Oregon Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing
Table of Contents
From Portland’s top-ranked hospitals to coastal clinics with breathtaking views, Oregon offers travel nurses a unique mix of professional opportunity and natural beauty. But before you can start your travel nurse assignment in the Beaver State, you’ll need to secure your Oregon nurse license.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, requirements, timelines, and insider tips to make licensing in Oregon as smooth as possible—plus, we’ll share how Nomad Health can help you get there faster.
Why Pursue a Travel Nurse License in Oregon?
Oregon is known for:
- Competitive travel nurse pay that often exceeds national averages
- Access to world-class healthcare systems like OHSU Hospital and Providence Health
- Diverse assignment options—from busy urban hospitals to small rural clinics
- Outdoor lifestyle perks, including hiking, skiing, and coastal escapes
Important: Oregon is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so even if you hold a compact license, you’ll need an Oregon-specific RN license to work in the state.
The top Oregon travel nursing specialities include:
How to Obtain Your Nursing License in Oregon
The process depends on whether you’re a new RN or an experienced nurse applying by endorsement.
Licensure by Examination (New Nurses)
- Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program: Must meet Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) standards
- Apply to the OSBN: Complete the online application and pay the fee. This also includes submitting official transcripts. Your nursing school must send them directly to OSBN.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN: Schedule and pass the exam through Pearson VUE. Oregon BON doesn’t issue temporary practice permits.
- Complete a Fingerprint-Based Background Check: Required for all applicants; OSBN provides fingerprinting instructions.
Licensure by Endorsement (Experienced RNs from Other States)
- Submit an Online Endorsement Application via the OSBN portal.
- Verify Your Current License through Nursys.
- Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check.
- Provide Official Transcripts from your nursing program.
- Pay the Endorsement Fee and any additional processing costs.
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Oregon RN Requirements Explained
To work as an RN in Oregon, you must:
- Hold a current, active nursing license in good standing
- Complete a state-approved nursing education program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (or have equivalent experience if endorsed)
- Complete fingerprint-based background checks
- Meet continuing education requirements for license renewal
How Long Does It Take to Get Licensed in Oregon?
Most nurses receive their license within 3–6 weeks after submitting all required documents. However, the timeline can stretch if:
- Your background check is delayed
- Your transcripts or verifications are incomplete
- Application errors require corrections
Pro Tip: Start the fingerprinting process early—it’s one of the most common causes of licensing delays.
Cost to Obtain Your Oregon Nursing License
Obtaining an Oregon nursing license typically costs between $220 and $235 upfront, plus a $145 renewal fee every two years. Some travel nurse agencies, like Nomad Health, may reimburse these costs for nurses who accept Oregon assignments through them.
Fee Type | Estimated Cost |
Application Fee | $160 |
Fingerprinting | $60-$75 |
Renewal Fee | $145 every two years |
Some travel nurse agencies, including Nomad Health, offer reimbursement for licensing fees when you take an Oregon assignment through them.
Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years
- CEU requirements: Minimum of 400 practice hours in nursing within the last 2 years or completion of 7 hours of continuing education approved by the OSBN.
- Pain Assessment course: Initial applicants have to complete a one-hour Oregon Pain Management Commission (OPMC) pain education course or an equivalent as determined by the Board. Renewal and reactivation applicants must have completed the course within the 36 months immediately preceding submission of the renewal application.
- Cultural Competency course: First time applicants have to complete two hours of cultural competency continuing education within the two years prior to the application. All renewal and reactivation applicants must, at every other renewal, have completed two hours of cultural competency continuing education within the previous two renewal periods prior to the application.
- Renewals are processed online via the OSBN portal.
Overcoming Common Licensing Challenges
Navigating the Oregon nurse licensing process can come with hurdles like delayed fingerprints, transcript hold-ups, or confusion over CE requirements. Planning ahead and following OSBN guidance helps prevent setbacks, while retake opportunities ensure you can stay on track if you don’t pass the exam the first time.
Challenge | Solution |
Delays in fingerprint results | Submit as early as possible |
Transcript processing times | Request them before starting your application |
Incomplete application forms | Double-check all details before submission |
Confusion over CE Requirements | OSBN offers FAQs here |
Didn’t pass the licensing exam | You get up to 4 attempts to retake the exam. Submit a new application and pay the fee. |
Helpful Online Resources and Nursing Communities
- Oregon State Board of Nursing – Licensing, renewals, CE details
- Nursys License Verification – Required for endorsement applicants
- Nurse-specific forums and Oregon travel nurse Facebook groups for peer advice
How Nomad Health Simplifies Getting Your Oregon Nurse License
Nomad Health supports travel nurses through:
- Step-by-step guidance for the Oregon licensing process
- Access to application resources and official links
- Fee reimbursement for nurses taking an Oregon travel contract through Nomad
- Exclusive travel nursing jobs in Oregon with competitive pay and benefits
FAQS: Oregon Nurse License
- No. All RNs must apply for an Oregon-specific license before working in the state.
- Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on how quickly you complete requirements.
- Between $220–$235 including application and fingerprinting fees.
- Every two years with practice hours or continuing education requirements met.
- Yes. Nomad Health provides guidance, resources, and may reimburse your licensing fees when you take an Oregon assignment.
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License and Certifications
Certifications
Certified Lacatation Counselor (CLC)
Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
Emergency Nursing Pediatric Certification (ENPC)
Inpatient Obstetrics Nursing Certification (RNC-OB)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Wound Care Certification (WCC)
State Certifications