School of Nursing & Health Innovations

Welcome to the School of Nursing & Health Innovations

Setting the Standard in Health Care

As Oregon's premier BSN nursing school, our graduates are known for their strong nursing knowledge combined with compassionate caring. As a nursing student, you will begin nursing classes from Day 1, with access to renown faculty experts, state of the art simulation, and a leading edge curriculum.

Three UP nursing students in blue scrubs with stethoscopes in the Franz clinical simulation laboratory.
A UP dnp student conducts a clinical examination of a patient as two instructors observe in a medical exam room.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Want to become an RN? You will get direct entry into our CCNE accredited program and earn your BSN with our innovative and student-centered concept-based curriculum. SONHI graduates had a 95.3% total pass rate on the NCLEX exam in 2025, so you can feel confident about your educational investment.

Three UP nursing students in blue scrubs with stethoscopes in the Franz clinical simulation laboratory.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A UP dnp student conducts a clinical examination of a patient as two instructors observe in a medical exam room.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nursing students participate in a collaborative discussion around a classroom conference table in the simulation lab, reviewing clinical footage on a wall-mounted monitor.

The Elsie Franz-Finley Simulated Health Center

Oregon's first fully accredited simulated health center provides an unmatched educational experience for healthcare students. From hospital-grade equipment to lifelike patient encounters with trained actors, the environment closely replicates the complexity of modern healthcare settings. Small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios ensure individualized coaching, reflective practice, and frequent hands-on training, allowing every learner to engage in a meaningful way.

Holistic Support & Academic Excellence

Our esteemed faculty is committed to creating a supportive educational environment that fosters your professional development through innovative research in subject areas such as ethical dilemmas in nursing, best practices for clinical education, nursing workforce retention, integrative health, capacity building in disadvantaged communities, and more.

Students in purple UP scrubs and Wally the UP mascot posing on a baseball field.

Connect with SONHI

Contact us by email and follow the School of Nursing and Health Innovation (SONHI) on social or visit our newsfeed to get the latest program updates and events.

Students with instructor

Join Our Team

Working with the School of Nursing and Health Innovation offers you a rewarding career with the latest professional development opportunities and technology. View our current postings and apply today!

Accreditation & Recognition

CCNE Seal

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at University of Portland are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

SSH Accreditation

Society for Simulation in Healthcare

The University of Portland Elsie-Finley Simulated Health Center is fully accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in the area of Teaching/Education.

US News 2027 Award Badge - Nursing

US News Top Nursing Program

With direct entry for incoming first-year students, an on-campus simulation center, and small learning cohorts UP's BSN Program consistently ranks as one of the premier nursing programs in the Pacific Northwest.

Doctor of Nursing Family-Nurse Practitioner Program under new leadership

November 5, 2026 | Graduate School, School of Nursing and Health Innovations

Leading the AI Era with Hope and Ethics

October 7, 2026 | School of Education, School of Nursing and Health Innovations, School of Business, Graduate School

The bronze sculptural group entitled Christ the Teacher

Welcoming Our New Faculty

September 2, 2026 | College of Arts and Sciences, Shiley School of Engineering, School of Education, School of Nursing and Health Innovations

Developing Clinicians Our Communities Need Most

August 26, 2026 | School of Nursing and Health Innovations, Graduate School

Tyler Dorlarque

Next Port Stories: Tyler Dorlarque '26

May 1, 2026 | