University of Portland Nursing School Review
The University of Portland (UP) is a four-year university offering bachelor’s through doctoral degree programs. The university was founded in 1901 as Columbia University by Reverend Alexander Christie, former Archbishop of Portland. Over 3,500 students are enrolled at the University of Portland. The University of Portland is expanding and currently has additional property-The Triangle Park Property, also called the River Campus and the McCormick/Baxter Property.
The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The university has received accolades from U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review and The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
Nursing Programs
The St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing became the College of Nursing at the University of Portland in the 1930s. The College of Nursing offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at the University of Portland. The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) approves the nursing programs at the University of Portland.
University of Portland Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Baccalaureate Program, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
The BSN program at the University of Portland is based on a liberal arts and science foundation, along with specific preparation for specialized study in the nursing practice. The undergraduate nursing program accepts both freshmen and transfer students. Admission requirements to the BSN program include completion of all course prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better, and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Nursing transfer students should have a GPA of 3.0 or above. The BSN program can be completed in four years of study. Upon completion of the nursing program, students are eligible to take the National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and earn a BSN.
Providence Scholars Program (PSP)
The Providence Scholars Program is a partnership between the University of Portland and Providence Health and Services (PH&S). Nursing students apply to the program for entry in their third year of study. Upon completion of the program, students earn a BSN and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. As part of the Providence Scholars Program, students receive up to 75% of their tuition for their junior and senior year paid by Provide Health and Services in exchange for signing a 3 year employment contract with Providence Health and Services upon completion of the undergraduate nursing program.
University of Portland Graduate Nursing Programs
Alternate Entry Master’s (AEM) Program in Nursing
The AEM program allows students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to earn a Master of Science (MS) degree with a focus as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Prerequisite courses for the AEM program include Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Biology, Statistics, Chemistry, Human Development and Nutrition. Admission requirements include an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in science courses. Students applying to the AEM program are also required to supply scores for the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test). The MS-CNL program can be completed in 4 years and the DNP-FNP program in 6 years. Upon completion of the AEM program, students will earn an MS or DNP. In the first five semesters of the program, students will take the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in order to complete clinical and required work for the program.
RN to MS (Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing)
The RN to MS program allows nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to progress directly into the master’s of science degree program with a focus as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Students in the program earn an MSN only. Admission requirements include an RN license and minimum 3.0 GPA. The RN to MS Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program can be completed in 8 semesters of study. Nurses with extensive experience may petition exemption from 2 of the required undergraduate bridge courses.
Master’s of Science Clinical Nurse Leader
The Master of Science (MS) Clinical Nurse Leader program prepares students for a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Admission requirements to the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program include a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) degree from a program accredited by a nursing body, a minimum 3.0 GPA and a satisfactory score on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test).
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral practice-based degree program with a focus as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Students who enter the program already in possession of a master’s degree and specialization will utilize their current specialization. The DNP program has three tracks. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a BSN or MSN from a program accredited by a nursing body and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who have not graduated from a BSN program are required to submit GRE or MAT scores. Students with a master’s degree do not need to submit standardized test scores.
BSN to DNP
Students who enter the DNP program with a BSN, will complete the DNP program in four years of part-time study. The BSN to DNP program is 83 academic credits. Upon completion of the BSN to DNP program, students will earn a DNP degree and are eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification exam.
NP to DNP (Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Nurses with a master’s degree and NP specialization will enter the NP to DNP program. The NP to DNP program is completed in 3 years of part-time study. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a DNP and will retain their prior NP specialization.
CNL to DNP (Clinical Nurse Leader to Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Nurses who aspire to enter the DNP program with a master’s degree and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) specialization are eligible for the CNL to DNP track. The program can be completed in 3 years of part-time study. Upon completion of the CNL to DNP program, students will earn a DNP and are prepared as an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner).
Contact:
University of Portland
5000 N Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, OR 97203-5798
