EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s School of Nursing has been ranked the No. 1 nursing program in Oregon for 2026 by RegisteredNursing.org in its 10th annual statewide rankings. This recognition highlights the University’s commitment to preparing nurses who are academically excellent, ethically grounded, and dedicated to compassionate, person-centered care.
“This is a prestigious honor because Bushnell’s nursing programs were compared to all other nursing schools in the state,” shares Interim Assistant Dean of Nursing Janet Welch, MSN, RN. “This honor contributes to the overall standing of Bushnell University School of Nursing within the healthcare community and among peer organizations. The program focuses on providing students with a comprehensive education including the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to become well-rounded professional nurses committed to making meaningful healthcare contributions in their community.”
Several factors contributed to Bushnell’s top ranking:
- Outstanding outcomes: Bushnell achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024, with pass rates ranging from 85% to 100% between 2020 and 2024, consistently above the national average of 90%. The program also maintains a 93.85% completion rate.
- Accelerated pathway: The 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, with two annual start dates, allows students to enter the workforce quickly and confidently.
- Diverse clinical rotations: Students gain hands-on experience in hospitals, extended care facilities, the Eugene VA Clinic, Oregon State Hospital, Lane County Jail, Laurel Hill Center and local home health and hospice organizations under the guidance of Clinical Coordinator Linda Brown, MSN, RN.
- Personalized, cohort-based learning: Small class sizes foster close-knit communities and individualized support from expert faculty, including long-standing leaders such as Michelle Mixon, Angel Harris, Jamie Burger, and Tashia Abbott, all of whom have Master of Nursing and registered nursing degrees.
- Holistic education: The program emphasizes person-centered care, ethical leadership, quality improvement, and the integration of a Christian worldview that inspires students to approach nursing with wisdom, faith and service.
“This recognition affirms what we see every day at Bushnell: students here receive an excellent education within a Christ-centered community that inspires and equips all of our graduates to serve,” shares Dr. Reed Mueller, vice president for academic affairs. “Our nursing graduates are not only well-prepared clinically, but they also bring a heart for service and a strong ethical foundation into their careers.”
The School of Nursing is also expanding its innovation by adopting Oxford Medical Virtual Reality (VR) simulations, which provide risk-free, immersive patient care training. Students engage in realistic scenarios that build empathy, strengthen decision-making, and promote skill retention. “Student feedback on the use of VR in the program has been overwhelmingly positive,” Welch said.
Graduates of Bushnell’s nursing program gain a competitive edge in the job market, particularly in highly sought-after healthcare roles. For prospective students, the No. 1 ranking reinforces Bushnell’s reputation for support, excellence, and faith-informed education.
With this distinction, Bushnell University continues to set the standard for nursing education in Oregon, preparing nurses who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate leaders dedicated to service.
Bushnell offers a nursing pathway for undergraduate students, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is a post-baccalaureate degree, and an online RN to BSN program. To learn more about the School of Nursing, visit bushnell.edu/school-of-nursing.