Healthcare professionals in Salem, Oregon, are well paid. The city’s certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median annual income of $26,800, while licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are paid roughly $45,000 per year. Salem’s registered nurses (RNs) do even better, earning in excess of $75,000 annually. Local advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), who must hold a graduate degree, routinely earn $95,000 and above. Employment figures show ample room for growth over the coming decade.
Overview of Salem’s nursing programs
To ensure consistent and quality healthcare, all Oregon nurses must complete a rigorous training program and pass a licensure exam before practicing. CNAs need only take a brief course at a state-approved school, like Chemeketa Community College, or hospital, like Salem Health. Chemeketa Community College also offers a lengthier 12- to 18-month certificate program for aspiring LPNs. This program covers the basics of physiology, medication, healthcare, and patient psychology. Salem’s aspiring RNs can find a local training program at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. This school offers a prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree as part of the Oregon Health & Science University network.
Salem is home to well over 1,000 CNAs, 300 LPNs, 2,500 RNs, and 100 APRNs. They work at a variety of local hospitals and medical centers, including Salem Hospital, Oregon State Hospital, and Salem Health Hospital and Birthing Center. These and many other facilities are always looking for talented professionals, including recent nursing graduates.
If you are interested in enrolling in a local nursing program, please review the below list of accredited nursing schools in Salem, Oregon.