Find answers to common questions about applying to OHSU School of Nursing. On this page, you’ll find: 

• General admissions FAQs
• Undergraduate admissions FAQs
• Graduate admissions FAQs

General admissions FAQ

Questions about applying to OHSU’s nursing programs, deadlines, fees and post-application steps.

How do I apply to OHSU’s nursing programs?

Apply through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Log in, click “Add Program,” and search for “Oregon” to find OHSU’s applications. Need help? Email proginfo@ohsu.edu.

When are the application deadlines for OHSU’s nursing programs?

Deadlines vary by program. Check application deadlines and submit by 8:59 p.m. PST (11:59 p.m. EST). 

What is the application fee for OHSU nursing programs?

The application fee is $60 for undergraduate programs and $80 for graduate programs, including undergraduate to master’s and undergraduate to D.N.P. and Ph.D. dual programs. Fee waivers are available through NursingCAS. 

Can I apply if I’m still finishing my prerequisites?

Yes, you can apply while completing prerequisites. Requirements vary by program:

Undergraduate programs (B.S.):

• 3-year B.S. program: You must complete 28 prerequisite credits by the end of fall term before you start your program. View 3-year B.S. requirements. 
• Accelerated B.S. program: You must complete one term of Human Anatomy and Physiology with a lab before you start your program. View accelerated B.S. requirements. 
• Online RN to B.S. program: You must complete 33 prerequisite credits by the end of fall term before you start your program. View online RN to B.S. requirements. 
• B.S. concurrent enrollment program: You must complete 33 prerequisite credits by the end of fall term before you start your program. View B.S. concurrent enrollment requirements.

Master’s programs (M.N.E and HSOL):

Before starting your program, you must complete a college-level statistics course with a B- or better within 5 years of starting the program. You can submit a time limit waiver form if you completed a statistics course beyond the 5-year time limit. 

Doctoral programs (D.N.P. and Ph.D.):

Before starting your program, you must complete a college-level statistics course with a B- or better within 5 years of starting the program. You can submit a time limit waiver form if you completed a statistics course beyond the 5-year time limit. 

How do I submit transcripts for my nursing school application?

Send transcripts directly to NursingCAS. OHSU cannot accept them. Follow the instructions on the NursingCAS website. 

Does the admissions office evaluate transcripts before I apply?

No, the admissions office does not evaluate transcripts. Email proginfo@ohsu.edu with questions about specific courses. 

Can I submit my Nursing CAS application before my transcripts arrive?

Yes, you can submit your application before your transcripts arrive, but don’t delay sending them. NursingCAS may take weeks to process them. 

Undergraduate programs (B.S.):

• 3-year B.S. and Accelerated B.S.: If you are selected for an interview, the admissions team will contact you within a few weeks after the application deadline. You will record video responses to interview questions using Kira Talent, an online platform. Admission decisions are sent several weeks after interviews. 
• Online RN to B.S. and B.S. concurrent enrollment: No interview is required. You will receive a decision within a few weeks of the application deadline. 

Master’s programs (M.N.E and HSOL):

• HSOL: If you are selected for an interview, you will interview with nursing faculty. The admissions team will schedule interviews as they receive applications. Admission decisions are sent several weeks after interviews. 
• M.N.E.: No interview is required. You will receive a decision within a few weeks of the application deadline. 

Doctoral programs (D.N.P. and Ph.D.):

If you apply to a D.N.P. or Ph.D. program and are selected for an interview, you will interview with faculty. The admissions team will notify you within a few weeks of the application deadline. Admission decisions are sent several weeks after interviews. 

Can I apply to OHSU’s nursing programs if I am an international student?

Yes. OHSU welcomes international students.  

View requirements for international students.

Does OHSU School of Nursing require the GRE exam?

No, OHSU School of Nursing doesn’t require standardized tests. The CRNA program may consider GRE scores if submitted, but they’re not required. 

What financial aid options are available for nursing students at OHSU?

OHSU accepts FAFSA and VA benefits. Submit your FAFSA as soon as it becomes available. We encourage Oregon residents to apply for Oregon Student Aid (ORSAA).  

