# The 8 Best ABSN Programs in Portland, OR for 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-8-best-absn-programs-in-portland-or-for-2024/ - Published: 2024-02-05 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program allows students with a bachelor‘s degree in another field to transition into a BSN program at an accelerated pace. ABSN programs typically take 12-18 months to complete and prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Portland, Oregon is home to several excellent ABSN programs that produce highly skilled nursing graduates ready to enter the workforce. This article profiles the top 8 ABSN programs in Portland based on accreditation, graduation rates, reputation, and more. ## 1. Concorde Career College – Portland ![Concorde Career College \- Portland](https://33rdsquare.com/concorde-portland.jpg) Concorde Career College – Portland has been educating nursing students since 1988. The ABSN program takes just 12 months to complete with classes held 5 days per week. Key highlights include: - 86% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate - Hands-on clinical rotations at healthcare facilities across Portland - Brand new simulation labs with high-tech mannequins - Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 - Up to 100% tuition reimbursement to large local healthcare systems - Career coaching and resume workshops The total cost of the ABSN program is approximately $$38,000 including tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, and other program expenses. Graduates report median first-year earnings of $70,000 for RNs in Portland. Visit Website: [https://www.concorde.edu/campus/portland-oregon](https://www.concorde.edu/campus/portland-oregon) ## 2. Sumner College ![Sumner College](https://33rdsquare.com/sumner-college.jpg) Founded in 1974, Sumner College focuses exclusively on allied health and nursing education. The 15-month ABSN program includes cutting-edge simulation training and 650 hours of clinical rotations. Key highlights include: - 90% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate - Small classes with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio - Over 90 clinical partners across Portland - New 55,000 square foot campus as of 2020 - Member of the Oregon Center for Nursing organization - Over $400,000 in Sumner College scholarships awarded annually The total program cost is approximately $55,000. Sumner College has financial aid advisors to assist students in applying for scholarships, grants, and loans. Visit Website: [https://www.sumnercollege.edu/](https://www.sumnercollege.edu/) ## 3. Linfield University – Portland Campus ![Linfield University \- Portland Campus](https://33rdsquare.com/linfield-portland.jpg) Linfield University is a highly regarded private university with a long history of excellence in nursing education. The accelerated BSN can be completed in just 15 months. Key highlights include: - 93% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate - State-of-the-art simulation hospital for clinical training - Small cohort size of just 24 students per program start - Over 700 clinical partnership sites in the Portland area - New Health Sciences Center opening in 2024 - Option to pursue RN-to-BSN after obtaining RN licensure The total cost is approximately $70,000 including tuition, fees, textbooks, and other expenses. Linfield Portland has an Office of Financial Aid to help students access funding assistance. Visit Website: [https://www.linfield.edu/portland/](https://www.linfield.edu/portland/) ## 4. University of Portland ![University of Portland](https://33rdsquare.com/university-portland.jpg) The University of Portland is a private Catholic university providing an academic home for over 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Nursing students receive a faith-based education focused on ethics and compassion. Key highlights include: - Direct entry MSN option for students interested in advanced practice - Three specialization tracks: administration, education, and clinical practice - Small cohort size of just 30 students each term - Over 600 health industry partners providing clinical placements - Pass rates consistently above 90% for first-time test takers - New simulation center with 10 high-fidelity mannequins The total cost is $76,000 covering tuition, associated fees, textbooks, uniforms, medical supplies, and more. Over 90% of incoming freshman receive some form of merit or need-based University aid. Visit Website: [https://nursing.up.edu/bsn/accelerated-bsn/index.html](https://nursing.up.edu/bsn/accelerated-bsn/index.html) ## 5. Concordia University – St. Paul ABSN Portland ![Concordia University \- St\. Paul ABSN Portland](https://33rdsquare.com/concordia-stpaul.jpg) Concordia St. Paul launched its ABSN program in Portland in 2020. This faith-based program develops nurses focused on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. The 16-month curriculum has both an in-person and online component. Key highlights include: - First ABSN cohort graduated with 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate - Small class sizes