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π² Welcome to Nursing in Oregon
From the scenic coastlines to the lush forests of Portland and Eugene, Oregon is not only a great place to live but also one of the most progressive states for nurses. The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) regulates nursing practice and ensures only qualified, competent individuals are licensed.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate, an out-of-state nurse seeking endorsement, or an advanced practice provider, this guide will walk you through how to apply for your Oregon nursing license in 2025.
ποΈ About the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN)
The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) licenses and regulates nursing assistants, LPNs, RNs, and APRNs in the state.
Contact Information:
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π Website: www.oregon.gov/osbn
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π Phone: (971) 673-0685
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π§ Email: osbn.info@osbn.oregon.gov
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π Address: 17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97224
π©ββοΈ Types of Licenses Offered by OSBN
License Type | Description | Exam Required? |
---|---|---|
LPN | Licensed Practical Nurse | Yes β NCLEX-PN |
RN | Registered Nurse | Yes β NCLEX-RN |
APRN | Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | Yes β National Certification |
β RN & LPN Licensure by Examination (For New Grads)
If youβve never been licensed before and recently graduated from a nursing program, youβll apply by examination.
Step 1: Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program
Your program must be approved by OSBN or nationally accredited (ACEN/CCNE).
Step 2: Register for NCLEX
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Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
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Register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
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Pay the $200 NCLEX fee
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Choose Oregon State Board of Nursing as your regulatory body
Step 3: Apply Online at OSBN Portal
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Create an account and select “Application by Examination”
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Upload:
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Passport-style photo
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ID/proof of legal presence
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Education info
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Pay the application fee: $160 for RNs, $145 for LPNs
Step 4: Submit Fingerprints for Background Check
All applicants must undergo a FBI and state-level background check.
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OSBN will send fingerprinting instructions after application submission
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Fee: ~$52
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Results take 7β21 days
Step 5: Official Transcripts
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Must be sent directly from your nursing school to OSBN
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Must show graduation date and degree awarded
Step 6: Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once your documents and background check are approved, Pearson VUE sends an ATT so you can schedule the NCLEX.
Step 7: Take and Pass the NCLEX
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Schedule your exam
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After you pass, OSBN will issue your license within 3β5 business days
π RN & LPN Licensure by Endorsement (For Out-of-State Nurses)
Already licensed in another U.S. state? You can apply for Oregon licensure through endorsement.
β Oregon is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
You must apply separately for an Oregon license to practice.
Endorsement Application Requirements:
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Active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state
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Application fee: $195
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Official license verification via Nursys.com or mailed directly
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Background check and fingerprinting
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Jurisprudence exam (open-book)
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Passport photo
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Proof of legal U.S. residence
Apply Online:
π https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNOnline
π Processing time: 2β4 weeks (once all documents are received)
π Temporary Permit for Endorsement Nurses
Oregon may grant a temporary permit so you can work while your full license is pending.
Permit Details:
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Valid for 90 days
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Must submit complete application and fingerprints
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Fee included in main application
π Continuing Education Requirements in Oregon
As of 2025, Oregon requires continuing competency for license renewal.
RN/LPN Requirements:
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400 practice hours in the last 2 years OR
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20 CE hours in the last 2 years
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Additional CE for substance use, pain management, or cultural competency may be required
APRNs may have additional CE obligations depending on role (e.g., prescribing privileges).
π§ Recommended CE sites:
π License Renewal in Oregon
Oregon RN and LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years, based on your birthday.
Renewal Fees:
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RN: $145
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LPN: $120
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APRN: $160 (+ additional fees for prescriptive authority)
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Late renewal penalty: $100
π Renew online at: https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNOnline
Youβll receive a reminder email 60 days before your license expires.
π©ββοΈ APRN Licensure in Oregon
To practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) β including Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nurse Midwife β you must:
Requirements:
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Hold an active Oregon RN license
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Graduate from an advanced nursing program (MSN, DNP)
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National certification in your role (AANP, ANCC, NBCRNA, etc.)
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Application fee: ~$160
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Additional fee for prescriptive authority: ~$50
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Submit proof of CE in pharmacology and prescriptive practice
π Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/APRN.aspx
π License Lookup & Public Verification
To verify a nurse’s license in Oregon, visit:
π https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNVerification
You can check:
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License type
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Status and expiration
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Disciplinary actions (if any)
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Oregon part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. Oregon is not part of the NLC. Out-of-state nurses must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Q: How long does it take to get an Oregon license?
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By examination: 2β6 weeks after passing the NCLEX
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By endorsement: 2β4 weeks once documents and background check are complete
Q: What if I fail the NCLEX?
You may retake the NCLEX after 45 days. You must re-register and pay the exam fee again.
Q: Can I work in Oregon while waiting for my license?
Yes, if you qualify for and are granted a temporary permit (endorsement only).
π§ NCLEX Resources for Oregon Nurses
Need help passing the NCLEX on your first try? Weβve got you.
At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we offer:
π Why Become a Nurse in Oregon?
Oregon combines career growth with lifestyle. Hereβs why nurses love it:
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π§ββοΈ High RN salaries (avg. $98,000/year)
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π₯ Magnet-recognized hospitals like OHSU and Providence Health
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π Strong demand for nurses in rural and urban areas
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π² Eco-conscious culture and quality of life
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π Opportunities for APRN advancement
π₯ Download Your Oregon License Checklist
Weβve created a free checklist PDF for Oregon applicants:
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Track your application steps
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Document whatβs submitted
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Set NCLEX and fingerprint dates
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CEU and renewal reminders
π Download the Oregon Nursing License Checklist
π― Final Thoughts
Getting your Oregon State Board of Nursing license is a clear, organized process if you follow the right steps. Whether youβre just graduating or transferring your license, Oregon offers a nurse-friendly system, high pay, and rewarding opportunities.
Let NCLEXPrepGuide.com walk beside you from first exam prep to license renewal.