Essential Information
Nurse practitioner programs are designed for existing nurses who have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing. In Oregon, nurse practitioner programs are offered at the master's and doctoral levels. In addition, students with a master's degree in the field can pursue a graduate certificate. Both schools listed in this article offer programs that specialize in family practice. These programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Below are the two schools in Oregon that offer a nurse practitioner program.
Oregon Health and Science University
Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon offers a 2-year master's degree, a 2-year postmaster's certificate and a 3-year doctorate degree in advanced nursing with a specialty in family practice - all are CCNE-accredited. Graduates will earn the FNP credential. The university offers 2 master's cohorts - one tailored for students within a 2-hour commute and another for regionally located students outside of a 2-hour commute. Although the regional cohort will have more online classes, coursework is the same and includes courses in primary care management, physiology and pathophysiology. During the additional year as part of the doctoral program students will spend most of their time in clinical residencies and clinical inquiries.
University of Portland
In preparation for changes that will be made in 2015, the University of Portland, offers only a CCNE-accredited doctoral degree in advanced nursing (DNP) with a focus on family practice. The program is open to students with a bachelor's in nursing, as well as nurses with other graduate degrees. Graduates with a bachelor's degree will earn the FNP title, while graduates that already have a master's degree will retain their previous credential. The program includes integrative health practices along with didactic coursework that includes health assessment techniques, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
Career Requirements
The state of Oregon requires that all nurse practitioners are licensed, and in some cases they are allowed to write prescriptions. To be eligible to practice they must be a licensed registered nurse, have earned a postgraduate degree from an accredited program in a specialized area of advanced nursing, as well as be certified from a state- approved nursing organization. It is important to note that in 2015 the industry standard is moving towards a doctoral degree as a minimum requirement and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education will only accredit doctoral programs as nurse practitioner preparation; students should stay abreast of changing policies as they decide which program is best.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Advanced Nursing Degrees Offered | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Health and Science University | 4-year; public; city | Master's of Nursing (FNP), DNP, Post Master's Certificate (FNP) | $20,365 in-state (undergraduate); $31,957 out-of-state (undergraduate); $26,845 (graduate)* |
| University of Portland | 4-year; private not-for-profit; city | Doctorate of Nursing Practice | $45,904 (undergraduate); $22,914 (graduate)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
