2026 Oregon Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Oregon

Oregon's LPN salaries rank top-5 nationally — backed by SEIU and ONA union contracts at major health systems that guarantee predictable raises, benefits, and job security non-union states can't match. Providence, OHSU, and Legacy Health are the dominant employers. Portland Community College runs the primary affordable training pathway. The combination of high pay and strong labor protections makes Oregon one of the best states financially for practical nurses.

$78,160 Avg. Annual Salary
$37.58 Avg. Hourly Wage
4% Job Growth (10-yr)
~600 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Oregon

Portland CC is Oregon's largest LPN training provider. Chemeketa CC (Salem) and Rogue CC (Southern Oregon) serve other regions. Programs run 12 months with clinical placements at Providence, OHSU, Legacy, and Kaiser Permanente facilities. Union contract protections begin upon employment at unionized facilities.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Chemeketa Community College Salem Community College 12 months $6,800
Clackamas Community College Oregon City Community College 12 months $7,200
Rogue Community College Grants Pass Community College 12 months $6,400

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Oregon

No Oregon LPN program is fully online — the Oregon State Board of Nursing requires supervised clinical training. Portland CC offers some hybrid coursework components. Oregon's concentration of healthcare employment in the Portland metro means most clinical sites are accessible without extensive commuting.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Oregon residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Oregon →

Requirements to Enroll in a Oregon LPN Program

Oregon programs use competitive admissions with standard prerequisites. Portland CC is the most competitive program in the state due to Portland-area demand. Oregon is NOT an NLC compact state — your license works only in Oregon. Factor this into career planning if cross-border work interests you.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Oregon

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Oregon State Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Oregon

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Oregon earn an average of $78,160 per year ($37.58/hour). This places Oregon well above the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Oregon typically range from $58,400 for entry-level positions to $96,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Oregon

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Portland $80,980
Salem $76,200
Eugene $75,400

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Oregon is projected to grow 4% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 600 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Oregon

The majority of LPNs in Oregon work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Oregon is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Oregon

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

Oregon

Oregon LPN Scope

Oregon LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Oregon LPNs are regulated by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Oregon is NOT an NLC state — you need an Oregon-specific license.

You Can Direct Patient Care

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing monitoring
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Vital signs and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to care plans
  • Supervising CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

  • LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a Board-approved course
  • Must work under direction of an RN or physician
  • Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted
  • LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Comprehensive assessments
  • Creating or modifying care plans
  • Blood product or chemotherapy administration
  • Central line management
  • Triage
  • Independent practice

Oregon LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Portland Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–18 monthsADN bridge in Portland metro
Chemeketa Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsADN bridge in Salem area
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist

Oregon Board of Nursing Contact

  • Website: oregon.gov/osbn
  • Phone: (971) 673-0685
  • Address: 17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97224

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →