University of Oregon

What you'll study

The BS in Nursing curriculum combines foundational biological and behavioural sciences with progressive nursing theory and clinical practice. Early courses build anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and research methods; later coursework focuses on adult, maternal-child, paediatric and mental health nursing. Students learn clinical assessment, health promotion, disease prevention and evidence-based care planning.

The programme offers organised pathways that enable deeper study in:

• Clinical Nursing — advanced clinical skills, complex care management, acute and community-based practice, and intensive simulation experiences to prepare for bedside practice.
• Nursing Administration — leadership, healthcare systems, policy, finance and quality improvement to prepare graduates for supervisory and managerial roles within health organisations.
• Nursing Research — research design, statistics, applied methods and translation of evidence into practice, suitable for students considering graduate study or roles in outcomes measurement and programme evaluation.

Clinical learning occurs in hospitals, community clinics, long-term care and public health settings through the university's network of regional partners. Simulation laboratories and interprofessional education experiences are integrated throughout the programme to reinforce clinical decision-making and teamwork.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent with a solid grounding in science and mathematics. Typical prerequisites include college-level anatomy and physiology, general biology, chemistry and often statistics; these may be completed before or during the early part of the degree depending on the applicant's pathway. Admissions are competitive and successful applicants generally demonstrate a strong overall academic record, with college GPAs reflecting consistent achievement in coursework.

Additional requirements common to nursing programmes include current CPR certification, a background check, immunisation documentation and completion of health screening forms prior to clinical placements. Applicants should also be prepared to demonstrate effective communication skills and commitment to patient-centred care. Specific prerequisite courses and the process for selection into clinical cohorts are detailed by the School of Nursing and should be checked before application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the national licensure examination for registered nurses and to begin practice in acute care, community and long-term care settings. Career destinations commonly include:

• Staff registered nurse in hospitals and clinics
• Community and public health nursing
• Specialist clinical roles (for example, paediatrics, critical care or mental health) with further training
• Nursing administration and leadership positions in hospitals, community health organisations and health systems
• Research assistant or coordinator roles and positions supporting quality improvement and patient-safety initiatives
• Further academic study such as master's and doctoral programmes in advanced clinical practice, nursing leadership or research

The degree provides a foundation for career mobility: graduates often move into specialised clinical roles, management or research-related positions after gaining clinical experience or pursuing postgraduate qualifications.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon School of Nursing combines rigorous academic teaching with hands-on clinical learning across the state, including placements in urban and rural settings that reflect the region's healthcare needs. Students benefit from well-equipped simulation suites, interprofessional learning alongside other health professions and faculty engaged in applied research and community partnerships.

The programme emphasises preparing nurses who can lead change in health systems, translate evidence into practice and respond to diverse patient populations. Support services for students include academic advising, clinical placement coordination and opportunities for research involvement, community service and study abroad to broaden professional perspectives.