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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Grants Pass, Oregon

Are you considering a rewarding and fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Grants Pass, Oregon? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN, from understanding what an RN does to finding the best local RN programs, meeting prerequisites, and navigating employment opportunities.

Why Become an RN in Grants Pass

Grants Pass is more than just a picturesque town in Southern Oregon; it’s a community with a growing need for healthcare professionals. Known for its beautiful Rogue River and the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument, Grants Pass offers both a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Registered Nurses in Oregon is approximately $98,630, with a projected job growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029. You can learn more about the job outlook for RNs on the BLS website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before enrolling in an RN program, you’ll need to meet several prerequisites:

• High school diploma or GED: This is the basic educational requirement.
• Minimum age: Typically, you must be at least 18 years old.
• Entrance exams: Some programs may require you to pass entrance exams such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
• Background check: A clean criminal background check is often required.
• CPR certification: Some programs may require you to have CPR certification before you start.

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs generally include a mix of coursework and clinical training. Here’s what you can expect:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body and its functions.
• Microbiology: Studying microorganisms and their effects on humans.
• Nursing Fundamentals: Basic nursing skills and patient care techniques.
• Pharmacology: Learning about medications and their administration.
• Clinical Rotations: Hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.

RN Training Programs in Grants Pass, Oregon

Luckily, Grants Pass offers several quality RN programs to choose from:

1. Rogue Community College
   • Address: 3345 Redwood Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527
   • Description: Rogue Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience in local healthcare facilities.
   • Program Page
2. Southern Oregon University (Located in nearby Ashland, approximately 40 miles from Grants Pass)
   • Address: 1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
   • Description: Southern Oregon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that provides a comprehensive education in nursing, including advanced clinical practice and leadership training.
   • Program Page
3. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing (Located in Medford, approximately 30 miles from Grants Pass)
   • Address: 960 Ellendale Dr, Medford, OR 97504
   • Description: OHSU School of Nursing in Medford offers both BSN and RN to BSN programs, focusing on advanced nursing practices and research.
   • Program Page

RN Employment Opportunities in Grants Pass

Once you’ve completed your training, there are several prominent healthcare facilities in Grants Pass where you can seek employment:

1. Asante Three Rivers Medical Center
   • Address: 500 SW Ramsey Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97527
   • Description: Asante Three Rivers Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering a range of healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity services.
   • Employment Opportunities
2. Grants Pass Clinic
   • Address: 495 SW Ramsey Ave, Grants Pass, OR 97527
   • Description: Grants Pass Clinic provides comprehensive outpatient services, including family medicine, pediatrics, and specialty care.
   • Employment Page

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in Oregon, you must:

• Pass the NCLEX-RN: This national exam tests your nursing knowledge and skills.
• State Licensure: Apply for licensure through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).
  • OSBN Website

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Grants Pass can vary widely. On average, tuition for an ADN program may range from $6,000 to $10,000, while a BSN program can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. Financial aid options include federal and state grants, scholarships, and student loans. It’s advisable to check with individual schools for specific financial aid opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

If you’re an RN moving to Oregon from another state, you’ll be pleased to know that Oregon participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means you can practice in Oregon without obtaining additional licensure, provided you hold a valid multi-state license. For more details, visit the OSBN Licensure Reciprocity page.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in Grants Pass, Oregon, is an exciting and rewarding journey. With various local programs, robust employment opportunities, and a supportive community, you’re well on your way to making a significant impact in healthcare. Contact one of the schools listed above today to get started on your path to becoming an RN!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Grants Pass RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Grants Pass?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Oregon. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Oregon. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Oregon.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.