LPN Programs in Oregon
The Oregon Employment Department – Occupational Information Center has reported that the growth in demand for qualified and licensed practical nurses in the state will be over 20% between now and 2016.
That means that there has never been a better time to take LPN classes in Oregon, and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). However, before you choose a course at random, there are a few things you need to know about becoming an LPN in Oregon.
Registration Is Only Available for LPN’s Who Take Oregon State Approved Courses
As with most other states, the first step to becoming an LPN in Oregon is to make sure that the licensed practical nursing course you choose is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Approved courses cover the minimum accepted curriculum, and ensure that candidate LPNs who complete them are equipped to work as LPNs in Oregon. There are state-approved courses at colleges and community colleges throughout the state, but make sure that you ask whether they are approved if they don’t expressly state it.
What You Will Learn During an LPN Course in Oregon
Licensed Practical Nurses in Oregon work directly with patients in hospitals, maternity wards, nursing homes and private medical and dental practices. Because the job is very hands on, you need to both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Approved LPN courses in Oregon are based on a program of about one year (on average) that teaches basic nursing skills, skills like drawing blood and administering medications, taking vitals and recording and reporting on patient condition. By the time you have finished the practical training, under the guidance of a Registered Nurse (RN), and the classroom and lab studies; you should be able to do all of the things an LPN will do in a real job setting.
Certification and Registration for LPN’s in Oregon
As with other states, even after you finish a state approved LPN course in Oregon, you need to pass the national certification or competency exam (the NCLEX-PN exam.) Once you have done that, you can apply to the Oregon State Nursing Board for registration, and once that’s sorted out, you can officially and legally work as an LPN in the state.
Salary Expectations for an LPN in Oregon
With such a high demand for LPN’s in Oregon, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a job, wherever you happen to live in the state. The good news is that the average salary for an LPN is also higher in Oregon that several other states, and many earn $42,500 or more.
Accredited LPN Schools, Training Classes & Programs in Oregon
Carrington College
2210 Lloyd Center, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 761-6100
One of the scholarships available at this college is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into any program at the college. Students can also seek other scholarships sources or apply for federal grants or loans. Students must provide a negative TB test and pass a drug screen before being accepted into the LPN program.
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Central Oregon Community College
2600 NW College Way
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 383-7540
This campus provides housing and dining facilities. There is a gym and club sports for the fitness enthusiast. The bookstore has a buy-back program where you can return your used text for a portion of the original cost. Students can take the NCLEX-PN examinations after completing the first year of the AAS nursing program to become licensed practical nurses.
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Chemeketa Community College
4000 Lancaster Drive NE
Salem, OR 97309
Phone: (503) 399-5058
This school provides counseling, advising, a computer lab, library and other resources for its students. The LPN program is a ladder program in which student who successfully complete the first three terms of the associate degree nursing program can take the state licensing exam to become licensed practical nurses.
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Clatsop Community College
1653 Jerome
Astoria, OR 97103
Phone: (503) 338-2436
The licensed practical nursing program is completed in the first four terms of the ADN program. There are some clubs and organizations on campus that students can get involved in. There is a café, bookstore and library also on campus. Students are encouraged to submit their free FAFSA form as early in the year as possible.
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Columbia Gorge Community College
400 East Scenic Dr.
The Dalles, OR 97058
541-506-6140
For students with children, there is a childcare referral program that that the college is responsible for. They will provide a list of care providers where you can leave your child while you study. Make sure that you apply for financial aid when you apply for your LPN program. For those in the military or their dependents, there are benefits that you may qualify for.
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Concorde Career College
1425 NE Irving St., Building 300
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (503) 281-4181
This campus provides an on-campus interview and assessment for employers who need trained personnel, so students can be hand-picked for employment. The licensed practical nursing program is 12 months full day-time program. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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Klamath Community College
7390 South 6th Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Phone: (541) 880-2212
Students’ services include academic advisors, career planning, clubs and a student success center. The school provides a free federal aid form for students to fill out and they also provide a list of external sources for financial assistance. Licensed practical nursing enrolls only 16 students per year. It is a one-year program.
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Mt. Hood Community College
26000 SE Stark St.
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 491-6727
This is a one-year or four-quarter LPN program that requires some prerequisite courses prior to starting. Even though the campus does not provide housing, they do provide a list of recommended boarding facilities for students. The school also provides information on dining and food delivery services.
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Oregon Coast Community College
400 SE College Way
Newport, OR 97366
Phone: (541) 867-8542
There is a volunteer tutoring program for students with difficulties. There are also several scholarship programs that students can apply for. The practical nursing program is three terms long and requires a grade C or higher in order to be awarded a certificate. Students can opt to complete an additional three terms to become registered nurses.
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Pioneer Pacific College – Springfield Campus
3800 Sports Way
Springfield, OR 97477
Phone: (541) 684-4644
This licensed practical nursing program last for 50 weeks which is equivalent to five terms. The schools assist graduates with finding employment by assisting with resumes, career counseling and planning and job search. Financial aid options at this school include a federal Pell grant, Federal Direct Stafford loan, high school tuition credit and the federal PLUS loan.
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Pioneer Pacific College – Wilsonville Campus
27375 SW Parkway Ave.
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone: (503) 682-1862
Students have the option of applying for federal grants or loans. They also have a payment plan option to gain credits for high school courses. The LPN program is a five-term program and students must take the ACT placement exam or show proof of one year of college work with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
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Rogue Community College
202 S. Riverside
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 245-7504
There is an honor society and several organizations on this campus. A bus route is also available for students who do not drive. Students pay a pass which may be charged to their financial aid supplement. Students entering the LPN program must show proof of being certified nursing assistants. The program requires 48-52 credits to graduate and lasts three terms.
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Sumner College
8909 SW Barber Blvd., Suite 100
Portland, OR 97219
Phone: (503) 223-5100
For over 35 years this school has provided training in the licensed practical nursing program. The program has both morning and afternoon classes for your convenience, and students are offered employment assistance after graduation. Students are encouraged to speak with a financial aid advisor and/or fill out the FAFSA form to acquire financial assistance.
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Treasure Valley Community College
650 College Blvd.
Ontario, OR 97914
Phone: (541) 881-8822, Ext. 345
If you need boarding while you study, it is recommended to submit your housing application with your LPN program application. A dining hall is made available where a catering service is contracted to provide meals to the students. Several male and female athletic programs are available.
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Umpqua Community College
1140 College Rd.
Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: (541) 440-4613
The college foundation assists students with their educational needs by providing grants to students. There are other financial aid options such as federal work study, vet benefits, federal grants and other scholarship programs. The bookstore has all the supplies you will need for your practical nursing programs, such as books, clothing and nursing supplies.
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Valley Medical College
4707 Silverton Rd. NE
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: (503) 363-9001
This licensed practical nursing program is a credit program that is completed in 12 months. Financial aid is available for those who qualify including military assistance. The student success center assists students with resumes, tutoring services and finding employment after they graduate.
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