Certified Nursing Assistant in Oregon

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$48,390
trending_up +22.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering
12,800

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Stable
+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments
$212

Licensing fees

schedule
6-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Oregon

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Oregon, you must complete a state-approved training program of at least 155 hours, including 80 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical experience. After completing the program, you need to pass the Headmaster CNA Exam, which includes both a knowledge and a skills test. The application fee for certification by examination is $106, and a criminal background check with a fingerprinting fee of $70.50 is also required. Oregon offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific criteria, including an active certification and recent work experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,180
25th percentile $45,230
50th (median) $48,390
75th percentile $56,020
90th (experienced) $60,500

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oregon. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing bodyOregon State Board of Nursing
State license Required
Education155-hour state-approved training program
ExamHeadmaster CNA Exam ($106)
Application fee$106
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education2.0 hours per cycle
NotesA criminal background check is required. Renewal requires 400 hours of paid work as a CNA in the past 24 months, or exemption if newly certified or passed the competency exam within two years. There is no minimum age requirement to become a CNA in Oregon, though some training programs may have their own age requirements. CPR certification is also required as part of the approved curriculum.

Source: Oregon State Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual openings
204,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
1,441,500
Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleOregon license required — clearer credential signal to employers
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Oregon? expand_more
The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Oregon: complete the required education (155-hour state-approved training program), pass the Headmaster CNA Exam, and submit your application ($106 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon mandates state licensure for certified nursing assistants. Oregon State Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the Headmaster CNA Exam.
How much does a certified nursing assistant make in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $48,390. — 22% higher than the $39,530 national figure. New certified nursing assistants start around $40,180; seasoned professionals can reach $60,500.
What's the total cost to get certified nursing assistant certified in Oregon? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($106) and application fee ($106) plus your education and training.
How quickly can I become a certified nursing assistant in Oregon? expand_more
Expect to spend 6-12 weeks from start to finish in Oregon — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
How many CE hours do certified nursing assistants need in Oregon? expand_more
Yes — certified nursing assistants in Oregon must complete 2.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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