ADN Programs Portland, OR

Registered Nurses collaborate with the healthcare team to promote health, prevent diseases, and restore care. Their duties depend on the healthcare setting, but are common tasks that all nurses perform. These include the administration of medication, monitoring for adverse side effects, updating patients’ medical records, educating patients and families on the plan of care, and collaborating with the health care team to develop, implement, and assess patient care plans.

Nurses work in hospitals, primarily, but also in schools, assisted living facilities, clinics, nursing homes, patients’ homes, and more. They are adept at multi-tasking, communication, planning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and delegating responsibilities to appropriate members of the health care team. In order to perform their duties competently, they must first obtain a well-rounded knowledgebase and skills. The Associate Degree in Nursing program provides just the training needed for entry-level service.  After obtaining the degree, it is critical that nurses keep up with tools, technologies, and best practices to provide the best support to patients and the healthcare team and improve patient outcomes. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the next step in the career ladder that all RNs should consider in light of changing requirements for nurses.

The profession offers opportunities for advancement, job stability, and personal and professional fulfillment. Nursing jogs are projected to increase 7 percent through 2029 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The availability of jobs combined with a median annual wage of $73,300 makes nursing a worthwhile pursuit.

Clackamas Community College

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (RN) offered by Clackamas Community College is the first step towards a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers 90 credits of classroom and hands-on clinical experiences that will help students recognize and demonstrate core nursing values, provide patient-centered care, collaborate with the health care team, and make clinical judgments to improve patient outcomes. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 90
Duration: 6 terms
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology III, Introductory Microbiology, Nutrition, Algebra III, Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Core courses –  General Biology for Health Sciences, Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion, Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion Clinical, Physical Education, Foundations of Nursing in Chronic Illness I, Foundations of Nursing in Chronic Illness I Clinical, Clinical Pharmacology I, Pathophysiological Processes I, Foundations of Nursing in Acute Care I, Foundations of Nursing in Acute Care I Clinical, Clinical Pharmacology II, Pathophysiological Processes II, General Biology for Health Sciences, Nursing in Acute Care II & End of Life, Nursing in Acute Care II & End of Life Clinical, Chronic Illness II and End of Life, Chronic Illness II and End of Life, Integrative Practicum, Integrative Practicum Clinical

Admission criteria:

  • Meet with an Academic Advisor
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher. Applicants must complete 30 quarter credits before applying for the program – Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Development, English Composition, a Social Science, Mathematics
  • Submit a completed application packet
  • Attend an interview and submit an essay – by invitation only
  • Sign and submit a Statement of Intent to enroll
  • Attend two mandatory orientation meets
  • Complete a criminal background check and urine drug screen
  • Meet the statutory mandates for healthcare providers
  • Nurse assistant certification is recommended but not mandatory
  • Complete the required immunizations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Influenza
  • Complete TB test or chest x-ray
  • Must have CPR/Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $108 per credit in-state and $274 per credit out-of-state. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.clackamas.edu/academics/departments-programs/nursing-aas
Address: 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, Oregon 97045
Phone: 503-594-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.45%

