Oregon’s community colleges award certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees in a variety of fields. One of the most popular career fields is nursing, with well over 40,000 practicing nurses across the state. Community colleges focus their nursing education on two roles: licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN).
Licensed practical nursing programs
Over a dozen two-year colleges in Oregon offer an accredited LPN certificate program. The program typically lasts 12 to 18 months. This short duration preps nursing students for quick entry into the healthcare industry. LPN programs are often flexible and can be tailored to students’ schedules. All graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam before practicing in Oregon.
Approximately 15 of Oregon’s community colleges offer an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). This two-year program enables a much faster transition to employment than the traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). ADN students receive training in critical areas like anatomy, nutrition, and psychology. Most programs involve clinical experience as well. ADN graduates can later pursue their BSN at a traditional four-year college. All registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam before practicing in Oregon.
Career outlook for Oregon’s nurses
A number of reputable hospitals in Oregon routinely hire nursing graduates from the state’s vocational, career, and community colleges. Salem Hospital, Providence Portland Medical Center, and the nationally ranked Oregon Health and Science University Hospital are just a few. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon’s LPNs earn a median annual salary of $48,100. RNs in the state earn $80,360 per year on average.
To ensure that you have all the facts about Oregon’s vocational, career, and community colleges for nursing, we’ve compiled below a comprehensive list of their programs.