Why become a nurse in Oregon?

Whether you’re new to nursing or advancing your career, Oregon helps nursing careers thrive. Here, you'll find a supportive community and opportunities to grow. Oregon values its nurses for doing work that matters and making a difference in people's lives every day.

Earn more

• Registered nurses in Oregon earn between $76,180 and $127,680 per year (19% above the national average).
• Nurse practitioners in Oregon earn between $120,000 and $141,653 per year (9% above the national average).
• Nurse educators and nurse managers in Oregon earn between $79,110 and $135,046 per year (17% above the national average).

Secure your future

• 2,930 RN job openings are expected annually in Oregon through 2033.
• RNs and advanced practice nurses are in high demand across Oregon.

Work where you’re valued

• Oregon ranks among the best for nurse safety and supportive work environments.  
• Both entry-level and advanced practice nurses report high job satisfaction, according to PRN Healthcare.

Enjoy flexibility and variety

• Nursing careers offer flexible schedules and a variety of work settings, from hospitals to home care. 
• Nursing specialties range from emergency and critical care to pediatrics, mental health, anesthesia and more. 

Join a vibrant community

• Professional nursing organizations and specialty groups, such as the Oregon Nurses Association and the Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists, provide networking and career development opportunities. 
• Oregon nurses connect through supportive online and in-person communities for mentorship and professional growth. 

Get tuition assistance and mentorship at OHSU

• OHSU nurses who belong to the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) qualify for tuition discounts on graduate level nursing courses.  
• New OHSU nurses receive mentorship and training through the Transition to Practice Program, designed to help you succeed in your first nursing role. 

Steps to become a registered nurse in Oregon

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is your entry point into nursing. As an RN, you'll have a strong foundation to launch your career and grow in the field.

Step 1: Choose a nursing program

You can earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing to become an RN. OHSU offers many paths to earn your B.S. in nursing. 

Explore OHSU’s B.S. in nursing programs.

Why choose a B.S. in nursing over an associate degree?

A B.S. in nursing offers more career options, higher pay and a stronger foundation for advanced degrees. Many employers prefer B.S.N.-prepared nurses, and some leadership and specialty positions require a bachelor's degree. 

If you start with an associate degree in nursing, you can still earn your B.S. in nursing through our online RN to B.S. program. 

Step 2: Graduate from an approved program

Your program must be approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

OHSU’s bachelor’s in nursing programs are approved and accredited.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After graduation, you’ll take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You must pass this exam to become licensed in Oregon.

In 2024, 93% of OHSU graduates passed the NCLEX on their first try, which was 7% higher than the national average.

Step 4: Apply for an Oregon RN license

Once you pass the NCLEX, you’ll apply to the Oregon State Board of Nursing to become a licensed RN in Oregon.

Pathways to become a nurse at OHSU

OHSU offers many paths to become a nurse in Oregon, from earning your B.S. in nursing to pursuing advanced degrees like a master’s, D.N.P. or Ph.D.

Earn a B.S. in nursing degree

A B.S. in nursing is the standard degree for becoming a nurse today. It helps you qualify for more job opportunities and prepares you to continue your education and earn a degree in a specialty. The B.S. in nursing and the B.S.N. refer to the same degree, just different names used by different schools.

Explore OHSU’s B.S. in nursing programs.

Education pathways for RNs and CNAs

OHSU nursing programs offer flexible pathways for working nurses and those with health care experience looking to advance their careers. 

Common paths include: 

• CNA to RN through a B.S. in nursing
• RN to B.S. in nursing (RN to B.S.N.) 
• B.S.N. to M.N.
• RN to D.N.P.
• B.S.N. to D.N.P.

Earn a master's in nursing degree

After earning a B.S. in nursing and becoming an RN, you can take your career further with an online master’s in nursing degree from OHSU. These programs are online and built for working professionals.

Explore M.N. programs.

Earn an advanced nursing degree: D.N.P. or Ph.D.

If you want to specialize in advanced clinical care, influence health policy or lead research, continue your education in a D.N.P. or Ph.D. program.  

Explore D.N.P. and Ph.D. programs.

Is it worth getting a B.S. in nursing instead of an associate degree?

Yes. Earning a B.S. in nursing offers many advantages:

• More job opportunities. Many Oregon hospitals prefer or require a B.S. in nursing for new hires, especially for leadership and specialized roles.
• Higher earning potential. Nurses with a B.S. in nursing earn more over time. The added education gives you a competitive edge in the job market.
• More clinical opportunities. At OHSU, you'll gain diverse hands-on experience across Oregon, preparing you for a wider range of nursing roles than an A.D.N. program.
• Career flexibility. A B.S. in nursing helps you advance your career, take on leadership roles and pursue graduate degrees.

Explore OHSU’s B.S. in nursing programs. 

What is a registered nurse (RN)?

A registered nurse is a licensed health care professional who has passed the NCLEX-RN exam and is qualified to deliver and manage patient care.

What do nurses do?

Nurses care for people in hospitals, homes, schools and clinics. They support patients physically, emotionally and mentally.

Registered nurses may:

• Assess patients and monitor health conditions. Check vital signs, manage symptoms and identify changes in patient health.
• Develop and carry out care plans. Work with doctors and other providers to create treatment plans and ensure patients get the care they need.
• Provide medication and treatment. Give injections, start IVs, dress wounds and more.
• Educate patients and families. Explain diagnoses, treatments and how to stay healthy or manage a condition at home.
• Support patients and families. Offer emotional care and help people navigate challenging health situations.
• Advocate for patients. Ensure patients’ voices are heard and their rights are respected.

Some RNs specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology or critical care. Others go on to earn advanced degrees and become nurse practitioners, educators or leaders.

Where do RNs work?

Registered nurses in Oregon work in a variety of settings across the state:

• Hospitals
• Clinics and physician offices
• Public health departments
• Rural health centers
• Home care settings
• Schools

How much do nurses make?

• Registered nurses in Oregon earn between $76,180 and $127,680 (19% higher than the national average).   
• Nurse practitioners in Oregon earn between $120,000 and $141,653 (9% higher than the national average).  
• Nurse educators and nurse managers in Oregon earn between $79,110 and $135,046 (17% higher than the national average). 

What is the fastest way to become a nurse?

You can earn your B.S. in nursing in 15 months through OHSU’s Accelerated B.S. in nursing program if you have a B.S. in another field. If you don't have a degree, you can earn your B.S. in nursing in 3 years through the standard program.

How long is nursing school?

It depends on the path you choose. At OHSU, you can:  

• Earn a B.S. in nursing in 9 months, 15 months or 3 years, depending on your past education.
• Earn a Master's in nursing in 18 to 19 months.
• Earn a D.N.P. degree in 3 years.
• Earn a Ph.D. in nursing in 4 to 6 years.