LPN to RN Programs Portland, OR

It is always commendable when a nurse makes a decision to continue the learning cycle to improve their practice and take on additional responsibility on the healthcare team. The healthcare fraternity encourages and recognizes any effort of nurses to pursue educational goals through tuition reimbursement, new titles and credentials, higher salaries, better incentives, and promotions. In the educational sector, colleges and universities facilitate transition or bridge programs to reduce the need to repeat coursework. The LPN to RN bridge program is one such example. Instead of completing two years for an Associate Degree in Nursing, the licensed practical nurse can apply for advanced placement and complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree in one year. There are colleges in Oregon that offer the bridge program with advanced placement. Some others will award points for LPNs in the selection process but advanced placement for nursing courses may not be available.

Clackamas Community College

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing program at Clackamas Community College is open to licensed practical nurses who may receive credit for general education courses. The nursing courses follow a specific sequence and transfer may not be available. LPNs who have completed an accredited nursing program and hold current licensure to practice may apply through the normal admission route. They will complete the theory and practical components for each nursing course and earn an AAS degree upon successful completion of the requirements. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. They will recognize and demonstrate core nursing values, practice relationship-centered patient care, make proper clinical judgments, and collaborate with the healthcare team.

Program Outline
Quarter 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:

  • Contact an Academic Advisor for information and academic planning
  • 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
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all preparatory courses completed
  • Submit a completed application packet including supporting materials
  • Attend an interview and submit an essay – by invitation only
  • Sign and submit a Statement of Intent to enroll
  • Attend two mandatory orientation meetings
  • 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 $111 per credit in-state and $277 per credit out-of-state students. Textbooks, supplies, CPR certification, immunization, uniform, and nursing supplies are some expenses that students will incur.

Website: https://www.clackamas.edu/
Address: 19600 Molalla Avenue, Oregon City, Oregon 97045
Phone: 503-594-6000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.65%

Portland Community College

Portland Community College prepares adults with the knowledge and skills to qualify for an entry-level position as a registered nurse. The Associate Degree in Nursing program does not have a direct transition path for licensed practical nurses but will grant LPNs additional points in the admission process for their healthcare certification and experience. Advanced placement in the program is not available. Practical nurses will develop additional skills to practice as a registered nurse. Key skills include communication, clinical judgment, counseling, evaluation, analysis, medication administration, physical assessment, interventions, teaching, planning, and sterile techniques. Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. New students are admitted in the fall term. At the end of the competitive admissions process only 32 students will be accepted.

Program Outline
Quarter 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 – 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:

  • Apply for admission to PCC and choose Associate of General Studies as the major
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher. Applicants must complete 30 quarter credits at the end of the fall term before applying for the program – Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Development, English Composition, a Social Science, Mathematics
  • Must complete the remaining 15 credits by the end of the spring term
  • Apply to the nursing program by the February deadline
  • Submit details of healthcare experience – LPN license, etc- to earn points
  • 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
  • Pay the NCAS application of $55 and the supplemental application fee of $40

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

Website: https://www.pcc.edu/
Address: 12000 SW 49th Ave. Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 971-722-6111
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.88%

Sumner College – Cascade Station Campus

Licensed practical nurses may apply for transfer credit to complete the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Summer College in just 7 to 8 terms. Final determination of the eligibility to transfer is determined by the college. There is no bridge program offered but with current healthcare licensure and experience as a practical nurse, LPN candidates will have an edge int eh competitive admissions program and receive credit for previous coursework. Students will learn through classroom lectures, simulation, clinical, preceptor and practical experiences at local and regional facilities. There will be an emphasis on the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating with the results that students will be able to think critically, make accurate decisions, and provide safe patient care. Students must pass all courses and the final predictor exam with a grade of 75% or higher to graduate from the program. Graduates will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and be eligible to take the NCLEX state exam.

