Portland Nursing Schools
No one can make or break a healthcare situation more quickly than a nurse. When someone goes into the hospital, they are likely to remember the nurses that cared for them and base much of their experience on the nursing care they received. In Portland, where there are many different healthcare organizations that rely on nurses, you could find great success as a nursing professional. This thriving city is home to over 612,000 people that could all become your potential patients.
We have compiled all of the Portland nursing schools, including those that offer online and distance education options. Select the type of nursing programs in Portland, OR that you are looking for at the bottom of the page, and follow the links to find schools. Whether you are looking for a doctoral program or LPN programs in Portland, Oregon offers a good selection of schools.
Nursing Schools in Portland Oregon
One major benefit of starting your nursing career in Portland is the fact that nursing salaries tend to be much higher than the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $50,790 per year (2016). Registered nurses, who have about one more year of education, claim an average income of $88,750 per year (BLS, 2016). Nurse practitioners and nurse midwives earn average salaries of about $113,850 per year (BLS, 2016).
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid
If you decide to become a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, you’ll likely tackle many of the same classes. Master’s programs, such as those in nurse anesthesia or nurse midwifery, go more in-depth into nursing specialties.
As an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree student, you may have to tackle a set of learning outcomes to ensure that you are ready to work with patients. You should develop strong communication skills that allow you to work effectively with coworkers, other medical professionals, and patients. Hands-on practical skills are also incredibly important, so you may spend lots of time being tested on blood draws, physical exams, and other basic nursing tasks. For you to be a contributing part of a healthcare organization, it’s crucial to have a complete understanding of a nurse’s role in a healthcare setting.
Tuition costs vary quite a bit between Portland schools, so take your time and evaluate your options. Portland Community College may be the most affordable school in the area. Residents pay $92 per credit and non-residents pay $220 per credit. Tuition is considerably higher at the University of Portland, where students pay $19,175 per semester.
There are quite a few scholarships in Portland that can make your education more affordable. The Oregon Nurses Association has multiple scholarships for nursing students. Another popular resource for Oregon nursing students is the Oregon Student Nurses Association.
Life and Career Options in Portland
Nursing school in Portland doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’re willing to work while attending classes. You may work as a CNA or administrative employee at a health organization while earning your nursing degree, or you may already be working as a nurse and planning to continue after returning to school. Many healthcare employers in Portland offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to employees that are pursuing a nursing degree.
Legacy Health has an educational assistance program that serves employees that have worked there for 12 months or more. In addition, they have the Peterson and Lloydena Grimes Scholarship for employees.
If you’re interested in working in long-term care or elderly care, consider working for Marquis Companies, a local employer that provides tuition reimbursement to employees. Maine Medical Center has a student nurse employment program and on-site clinical training.
Portland Oregon Hospitals
In addition, quite a few Portland employers have received Magnet designation. Magnet certification goes through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The Portland VA Medical Center is Magnet-certified, so you can serve our country’s veterans while enjoying a great nursing environment. Another Magnet facility is the Providence Portland Medical Center, an institution that specializes both in patient care and nursing research. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is one of the top 100 hospitals in the country in addition to having Magnet status.
