Nursing

Nursing is often defined as both an art and a science, a heart and a mind. Now, more than ever, nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. In an evolving field where research, scientific breakthroughs, and new treatments are discovered every day, our curriculum embodies a hands-on approach that supports critical thinking and collaborative student engagement.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Sumner College consists of 12 quarter-based terms and 185 credits. This program does not require prerequisite coursework, and allows for up 25% of previously earned credits to transfer, allowing students to graduate and enter the workforce in under three years.

Our small class size and student-centered approach offers the opportunity to practice skills in a safe and simulated setting, assuring what happens in the classroom is what happens in clinical experiences and beyond. In addition to passing all courses in this program, students must pass the final comprehensive predictor exam with a 75% or higher to be eligible for graduation. Graduates of this program are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Once students have graduated from this program of study, they must pass the NCLEX exam to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

• Earn Your BSN in 32 Months
• Tuition: $510 per credit
• Program is Approved by CCNE and the OSBN
• No Prerequisites Required
• 25% of Prior Coursework may be Transferred
• Program is Delivered Blended Format
• Year Round Enrollment

No Prerequisite Courses Required. Our BSN program is the only one in Oregon and Washington State that doesn’t demand prerequisite coursework before applying. We’ve revolutionized nursing education by embedding traditional prerequisites within our 12-term program.

Credit Transfer Opportunities. Have you already completed college-level coursework at another institution? You can transfer up to 25% of your credits to our program, reducing your tuition costs on your path to a BSN degree.

Hands-On Learning. Our program offers a well-rounded blend of didactic, skills labs, and clinical experiences, ensuring a practical, hands-on approach to learning.

Year-Round Opportunities. With rolling enrollment, you’re not constrained by the traditional academic calendar. You can apply and start your journey toward a BSN degree in the fall, winter, spring, or summer.

To be eligible for admission to the college, applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent recognized credential. All prospective students are required to complete an initial interview with the admissions office or attendance at an information session.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam on campus at Sumner College, or an approved proctored testing site. Applicants must complete the BSN application, which includes two essays, one letter of recommendation, resume, and unofficial transcripts if the candidate is seeking transfer credit. Applicants must obtain an overall score of a 65% or higher on the TEAS exam, and a minimum of 55% in each section to be eligible to apply for the program. A minimum point value must be achieved to be considered for admittance into the program.

Schedule. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Portland campus is scheduled Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Practicum/clinical hours and days vary based on the facility availability.

Delivery. ‘Blended’ format includes both classroom and distance education instruction. With a blended delivery method, specific courses are scheduled on-site for in-person learning, and other courses are delivered in an online format through Canvas (learning management system).

Start dates. Start Date: Every Term; Application Deadline: Ongoing. New terms begin every 10 weeks; upcoming cohort start dates are 11/30/2026, 03/01/2027, 05/17/2027, 08/09/2027 and 10/25/2027.

Tuition and fees. Location: Cascade Campus & Bend Campus. Application Fee $0; Registration Fee $200; Tuition – Per Credit Hour $510; Program Fee $7,000; Total Tuition $94,350; Tuition – Total Program $101,550.

Tuition by academic year. 1st Academic Year $24,480; 2nd Academic Year $22,185; 3rd Academic Year $23,970; 4th Academic Year $23,715.

Program fee includes. eBooks and Online Resources, NCLEX Prep Package, Clinical & Lab Supplies, Student Laptop, Required Screening/Background Checks, Canvas (LMS) and Clinical Clearance Documents. Sumner College provides e-books to students as part of their tuition cost, and lab supplies including scrubs are included as part of tuition.

Other charges. A $80 non-refundable TEAS test fee is due at the time the test is scheduled. Course Repeat: $500 per course and Course Audit: $200 per course for 10/20/2025 start cohorts or later. Students may transfer up to 25% of the total required credit hours; each credit approved for transfer will reduce the cost of the program.

Financial aid. Sumner College has the following financial aid programs available for those who qualify: Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), PLUS loans and VA Educational Benefits. School Code for Sumner College Portland & Bend: 014581. Sumner College is not approved for Tuition Assistance and is not a Yellow Ribbon school.

Sumner College Private Loan. Offered to students denied approval from a lending institution; the maximum the school can cover is $20,000 for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Interest is 0% while attending and fixed at 6% after graduation or withdrawal.

Scholarships. The Academic Excellence Scholarship (cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher) awards up to $6,000 for the BSN program (up to $2,000 at the end of Term 3, Term 6 and Term 9).

Payment options. Cash payments may be made monthly (fixed amount, students must utilize all Federal Funding available) or quarterly (Monday prior to start of each term).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing may apply to sit for the National Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and must pass it to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX in both Oregon and Washington.

Student outcomes (Fact Sheet 2024-2025 reporting year). ABHES 97% retention (ABHES 2024-2025 reporting year, Portland campus). Job placement, credentialing and NCLEX pass rates: No Data (First Graduates January 2026).

Where grads work. PeaceHealth, Providence, Oregon State Hospital, The Portland Clinic, Metropolitan Pediatrics, Cedar Hills Hospital, Vancouver Clinic, Oregon Health Authority, Salem Hospital, Legacy Health System, Vibra Specialty Hospital, Santiam Hospital, Kindred Home Health and others.