Top Oregon RN to BSN Programs
The U.S. healthcare system is currently undergoing massive changes, and with those changes, the system is expecting more out of RNs. In fact, a survey carried out by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed that nearly half of all healthcare employers require new RN hires to hold BSN degrees, while nearly 9 in 10 employers expressed a strong preference towards job applicants who possess BSN degrees. Thus, forward-thinking RNs are enrolling in RN to BSN programs at universities and colleges across the country. To meet the increased market demand for BSN degree-holding nurses, colleges and universities have also responded by making it quicker and easier for RNs to up their credentials. With tons of colleges offering affordable RN to BSN programs that can be completed at home, finding the best one to suit your individual needs can be a time-consuming task. To make that task easier for you, we've put compiled a list of the top RN to BSN programs in Oregon.
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Oregon
There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for an RN to BSN program in Oregon. The following factors should be considered:
- Acceptance and graduation rates
- Student satisfaction
- Tuition, costs, and fees
- Quality of faculty
- Employment data for recent grads
- Class sizes
- Partnerships at local healthcare facilities
- Program accreditation
- Age of program/university
- Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Testing and Certification
Due to the fact that nurses would have already taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed, there are no further examinations required at the completion of the RN to BSN program.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Oregon
1. George Fox University
Founded in 1891 as a school for the Quakers, George Fox University is a private, Christian university that has its main campus located in Newberg, but also maintains subsidiary learning centers in Portland, Salem, and Redmond. GFU offers students a flexible, hybrid format RN to BSN program that's composed of 24 units and can be completed in just 16 months if taken full-time. In addition to the online coursework, students will have face-to-face seminars one Saturday every month. Courses students can expect to take during the program include Policy, Power, and Voice, Population Health, and Integrated Practice Experience, among others. The program boasts small class sizes with students from diverse backgrounds. Part-time study is also available.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Providence Newberg Medical Center
- Newberg Hospital
Tuition:
The approximate cost to attend George Fox University's RN to BSN program is $14,178.
2. Linfield College
First established in 1858, Lindfield College is a private college with its main campus located in McMinnville and its subsidiary campus in Portland. Lindfield College offers students an RN to BSN program that can be completed in four semesters. During the program, students will take encounter courses like Evidence-based Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and Integrated Experiential Learning, among others. LC's community-centered curriculum heavily emphasizes social justice, diversity, multicultural awareness, collaboration, and vulnerable populations. In the final semester of the program, students will work with a vulnerable population at that local healthcare facility.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Willamette Valley Medical Center
- West Hills Healthcare Clinic
- Salem Hospital
Tuition:
The approximate cost to attend Linfield College RN to BSN program is $16,990.
3. Northwest Christian University
Established in 1895, Northwest Christian University is a private, Christian liberal arts college situated in Eugene, Oregon. NCU offers a 10 course, 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be taken entirely online. Part-time students can complete the program in 5 semesters or one and a half years while full-time students can finish in just three semesters or one year. In addition to the online coursework, students are expected to have project-based practice experiences at their local healthcare facilities. New cohorts are admitted into the program six times each year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- PeaceHealth Sacred Health Medical Center University
- Eugene Health Center
- Riverbend Hospital
- McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
Tuition:
The approximate cost to attend Linfield College RN to BSN program is $14,550.