RN Programs in Salem, Oregon

Get your RN degree in Salem, Oregon - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Salem, Oregon

Are you considering starting a rewarding career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Salem, Oregon? This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding what an RN does to finding the right local RN programs and employment opportunities. Let’s dive in!

Why Become an RN in Salem

Salem, the capital of Oregon, offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. With its rich history, vibrant downtown, and proximity to the scenic Willamette Valley, it’s a great place to start your nursing career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs in Oregon is approximately $98,630 per year, and the job growth rate is projected to be 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

For more information about Salem, you can visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

Before you can enroll in an RN program, you’ll need to meet certain prerequisites. Typically, these include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age requirement (usually 18 years old)
• Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, and math)
• Passing scores on entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• Background checks and immunizations

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs usually combine classroom instruction with clinical training. Here’s a snapshot of what you might expect:

• Core Courses: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Nursing Ethics
• Clinical Training: Hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings
• Specialized Courses: Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Mental Health Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing

RN Training Programs in Salem, Oregon

Salem offers several reputable RN programs. Here are three local options to consider:

1. Chemeketa Community College
   • Address: 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, OR 97305
   • Program Details: Chemeketa offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice.
   • Cost: Approximately $12,000 for in-state students
   • Chemeketa RN Program
2. Oregon State University (OSU) – College of Nursing
   • Address: 2990 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331 (approximately 35 miles from Salem)
   • Program Details: OSU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with a comprehensive curriculum and extensive clinical training.
   • Cost: Approximately $22,000 per year for in-state students
   • OSU RN Program
3. Linn-Benton Community College
   • Address: 6500 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany, OR 97321 (about 25 miles from Salem)
   • Program Details: Linn-Benton offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, focusing on a balanced approach to nursing education.
   • Cost: Approximately $10,000 for in-state students
   • Linn-Benton RN Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Salem

Salem is home to several major healthcare facilities where RNs can find employment. Here are a few:

1. Salem Health
   • Address: 890 Oak St SE, Salem, OR 97301
   • Details: Salem Health is a top healthcare provider in the region, offering a wide range of medical services.
   • Salem Health Careers
2. Santiam Hospital
   • Address: 1401 N 10th Ave, Stayton, OR 97383 (about 15 miles from Salem)
   • Details: A full-service acute care hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
   • Santiam Hospital Careers
3. Willamette Valley Medical Center
   • Address: 2700 SE Stratus Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128 (approximately 30 miles from Salem)
   • Details: A healthcare facility known for its patient-centered approach and advanced medical services.
   • Willamette Valley Medical Center Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To become an RN in Oregon, you must:

• Complete an accredited nursing program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
• Apply for licensure through the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
• Fulfill continuing education requirements for license renewal

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Salem varies. Here’s a general range:

• Associate Degree Programs: $10,000 – $12,000
• Bachelor’s Degree Programs: $20,000 – $25,000 per year

Financial aid options include federal grants, student loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Check with individual schools’ financial aid offices for specific opportunities.

Licensure Reciprocity

Oregon is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means that RNs licensed in other compact states can practice in Oregon without obtaining additional licensure. For RNs moving from non-compact states, you’ll need to apply for an endorsement through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to become a Registered Nurse in Salem, Oregon, it’s time to take the first step toward your new career. Contact a local school today to learn more about their RN programs and start your journey in healthcare.

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Salem 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 Salem?

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.