Brian PhilipsIf you’re dreaming of becoming a nurse through one of the most respected programs in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing is probably on your radar. Known for its innovation, research excellence, and leadership in healthcare education, OHSU offers multiple pathways for aspiring nurses — from traditional bachelor’s degrees to advanced doctoral programs.
However, getting in isn’t easy. The OHSU Nursing School is one of the most competitive in the region, attracting hundreds of applicants each year for limited seats. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the OHSU nursing acceptance rate, admission requirements, and tips to boost your chances of getting accepted.
OHSU Nursing Acceptance Rate
Understanding the acceptance rate helps you gauge how selective the program is — and how you can prepare to stand out. While OHSU doesn’t publish exact acceptance figures every year, multiple public sources and applicant data give us a fairly clear picture.
According to data shared by Oregon State University’s pre-health advising site, OHSU once received about 1,795 applications and accepted roughly 428 students, suggesting an acceptance rate of around 24%. However, this number includes all nursing tracks combined and may not reflect the current competitiveness of each pathway.
Recent anecdotal reports indicate that acceptance rates are now much lower — particularly for the Portland campus and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Some nursing community forums estimate that the OHSU Portland cohort acceptance rate is below 5%, making it one of the toughest nursing programs to enter on the West Coast.
Other program directories, like Peterson’s and ABSNprograms.org, show acceptance rates for certain graduate tracks between 25% and 45%, depending on the year and specialization.
Why It’s Hard to Pin Down the Exact Rate
The variation exists because OHSU runs multiple tracks — 3-year BS, Accelerated BS, RN-to-BS, and several graduate degrees. Each pathway has its own applicant pool, admission standards, and seat capacity.
Clinical placements, faculty ratios, and state licensure requirements also cap the number of students OHSU can admit each year. As demand for nurses continues to rise, competition for limited seats has become fierce.
Estimated Competitiveness by Program
Here’s a rough guide to how selective each OHSU track tends to be:
- Traditional 3-Year BS in Nursing: ~15–25% acceptance rate
- Accelerated BS (ABSN): ~5–10% acceptance rate
- RN-to-BS Online Track: ~40–60% acceptance rate
- Graduate/DNP/PhD Programs: Varies widely, 20–45% depending on specialty and funding
Regardless of your chosen path, OHSU expects academic excellence, strong personal statements, and a clear passion for nursing.
OHSU Nursing Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must meet specific academic, clinical, and procedural requirements, depending on your chosen track. Below is a detailed breakdown of what each pathway requires.
1. Traditional Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing – 3-Year Program
This full-time undergraduate program is designed for students who have completed their lower-division prerequisites and are ready to dive into professional nursing coursework.
Key Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 in prerequisite courses
- Grade Requirement: At least a C- or better in all prerequisites
- Prerequisite Credits: 28 quarter credits (roughly 19 semester credits) before starting the program
- Total Credits to Graduate: 180 credits (93 nursing, 72 non-nursing, 15 elective)
- Science Prerequisites: Anatomy & Physiology (12 credits), Microbiology (4 credits), Nutrition (3 credits), Introductory Genetics (3 credits), and Statistics (3 credits)
- Non-Science Courses: English, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Humanities
- Application Deadline: February 15 (Fall start), April 15 for regional campuses
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates complete an online video interview through Kira Talent
- GPA Holistic Review: Academic excellence, essays, healthcare experience, and leadership are considered holistically
OHSU also publishes a Course Equivalency Grid to help students confirm which community-college courses fulfill these prerequisites — a useful tool for Oregon students completing their general education elsewhere.
Pro Tip
Because admission is extremely competitive, aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher in your science courses and demonstrate clear motivation for nursing in your personal statement.
2. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) – 15-Month Program
The ABSN program is for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and wish to transition quickly into nursing. The program is offered in Portland, Ashland, and Bend.
Admission Requirements
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: Must hold a degree in any field from an accredited college or university
- Prerequisites: Same as the traditional BSN program (A&P, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Development, Statistics, etc.)
- GPA: 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 in prerequisites
- Time Limits: Science courses must be completed within 7 years
- Course Transfer: 108 non-nursing credits are transferred from your first degree; you’ll complete about 72 nursing credits at OHSU
- Full-Time Enrollment: The program is rigorous and cannot be taken part-time
- Interview: Required through Kira Talent online platform
- Experience Considered: Volunteer or paid healthcare experience strengthens your application
Because this program compresses a traditional three-year degree into 15 months, the academic load is extremely demanding. Applicants should be ready for an intensive, full-time experience.
3. RN-to-BS (Online) Program
For registered nurses who already have an associate degree and want to earn a bachelor’s, OHSU’s online RN-to-BS program is an ideal choice.
