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Top CRNA Schools in Oregon

8 Min Read Published July 30, 2024
CRNA schools in oregon

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who administer anesthesia, pain medication, and other medications. They often perform these duties during surgery and the immediate post-operative phase. Currently, there is only one accredited CRNA school in Oregon: Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

This guide will discuss the CRNA program in Oregon, including its location, tuition, and admission requirements. Read on to learn more about how to become a CRNA in Oregon, salary expectations, and job outlook.

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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How to Become a CRNA in Oregon

Becoming a nurse anesthetist in Oregon is similar to other states. First, you will attend an accredited CRNA program and pass the required national board. You can complete a CRNA program in another state and still earn your Oregon CRNA certification.

The Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists requires the following to apply for CRNA licensure:

  • A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or relevant bachelor’s-level degree
  • A current and unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license
  • At least one year of experience as an RN working in an acute care environment
  • Graduation from an accredited CRNA program with a Master’s or Doctorate
  • Pass a national CRNA certification exam following graduation
  • Clinical training at university or large community hospitals during CRNA education

CRNA Schools in Oregon

Tuition Per Term
$10,505.67 - $10,829.67
Program Length
36 Months
Accreditation
COA
Online Options?
Yes

OHSU is currently the only accredited CRNA program in Oregon. Students in this program can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in 36 months. The school offers an online learning option, allowing students in other states to complete part of the program before relocating.

The program boasts a 100% national certification pass rate and employment within six months of graduation. Students can select from over a dozen diverse clinical sites, including top children’s hospitals. Because of the location and hospital availability, some clinical sites are in Washington and Idaho.

  • Tuition
    • Resident: $10,505.67
    • Nonresident: $10,829.67
  • Application Deadline: October 7th
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Admission Requirements for Oregon CRNA Schools

If you're searching for a CRNA school near you in Oregon, OHSU is your only option. Its program requirements include:

  • Cumulative GPA & Science GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • 3 Letters of recommendation
  • Work history: a minimum of 1 year of ICU experience
  • Essay responses
  • Interview
  • Upon application, you must be eligible for a registered nurse license in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho.
  • Must be licensed in the state of Oregon before matriculation.

Check out our comprehensive guide to learn more about standard CRNA school requirements.

How Hard is the OHSU CRNA Program?

CRNA school is challenging, time-consuming, and stressful regardless of what program you attend. CRNA schools are more difficult than BSN programs because they require a higher level of learning and processing.

Some consider OHSU more difficult because it is the only accredited program in Oregon. Therefore, entrance to OHSU's CRNA program is highly competitive, especially for out-of-state applicants.

How Long is CRNA School in Oregon?

Didactic classwork and a clinical component comprise the 36-month CRNA program at OHSU. Students complete their clinical rotations in person at various locations in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Depending on their preferences, they may do the didactic coursework entirely online or in a hybrid format. 

The school's website provides no information about switching between online and in-person learning. You'll need to speak with an advisor to learn whether you can change formats at OHSU.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Oregon

CRNA Salary in Oregon

CRNAs in Oregon earn between $215,260 annually or $103.49 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Oregon CRNA salaries are comparable to the national average of $214,200 annually or $102.98 per hour.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS, the career outlook for nurse anesthetists is good, with an expected 9% growth rate from 2022-2032. There will be a need for an additional 4,500 nurse anesthetists.

Where Can You Work? CRNA Jobs in Oregon

CRNAs can work in various locations, specifically ones with operating rooms, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. These may include:

  • Medical and surgical hospitals
  • Critical access hospitals
  • Mobile surgery centers
  • Pain clinics
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Offices of plastic surgeons, dentists, ophthalmologists, pain management specialists, and other medical professionals
  • U.S. military medical facilities

Next Steps for Becoming a CRNA in Oregon

Before becoming a CRNA in Oregon, you should be sure you're ready to commit mentally and physically to the program. Becoming a CRNA is no small feat and requires hard work and dedication.

CRNAs work directly with patients but also with other healthcare providers. Oregon's OHSU offers an excellent program that will prepare you to become a successful CRNA.

Interested in learning more about becoming a CRNA? Check out some of our other helpful articles:

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Sponsored
Georgetown University

Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Simmons University

The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

FAQs

  • How Many CRNA Schools Does Oregon Have?

    • Currently, there is only one accredited CRNA school in Oregon: Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
  • How Do I Become a CRNA in Oregon?

    • You must first attend an accredited CRNA program and then pass the national certification exam before applying for state licensure. 
  • How Many CRNAs are in Oregon?

    • According to the BLS, there are 340 CRNAs in Oregon. 
  • Is Oregon an Opt-Out State for CRNA?

    • Oregon opted out of federal physician supervision requirements for CRNAs in 2003
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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