Practical Nursing in Oregon

Details on Oregon LPN Schools & Classes

Oregon offers some choices for practical nursing programs, from community colleges to career/vocational schools. Most programs are designed to be completed in around one year of full-time study, and 2 or more years if a student opts for part-time. The LPN curriculum is centered around nursing theory, labs/simulations, and clinical rotation hours. Common course titles include:

• Care Across the Lifespan
• Psychiatric and Complex Acute Care
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Human Development
• Emergent Healthcare

Accreditation

Choosing the right LPN program is important; choosing an accredited LPN program is even more important. Accredited schools/programs can give students peace of mind, as they are held to high standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are just a few accrediting agencies that endorse nursing programs. Students will also want to ensure that they choose a program approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

While exact requirements will differ between schools, most in Oregon require the following:

• High school graduate (or GED equivalency)
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better
• Current CNA certification may be required
• Copy of transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended
• Satisfactory scores on placement tests

Tuition and Costs

Students are encouraged to consider LPN program costs carefully. Generally, this will consist of tuition, fees, and course materials including books and uniforms. These expenses can vary wildly from school to school in the state. For those who need assistance, financial aid is typically available through the school or through other sources. To provide just one example, the LPN program at Sumner College in Portland costs a total of $29,970. This includes tuition and mandatory fees.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Oregon LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Oregon LPN Licensing Requirements

Individuals looking to receive an LPN license in the state of Oregon must pass the NCLEX-PN after completing a Board approved nursing curriculum. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:

• Headshot (passport-style) photo taken within the last 6 months
• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program
• Submit to a fingerprint criminal background check

Oregon LPN licenses expire every 2 years on the day before the licensee’s birthday.

NCLEX Exam Information

Upon graduating from an accredited LPN program, students must sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination for official licensure. This exam covers various aspects of the practical nursing curriculum. For more information, our NCLEX-PN overview can be found here. Students may also wish to study for the exam by taking the NCLEX-PN practice test.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Oregon is not a state that has opted in to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows multi-state licensure within the states that participate. However, LPNs from other states can receive an Oregon license by endorsement—along with the application and criminal background check, the applicant must also submit:

• Proof of licensure in another state or completed an OSBN-approved re-entry LPN program in the last 2 years
• License verification from the state licensing exam was taken and the state where the current license is held
• Proof of practicing at LPN level for at least 960 hours over the past 5 years

For those who’ve studied abroad, looking to receive a license from the state of Oregon, the applicant must also submit the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation of their official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review, as well as proof of English proficiency.

Source: Shared from PracticalNursing.org