Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long has Concordia University - Portland had a Nursing program?
    The Nursing program at Concordia was started in June 2005.
  2. Is Concordia University's Nursing program an Associate's degree or a Bachelor's degree?
    Concordia University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. When students graduate from the program, they are eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon.
  3. Is Concordia University's Nursing program accredited, and through whom?
    Concordia University has been approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
  4. What is the tuition for Concordia University's Nursing program?
    Tuition for Concordia University's Nursing program for the 2011-2012 school year is $12,450 per semester (Fall and Spring). Tuition for Summer courses varies based upon how many credits a student needs to take.
  5. What financial aid is available for Concordia University Nursing Students?
    All students seeking financial aid are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In addition to federal aid, Concordia University offers students an array of scholarship and financial aid opportunities. For more information, please click here or contact the Office of Admission at (503) 280-8501.
  6. Where do Concordia University Nursing students complete clinical work?
    A list of partnering hospitals, where students complete clinical work, may be found on the CU website here.
  7. Does Concordia University's Nursing program require fulltime attendance, or is part-time to three quarters time available?
    Concordia University's Nursing program is a full time program.
  8. Can students in Concordia University's Nursing program work at least part-time?
    The Nursing program at Concordia University, as with most schools, is very demanding. Therefore, students are encouraged to subsidize their schooling with grants, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid. Working part-time is discouraged and working full-time will be impossible.
  9. I noticed that a CNA license is required. Does my license need to be current?
    Recent nursing assistant training by a state board of nursing approved school is required before an accepted nursing student begins study in the Fall of the junior year. In Oregon, that is training at the C.N.A. I level (not C.N.A. II) requiring 150 hours in classroom and practice. State certification is not required by Concordia but essential if the student wishes to work as a C.N.A. during nursing school. Immediately in the Fall term the student will be expected to capably practice basic personal care skills in a nursing home setting so that professional nursing skills can begin to be developed. Therefore, training should be recent. Training approved by the nursing board of any U.S. state is acceptable.
  10. How long does Concordia University's Nursing program take to complete?
    Concordia University offers a four year (Bachelor of Science) Nursing degree. The first two years consist of General Education Requirements and Nursing Pre-Requisite courses. Once those requirements are completed (either at Concordia University or another college), the Nursing Cohort program is two years of full-time attendance (including Summers).
  11. Do I have to complete Religion courses before I can apply to Concordia University's Nursing program?
    No. Religion is the only General Education Requirement that does not need to be completed before entrance into Concordia University's Nursing program. Students who do not have their religion coursework completed will fulfill this requirement during the Summers, in addition to Nursing courses. World Religion can be completed at any accredited college, whereas New Testament must be completed at Concordia.
  12. If I tested directly into Statistics, do I have to complete a College Algebra course?
    Yes. All nursing students must complete the equivalent to Concordia University's Math 123: College Algebra in addition to Math 231: Research & Statistics. For equivalent courses at your college or university, please view the Concordia University Transfer Guides .
  13. Will my Speech or Literature courses count toward the Communications requirement?
    No. Writing Composition courses and higher level Writing courses (Technical Writing) are the only courses that will fulfill the Communications requirement for Concordia University Nursing students. For equivalent courses at your college or university, please view the Concordia University Transfer Guides
  14. What counts as a Humanities course?
    Concordia University accepts courses in Literature, World Civilization, Non-US History, Art History, and Music History to fulfill the Humanities requirement. Foreign Language courses do not count as Humanities courses.
  15. How does Concordia University's Nursing program prioritize applicants?
    For detailed information regarding Concordia's Nursing priority system click here.