capped at just 32 students - 650+ hours of hands-on clinical experience - State-of-the-art simulation labs - Faculty comprised of practicing nurses and nurse educators - Member of the Oregon Center for Nursing Advisory Board The estimated total cost is $50,000 covering all direct costs. Concordia St. Paul offers competitive scholarships specifically for ABSN students along with nursing grants and loans. Visit Website: [https://absn.csp.edu/portland](https://absn.csp.edu/portland) ## 6. George Fox University – Newberg Campus ![George Fox University \- Newberg Campus](https://33rdsquare.com/georgefox.jpg) George Fox University offers traditional undergraduate programs along with a wide range of graduate, seminary, and professional programs. Nursing students can complete an accelerated BSN on the Newberg campus in just 15 months. Key highlights include: - First ABSN cohort achieved 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate - Over 700 clinical partners across 50 healthcare organizations - Interprofessional simulation training for team-based care - State-of-the-art simulation hospital replicating clinical settings - Small cohort size of just 24 students per term - Option to seamlessly transition into MSN program The total estimated cost is $80,000 covering all direct costs. George Fox provides scholarships specifically for ABSN students and has financial aid counselors to assist with funding options. Visit Website: [https://www.georgefox.edu/nursing/programs/absn-newberg/index.html](https://www.georgefox.edu/nursing/programs/absn-newberg/index.html) ## 7. OHSU School of Nursing ![OHSU School of Nursing](https://33rdsquare.com/ohsu.jpg) The OHSU School of Nursing is the nursing school of Oregon Health and Science University, an academic health center dedicated to research and education. OHSU offers exceptional clinical experiences across a network of over 50 healthcare partners. Key highlights include: - Consistently ranked among top nursing schools nationally - Cutting-edge simulation labs with 90,000 square feet of space - 650+ clinical partnership sites across Oregon and SW Washington - Direct entry Master‘s program for students pursuing advanced roles - Nationally recognized faculty driving nursing research and policy - New Interprofessional Learning Center opening in 2023 The total estimated cost is $95,000. OHSU provides $2.5 million in scholarships annually along with nursing student grants and loans. Visit Website: [https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-nursing/programs/bsn-programs](https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-nursing/programs/bsn-programs) ## 8. Walla Walla University School of Nursing ![Walla Walla University School of Nursing](https://33rdsquare.com/wallawalla.jpg) The Walla Walla University School of Nursing offers an accelerated BSN program on its Portland campus located in the Adventist Medical Center. This faith-based program emphasizes whole-person care and community health. Key highlights include: - First ABSN cohort achieved 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate - Hands-on clinical training across the Adventist Health network - Industry partnerships with over 500 healthcare organizations - State-of-the-art simulation lab replicating clinical environments - Small class sizes capped at 24 students - Designated financial aid advisor for nursing students The estimated total cost is $60,000 covering tuition, fees, textbooks, uniforms, equipment, and more. Scholarships and grants are available to assist eligible students. Visit Website: [https://www.wallawalla.edu/nursing/](https://www.wallawalla.edu/nursing/) When researching ABSN programs in Portland, here are some key factors to consider: **Accreditation Status:** Make sure the nursing school holds appropriate accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures quality standards are met. **Graduation and Licensure Rates:** High graduation rates indicate effective student support while strong NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates demonstrate quality curriculum and exam preparation. **Cost:** Accelerated programs compress a lot of content and credits into 12-18 months. Make sure to account for all direct costs and confirm what scholarships, grants and loans are available. **Faculty Qualifications:** The best programs have highly qualified faculty comprised of PhDs, researchers, advanced practice nurses, and seasoned nurse educators guiding you. **Hands-on Clinical Training:** Look for ample opportunities to apply knowledge through simulation, labs, clinical rotations and interprofessional training. Experience is key! **Reputation and Outcomes:** Check rankings, awards, recognitions and employer partnerships. Where do graduates get hired upon completing the program? By comparing these key metrics across Portland‘s top ABSN programs, you can identify the ones that align with your goals, needs and preparation for a dynamic nursing career! --- Source: [The 8 Best ABSN Programs in Portland, OR for 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-8-best-absn-programs-in-portland-or-for-2024/)