Linfield University School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
On Linfield’s Portland campus, pre-licensure nursing includes a transfer BSN, an accelerated BSN (ABSN), and the MEPN master’s-entry path—each with published cost-of-attendance figures and publicly reported first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes through the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Linfield’s Portland School of Nursing pairs a modern Experiential Learning Center with clinical placements across the Portland metro—and publishes transparent 2025–26 COA tables for each pre-licensure track alongside Oregon State Board of Nursing NCLEX outcomes by program type (traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and MEPN).
Overview & Why Students Choose Linfield
The Linfield University School of Nursing operates on a dedicated Portland campus (2900 NE 132nd Ave.), where the institution describes itself as offering one of the region’s longest-standing nursing education traditions. Linfield currently promotes three pre-licensure options that feed the same goal—RN licensure readiness—with different entry points: a transfer-focused BSN after prerequisites, a 12-month ABSN for prior bachelor’s graduates, and the Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) for career changers who want an MSN plus NCLEX eligibility.
Program marketing emphasizes simulation-heavy learning (including the on-campus Experiential Learning Center), social-justice themes in the curriculum, and clinical experiences distributed across the greater Portland area.
According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing RN/LPN Education Program NCLEX Pass Rates table (document updated January 2026), Linfield’s traditional baccalaureate program posted an 86% first-time pass rate (155 candidates), the accelerated baccalaureate program posted 96% (45 candidates), and the master’s-level pre-licensure (MEPN) row posted 96% (24 candidates). Confirm cohorts after 2025 in the board’s published PDF.
Reasons students choose Linfield’s Portland nursing campus
Three distinct pre-licensure lanes
Linfield publicly markets transfer BSN, ABSN, and MEPN paths so you can match timeline and degree strategy (second bachelor’s vs. MSN entry) without guessing what the school actually runs.
Simulation-forward facilities
The School of Nursing highlights an Experiential Learning Center with high-fidelity manikins and scenarios meant to mirror acute-care decision-making before you enter live clinicals.
Metro Portland clinical access
Official copy references clinical experiences across the greater Portland region—useful if you want exposure to large community hospitals, academic medical centers, and diverse outpatient sites.
Documented costs per pathway
Linfield publishes separate 2025–26 cost-of-attendance tables for BSN, ABSN, and MEPN on its financial aid site—helpful when you compare private nursing programs.
Published Board pass-rate transparency
Oregon’s aggregate NCLEX tables list Linfield separately for traditional, accelerated, and master’s entry cohorts so you can see first-time pass rates by track.
Nursing Programs Offered
Use the official Linfield nursing admission hub as your living checklist—this section reflects what Linfield currently promotes for pre-licensure applicants.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Traditional / transfer BSN
Linfield describes a two-year, transfer-only BSN completing major nursing coursework on the Portland campus after prerequisites, general education, and at least 62 semester / 93 quarter transferable credits. Fall and spring starts use 15-week semesters.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) targets applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree and prerequisites; Linfield schedules the intensive track roughly June–June using 10-week terms.
Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN)
The MEPN is Linfield’s MSN-level pre-licensure pathway for bachelor’s graduates outside nursing. Linfield describes five 10-week graduate terms over roughly 15 months, with a calendar that begins in January and concludes the following March, leading to an MSN and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Post-licensure RN-to-BSN
Linfield historically maintained an online RN-to-BSN catalog page, but the current nursing admission hub only highlights the three pre-licensure routes above. If you are already an RN seeking a BSN completion track, confirm with admissions whether that pathway is actively admitting before planning around it.
Linfield states that its baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Confirm the exact programs covered and any review cycles directly with Linfield and CCNE disclosures.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) RN/LPN Education Program NCLEX Pass Rates PDF (updated January 2026), the calendar year 2025 first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates reported for Linfield University—Portland differ by program line as shown below. The same document also publishes historical columns for 2021–2024 if you want trend context.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (first-time pass rate, CY 2025) | 86% (155 first-time candidates per OSBN table) |
| Accelerated BSN (first-time pass rate, CY 2025) | 96% (45 first-time candidates per OSBN table) |
| MEPN / master’s pre-licensure row (first-time pass rate, CY 2025) | 96% (24 first-time candidates per OSBN table) |
| Source | Oregon State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates PDF. Confirm later cohorts with the OSBN and Linfield outcomes materials. |
NCLEX percentages move with every graduating class. Always check the newest PDF on the Oregon Board site and ask Linfield for any internal outcome summaries you need for accreditation or employers.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
This section is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Linfield links prospective international students to its central international admission resources; nursing applicants still need clearance from both the university and the Oregon State Board of Nursing before NCLEX eligibility is assured.
- English-language proficiency: Follow Linfield International Admission requirements for TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo (or waivers) separately from nursing prerequisite coursework.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Plan for official transcripts evaluated to U.S. standards if you completed prerequisites abroad; Linfield emphasizes regional accreditation for transfer credit.
- Oregon Board of Nursing: internationally educated nurses (and some visa holders) must confirm clinical eligibility, background checks, and NCLEX application steps with OSBN.
