Oregon State Board of Nursing License

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    🌲 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.


    πŸ›οΈ 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:


    πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ Types of Licenses Offered by OSBN

    License Type Description Exam Required?
    LPN Licensed Practical Nurse Yes – NCLEX-PN
    RN Registered Nurse Yes – NCLEX-RN
    APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Yes – National Certification

    βœ… RN & LPN Licensure by Examination (For New Grads)

    If you’ve never been licensed before and recently graduated from a nursing program, you’ll 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

    • Go to www.pearsonvue.com/nclex

    • Register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN

    • Pay the $200 NCLEX fee

    • Choose Oregon State Board of Nursing as your regulatory body

    Step 3: Apply Online at OSBN Portal

    • Go to https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNOnline

    • Create an account and select “Application by Examination”

    • Upload:

      • Passport-style photo

      • ID/proof of legal presence

      • Education info

    • 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.

    • OSBN will send fingerprinting instructions after application submission

    • Fee: ~$52

    • Results take 7–21 days

    Step 5: Official Transcripts

    • Must be sent directly from your nursing school to OSBN

    • 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

    • Schedule your exam

    • After you pass, OSBN will issue your license within 3–5 business days


    🌎 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.

    ❗ Oregon is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
    You must apply separately for an Oregon license to practice.

    Endorsement Application Requirements:

    • Active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state

    • Application fee: $195

    • Official license verification via Nursys.com or mailed directly

    • Background check and fingerprinting

    • Jurisprudence exam (open-book)

    • Passport photo

    • Proof of legal U.S. residence

    Apply Online:

    πŸ‘‰ https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNOnline

    πŸ• Processing time: 2–4 weeks (once all documents are received)


    πŸ“ƒ Temporary Permit for Endorsement Nurses

    Oregon may grant a temporary permit so you can work while your full license is pending.

    Permit Details:

    • Valid for 90 days

    • Must submit complete application and fingerprints

    • Fee included in main application


    πŸ“š Continuing Education Requirements in Oregon

    As of 2025, Oregon requires continuing competency for license renewal.

    RN/LPN Requirements:

    • 400 practice hours in the last 2 years OR

    • 20 CE hours in the last 2 years

    • 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).

    🧠 Recommended CE sites:


    πŸ” License Renewal in Oregon

    Oregon RN and LPN licenses must be renewed every 2 years, based on your birthday.

    Renewal Fees:

    • RN: $145

    • LPN: $120

    • APRN: $160 (+ additional fees for prescriptive authority)

    • Late renewal penalty: $100

    πŸ‘‰ Renew online at: https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNOnline

    You’ll receive a reminder email 60 days before your license expires.


    πŸ‘©β€βš•οΈ 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:

    • Hold an active Oregon RN license

    • Graduate from an advanced nursing program (MSN, DNP)

    • National certification in your role (AANP, ANCC, NBCRNA, etc.)

    • Application fee: ~$160

    • Additional fee for prescriptive authority: ~$50

    • Submit proof of CE in pharmacology and prescriptive practice

    πŸ” Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osbn/Pages/APRN.aspx


    πŸ” License Lookup & Public Verification

    To verify a nurse’s license in Oregon, visit:

    πŸ‘‰ https://osbn.oregon.gov/OSBNVerification

    You can check:

    • License type

    • Status and expiration

    • Disciplinary actions (if any)


    ❓ 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?

    • By examination: 2–6 weeks after passing the NCLEX

    • By endorsement: 2–4 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).


    🧠 NCLEX Resources for Oregon Nurses

    Need help passing the NCLEX on your first try? We’ve got you.

    At NCLEXPrepGuide.com, we offer:


    🌟 Why Become a Nurse in Oregon?

    Oregon combines career growth with lifestyle. Here’s why nurses love it:

    • πŸ§‘β€βš•οΈ High RN salaries (avg. $98,000/year)

    • πŸ₯ Magnet-recognized hospitals like OHSU and Providence Health

    • πŸ“ˆ Strong demand for nurses in rural and urban areas

    • 🌲 Eco-conscious culture and quality of life

    • πŸŽ“ Opportunities for APRN advancement


    πŸ“₯ Download Your Oregon License Checklist

    We’ve created a free checklist PDF for Oregon applicants:
    βœ… Track your application steps
    βœ… Document what’s submitted
    βœ… Set NCLEX and fingerprint dates
    βœ… CEU and renewal reminders

    πŸ‘‰ Download the Oregon Nursing License Checklist


    🎯 Final Thoughts

    Getting your Oregon State Board of Nursing license is a clear, organized process if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re 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.