Job security, good pay, flexible schedules, close training and guidance from doctors and registered nurses, and lower application costs upfront are some of the advantages of becoming a licensed practical nurse.
And even if there are many applicants each year, the health industry still needs more new LPNs.
So if you want to become an LPN in Oregon but don’t know how this article will answer your questions.
We’ll give you a simple guide on how to become an LPN in Oregon.
We’ll also answer some relevant questions, such as:
- How much do LPNs earn in Oregon?
- How do I renew my LPN license in Oregon?
- Is Oregon an NLC state?
Thankfully, becoming an LPN is not as complicated as you think it is!
Just follow the 4 steps below and get your license in no time!
So if you’re ready, let’s begin!
How to Become an LPN in Oregon in 4 Easy Steps
These are the four steps to becoming an LPN in Oregon:
- Step #1: Complete the school’s admission requirements
- Step #2: Enroll in an Oregon-approved LPN training program
- Step #3: Apply to Oregon’s Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement
- Step #4: Find a job as an LPN
Step #1: Complete the School’s Admission Requirements
Just like any other school, you need to submit specific documents that would give a snapshot of your background and credentials.
Most Oregon LPN schools will require the following:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent document
- Proof of completion of prerequisite courses with at least a “C” grade
- Copy of transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended (should be straight from the schools’ registrars)
- Proof of placement tests scores
Once these are complete, you can usually enroll in an LPN program at the school of your choice. However, you may be asked for additional requirements.
Step #2: Enroll in an Oregon-Approved LPN Training Program
Need a guarantee that you’re receiving quality training and education?
The Oregon Board of Nursing has already sorted that out for you because all LPN applicants are required to attend state-approved LPN programs.
To shorten your search, here’s a list of all the approved LPN programs you can join.
Tuition Fees and Costs
LPN program costs can range from $2,000 up to $29,000. This varies based on several factors, such as the school or education provider, the length of the program, and the inclusions.
Usually, the programs exceeding the $20,000 mark are already inclusive of miscellaneous fees and textbooks. Sometimes, these schools extend up to 18 or 24 months.
Program Curriculum
Becoming an LPN requires a lot of knowledge and skills.
You will be able to help in different clinics and specializations of your choice, as long as you have your nursing fundamentals, laboratory, and clinical training covered.
Here are some of the courses you’ll be tackling:
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Assessment of Health History and Physical Examination
- Documentation
- Patient Safety
- Infection Control and Prevention
- Medication Administration
- Adult Medical Nursing
- Emergent Healthcare
- Psychiatric and Complex Acute Care
- Microbiology
You will also receive clinical training in different healthcare settings under the supervision of an RN.
Step #3: Apply to Oregon’s Board of Nursing for Licensure by Examination or Endorsement
In Oregon, there are 2 main approaches to getting your license: by examination or endorsement.
Which process applies to you?
If you are a first-time applicant for a nursing license, you would need to take the exam.
However, if you are already a practicing LPN in another state, then you can get your Oregon license through endorsement.
Let’s talk about both processes.
Licensure by Examination
Once you’re done with your educational requirements, then it’s time to take a test.
The exam everyone needs to go through to become an LPN is the NCLEX-PN.
What is NCLEX-PN?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, also known as NCLEX-PN, is the mandated exam for future LPNs, mandated by the local Board of Nursing.
If you pass this test, then this means you are ready to begin your practice as an LPN in Oregon.
The registration for your NCLEX-PN is done at the same time as your application for licensure.
License Application Requirements:
- Recent headshot (passport style and size)
- Official transcript from your Oregon-approved LPN program
- Fingerprint for the criminal background check
- Payment of $160
Steps How to Register for NCLEX-PN:
- Register for your NCLEX-PN account here.
- Pay for the $200 examination fee.
- Wait to receive your ATT or your “Authorization to Test.”
- Follow the details indicated on your ATT, such as your applicant number and the date of examination expiry.
What to Expect in Your NCLEX-PN:
The NCLEX-PN is a long test. It can reach up to 205 questions, and you’ll be given up to 5 hours to answer them.
The questions are arranged and divided into 4 main categories and further divided into subcategories. Most of them are in multiple-choice format, and the others are identification and drag-and-drop questions.
To give you a preview, here are the different parts of the exam:
Part 1: Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Coordinated Care
- Safety and Infection Control
Part 2: Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
- Data Collection Techniques
- Lifestyle Choices and Self Care
- Health Promotion Programs
- Developmental Stages and Transitions
- Disease Prevention
- Immunizations
Part 3: Psychosocial Integrity
- Coping Mechanics and Grief and Loss
- Stress Management
- Support Systems
- Chemical Dependency
- Behavioral Management
- Crisis Intervention
- End-of-Life Care
Part 4: Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Reduction of Risk Control
- Physiological Adaptation
What to Do If You Fail on Your First Try?
Don’t worry – you can take the NCLEX-PN as many times as you need to. However, you can only do a retake 45 days after your first try.
You will also need to re-apply with the BON and register again with Pearson Vue. You will need to pay the $200 fee again.
Check your ATT since that also shows the expiration date of your NCLEX-PN registration.
Licensure by Endorsement
You can apply for an Oregon license by endorsement or reciprocity if you are an active LPN in another state.
This means you don’t have to enroll in a program or take the test again to be able to practice your license in this state.
Just submit the following paperwork to get your endorsement approved:
- Proof of licensure in another state or a completed OSBN-approved re-entry LPN program in the past 2 years
- Proof of practice as an LPN with at least 960 hours in the last 5 years
Oregon is not an NLC state. So, multistate licenses do not apply here.
Step #4: Find a Job as an LPN
You did it!
Now it’s time to find your first-ever job as an LPN in Oregon.
Based on current reports, there are 3 main areas where LPNs work.
Around 31% are employed in nursing care and long-term care facilities, 21% in clinics and medical clinics, and 10% in hospitals. The rest are employed in hospice care, residential care, and office settings.
It’s important to note that many of those in care facilities are focused on geriatric nursing, given the high elderly population of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming an LPN in Oregon
Alright! We’ve covered the steps to becoming an LPN in Oregon!
But you may still have some questions… Let’s answer some common ones here.
How much do LPNs Earn in Oregon?
Great news! Oregon has one of the highest LPN annual salaries in the country.
The average national salary in the US is about $51,850.
In Oregon, the biggest-earning city has an annual salary of $54,851.
Check the table below to look at the average salary in different Oregon cities:
Source: ziprecruiter.com
As for the annual salary throughout Oregon, expect an average of $65,470, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I renew my LPN license in Oregon?
You have to renew your LPN license every 2 years in Oregon.
To do this, you need to accomplish the following:
- Show proof that you have completed 7 hours of Pain Management CE (One time only)
- 1 of these hours should be allotted for foundations on Pain Management
- Show proof of 400 nursing practice hours
- If you practice less than 600 hours in 3 years, you’ll need to do 20 hours of continuing education
- If you practice less than 800 hours in 4 years, you’ll need to do 30 hours of continuing education
- If you practice less than 960 hours in 5 years, you need to apply for re-entry
- You also need to study a 2-hour cultural competency continuing education every renewal
Is Oregon an NLC state?
Yes, Oregon is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. You can practice as an LPN here if you have a current and active LPN license from another NLC state.
Of course, this is as long as you hold a multistate LPN license.
Conclusion
Being an LPN has so many advantages, especially today.
If you become an LPN in Oregon, you will be earning higher than most LPNs in the country. But this is not without investment!
You have to study and train first and complete all paperwork before you reap the benefits.
Just follow the steps we listed above and the whole process will be a breeze!