Careers in Nursing
Occupational Information on Registered Nurses
Nature of the Work; Working Conditions; Employment; Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement; Job Outlook; Earnings; Related Occupations; Sources of Additional Information
What Can I Do With a Degree in Nursing?
Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing |
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing |
Advanced Degree in Nursing |
| RNs with an Associate Degree or Diploma work in a variety of settings (hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices). |
Nurses with a Bachelor's Degree work in a variety of settings, many with a specialization. Also, BSNs assume supervisory roles in hospitals, clinics. |
Supervisory, administrative, and teaching roles in nursing are available for individuals with Master's Degrees in Nursing. Administrative and teaching roles are available for individuals with Doctoral degrees in Nursing. |
Nursing and Nursing Preparation in Oregon
- Does Oregon have a licensing requirement for entry into Nursing?
Yes. The education to prepare for the nursing licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) takes place at 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities. Graduation is a requirement to take this examination.
- How should I prepare to enter a B.S. in Nursing program?
Two lower-division degrees can be used: Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing
- Can I get financial aid to complete my degree?
Students in distance education programs at community colleges and universities are eligible for financial aid. However, community colleges are currently unable to provide financial aid for non-nursing courses that are required for the baccalaureate degree but not required for the associate degree in nursing, and for baccalaureate nursing courses students in an associate degree program may take prior to graduation. A solution is being sought at this time.
- Which Oregon community colleges offer an Associate degree that includes all the courses that will be needed for admission to the OHSU baccalaureate degree in Nursing for Registered Nurses?
Blue Mountain Community College,
Central Oregon Community College,
Chemeketa Community College,
Clackamas Community College,
Clatsop Community College,
Klamath Community College
Lane Community College,
Linn-Benton Community College,
Mt. Hood Community College,
Oregon Coast Community College,
Portland Community College,
Rogue Community College,
Southwestern Oregon Community College,
Treasure Valley Community College,
Umpqua Community College
- Which Oregon community colleges offer an Associate Degree that includes at least 50% of the required courses for entry into the OHSU BS/RN in a distance education mode?
None at the present time.
- Which Oregon colleges or universities offer a baccalaureate degree for Registered Nurses?(either on-campus and/or distance education)
An RN/BS is available from:
- OHSU's four campuses: OHSU Portland, EOU La Grande, OIT Klamath Falls, SOU Ashland
- University of Portland School of Nursing
- Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing
- Which institutions offer provisional admission from associate to baccalaureate programs?
Students admitted to an Oregon Community College Associate Degree Nursing program may apply for provisional admission to OHSU School of Nursing while earning an Associate Degree.
- Are there credit-by-examination provisions?
Yes. Since RN students have experienced learning in many settings as part of their professional development, they are given an opportunity to challenge courses by demonstrating their knowledge and skills via credit-by-examination or by portfolio in selected courses. A minimum of 18 credits in the nursing major, however, must be taken for a letter grade.
- Is there credit-by-articulation? ("transferring in" courses)
Yes. In the OHSU program RNs may receive 29 upper division nursing credits by articulation for course work previously taken in the areas of adult nursing, nursing care of families, and mental health nursing. There is a charge of $10 per credit for awarding articulation credits.
- What are admission requirements to the baccalaureate Nursing program at OHSU?
- licensed RN in Oregon
- complete the admission application
- submit official copies of all transcripts
- have minimum GPA of 2.5 on all transferable credits
- have grade of C or better earned in all lower division prerequisites
- possess computer skills as defined (computer literacy self-test is available)
- own or have access to a computer (technical requirements available on request)
- submit documentation of hepatitis B immunization
- What specific non-nursing courses are required for graduation from the baccalaureate program in nursing?
| Required Course |
Quarter Credit Hours |
| *Chemistry with lab (3 terms) |
12 |
| *College algebra |
3 |
| *Statistics |
3 |
| *General psychology |
3 |
| *Human growth and development |
3 |
| *General sociology |
3 |
| *Cultural anthropology |
3 |
| English composition |
9 |
Humanities, 9 credits, chosen from:
Art appreciation/History
Music appreciation/History
Women's studies
Literature/Philosophy
Religion
Foreign language
Intercultural communication
|
9 |
| **Anatomy and Physiology |
|
**Microbiology |
|
| **Nutrition |
|
* Requirements for those who have a BS or BA degree in another field.
** These 3 courses may be in the Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing program either as separate courses or integrated into the program.
What upper division courses must I successfully complete to earn a RN/BS?
NOTE: Courses in bold print are available in distance education modes.
| Nurs 399 Health Assessment |
3 |
| Nurs 372 Pathophysiology |
3 |
| Nurs 378 Ethics |
3 |
| Nurs 380 Family Nursing |
3 |
| Nurs 470 Research |
3 |
| Nurs 474 Health Policy |
3 |
| Nurs 472 Management in Nursing |
3 |
| Nurs 486 Community Nursing Theory |
4 |
| Nurs 487 Community Nursing Clinical* |
6 |
| Nurs 488 Reflective Practice (theory) |
2 |
| Nurs 489 Reflective Practice (clinical)* |
7 |
| Total:
|
40 |
* These clinical courses may be taken in the student's own community.
Important Links
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Direct your questions and comments to the Oregon Network for Education