Admission Requirements
- Active RN License: You must hold or obtain an RN license before the end of the first term
- Previous Degree: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN) from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 (may consider applicants with 2.5–2.99)
- No Interview Required: Admission is based on transcripts and documentation
- Background Check: Required for compliance before enrollment
- Flexible Format: Can be completed full-time (9 months) or part-time (up to 5 years)
- Online Coursework: Delivered 100% online with local clinical or community experiences
This track is more accessible and less competitive than OHSU’s on-campus programs, but academic performance and professionalism still matter.
4. Graduate and Doctoral Nursing Programs (MS, DNP, PhD)
For nurses seeking advanced practice or academic careers, OHSU’s graduate programs include Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Midwifery, Clinical Leadership, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD options.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Active RN License in the applicant’s state
- Clinical Experience: 1–2 years preferred (especially for nurse practitioner or anesthesia specialties)
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually three required
- Statement of Purpose: Explaining goals, leadership, and research interest
- Resume/CV: Detailing professional experience and certifications
- Interview: Required for most programs
- GRE: Not always required but may be requested for some PhD applicants
For research-focused students, the PhD in Nursing emphasizes healthcare innovation, evidence-based practice, and academic research, often requiring alignment with a faculty mentor before admission.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
1. Background Check and Drug Screening
All admitted nursing students must pass a criminal background check and drug test prior to clinical placements. Failure to meet these standards may affect admission or clinical eligibility.
2. Health and Immunization Compliance
Students must provide immunization records, CPR certification, and documentation of health screenings (Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, TB, etc.). Compliance is mandatory before participating in any clinical experience.
3. Technical Standards
OHSU expects students to meet physical, cognitive, and behavioral competencies necessary for nursing practice, including communication, observation, motor coordination, and emotional stability.
4. International Applicants
International students must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) and complete U.S. course equivalencies. Additional visa and credential evaluation steps may apply.
How to Strengthen Your OHSU Nursing Application
Because admission is competitive, small improvements can make a big difference. Here’s how to boost your chances of success:
1. Maintain an Excellent GPA
Science prerequisites like Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Statistics carry heavy weight. Aim for A’s in these courses and keep your overall GPA as high as possible.
2. Gain Healthcare or Volunteer Experience
Experience in hospitals, clinics, or caregiving environments demonstrates your understanding of nursing’s real-world challenges. Volunteer work also reflects compassion — a key trait OHSU values.
3. Craft a Powerful Personal Statement
Your essay should highlight why nursing matters to you, what inspired your journey, and how OHSU’s mission aligns with your goals. Be authentic, specific, and reflective.
4. Prepare for the Interview
If selected for the Kira Talent video interview, practice clear communication, professional presentation, and empathy. OHSU values interpersonal skills as much as academics.
5. Double-Check Course Equivalencies
Use OHSU’s Prerequisite Course Equivalency Grid to confirm that your prior coursework meets requirements. Incorrect course transfers are a common reason for application rejection.
6. Apply to Multiple Campuses
OHSU has several campuses — Portland, Ashland, Monmouth, Klamath Falls, La Grande, and Bend. Applying to more than one can improve your odds of admission.
7. Plan Ahead for Financial Aid
Research scholarships, federal aid, and OHSU’s internal nursing scholarships early. The average nursing student carries a high workload, so part-time employment can be challenging.
Recent Updates and Program Expansion
OHSU continues to expand its nursing programs to meet Oregon’s growing demand for healthcare professionals. In 2024, the university launched a new Accelerated BSN program in Bend, aiming to address nursing shortages in Central Oregon.
These expansions show OHSU’s commitment to increasing access while maintaining academic rigor — but competition remains steep, especially for the most popular locations.
Applicants should regularly visit the official OHSU School of Nursing website for the latest updates on deadlines, prerequisites, and curriculum changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does OHSU require the TEAS test?
No, OHSU does not currently require the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) for BSN or ABSN applicants.
2. Can I apply while completing prerequisites?
Yes. You may apply while finishing prerequisites as long as they’re completed before enrollment begins.
3. Is there a preference for Oregon residents?
OHSU gives priority to Oregon residents, though qualified out-of-state applicants are also considered.
4. What GPA do I need to be competitive?
While the minimum is 3.0, successful applicants often have GPAs of 3.6–3.9 in their most recent coursework.
5. Can I work while enrolled?
Because the BSN and ABSN tracks are full-time and demanding, OHSU discourages outside employment during the program.
Conclusion
Admission to OHSU’s School of Nursing is undeniably challenging — but also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re applying to the traditional BSN, the accelerated ABSN, or a graduate program, success requires strong academics, healthcare experience, and a genuine commitment to nursing.
Start preparing early by completing your prerequisites with top grades, gaining relevant clinical exposure, and crafting a compelling personal statement. Remember to monitor application deadlines, verify your coursework, and apply to multiple campuses to increase your chances.
With thorough preparation and passion, you can join the ranks of OHSU’s highly respected nursing graduates and launch a fulfilling healthcare career in Oregon or beyond.