How to Become an RN in Oregon: 5 Steps
Want to learn how to become an RN in Oregon? RNs in the Beaver State work in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, public health centers, and more. If you’re ready to join the 73,000 registered nurses in OR, here’s how.
Oregon needs working RNs, and the state is actively taking measures to improve healthcare conditions to increase retention. Plus, Oregon nurses earn some of the highest average incomes in the United States. Learning how to become a registered nurse in Oregon could unlock many opportunities and lead to a stable, lifelong career.
What Does an RN in Oregon Do?
Nurses in Oregon work in hospitals, long-term care, ambulatory clinics, and other settings to help Oregonians stay healthy. Learning how to become an RN in Oregon could mean opportunities in these clinical areas and more:
- Pediatrics: Providing specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals, clinics, or specialty practices.
- Med-surg: Caring for patients recovering from surgery or managing acute and chronic illnesses in hospital units.
- Operating room (OR): Assisting in surgical procedures by prepping patients, managing sterile environments, and supporting surgeons during operations.
- Public health: Working in community programs, schools, or government agencies to promote disease prevention and health education.
- Home health: Delivering in-home medical care to patients recovering from illness, managing chronic conditions, or needing palliative support.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Oregon?
It typically takes between two and four years to complete the steps of how to become an RN in Oregon. Like in other states, there are two educational tracks: a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN). If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, an accelerated nursing program could be a faster route, with some programs only taking one year.
Both programs prepare you for licensure, but there are key differences between them. An ADN is a faster and often more affordable way to start your career, while a BSN may provide more job opportunities and potential for career advancement in leadership, education, or specialized fields. But if you do choose the associate degree, you can complete the additional courses for a BSN while working. Learn more about comparing ADN vs. BSN degrees.
Looking for top BSN programs in Oregon? Check out these well-regarded institutions:
- Oregon Health and Sciences University
- George Fox University
- Walla Walla University – Portland
- Linfield College
- University of Portland
If you’re seeking an ADN degree, see these top-ranked schools below:
- Chemeketa Community College
- Clatsop Community College
- Linn Benton Community College
- Portland Community College
- Rogue Community College
How to Become an RN in Oregon: 4 Steps
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
To qualify for RN licensure in Oregon, you’ll need to graduate from a nationally accredited nursing program. View pass rates for Oregon nursing schools to see which are preparing their students best for licensure. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN, your coursework will include subjects like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Maternal and newborn nursing
- Nursing fundamentals
- Pathophysiology
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatric nursing
Many nursing students look for flexible work opportunities while in school. In Oregon, you can work as a nursing assistant with supervision and can also earn certification to work independently as a CNA.
You might also want to consider working as a nurse extern. Typically offered through acute care hospitals, these programs allow you to rotate through different specialty units to gain experience and see which one is right for you.
Step 2: Apply for Licensure by Exam
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) oversees the RN licensing process, so make an account in their Nurse Portal to get started. To apply for licensure, you’ll need to complete the following:
- Demographic information
- Cultural competency and pain management education dates
- Eligibility questions regarding substance use history
- Educational history
- Request for testing accommodations (if applicable)
- Fingerprint information from Fieldprint Inc. (completed after submitting your application)
- $169 fee
Once you’ve applied with the nursing board, it’s time to apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) with Pearson VUE. Navigate to the Registration page and enter your legal name, personal email address, nursing program, and the state you’re seeking licensure. You’ll need to pay an additional $200 to apply for the exam.
Upon approval of your application, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) in your email. You have 90 days to schedule your exam once you receive your ATT, so don’t wait to make your exam appointment. Oregon does not offer temporary permits for new graduates, so applying early can help streamline the process.
Step 3: Pass the NCLEX
This is the final step in figuring out how to become an RN in Oregon. While your nursing program helped prepare you for practice, you’re still not done studying for the NCLEX. Many students choose to take review courses between graduation and their test date, to ensure they have fresh knowledge for the exam. Here are the content areas included in the exam:
- Safe and effective care environment
- Management of care
- Safety and infection control
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
- Basic care and comfort
- Pharmacological and parenteral therapies
- Reduction of risk potential
- Physiological adaptation
To prepare for the NCLEX, review all content areas and quiz yourself to see where you need additional study. Form study groups with your peers, and pace yourself so that you’re not cramming before the exam. Be prepared to answer up to 145 questions, but you may have a minimum of 75 on this adaptive exam.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in Oregon? You can take the exam as many times as you want within two years of your graduation date, but there’s a 46-day waiting period between attempts.
After you pass the exam, the board will approve your licensure and you’ll be able to find it on the Oregon State Board of Nursing License Verification Portal.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
Ready to start searching for RN jobs in Oregon? Many new grad nurses begin working in acute care nurse residency programs. Check out nursing roles at these well-regarded hospitals in Oregon:
- OHSU Hospital
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
- Providence Portland Medical Center
- PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend
- Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
- Salem Hospital
- St. Charles Medical Center
- Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
As you’re applying to your first nursing roles, check out our guides on writing your nursing resume and cover letters. And when it’s interview time, keep our question-and-answer tips in mind:
The average RN income in Oregon is $113,440 per year. If you’re open to a move, you could increase your nursing income potential by moving to a city. Check out RN roles in the largest Oregon cities by population:
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Your Oregon RN license is valid for two years, and you’ll need to renew by midnight the day before your birthday on even-numbered years. Learn more about renewing your OR nursing license in three steps.
Check Out Nursing Roles in Oregon
Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Oregon, you might be curious about opportunities in your area. IntelyCare’s personalized nursing job notifications help you save time by sending roles directly to your inbox. Learn more today.