The School of Nursing offers 18 program pathways at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We have various courses and program pathways available to fit your needs. We also offer multiple online programs. Each of our programs has different eligibility criteria and prerequisite requirements. We have created application instructions containing each program's specific eligibility and prerequisite coursework information below.
How do I apply?
All our applications are through NursingCAS . After logging into NursingCAS, you can go to Add Program to add an application. In the search box, we recommend only searching the word “Oregon” to make sure NursingCAS finds all OHSU applications. They will be listed in alphabetical order. If you need help finding the right application, email us at proginfo@ohsu.edu .
When should I apply?
The application deadlines are listed on our Steps to Apply page. Most programs do not have rolling admissions. However, it is always a good idea to submit your application earlier if possible, so you have time to make edits or submit missing materials as needed.
Can I submit multiple applications?
Applicants may submit one application per program per campus.
Applicants who submit more than one application per program will be asked to choose one application for us to proceed with for review.
Where do I send my transcripts?
All transcripts must be sent directly to NursingCAS. OHSU cannot accept transcripts sent directly to us for application purposes. You can find instructions on NursingCAS’s website for sending them your transcripts.
International Transcripts: For coursework completed outside of the U.S., you will need to order a professional transcript evaluation. We typically recommend WES for those evaluations.
Do I have to fill out the transcript entry?
Yes, applicants must complete the transcript entry with all college courses ever taken. Note: Applicants can pay an additional fee on the application for NursingCAS to fill out the transcript entry on their behalf. This is called the Professional Transcript Entry (PTE). If you opt for PTE, we recommend submitting your application at least 4 weeks prior to the deadline.
Can I apply if my prerequisites are outside their time limit?
If you have prerequisites that were completed outside the time limit, you will need to submit the time limit waiver to see if we will still accept it. The time-limit waiver is located under Step 3 on our Steps to Apply page and should be submitted with an explanation of how you are prepared for the program without retaking the prerequisite(s). If the waiver is approved, then you do not need to retake the approved prerequisite. If denied, then you would just need to retake it before the program starts.
Can I apply if my prerequisites are in progress?
Yes, with exceptions. The 3-year bachelor’s program requires 28 prerequisite credits, including one term of Anatomy and Physiology with lab and Intermediate Algebra or higher, to be done by the end of the fall term during the application cycle. The rest of the prerequisites must be done before the start of the program. (Ex. 28 prerequisite quarter credits must be done by the end of Fall 2024 if applying for Fall 2025).
The Accelerated bachelor’s and Accelerated Bachelor’s to D.N.P. programs require at least one term of Anatomy and Physiology with lab to be done by the end of the fall term during the application cycle. (Ex. A&P must be done by the end of Fall 2024 if applying for the 2025-2026 academic year).
The only prerequisite for the graduate nursing programs is statistics. Statistics needs to be done prior to the start of the program if admitted.
Where can I complete the prerequisites? How do I know if my classes will meet the prerequisites?
Most accredited colleges offer courses that will meet the prerequisites. OHSU only offers nursing courses, so all prerequisites are completed at other accredited colleges.
For Oregon/Washington colleges, check out the course equivalency guides below.
For all other courses, please send us an email to proginfo@ohsu.edu with the catalog course descriptions, college or university name, year taken, the grade received, and we will let you know if it will meet the requirement.
Note: We are not able to provide transcript evaluations.
What if my Anatomy and Physiology series includes two classes instead of three?
If you completed the full Anatomy and Physiology series, it should suffice. Some institutions offer the series in three parts (quarters), and some only offer two (semesters). If you are unsure if your series will work, please email proginfo@ohsu.edu the course descriptions.
If I have retaken Anatomy and Physiology, which grade will you use in the GPA calculation?
A&P courses can only be taken twice in the last seven years. If you have taken the class more than two times in the previous seven years, your second course grade will be used.
Can I retake the course if I have a prerequisite with a grade lower than what OHSU requires?
OHSU considers grades taken through the fall term of each application year. For a retaken grade to be considered, it must be completed by the end of the fall term. This applies to the 3-year program, Accelerated Bachelor, and Accelerated Bachelor to Graduate programs. Contact the Admissions Office for specific questions about your coursework or situation.
Can I use AP credit, IB credit, or CLEP credit for the prerequisites?
For the 3-year bachelor’s program, AP credit may be used to meet Intermediate Algebra and 4 credits of English Composition.
AP credit, IB credit, and CLEP credit may not be used for the prerequisites besides the previously mentioned rule. Those credits may be applicable to the Bachelor of Science degree requirements. If admitted, the registrar will provide you a degree audit and let you know which may be applicable.
Do I have to fill out the supplemental questions?
The supplemental questions are optional. We recommend filling them out if applicable. If they do not apply to you, you can enter NA or Not Applicable.
Do I have to fill out the Supporting Information section?
We do not use the supporting information section for our applications, so you do not need to fill this section out.
How should I answer the essay questions?
We recommend typing your responses in a separate document and then copying and pasting your responses into the NursingCAS application. Please make sure to save your application after filling out the essays and adhere to the word count.
Each essay is considered on its own. Please do not refer to other questions in your response.
Do I have to have healthcare experience to apply to the undergraduate programs?
Direct healthcare experience is great, but we know that it is not always accessible. Nurses need a variety of skills, many of which can be gained through other experiences. We encourage you to reflect on your formal and informal experiences and how they will make you a great nurse.
Does OHSU School of Nursing require any standardized tests?
No, we do not require or consider standardized tests in the admissions process.
Exception: The CRNA program may consider GRE scores if submitted, but they are not required.
Can I submit Letters of Recommendation?
Letters of Recommendation are only required for ABS to DNP/PhD programs and graduate nursing programs. Letters of Recommendation are submitted through the NursingCAS application. You will enter your recommender’s name and email address and they will receive an email with a link to submit the recommendation.
The 3-year, Accelerated Bachelor’s (ABS), and RNBS programs do not require or consider Letters of Recommendation in the admissions process.
How do I calculate my cumulative and prerequisite GPAs?
We recommend using NursingCAS’s GPA calculator and instructions. The cumulative GPA is calculated using all college-level courses, including retakes. The prerequisite GPA is calculated using only the prerequisite classes.
What are the next steps after the application?
After the deadline has passed, all applications will be reviewed and then select applicants will be invited to interview.
When are decisions sent out?
A few weeks after the deadline, applicants will be invited to interview. Decisions are typically sent out a few weeks after the interviews. We will notify applicants of the approximate admissions timeline after the application deadline.
Does OHSU offer student housing?
Please visit the Student Housing website for more information. The Portland campus does not offer on-campus housing, but there are a few housing options through College Housing Northwest, a nonprofit that offers reduced rates.
Our regional campuses typically have student housing through the host institution.
What kind of financial aid is available?
Financial aid varies depending on the individual student and program. OHSU accepts FAFSA and VA benefits. We recommend submitting FAFSA as soon as it is available. Oregon residents are encouraged to apply for Oregon Student Aid (ORSAA).
OHSU School of Nursing offers various scholarships through the SON Institutional Scholarship application. However, those awards are typically small and do not cover full tuition and fees. Therefore, most students will need to take out some student loans.
On our Tuition and Scholarships page, we list both internal and external scholarships. We highly recommend exploring multiple scholarship options to see which may apply to you.
Can I work while in a nursing program?
We do not recommend working while in the nursing programs, especially the accelerated bachelor’s program and the graduate programs. It may be possible to work if you have a flexible position.
RN to BS students frequently work while in the program since it is offered online and can be done part-time as needed.
