate its total NCLEX pass rate?
What changes have been made to NCLEX prep?
What percentage of students graduate on time?
How many students start the nursing sequence each year?
What remediation support is available?

Notable accelerated BSN options in Oregon

Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree or substantial college credit.

They can be fast.

They can also be intense.

Oregon accelerated options to compare

Questions to ask any ABSN program

Can students work during the program?
How many clinical hours are required?
Where are clinical sites?
How many days per week are class, lab, simulation, and clinical?
What is the completion rate?
What is the first-time NCLEX rate for the accelerated track only?
How much does the entire program cost?

For more planning help, see NurseZee's accelerated BSN programs guide.

Best ADN programs in Oregon

Oregon's community college ADN pathways can be excellent value.

ADN graduates can become RNs after meeting OSBN requirements and passing NCLEX-RN.

Many students then complete a BSN later through RN-to-BSN or OHSU/OCNE completion options.

Top ADN options based on 2025 and multi-year NCLEX signal

Treasure Valley Community College update

The draft outline described Treasure Valley Community College as having multiple recent 100% first-time NCLEX pass rates.

That was true for 2022, 2023, and 2024 in OSBN's table.

But the 2025 result is:

Treasure Valley CC:
2025: 89% (19)

That is still a respectable result, but it is not a current 100% year.

ADN value

An ADN can be a smart first step if you want:

• lower tuition
• faster entry into the workforce
• local community college access
• smaller cohorts
• RN income before BSN completion
• an RN-to-BSN plan later

For more, see NurseZee's RN-to-BSN guide.

Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education

The Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education, or OCNE, is important in Oregon nursing education.

OCNE describes itself as a partnership of Oregon community colleges and OHSU School of Nursing campuses with a shared curriculum.

OCNE says its partner schools are approved by OSBN and that graduates have the academic foundation and clinical preparedness required to sit for the national licensure examination.

Why OCNE matters

OCNE can help students because it creates:

• shared prerequisites among partner schools
• common curriculum framework
• alignment between community colleges and OHSU
• ADN-to-BS completion pathways
• statewide nursing education access
• rural and regional workforce support

OCNE does not mean all outcomes are identical

Even with a shared curriculum, programs differ by:

• faculty
• clinical sites
• student support
• cohort size
• local resources
• student population
• NCLEX preparation
• campus operations

Compare each program's OSBN result.

Public versus private nursing schools in Oregon

Both public and private programs can be strong.

The right choice depends on cost, timeline, pathway, campus, and career goal.

Public options

Public and public-connected options include:

• OHSU campuses
• Oregon community colleges
• OCNE partner programs

Possible advantages:

• lower cost for Oregon residents
• regional access
• ADN-to-BS pathways
• public mission
• strong rural/community focus
• statewide clinical networks

Possible drawbacks:

• competitive admissions
• prerequisite sequencing
• limited seats
• campus-specific outcomes
• clinical travel
• less direct freshman entry in some cases

Private options

Private options include:

• Bushnell University
• Linfield University
• George Fox University
• University of Portland
• Walla Walla University Portland
• Concordia University, St. Paul Portland
• Warner Pacific University

Possible advantages:

• direct-entry or transfer BSN structures
• smaller environment in some programs
• accelerated options
• faith-based or mission-specific education
• Portland-area clinical access
• more start dates in some accelerated programs

Possible drawbacks:

• higher tuition
• debt risk
• varied NCLEX outcomes
• total cost can be hard to manage
• private cost does not guarantee higher new-grad pay

Cost of nursing school in Oregon

Cost varies widely.

A community college ADN can be far cheaper than a private BSN or ABSN.

But the lowest tuition is not always the best fit if the program has weak support or poor outcomes.

Cost worksheet

Use this before accepting a seat:

Program:
Pathway:
Tuition:
Mandatory fees:
Nursing fees:
Simulation fees:
Testing package:
Books:
Uniforms:
Shoes:
Stethoscope:
Background check:
Drug screen:
Immunizations:
CPR/BLS:
Clinical travel:
Parking:
Housing:
Lost work income:
Loan interest:
Scholarships/grants:
Employer tuition help:
Estimated net cost:

Oregon-specific cost issues

Remember to factor in:

• Portland housing costs
• commuting from suburbs or rural areas
• winter travel to clinicals
• gas and parking
• bridge tolls or transit where relevant
• inability to work during accelerated programs
• clinical placements far from campus
• moving costs for regional programs

Debt rule

Do not borrow based only on future RN salary.

Borrow based on realistic first-year pay, housing costs, loan payment, and your odds of finishing on time.

Oregon RN salary outlook

Oregon RN pay is strong nationally, but cost of living varies by region.

