Best LPN Programs in Oregon

The nationwide nursing shortage is contributing to increased employment opportunities for LPNs in Oregon. The State of Oregon Employment Department estimates LPN job growth of nearly 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, a faster rate than the statewide average for all occupations.

With an LPN education, aspiring nurses can take advantage of this growth. Before settling on an LPN program, prospective students should take time to research school options to make sure they earn an accredited education that will be respected by employers and approved by the state.

Continue reading to learn more about LPN programs and careers in Oregon, including a list of top-ranked schools, an overview of state licensure requirements, as well as salary and employment trends by area.

LPN programs are offered at a variety of public and private colleges around the state of Oregon. This search tool can help prospective LPNs narrow their results based on preferences for tuition rate, school size/type, and degree options. 

All practicing vocational and practical nurses must be licensed to work in the U.S., but the licensing process varies from state to state. This section explains the process of becoming licensed and maintaining licensure in the state of Oregon.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

LPN eligibility is based on the applicant’s nursing education. To qualify for a license, applicants must have completed one of the state-approved LPN programs in Oregon resulting in a practical nursing certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Because Oregon has not yet entered into the compact for interstate licensure, graduates of out-of-state nursing degree programs are still required to become licensed in Oregon.

Applicants for licensure who have not graduated from a state of Oregon-approved nursing program must have practiced for at least 960 hours within the last five years or complete an OSBN-approved re-entry program within the last two years to satisfy the education requirement. Nurses with out-of-state licenses can apply for an LPN Limited License while waiting to complete a re-entry program.

Oregon nursing licenses expire every two years at midnight on the day before your birthday—in even years if born in an even year and odd years if born in an odd year. As a courtesy, OSBN send a renewal notification to LPNs by email 6-8 weeks before license expiration. Renewal applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

Late renewal applications are accepted within 60 days of the expiration date. The online application automatically calculates late fees. After 60 days, expired licenses must be reactivated, which includes additional fees and a national background check. Practicing without a license can result in a civil penalty of up to $5,000.

Opportunities for employment can be found all over the state, but certain regions of Oregon pay higher salaries than others. This table identifies the areas of Oregon where LPNs earn the most.

According to the State of Oregon Employment Department (SOED), the number of LPNs in the state is expected to grower faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Specifically, SOED projects an increase of 19.9 percent between 2012 and 2022 and 120 openings annually (including replacement openings). The Portland-Metro area has the highest population in the state and employs the most LPNs. They will experience higher employment growth compared to smaller counties such as Clackamas and East Cascades.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014

2012 2,710

2022 3,240

Average Annual Openings 120

Source: Projections Central