School of Nursing and Health Innovations

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

The SONHI is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E.). Additionally, the SONHI’s bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) and doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) programs are approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. The SONHI is a member of 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 B.S.N. program is designed to prepare graduates for the practice of professional nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to take 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 bachelor of science in integrative health and wellness (B.S.-I.H.W.) program prepares graduates to enhance health, wellness, and well-being among individuals, families, populations and communities. As health educators, graduates of this program are able to teach integrative health concepts and guide individuals by providing holistic, wellness-focused education. The University of Portland School of Nursing Integrative Health Coaching Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

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 family nurse practitioner (F.N.P.) track prepares graduates to take the national F.N.P. certification exam through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and assume the advanced practice role of an F.N.P. The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (A.G.P.C.N.P.) track prepares graduates to take the national A.G.P.C.N.P. certification exam through the ANCC and assume the advanced practice role of an A.G.P.C.N.P. The A.G.P.C.N.P. track also prepares graduates to take the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse exam, if they wish to be distinguished as a palliative care expert and complete the required clinical hours and experiences. Individuals who are prepared as nurse practitioners at the master’s level retain their nurse practitioner specialty and earn the D.N.P. 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.