- The University of Oregon does not have a Nursing Program, this page outlines a path for UO pre-nursing student to prepare to apply to programs at another institution.
- Among many different educational paths to nursing, these are four common degree options:
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
- Direct Entry Masters (MSN) or Direct Entry Doctorate (DNP)
- In Oregon, students can earn a BSN from OHSU through a program called OCNE (Oregon Consortium of Nursing Education), which is offered at 15 different community colleges in the state.
- Students interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner should research the changing certification for this field.
ASN | BSN | ACCELERATED BSN | DIRECT ENTRY MSN OR DNP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PROGRAM LENGTH | 2-year program | 4-year program | 12-18 month program after earning a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major | 2-4 year program after earning a bachelor’s degree in a non- nursing major |
WHERE | Community College | College/University | College/University | College/University |
HOW | Transfer or graduate from UO and apply | Transfer or graduate from UO and apply | Graduate from UO and apply | Graduate from UO and apply |
LEVEL OF NURSING | Prepares students to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN) | Prepares students to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN) | Prepares students to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN) | Prepares students to take the both the RN licensure exam and advanced level certifications (e.g. family NP, emergency NP, etc.) |
BENEFITS | Can later pursue a BSN Location benefit for students who are unable to move Lowest tuition rates | Provides additional preparation and training for clinical jobs that include more responsibility and room for advancement (management, leadership, etc.) | Shorter route to a BSN for students who are either close to graduation at UO or are not interested in transferring | Provides additional preparation and advanced training needed to become an expert in a defined area Additional certification may be required in some specialty areas |
- Nursing school prerequisites, application deadlines, and components vary, so researching each program is important.
- Direct entry masters/doctorate programs may require health-related experience and the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
- While admission may be holistic, GPA is a significant factor in nursing school admission.
Online Resources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN
Common Prerequisites:
Anatomy and Physiology (1 year)
Microbiology with lab (1 quarter)
Nutrition (1 quarter)
Statistics (1 quarter)
College Composition (2 quarters)
Developmental Psychology/Lifespan Development (1 quarter)
Public Speaking/Communications (1 quarter)
The chart below illustrates one way a nursing program’s pre-requisites can fit into a 4-year plan. Keep in mind a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it. Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. Pre-Health Advisors are here to help you create a graduation plan that works best for you!
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
CH 221: General Chemistry I | CH 222: General Chemistry IIii | CH 223: General Chemistry IIIii | |
YEAR ONE | MATH 112Z: Pre-Calculus IIiiii | STAT 243Z: Elementary Statistics | HPHY 105: Nutrition |
WR 121: College Composition | WR 122: College Composition II |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
BI 211: General Biology I - Cellsi | BI 212: General Biology II - Organismsii | BI 214: Gen Bio IV - Biochemi | |
YEAR TWO | HPHY 211: Medical Terminology | HPHY 212: Sci Inv Physiology ii | PSY 308: Developmental iii |
PSY 202: Mind & Society (SS) | ENG 200: Public Speaking i |
Fall | Winter | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
HPHY 321: Anatomy I | HPHY 323: Anatomy II | HPHY 325: Anatomy and Physiology III | |
YEAR THREE | HPHY 322: Physiology I | HPHY 324: Physiology II | BI 330: Microbiology |
BI 331: Microbiology Lab |
i Prerequisites vary by school. While some programs require this course, others may not. Research specific schools that interest you to be sure you meet any additional requirements.
ii These courses are prerequisites for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. They are not typically prerequisites for nursing school.
iii Confirm with each nursing program that University of Oregon’s PSY 308 satisfies the requirement for lifespan development.
iiii This course is not required by nursing programs. It is a co-requisite for general chemistry I at UO.
Courses required by many nursing programs are offered at Lane Community College (course numbers may differ at other community colleges):
- Anatomy and Physiology (BI 231-233)
- Lifespan development (PSY 215)
- Microbiology (BI 234)
- Nutrition (FN 225)
Note: This page lists all the common prerequisites for programs. Please research programs to identify additional courses you may need to include and work with your pre-health advisors for any alternate course options.
Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.