School of Nursing

The University of Portland School of Nursing inspires future nurse leaders and other healthcare professionals through academic excellence to create systems and environments that support optimal holistic health and wellness. The School of Nursing offers baccalaureate and doctoral degrees.

The School of Nursing is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E.). Additionally, the School of Nursing B.S.N. and D.N.P. programs are approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. The School of Nursing belongs to the Western Institute of Nursing Research (W.I.N.), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (A.A.C.N.), and the National League for Nursing (N.L.N.)

The bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the practice of professional nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (N.C.L.E.X.-R.N.), a requirement in all states to obtain professional registered nurse (R.N.) licensure.

The integrative health & wellness studies (B.S.) curriculum prepares graduates to enhance health, wellness and well-being among individuals, families, populations and communities. As health educators, graduates of this program will be able to teach integrative health concepts and guide individuals by providing holistic, wellness-focused education. Successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (C.H.E.S.) exam. Students concentrating on the health coaching courses may also sit for the International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching (I.C.H.W.C.) exam.

The doctorate of nursing practice-family nurse practitioner (D.N.P.-F.N.P.) curriculum prepares graduates to sit for the F.N.P. certification exam. The D.N.P. degree is a practice-focus degree with emphasis on a scientific foundation for guiding nursing practice, improving care delivery models, influencing health policy, leading organizations and systems, and engaging in the scholarship of application. The D.N.P. program prepares the registered nurse who has a bachelor of science in nursing degree to assume the advanced practice role of a family nurse practitioner. Registered nurses who currently are nurse practitioners retain their specialty and earn the doctoral degree.

Vision

The University of Portland School of Nursing creates positive change in health care through academic excellence to improve the health of society.

Mission

The University of Portland School of Nursing educates leaders of the future through innovative learning and engagement that enriches the culture of health care to promote health and wellness of the population. Faculty, staff, and students are accountable for fostering a spirit of discovery creating an environment that cultivates lifelong learning.

Values Statement

The University of Portland School of Nursing upholds the core values of social justice, academic excellence, integrity, and compassion. We believe that nurses should serve as the inspiration for health care teams to support individuals, families, and communities in transforming systems to attain optimal health and wellness.
We inspire leaders of the future through academic excellence to create systems and environments that support optimal health and wellness.