Oregon’s nursing education system has seen both progress and warning signs over the six-year period from 2012 to 2018. Bachelor’s degree programs in nursing (BSN) showed notable growth in capacity and diversity, becoming a stronger contributor to the registered nurse workforce. In contrast, practical nursing and associate degree programs exhibited signs of strain, including faculty shortages and decreased enrollment capacity. These disparities point to structural issues in how different educational pathways are supported and sustained.
The analysis shows that the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses is increasing, but the pace of change is slow. Oregon will not meet the National Academy of Medicine’s 80% BSN goal until 2038 if current trends continue. Additionally, despite increasing demand for RNs, state programs are not graduating enough nurses to meet workforce needs. This shortfall has forced healthcare employers to rely increasingly on nurses trained in other states, undermining local pipeline efforts—especially in rural and underserved areas.
Workforce outcomes are deeply influenced by the accessibility, scale, and diversity of nursing education programs. The findings indicate the need for targeted interventions: expanding BSN capacity, reducing attrition in faculty ranks, and addressing disparities in program availability. Without coordinated action, the state risks deepening workforce maldistribution and over-reliance on out-of-state recruitment strategies.
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