- Immigration & clinical clearance: F-1 students must verify that intensive pre-licensure schedules, background screening, and clinical contracts align with visa work rules—clinical courses are not optional labs.
Policies change; confirm every item with Linfield’s international office, the School of Nursing, and OSBN before you pay deposits.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Linfield describes its pre-licensure pool as highly competitive and uses holistic review. Every applicant applies through NursingCAS (Chrome or Firefox recommended). Linfield’s instructions note nursing admission entrance exams are not required, while international applicants still follow separate English-proficiency policies.
Prerequisite GPA rules (BSN / ABSN / MEPN)
Linfield’s published prerequisite policy includes a minimum 3.0 GPA across all nursing prerequisites, a minimum 3.0 science prerequisite GPA, and a minimum 2.65 anatomy & physiology GPA, with letter grades of C or better, limitations on repeated A&P attempts, and science coursework that must generally finish within seven years of the application deadline.
Application timeline (published 2025–26 table)
| Entry path | Application deadline (PST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ABSN (summer start) | Feb 1 | Decisions Mar 15; deposit Apr 15; materials May 15 (source) |
| BSN fall | Apr 1 | Decisions May 15; deposit June 15; materials July 15 |
| MEPN winter | Aug 1 | Decisions Sept 26; deposit Oct 24; materials Dec 1 |
| BSN spring | Oct 1 | Decisions Nov 15; deposit Dec 16; materials Jan 17 |
Linfield lists a $60 NursingCAS fee for undergraduate nursing programs and $80 for graduate (MEPN) applications on its pre-licensure instructions page. Confirm current fees with NursingCAS.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | 3.0 overall prerequisites; 3.0 science prerequisites; 2.65 A&P (see prerequisites page) |
| TEAS / HESI | Not required for standard nursing CAS submission (per Linfield pre-licensure requirements) |
| Transfer credits | Must come from regionally accredited institutions; career/technical credits generally do not transfer |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The figures below come directly from Linfield’s Cost of Attendance: School of Nursing page for 2025–2026. They include mandatory nursing fees where Linfield lists them; housing and personal allowances vary by living situation.
| Program | Published direct-cost highlights |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN (fall + spring) | $51,740 tuition (12–18 credits/semester) + fees such as nursing, simulation, malpractice, technology, and course/testing fees for $54,806 total direct costs; institutional COA totals span $65,626–$74,786 depending on housing assumptions. |
| ABSN (Summer 2025–Spring 2026) | Linfield lists $73,332 cumulative direct costs across the four terms shown and a $101,145 overall cost-of-attendance total including their indirect allowances. |
| MEPN | Per-semester tuition (12–18 credits) is $21,360 plus program fees described in the MEPN tables (fall, winter, spring, and summer segments differ slightly). |
| Source | Linfield University — Cost of Attendance (Portland School of Nursing). Confirm annual updates with Student Financial Services. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Linfield markets alumni trajectory data via program pages (for example, LinkedIn-derived employment clusters), but this guide prioritizes board-reported NCLEX statistics because they use a uniform definition across Oregon schools.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | Traditional BSN 86%, ABSN 96%, MEPN 96% (Oregon OSBN, CY 2025 column, PDF updated Jan 2026)—details in the NCLEX section above. |
| Job placement within 6 months | Not publicly disclosed on this page; review Linfield’s outcomes or career services disclosures for any reported employment percentages. |
| Source | Linfield nursing outcomes page (marketing analytics) and Oregon OSBN NCLEX PDF. |
Is Linfield the Right Fit for You?
Linfield’s Portland nursing campus works best when you are ready for full-time, site-based education (with the possible exception of select gen-ed taken elsewhere first). Use the lists below to self-screen before you pay NursingCAS fees.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a clearly articulated ABSN calendar or an MSN-entry (MEPN) alternative to a second bachelor’s.
- Value frequent simulation lab time and structured clinical placement support in the Portland metro.
- Already meet (or can complete) Linfield’s strict prerequisite GPA thresholds before the final materials deadline.
- Prefer a private university environment with active Portland campus student leadership through ASLU.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure pathway (all major nursing coursework is Portland-based).
- Cannot relocate near Portland for at least the intensive nursing sequences.
- Are budget-constrained and require the lowest published tuition among Oregon public options.
- Expect rolling, low-selectivity admission—Linfield emphasizes competitiveness and holistic review.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Portland anchors one of the Pacific Northwest’s busiest nursing labor markets. While Linfield assigns clinical sites by cohort, students routinely rotate through organizations comparable to Legacy Health, Providence, OHSU, Adventist Health, and large community hospitals serving Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties. Exposure to safety-net clinics and community mental health providers is also common given Portland’s population needs.