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 or signed attestation verifying prior education
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Attend a mandatory information session that focuses on admissions and program requirements
  • 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. A passing score of 71% or above is required for admission
  • Submit at least one letter of recommendation – a maximum letters of four are accepted. Letters must be submitted on professional letter and include contact information
  • Unofficial transcripts must be submitted with the application to be considered for transfer
  • Provide additional information pertaining to healthcare certifications and awards for additional points
  • Attend a panel interview
  • Must be screened for immunity to MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and TB
  • Submit to a drug screen
  • Complete a criminal background check

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $365 per credit. Fees cost $2,050. Additional costs include books, supplies, background check, drug screen, and immunization. The program is eligible for financial aid.

Website: https://www.sumnercollege.edu/

Address: 8338 NE Alderwood Rd, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97220
Phone: 503-972-6230
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.07%

Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College has a pathway for licensed practical nurses to complete the requirements for a registered nursing degree. LPNs who are currently licensed in Oregon may be eligible for placement on a waitlist for possible openings in the second year of the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program. Applied will be placed on a waitlist for the fall term of the second year of the program after completing specific admission requirements include current, unencumbered licensure, work experience, and transfer of all general education coursework from an accredited program.  Graduates will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

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
  • Must have a current LPN license in Oregon – applicants with licensure in another state must check with the Oregon State Board of Nursing
  • Work experience is strongly recommended for applicants who have completed the practical nursing curriculum more than one year before applying
  • Transfer all general education coursework to Chemeketa and have transcripts evaluated by Admissions
  • Must register for and pass the Kaplan Nursing Transition exam
  • Must take NUR272 Pathophysiology for Nurses (3 credits) and PHM230 Pharmaceutical Drug Classifications (3 credits)
  • 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 $130 per credit for Oregon students and $295 per credit for out-of-state students. Nursing students will also incur costs for books, uniforms, and supplies.

Website: https://www.chemeketa.edu/
Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Salem, Oregon 97305
Phone: 503-399-5000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.37%

Linn-Benton Community College

Licensed practical nurses must follow the same admission process as the traditional applicant for acceptance to the Associate Degree in Nursing Program at Linn-Benton Community College. The LPN applicant may be eligible for transfer for credit based on the outcome of an assessment of transcripts but there is no advanced placement option for the nursing courses. Students will learn in the classroom and skills lab followed by live patient care experiences at various healthcare facilities. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Through articulation agreements with Linfield School of Nursing and Bushnell University, Linn-

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 18 years of age or older
  • 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
  • Healthcare experience and credential is highly recommended
  • Attend a mandatory nursing orientation
  • Must have and maintain 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:
Tuition and fees cost $6,102 per year for resident students. Books and supplies are additional.

Website: https://www.linnbenton.edu/
Address: 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, Oregon 97321
Phone: (541) 917-4999
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.15%

Mt. Hood Community College

Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) offers a nursing program that admits licensed practical nurse and US military medics every other year on space available basis. The advanced placement route admits LPNs into the third term of the nursing program. Online transfer students from OCNE schools will be admitted. Completion of 30 credits of pre-program courses is required. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and to complete a final year for an RN-BS nursing major. Applicants are selected through a point-based system and is limited to four students every year. Once selected, students must complete 18 credits of nursing courses with a C grade or higher and the LPN transition courses.

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:

  • Complete all prerequisites with a grade C or higher – pass or satisfactory grades will be considered as grade C
  • Prerequisites must be current within the last 7 years – Anatomy and Physiology, Intermediate Algebra, Microbiology
  • The prerequisites – Nutrition, Biology with Genetics, Human Development, English Composition, and Social Science do not expire
  • Submit Oregon LPN documentation – a current, unencumbered Oregon license
  • Submit transcripts and course descriptions from the practical nursing program – for students who did not graduate from the MHCC practical nursing program
  • Apply for admission to MHCC and pay the application fee of $75
  • Submit documentation of work experience as a practical nurse
  • Submit proof of immunization – MMR, Varicella, PPD Skin Test, Tdap, Hepatitis B
  • Must have a current CPR card – Health Care Provider Level CPR card approved by the American Heart Association.
  • Pass a national criminal background check
  • Complete a drug screen prior to starting the nursing courses

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $7,047 per year for full-time residents. Books and supplies cost an additional $1,948 per year.

Website: www.mhcc.edu
Address: 26000 SE Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon 97030
Phone: 503-491-6422
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.43%

 

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.