Portland Community College

Portland Community College’s Nursing program covers the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. As a member of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE), Portland College is one of eleven Community College Nursing programs. Students will develop in the areas of clinical judgment and critical thinking, end-of-life care, interprofessional collaboration, relationship-centered care, evidence-based practice, leadership, assisting patients in self-care practices. Candidates who are accepted into the program will non-competitive admission to OHSU School of Nursing. The OCNE course of study requires completion of the prerequisite courses in the first year, followed by two years to complete the requirements for the AAS degree to take the licensure exam, and the final year to complete the RN-BS nursing major. The school admits nursing students once a year in the fall. Admission is competitive and uses a point system in the selection process.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 90
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology III, Introductory Microbiology, Nutrition, Algebra III, Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Core courses – Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion, Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion Clinical, Pathophysiological Processes I, Foundations of Nursing in Chronic Illness I, Clinical Pharmacology I, Pathophysiological Processes II, Foundations of Nursing in Acute Care I, Clinical Pharmacology II, Chronic II, Acute Care II, Integrative Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Meet with an Academic Advisor and attend an Information Session
  • Apply for admission to PCC
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher. Applicants must complete 30 quarter credits before applying for the program – Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Development, English Composition, a Social Science, Mathematics
  • Apply to the nursing program by the February deadline
  • Complete the HSRT exam
  • Submit resume, cover letter, and essay responses
  • Complete a 10-panel drug screen – after acceptance to the program
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Provide proof of current immunization
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended including PCC
  • Must have CPR/Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $123 per credit in-state and $258 per credit out-of-state. Additional costs include books, uniforms and shoes, a watch with a second hand, stethoscope, and ATI exams and tools. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/nursing/
Address: 12000 SW 49th Ave. Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 971-722-6111
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.78%

Summer College – Cascade Station Campus

Nursing students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Summer College will receive classroom, lab, simulation, clinical, preceptor, and practicum experience throughout the program. Students will learn the nursing process as it relates to assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patients. They will learn how to think critically and make accurate judgments in patients’ interest. The nursing program is the only one in Oregon that does not have prerequisite courses. Field training will be conducted in community-based maternity homes, long-term care, mental health facilities, and critical access hospitals. Students must pass all courses as well as the final comprehensive predictor exam with a score of 75% to graduate from the program. The class size is limited to 24 students per lecture session and 12 students per skills lab session.

Program Outline
Quarter credits: 128
Clock hours: 1770
Duration: 90 weeks – 9 terms
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, RN Nursing Fundamentals I, Medical Terminology, Introduction to Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology II, RN Nursing Fundamentals II, RN Clinical Nursing I, English Composition, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology III, IV Therapy Fundamentals, RN Nursing Fundamentals III, RN Clinical Nursing II, Intro to Adult Health Med-Surgical Nursing, NCLEX Preparation I, Psychology I, Adult Health Nursing I, Legal & Professional Issues, Expository Writing, NCLEX Preparation II, Adult Health Nursing II, English & Writing, NCLEX Preparation III, Maternal Newborn Nursing, RN Clinical Nursing IV, Adult Health Nursing III, Pediatric Nursing Human Growth and Development, NCLEX Preparation IV, Community-Based Nursing Experience, RN Clinical Nursing V, Mental Health Nursing, Sociology I, Geriatric Nursing, NCLEX Preparation V, RN Clinical Nursing VI, RN Practicum, NCLEX Preparation VI, Leadership & Management

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Attend a mandatory information session
  • Complete the essay questions including the reason for pursuing a career as a nurse and plan to meet the demands and responsibilities of the nursing program
  • Take and pass the TEAS exam – a non-refundable testing fee of $75 is required
  • Submit at least one letter of recommendation – a maximum of four is accepted
  • Unofficial transcripts must be submitted with the application
  • Attend a panel interview
  • Must be screened for immunity to MMR, Varicella, and TB
  • Submit to a drug screen
  • Complete a criminal background check

Program Cost:
The total program cost of $51,260 includes tuition, application fee, lab and technology fee, and graduation fee. Additional costs include books, uniforms and shoes, watch with second hand, stethoscope, and ATI exams and tools. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.sumnercollege.edu/associate-degree-nursing/
Address: 8338 NE Alderwood Rd | Suite 100, Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-972-6230
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.19%

Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa’s Registered Nursing program prepares students to graduate with an Associate of Science Degree and sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students will learn how to incorporate novice level management inpatient care, minimize risk or harm to patients, self, and others, use clinical judgments in providing nursing care based on evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences, design nursing care plans that reflect integrity, accountability, and legal and ethical practice, and communicate effectively and collaboratively with patients, families, and members of the health care team.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – English Composition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology III, Psychology: Mind and Body, Life Span Development, Academic Composition, General Education Elective

Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Acute and Chronic Condition I, Acute and Chronic Condition II, Complex Health Problems, Care in Urgent and Community Settings, Entry into Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Attend a pre-nursing workshop
  • Take and pass the Kaplan pre-nursing exam
  • Take and pass the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C or higher
  • Must be screened for immunity to MMR, Varicella, and TB
  • Submit to a drug screen
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Must have current CPR for Healthcare Providers certification

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $128 per credit in-state and $291 per credit out-of-state. Additional costs include books, uniforms and shoes, watch with second hand, stethoscope, and Kaplan exams and tools. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.chemeketa.edu/
Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Salem, Oregon 97305
Phone: 503-399-5000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

Linn-Benton Community College

The Associate Degree in Nursing Program at Linn-Benton Community College prepares students for a rewarding career in the profession. The training will cover theory and practical training in current evidence-based concepts and competencies, critical thinking, ethics, safe and culturally sensitive patient care, and continuing education. The program provides extensive hands-on training opportunities in the Nursing Skills Lab and in the community at public health, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. Clinical experiences begin in the first term of the semester. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. They will also have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelors or Masters of Science degree through LBCC’s articulation agreement with Linfield School or Nursing and Bushnell University. The program admits new students in the fall each year.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Intermediate Algebra, English Composition, Destination Graduation, English Composition Research, Microbiology, General Human Nutrition,

Core courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications, Introductory Medical-Surgical Care, Introductory Medical-Surgical Practice, Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications, Care Throughout the Lifespan, Nursing Practice Throughout the Lifespan, Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications, Advanced Medical-Surgical Care, Advanced Medical-Surgical Practice, Drug Therapy & Nursing Implications, Critical Transitions in Care, Nursing Practice During Critical Transitions, Intro Developmental Psychology, Preparation for Professional Practice, Introduction to Professional Practice, Profession Practice Issues

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Submit a completed application and admission fee
  • Maintain Oregon CNA credentials – highly recommended
  • Attend a mandatory orientation
  • Must have professional liability insurance throughout the program
  • Complete a criminal background check
  • Pass the LBCC approved drug test
  • Submit required health and training documentations – Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, negative TB test, physical exam report
  • Must have current CPR AHA BLS Provider CPR certification

Program Cost:
The cost of attendance is $4,722 for one year. Students must budget for books, supplies, uniforms, and tools. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://www.linnbenton.edu/
Address: 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321
Phone: (541) 917-4999
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83.02%

Mt. Hood Community College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Nursing Program is a member of the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE). The state-approved curriculum seeks to produce graduates skilled in clinical judgment and critical thinking, evidence-based practice, relationship-centered care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students accepted into the nursing program will also be co-admitted to Oregon Health Science University’s (OHSU) nursing program, which is a four-year course of study. The OCNE course of study requires completion of the prerequisite courses in the first year, followed by two years to complete the requirements for the AAS degree to take the licensure exam, and the final year to complete the RN-BS nursing major.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 83-86
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Biology for Health Professions, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology III, Microbiology, Nutrition, Intermediate Algebra, Human Development, English Composition

Core courses – Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion, Foundations of Nursing – Health Promotion Clinical, Pathophysiological Processes I, Foundations of Nursing in Chronic Illness I, Clinical Pharmacology I, Pathophysiological Processes II, Foundations of Nursing in Acute Care I, Clinical Pharmacology II, Chronic II, Acute Care II and End of Life A, Acute Care and End of Life B Clinic, Integrative Practicum A, Integrative Practicum B

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at 18 years or older
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
  • Complete the General Admission Application and select Pre-Health Professions as the major
  • Determine the course placement levels
  • Create an education plan with the Academic Advisor

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $128.75 per credit in-state and $249.75 per credit out-of-state. Additional costs include books, uniforms and shoes, watch with second hand, stethoscope, and entrance exam, and tools. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

Website: https://catalog.mhcc.edu/programs-majors/nursing-degree/
Address: 26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030
Phone: 503-491-6422
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.38%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.