Registered Nurse / Oregon
2026 data Oregon board official source

Oregon Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Oregon data shows for Registered Nurses

Becoming a licensed registered nurse in Oregon means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,941 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Oregon regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $200, with renewal running $125 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
36/100
Registered Nurse · Oregon

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,941 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$240
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$84/yr
$168 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Oregon

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,941 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$240
Renewal Fee
$168
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Oregon licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Oregon licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Oregon? ▼
In Oregon, the license path calls for 2941 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $240 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Oregon? ▼
Certification as a registered nurse in Oregon means clearing the state's checklist: 2941 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Oregon licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Oregon from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Oregon licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Oregon require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in Oregon. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Oregon? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Oregon must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $168.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Oregon? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Oregon is $200. The renewal fee is $125 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Oregon? ▼
In Oregon, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Oregon, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Oregon's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Oregon's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Oregon overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Oregon licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.