| Organization type | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Academic medical centers | Complex patients and subspecialty units help you build assessment skills for high-acuity residencies or ICU roles after licensure. |
| Community hospital networks | High patient volume reinforces prioritization, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary teamwork. |
| Outpatient & population health | Primary-care and specialty clinics align with Linfield’s emphasis on prevention, equity, and transitions of care. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Portland nursing campus revolves around skills labs, seminar rooms, and the Experiential Learning Center, where students rehearse emergencies, communication, and procedural competencies. Linfield also highlights Portland-specific clubs—examples from university storytelling include ASLU–Portland Campus leadership and interest groups such as Cats Getting Crafty. Because nearly every nursing student commutes or lives off-campus, expect a professional, cohort-driven culture rather than a traditional residential quad experience.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Portland, OR
- Address
- Linfield University School of Nursing — Portland Campus, 2900 NE 132nd Ave., Portland, OR 97230, US
- Telephone
- School of Nursing: 971-369-4100 · Nursing admission: 503-883-2213
- Contact email
- SON: son@linfield.edu · Admission: admission@linfield.edu
- Website
- linfield.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the pre-licensure requirements and download the official prerequisite checklist (DOCX) from Linfield.
- Map your sciences into the GPA rules (including A&P attempt limits and seven-year science window).
- Open NursingCAS, pick the correct Linfield program term, and note the 8:59 p.m. Pacific submission cutoff on deadline nights.
- Secure recommendations (Linfield allows one required, up to two total, per NursingCAS guidance).
- Book a virtual nursing information session if you still need logistics questions answered.
- Compare the 2025–26 COA PDF for your pathway (BSN vs ABSN vs MEPN) and run a net-price conversation with financial aid.
- Bookmark the Oregon OSBN pass-rate PDF so you can monitor the next annual update after your intended cohort graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pre-licensure nursing programs does Linfield University offer in Portland?
Linfield’s admission materials list three Portland pre-licensure pathways: a transfer BSN (two years of nursing coursework after prerequisites), an accelerated BSN (ABSN) for bachelor’s degree holders, and the Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) program. All use the Portland School of Nursing campus. Confirm current tracks on linfield.edu/admission/nursing-admission/.
What were the most recent Oregon OSBN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Linfield University?
According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing RN/LPN Education Program NCLEX Pass Rates table (updated January 2026, calendar-year 2025 column), Linfield’s traditional baccalaureate program posted an 86% first-time pass rate (155 candidates), the accelerated baccalaureate program posted 96% (45 candidates), and the master’s (MEPN) row posted 96% (24 candidates). Confirm later cohorts in the board’s published PDF.
How much does Linfield’s School of Nursing cost for 2025–2026?
Linfield publishes program-specific COA tables: traditional BSN direct costs for fall and spring total $54,806 (including $51,740 annual tuition for 12–18 credits per term); the accelerated BSN budget shows $73,332 direct costs across Summer 2025–Spring 2026 with a $101,145 total COA including indirect allowances; MEPN lists $21,360 tuition per 12–18 credit semester plus fees. Source: coa-portland.html.
Does Linfield require the TEAS exam?
No—Linfield’s pre-licensure instructions state that nursing admission entrance exams are not required for NursingCAS applicants (international applicants still follow English-proficiency policies). Re-check prelicensure-requirements.html for updates.
What prerequisite GPA does Linfield nursing require?
Linfield requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in all nursing prerequisites, a minimum 3.0 science-prerequisite GPA, and a minimum 2.65 anatomy & physiology GPA, with no grade below C and special rules limiting repeated A&P attempts. See the official prerequisites page.
When are Linfield’s NursingCAS deadlines?
Linfield’s published 2025–26 table lists, for example, ABSN applications due February 1, BSN fall due April 1, MEPN winter due August 1, and BSN spring due October 1, each with separate decision, deposit, and final-materials dates. Always verify the active cycle on Linfield’s pre-licensure requirements page.
Is Linfield nursing CCNE accredited?
Linfield states that its baccalaureate and master’s nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. Confirm the exact scope statement on linfield.edu/programs/nursing.
Where is Linfield’s nursing campus?
The School of Nursing Portland campus is at 2900 NE 132nd Ave., Portland, OR 97230. General SON phone: 971-369-4100; email: son@linfield.edu per the contact page.
Are clinical rotations only in Portland?
Linfield references the greater Portland metropolitan area for clinical placements. Exact sites rotate by cohort; confirm with the clinical education team.
References
- Linfield University — School of Nursinglinfield.edu/academics/nursing
- Linfield — Nursing admission hublinfield.edu/admission/nursing-admission
- Linfield — Pre-licensure requirements & deadlinesprelicensure-requirements.html
- Linfield — Prerequisite GPA & courseworkbsn-admission/prerequisites.html
- Linfield — Portland School of Nursing cost of attendance (2025–26)coa-portland.html
- Linfield — Nursing program overview (CCNE statement)programs/nursing
- Linfield — SON contact informationacademics/nursing/contact.html
- Oregon State Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates (PDF, updated Jan 2026)Resource_NCLEXPassrates.pdf
- Oregon State Board of Nursing — homeoregon.gov/osbn
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment of program lists and NursingCAS deadlines with Linfield’s pre-licensure pages, for tuition figures against the 2025–26 Portland COA document, and for NCLEX percentages against the Oregon State Board of Nursing pass-rate PDF (updated January 2026).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Linfield University and the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Published: March 31, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy