Online Nursing Schools in Oregon: Exploring Top Programs

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNA programs provide a quick way for people to enter the nursing field. Depending on the program, you may be able to complete your studies within as little as a few weeks, though generally it may take a few months to get through the curriculum. During your studies, you’ll learn how to provide basic care and ensure patient paperwork is up-to-date and complete.

Example: Rogue Community College

• Cost: $1,750
• Length: 5 weeks
• Mode: Hybrid

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses are tasked with providing basic care to patients under the supervision of an RN. These programs are designed to train students on how to provide this basic care, including taking vital signs and administering medications. They combine online coursework with hands-on training to prepare prospective nurses for employer expectations.

Example: Oregon Coast Community College

• Cost: $125 per credit
• Length: 12 months
• Mode: On campus

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An ADN program provides a quick and affordable path to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. ADN degrees are offered almost exclusively at Oregon community colleges and typically require two to three years to complete. The curriculum includes both the nursing theory courses and in-person clinical hours required for RN licensure.

Example: Tillamook Bay Community College

• Cost: $10,224
• Length: 24 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

With an increasing number of employers preferring to hire RNs with the additional knowledge and training that comes with four-year degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is quickly becoming the pre-licensure degree of choice. The traditional BSN degree is designed for students with little or no college experience.

Example: Sumner College

• Cost: $510 per credit
• Length: 32 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN programs are for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees interested in starting new careers as RNs. These programs normally require one and a half years of full-time study. They consist of the nursing theory courses and clinical practice hours required to take NCLEX-RN and become eligible for a nursing license in Oregon.

Example: Bushnell University

• Cost: $1,225 per credit
• Length: 12 months
• Mode: On campus

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Current RNs with BSNs can opt for a traditional MSN program. MSN programs sometimes offer multiple RN specialization tracks, the most common being nursing leadership and nursing education. Some feature fully online curriculums.

Program length varies from one and a half years to two years, but many allow substantially longer completion times to accommodate working professionals.

Example: Oregon Health & Science University

• Cost: $700 per credit in state; $908 per credit out of state
• Length: 24 months
• Mode: Online

DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs

There are two doctoral degree options for nurse leaders intent on reaching the highest echelons of their profession. The most common is the doctor of nursing practice (DNP), which prepares graduates to take on top-tier leadership roles in advanced nursing practice and healthcare administration. The PhD in Nursing prepares graduates for senior positions in advanced research and post-secondary education.

Example: Oregon Health & Science University

• Cost: $713 per credit in-state; $926 per credit out-of-state
• Length: 36 months
• Mode: Online

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificates in nursing are designed for individuals with MSNs or nursing doctorates who wish to add a specialized area of practice to their professional knowledge base without earning another degree. Specializations available are often the same as those offered as part of MSN programs. Program length varies, but one to two years is common.

Example: Ursuline College

• Cost: $946 per credit
• Length: 24 months
• Mode: On campus

LPN to RN and LPN to BSN

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can become RNs through an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN program. In some cases, related professionals like EMTs can also take advantage of these bridge programs. LPN to RN programs typically take three semesters, while LPN to BSN programs normally require three years or more to complete.

Example: Linfield University

• Cost: $525 per credit
• Length: 12 months
• Mode: Online

RN to BSN

RN to BSN programs provide current RNs with a time-efficient and cost-saving path to advanced nursing skills. One-year (full-time) and two-year (part-time) programs are quite popular and a staple of most four-year nursing schools in Oregon. Many programs are available entirely online, while others combine virtual and campus learning.

Example: Oregon Health & Science University

• Cost: $321 per credit
• Length: Nine months
• Mode: Online

RN to MSN

Most nursing leadership jobs require applicants to have MSN degrees. RN to MSN programs offer current RNs without BSNs an efficient route to obtaining their master’s degree. These programs take two and a half years to get three years, sometimes longer, depending on the choice of specialization and whether it’s a full-time or part-time study pace.

Example: Western University of Health Sciences

• Cost: $1,078 per credit
• Length: 24 months
• Mode: On campus

BSN to DNP

RNs who are thinking about earning a doctorate may consider a BSN to DNP bridge program. Not only will you get the opportunity to concentrate on a specific area of nursing, but you’ll learn high-level skills and theories to help you provide advanced care. Some of the topics you may study in this program include community health, healthcare policy, evidence-based nursing research, and healthcare finance and accounting.

Example: University of Portland

• Cost: $1,550 per credit
• Length: 36 months
• Mode: Hybrid

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct-entry MSN programs are a great choice for career changers who earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. This program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to sit for the state’s licensing exam, while allowing you to earn a graduate degree without starting over in another bachelor’s program.

Example: Linfield University

• Cost: $21,360 per semester
• Length: 18 months
• Mode: On campus