Oregon Health & Science University: A Comprehensive Look at Undergraduate Programs
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) stands as Oregon's only public academic health center, a nationally recognized research university committed to advancing health and well-being. Located in southwest Portland, OHSU comprises five schools - the School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Dentistry, a College of Pharmacy program, and the OGI School of Science and Engineering - offering a diverse range of programs. With more than 55 programs available, OHSU encourages students to create their own unique academic journey, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
A History of Growth and Innovation
OHSU's roots trace back to the 1860s with the founding of the Willamette University School of Medicine in Salem. The school later relocated to Portland in the 1870s. In 1915, a pivotal merger between Willamette University and the University of Oregon's medical programs led to the formation of the University of Oregon Medical School. By 1919, the school found its permanent home on Marquam Hill in Southwest Portland.
Significant milestones in OHSU's evolution include the construction of a teaching hospital in 1955, championed by Oregon State Senator Mark Hatfield, and the merging of institutions on Marquam Hill into the University Hospital in 1974, independent of the University of Oregon. Hatfield's dedication to medical research was later honored with the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center in 1998.
The Oregon Graduate Institute (OGI) merged with OHSU in July 2001, becoming the OGI School of Science and Engineering. This merger led to the institution's renaming to Oregon Health & Science University, supported by a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to establish a biomedical engineering program. In 2008, the OGI School of Science and Engineering transitioned into the Department of Science & Engineering within the School of Medicine.
Philanthropic support has played a crucial role in OHSU's development. In 2008, Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, made a landmark $100 million gift. Their commitment to OHSU continued with a $2 billion pledge announced on August 14, 2025, marking the largest philanthropic gift in the university's history.
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Campus Expansion and Facilities
OHSU's main campus is situated on Marquam Hill, often referred to as "Pill Hill," in the Homestead neighborhood. It houses the School of Medicine, the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital (a Level I trauma center), and Doernbecher Children's Hospital, specializing in pediatric medicine. Adjacent to the main campus is the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Portland Shriners Hospital for Children.
To accommodate growth, OHSU expanded into the South Waterfront District, starting in 2003. A key component of this expansion was the construction of the Collaborative Life Sciences Building (CLSB), which opened on June 26, 2014. This building, later renamed the Joseph E. Robertson, Jr. Collaborative Life Sciences Building (RLSB), houses the OHSU School of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, along with programs from Portland State University and Oregon State University.
The Portland Aerial Tram, completed on December 1, 2006, serves as a vital link between the Marquam Hill and South Waterfront campuses.
Academic Focus and Rankings
OHSU is renowned for its focus on health sciences. U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes OHSU's excellence, ranking it among the top institutions for primary care and research. The School of Medicine is particularly well-regarded, with a highly competitive admissions process.
Undergraduate Programs at OHSU
While OHSU is primarily known as a graduate and professional school, it does offer select undergraduate programs, particularly through its School of Nursing.
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Nursing Programs
The Nursing programs at SOU are offered by the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. OHSU offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Nursing for students with no previous nursing education, an Accelerated Bachelor for those with a bachelor degree in another field, and an Accelerated Bachelor’s to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner). The baccalaureate program is a three-year program designed for students to simultaneously complete the nursing coursework through OHSU along with additional credits of non-nursing coursework through SOU. The nursing program provides an essential foundation for professional nursing licensure and practice. Nursing courses build on and complement the liberal arts and sciences foundation required for professional practice.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
OHSU's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides an essential foundation for professional nursing licensure and practice. Nursing courses build on and complement the liberal arts and sciences foundation required for professional practice. Students are admitted once a year for the fall entry term. Applications are only available online beginning September 1st with a submission deadline of February 15th. Applicants must have completed 45 quarter credits prerequisites at a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation. Although students may apply while in the process of completing admissions prerequisites, 30 quarter credits must be completed by the end of Fall term prior to application. The 30 quarter credits must include Anatomy and Physiology I and Intermediate Algebra/Math 95 or higher. Students who are offered admission to the nursing program must complete the remaining credits to meet the required total of 45 quarter credits prior to matriculation. A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 is required to be eligible for application review.
RN to BSN Program
Qualified RNs with an associate degree in nursing from an Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education (OCNE) school as well as those from other associate degree or diploma nursing programs, are welcome in the RNBS program. RNs from OCNE associate degree programs complete 33 upper-division nursing credits in the program. RNs from non-OCNE associate degree or diploma programs complete 39 upper-division nursing credits. All students complete non-nursing course requirements. Nursing courses are delivered online with an occasional face-to-face session. Clinical placements are usually in or near the student’s home community. This makes it possible for a working RN to complete the program in two years as a part-time, distance-learning student. Students must file an electronic OHSU School of Nursing application, which can be found at www.ohsu.edu/son.
OHSU's Impact and Future Directions
OHSU's commitment to innovation extends beyond education and research. The university actively engages in community outreach and strives to address the healthcare needs of Oregon and beyond. OHSU graduates are equipped to become leaders in their respective fields, driving advancements in medicine and improving the lives of individuals and communities.
With ongoing expansion and a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, OHSU is poised to remain at the forefront of health and science education, research, and patient care. The university's dedication to excellence and its strong partnerships with the community ensure a bright future for OHSU and the people it serves.
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