View financial aid options.  

Does OHSU offer scholarships for nursing students?

Yes. OHSU offers scholarships for nursing students. Availability varies by program. 

View nursing scholarships. 

How much does nursing school cost?

The cost of attendance varies by program and student. For detailed tuition and fee information, view OHSU’s nursing program costs. Additional expenses, such as books, supplies and living costs, may also apply. 

Does OHSU offer student housing?

The Portland campus does not offer on-campus housing, but we can help you with your housing search. Regional campuses typically provide student housing through the host campus. 

Undergraduate admissions FAQ

Questions specific to undergraduate nursing programs (B.S.). 

Can I submit multiple applications to OHSU’s undergraduate nursing programs?

You can submit one application per program and campus. For example, you can apply to both the 3-year B.S. Portland and accelerated B.S. Portland programs, but you cannot apply to both the 3-year B.S. Portland and 3-year B.S. Monmouth programs. 

Do I need to enter all my college courses?

Yes, you must enter all college courses into NursingCAS. You can pay an additional fee for NursingCAS to handle this through Professional Transcript Entry (PTE). If you use PTE, submit your application at least four weeks before the deadline. 

How do I calculate my cumulative and prerequisite GPAs?

Use NursingCAS’s GPA calculator. Your cumulative GPA includes all college-level courses, while your prerequisite GPA includes only the required prerequisite courses.

Can I apply if I earned my prerequisites beyond the 5- and 7-year time limits?

Yes, you can. If your prerequisites fall outside the time limits, submit a time limit waiver form with your application. Include a detailed explanation of how you are prepared to succeed without retaking the course. 

Where can I complete prerequisites for OHSU’s undergraduate nursing programs?

You can take prerequisite courses at most accredited colleges. If you’re taking courses outside Oregon or Washington, email proginfo@ohsu.edu with course descriptions to confirm they meet the requirements. 

What if my anatomy and physiology series include two classes instead of three?

A two-class series should meet the requirement. If you’re unsure, email proginfo@ohsu.edu with course descriptions to confirm. 

How does OHSU calculate my GPA for anatomy and physiology prerequisites?

If you retake anatomy and physiology, we will use your most recent grade. You may only retake the course twice within seven years. 

Can I use AP, IB, or CLEP credit for prerequisites?

You can use AP credit for intermediate algebra and 4 credits of English composition in the 3-year B.S. program. AP, IB and CLEP credits cannot be used for other prerequisites but may count toward degree requirements. 

Do I need health care experience to apply to OHSU’s undergraduate nursing programs?

Health care experience is not required but is helpful. Reflect on your experiences and how they’ve prepared you for a career in nursing. 

Graduate admissions FAQ

Questions specific to master’s (M.N.E., HSOL) and doctoral (D.N.P., Ph.D.) nursing programs. 

Can I apply to OHSU’s graduate nursing programs while finishing my bachelor’s degree?

Yes, as long as you complete your bachelor’s degree before the graduate program starts. Some programs may require work experience. Check your program’s specific requirements. 

Can I apply to OHSU’s graduate nursing programs with an associate degree in nursing?

You need a bachelor’s in nursing. If you have an associate degree, consider our RN to B.S. program. 

What level of statistics course is required?

Most graduate programs require a college-level statistics course completed within the past five years. If your statistics course falls outside the five-year time limit, submit a time limit waiver form with your application. 

Can I apply to more than one D.N.P. specialty program at the same time?

No. You may apply to only one specialty program per year. 

Do my letters of recommendation need to be from an academic source, supervisor and colleague?

No. You can submit two references from the same category, for example two supervisors or two colleagues. 

How long does it take to complete a graduate nursing program at OHSU?

• M.N. programs: Can be completed in as little as 18 to 19 months. 
• D.N.P. programs: Typically take 3 years. 
• Ph.D. program: Typically completed in 4 to 6 years. 

Does OHSU require work experience for graduate nursing programs?

Some D.N.P. programs require work experience. Check your program’s specific requirements for details.