Oregon Online NP Programs
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“In Oregon, NPs have full practice authority, meaning that we function independently. As nurses, we have our own paradigms for healthcare, and we come from a nursing lens. However, we often operate much like our physician counterparts, given the scope of our practice.”
Lydia Bartholow, DNP, Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Science University
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are in high demand in Oregon due to a primary care provider shortage, particularly in rural areas, and the state’s progressive laws allowing NPs to practice independently. With an aging population and a growing focus on preventive and community-based care, NPs are essential in managing chronic conditions and providing comprehensive healthcare services. Their cost-effectiveness, combined with their ability to offer high-quality care, further increases their demand, especially as Oregon emphasizes affordable healthcare and expanding access to services.
Online NP education in Oregon provide flexibility and accessibility for students who need to balance their education with work and other commitments. According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), there were 2,240 nurse practitioners in Oregon, and this number will rise to 3,420 by 2032—a remarkable 53 percent increase in just a decade. This growth highlights the critical role NPs play in meeting the state’s expanding healthcare needs.
Meet the Expert: Lydia Bartholow, DNP, PMHNP, CARN-AP, FIAAN
Dr. Lydia Bartholow is a psychiatric nurse practitioner in Portland, Oregon, with expertise in addiction medicine and trauma-informed care. She holds a DNP degree from Oregon Health & Science University and serves as assistant professor of psychiatry at OHSU. With a strong focus on harm reduction and trauma-informed practices, she has held leadership roles, including medical director of general psychiatry and associate clinical director at Central City Concern.
Dr. Bartholow also teaches at the University of California, San Francisco, and consults on substance use disorder services. Her work has earned her numerous honors, including the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award from OHSU’s School of Nursing.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about nurse practitioner programs in Oregon?
Dr. Bartholow: In Oregon, NPs have full practice authority, meaning that we function independently. As nurses, we have our own paradigms for healthcare, and we come from a nursing lens. However, we often operate much like our physician counterparts, given the scope of our practice. For example, I work in an emergency room staffed by PMHNPs and MD psychiatrists. The NPs and MDs in this ER have the same functional role, are expected to see the same number of patients, and have the same level of autonomy.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Bartholow: When I counsel NP students in Oregon, I encourage them to think beyond the traditional role of nurse practitioners—no longer are we simply physician extenders. NPs have the opportunity to lead in areas such as state advocacy, medical direction, and quality improvement, shaping policies and healthcare outcomes in meaningful ways.
It’s essential to move past outdated limitations and recognize the full scope of our expertise and contributions. By embracing these leadership opportunities, NPs can take a full seat at the table, driving innovation and advancing the profession to better serve our communities.
NP Practice Authority in Oregon
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Oregon?
| United States | Oregon | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 2,430 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $148,030 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $103,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $129,840 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $144,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $163,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $186,380 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025 | ||
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Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.