O*NET wage data based on BLS 2024 wage data lists Oregon registered nurses with:

Median annual wage: $123,990
10th percentile: $95,040 or less
90th percentile: $143,410 or more
Median hourly wage: $59.61

For the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area, O*NET lists:

Median annual wage: $127,980
Median hourly wage: $61.53

New graduates may start below the median.

Pay can vary by:

• region
• union status
• hospital versus clinic
• specialty
• shift
• differentials
• overtime
• experience
• benefits
• cost of living

For salary comparisons, see NurseZee's RN salary by state guide.

Oregon RN licensure steps

The Oregon State Board of Nursing has a detailed Application Process for License by NCLEX resource updated January 2026.

The basic sequence is:

1. Apply for Oregon RN or LPN licensure by examination and pay required fees.
2. Complete fingerprints.
3. Register for NCLEX with Pearson VUE.
4. Graduate.
5. Program confirms completion through the Affidavit of Graduation.
6. OSBN makes you eligible to test.
7. Pearson VUE issues the Authorization to Test.
8. Schedule, take, and pass NCLEX.
9. OSBN confirms all requirements are complete.
10. License is issued.

ATT timing

OSBN's NCLEX resource states that the Authorization to Test is valid for 90 days and that you can only schedule within the ATT validity period.

When can you work?

OSBN's NCLEX pass slide says you can work as soon as you are issued a license.

Do not start practicing as an RN just because you graduated or took the NCLEX.

How to choose the right Oregon nursing program

Use these questions before applying.

Approval and accreditation

Is this exact program and campus OSBN-approved?
Is the program ACEN or CCNE accredited?
Is the institution regionally/institutionally accredited?
Are there any warnings, probation, or conditions?

NCLEX trend

What were the 2021-2025 first-time NCLEX pass rates?
How many candidates tested each year?
How does this compare with the state and national average?
What changed if results dropped?

Clinical placements

Where are clinicals located?
How far can I be assigned?
Are clinicals days, nights, or weekends?
Are placements guaranteed?
Do students secure their own placements?
What specialties are included?

Cost and schedule

What is the full program cost?
Can I work during the program?
How much travel is required?
What scholarships are available?
How many students graduate on time?

Career fit

Do graduates get hired by the employers I am targeting?
Does the program support nurse residency applications?
Is an RN-to-BSN path available if I choose ADN?
Will the program fit Oregon's single-state licensure environment?

Oregon nursing school red flags

Be cautious if:

• the school will not discuss OSBN NCLEX data
• the school uses total pass rate but avoids first-time pass rate
• the program has a major recent NCLEX drop with no explanation
• the program is not clearly OSBN-approved
• clinical placements are vague
• students must find core prelicensure clinicals themselves
• tuition is high but outcomes are weak
• the school pressures you to sign quickly
• credits do not transfer
• the program has frequent leadership turnover
• the school ignores Oregon's non-compact status

For a full audit checklist, see NurseZee's nursing program red flags guide.

Best Oregon nursing schools by student goal

Best overall NCLEX signal

Bushnell University.

It posted 100% first-time NCLEX-RN results in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Best large-cohort accelerated option

OHSU Portland Accelerated.

Its 2025 result was 97% with 113 candidates.

Best Portland private accelerated/entry options to compare

Linfield University, Concordia University, St. Paul Portland, and OHSU Portland Accelerated.

Best Portland BSN shortlist

Walla Walla University Portland, Linfield, George Fox, University of Portland, Concordia University, St. Paul Portland, and OHSU Portland pathways.

Compare exact track outcomes.

Best public regional option

OHSU regional campuses, especially Monmouth and La Grande based on 2025 results.

Ask about each campus.

Best ADN value options

Chemeketa, Clatsop, Linn-Benton, Central Oregon, Rogue, and Umpqua.

Best Central Oregon option

Central Oregon Community College.

Best Southern Oregon options

Rogue Community College, OHSU-SOU Accelerated, and OHSU-SOU Ashland.

Best coast option

Oregon Coast Community College or Clatsop Community College, depending on location and fit.

Frequently asked questions about nursing schools in Oregon

What is the best nursing school in Oregon?

Based on NurseZee's criteria and the latest OSBN NCLEX data, Bushnell University has the strongest recent baccalaureate NCLEX signal. OHSU Portland Accelerated, Linfield's accelerated/master's-entry options, Walla Walla Portland, George Fox, and strong ADN programs such as Chemeketa, Clatsop, and Linn-Benton are also important to compare.

What is the best BSN program in Oregon?

It depends on your pathway. Bushnell has the strongest recent baccalaureate NCLEX consistency. OHSU Portland Accelerated has one of the strongest large-cohort accelerated results. Linfield and Walla Walla are strong private Portland options depending on track.

What is the best ADN program in Oregon?

Chemeketa, Clatsop, Linn-Benton, Central Oregon, Rogue, and Umpqua are strong ADN programs based on recent OSBN NCLEX outcomes. Chemeketa, Clatsop, and Linn-Benton stand out for 100% 2025 results.

Is Oregon a compact nursing state?

No. Oregon is not an active Nurse Licensure Compact state as of this guide's update. Oregon nurses hold Oregon single-state licensure, and out-of-state compact privilege does not automatically authorize Oregon practice.

Did Oregon pass Nurse Licensure Compact legislation?

No active compact law is in effect. Oregon SB 966 was introduced in 2025 to enact the compact, but it remained in committee upon adjournment.

Can I use a compact license to work in Oregon?

No. A compact multistate license from another state does not automatically authorize practice in Oregon. You need Oregon licensure through OSBN.

How do I become an RN in Oregon?

Graduate from an OSBN-approved RN program, apply to OSBN for licensure by examination, complete fingerprinting, register with Pearson VUE, have your program submit completion verification, receive ATT, pass NCLEX-RN, and wait for license issuance.

Does Oregon require fingerprinting for RN licensure?

Yes. OSBN uses Fieldprint for digital fingerprints after submitting the licensure application.

When can I start working as an RN in Oregon?

You can work as an RN when your Oregon license has been issued. Passing NCLEX alone is not enough.

How many times can Oregon applicants take NCLEX?

OSBN's January 2026 NCLEX application resource states applicants for examination are permitted to test up to four attempts, with additional remediation options after that.

How much do registered nurses make in Oregon?

O*NET wage data based on BLS 2024 data lists Oregon registered nurses with a median annual wage of $123,990 and median hourly wage of $59.61. New graduates may start below the median.

Is OHSU the best nursing school in Oregon?

OHSU is one of Oregon's most important nursing education systems and has strong pathways, especially the Portland Accelerated track. But applicants should compare exact campus and track data because OSBN outcomes vary widely across OHSU programs.

Is University of Portland a good nursing school?

University of Portland is a respected private BSN option with Portland clinical access and CCNE accreditation. However, OSBN's 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN table lists an 80% result, so applicants should ask about NCLEX support and trend context before enrolling.

Is Bushnell University good for nursing?

Bushnell has an excellent recent NCLEX signal, with 100% first-time NCLEX-RN results in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 according to OSBN's table. Students should still compare cost, clinical placements, and completion rates.

Is Linfield good for nursing?

Linfield has strong accelerated and master's-entry outcomes, including 96% in 2025 for both its accelerated and master's-degree program entries in OSBN data. Its larger Portland track has lower results, so compare the exact pathway.

Are ADN programs respected in Oregon?

Yes. ADN programs are a practical and respected route to RN licensure in Oregon. Many ADN graduates work as RNs and later complete BSN degrees through RN-to-BSN or OCNE/OHSU pathways.

Should I choose ADN or BSN in Oregon?

Choose ADN if cost and local access matter most and you have a BSN-completion plan. Choose BSN if you want broader hospital flexibility, graduate-school preparation, and a baccalaureate credential from the start.

What should I check before choosing an Oregon nursing school?

Check OSBN approval, OSBN first-time NCLEX data, candidate counts, accreditation, total cost, clinical placement distance, completion rates, student support, pathway type, and Oregon licensure fit.

Does Oregon have accelerated BSN programs?

Yes. Oregon accelerated options include Bushnell University ABSN, OHSU Portland Accelerated, Linfield ABSN, Concordia University St. Paul Portland ABSN, and OHSU-SOU Accelerated.

Are Oregon community colleges part of OCNE?

Many Oregon community college nursing programs are part of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education, which uses a shared curriculum framework with OHSU partners. Check each school's current OCNE status and OSBN outcome data.

Final thoughts

Oregon has excellent nursing school options, but the best choice depends on your pathway.

If you want the strongest recent baccalaureate NCLEX signal, start with Bushnell.

If you want a large-cohort accelerated academic health center pathway, compare OHSU Portland Accelerated.

If you want Portland private options, compare Linfield, Walla Walla, George Fox, University of Portland, and Concordia University, St. Paul Portland by exact track.

If cost matters most, Oregon's ADN programs deserve serious attention, especially Chemeketa, Clatsop, Linn-Benton, Central Oregon, Rogue, and Umpqua.

Do not choose by name alone.

Use OSBN data.

Check the exact campus.

Ask about clinicals.

Calculate debt.

And remember: Oregon is not an active compact state, so licensure planning matters from day one.