⚠️ Only 6 OSBN-Approved LPN Programs in All of Oregon — Apply Early
Oregon has one of the smallest LPN program selections of any state in the country. With only 6 Oregon State Board of Nursing-approved programs statewide, admission is competitive and seats are limited. Every program requires a TEAS or HESI entrance exam, background check, CPR/BLS certification, and current immunizations. Start your application process early — programs frequently fill quickly.
Oregon LPN salaries average $62,180/year — $2,450 above the national median
Oregon LPN salaries consistently exceed the national median — driven by the state's high cost of living, strong healthcare demand, and limited supply of LPN graduates from only 6 approved programs statewide. Portland Metro pays the most at $66,820/year. Eugene averages $60,200. Oregon projects 5% LPN job growth through 2032 and faces a projected shortage of approximately 6,000 nurses by 2025 — creating genuine employment urgency for qualified graduates.
OSBN-Approved LPN Programs in Oregon
All programs below are approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). Oregon has only 6 approved programs — all require entrance exams and in-person clinicals. Programs typically cost $6,000–$15,000 at public institutions.
- Total estimated cost~$8,800 including all fees
- Program length12 months
- LocationSouthern Oregon — Grants Pass / Medford
- Clinical hours600+ hours required
- AidPell Grant eligible
- LocationNewport — Oregon Coast
- Cohort sizeSmall — competitive admission
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- OutcomesStrong NCLEX-PN outcomes
- AidPell Grant eligible
- LocationEugene — 2nd largest OR city
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- BridgeRN pathway available at LCC
- Eugene salary~$60,200/yr average
- AidPell Grant eligible
- LocationPortland — highest-paying OR market
- TypePrivate career college
- Portland salary~$66,820/yr average
- BridgeRN pathway available
- AidFinancial aid available
- Program length13 months
- LocationPortland — highest-paying OR market
- TypePrivate career college
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- AidFinancial aid available
- Total approved programsOnly 6 statewide — seats are limited
- OSBN websiteoregon.gov/nursing
- AdmissionTEAS/HESI exam required at all programs
- Clinical hours600+ hours required statewide
- NoteApply early — programs fill quickly
⚠️ Oregon has only 6 OSBN-approved LPN programs statewide. Verify current approved programs directly with the Oregon State Board of Nursing at oregon.gov/nursing before applying. Tuition based on 2024–2025 published data.
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LPN Salary in Oregon — $2,450 Above the National Median
Oregon LPN salaries median at $62,180/year per BLS May 2024 — $2,450 above the national median of $59,730. Portland Metro pays the most at $66,820/year. Eugene averages $60,200. Oregon employs approximately 4,140 LPNs with 5% projected growth through 2032. Oregon's high cost of living drives wages above the national average, particularly in the Portland metropolitan area.
| City / Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Portland Metro | ~$66,820 | ~$32.13 | Oregon's highest-paying LPN market |
| 🥈 Eugene | ~$60,200 | ~$28.94 | 2nd largest city — Lane CC market |
| 🥉 Salem | ~$61,000–$64,000 | ~$29.33–$30.77 | State capital — steady government healthcare |
| Medford / Southern OR | ~$59,000–$63,000 | ~$28.37–$30.29 | Rogue CC market — solid demand |
| Statewide Median (BLS) | ~$62,180 | ~$29.90 | BLS May 2024 — above national median |
| Annual wage range | $68,859 avg. | ~$33.11 | Research.com 2024 annual average |
Financial Aid & Free Money for Oregon LPN Students
Oregon has several funding programs that can significantly reduce LPN tuition costs at the state's public community colleges.
At Rogue CC's ~$8,800 all-in cost, a Pell Grant covers most of the program cost for eligible students. At Lane CC and Oregon Coast CC, Pell covers a significant portion. Always file FAFSA at studentaid.gov immediately — your most powerful financial tool.
Oregon Promise helps recent Oregon high school graduates attend Oregon community colleges at reduced cost. The grant can reduce or eliminate tuition at Oregon's public LPN programs (Rogue CC, Lane CC, Oregon Coast CC) for eligible recent graduates. Apply through your community college's financial aid office.
Oregon's need-based grant for Oregon residents attending Oregon institutions. Apply through FAFSA — the grant is automatically considered. Stacks with Pell Grant for maximum reduction of out-of-pocket costs at Oregon community colleges.
Oregon's major health systems — Providence Health & Services and Legacy Health — sometimes sponsor nursing training for employees in exchange for a work commitment. Contact nursing recruitment directly. These are Oregon's two largest health systems and active LPN employers.
If you work in healthcare as a CNA or aide at major Oregon employers like OHSU, Providence Health, Legacy Health, or PeaceHealth, ask HR about tuition reimbursement before enrolling in your LPN program.
Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at Oregon's community colleges plus a monthly housing allowance. All OSBN-approved programs are VA-certified.
Oregon WIOA programs help displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults enter high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local Oregon Employment Department WorkSource Oregon office for current training grants.
Oregon Promise + Pell Grant + Oregon Opportunity Grant together can significantly reduce or eliminate costs at public programs. Complete FAFSA to access loans if still needed. Oregon's above-average LPN salaries make repayment manageable.
Smart Tips for Oregon Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced Oregon nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 🌲 Only 6 programs — apply to multiple, apply earlyOregon has only 6 OSBN-approved LPN programs in the entire state. Seats are genuinely scarce and admission is competitive. Apply to more than one program simultaneously if geographically possible, and start your application process well in advance of deadlines. Don't wait until the last minute — programs fill fast.
- 📝 TEAS/HESI exam is required — prepare seriouslyEvery Oregon LPN program requires a passing score on either the TEAS or HESI entrance exam for admission. This exam is a real filter — preparation matters significantly. Study with TEAS or HESI prep books (available at libraries or online), take multiple practice tests, and give yourself at least 4–6 weeks of dedicated preparation before sitting for the exam.
- 💰 Rogue CC is Oregon's best value at ~$8,800 all-inRogue Community College in Grants Pass/Medford offers the most affordable all-in cost of any Oregon LPN program at approximately $8,800. For Oregon students in the southern part of the state, this is the clear financial choice. With Pell Grant covering most of this cost, out-of-pocket expenses can be minimal for eligible students.
- 🌆 Target Portland for Oregon's highest LPN salaryPortland Metro LPNs earn $66,820/year — $4,640 more than the state median. If you can commute to Portland or attend Sumner College in Portland, you access Oregon's premium salary market. The city's major health systems (OHSU, Providence, Legacy) are large, well-funded employers actively recruiting LPNs.
- 🏥 Nurses are unionized at most Oregon hospitalsThis is unique to Oregon — nurses at most Oregon hospitals are required to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) union. Union membership provides additional wage protections, benefits, and advocacy that can be meaningful over the course of your career. Factor this into your understanding of Oregon's employment landscape.
- ⚠️ Oregon is NOT NLC — plan accordinglyOregon's lack of NLC membership means your Oregon license only works in Oregon. If you ever want to practice in Washington, California, or other states, you'll need separate licensure applications. Given Oregon's above-average salaries ($62,180 median), most Oregon LPNs find the in-state market competitive enough to stay — but know this limitation exists.
LPN to RN in Oregon — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
Oregon LPN salaries median at $62,180/year — above the national average — with Portland reaching $66,820. With only 6 approved LPN programs in the state, admission is competitive but job security after graduation is excellent. If you need income quickly, Oregon's above-average LPN salaries and limited graduate supply create favorable employment conditions.
If time and money are not immediate barriers, going directly to an ADN or BSN program is worth considering. Oregon RNs earn significantly more per year and face the same favorable employment environment. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), the University of Oregon, and multiple community colleges offer strong RN programs with LPN bridge pathways. Our sister site covers all Oregon LPN-to-RN options in detail.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in Oregon →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Oregon. Our sister site offers 50 free practice questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in Oregon
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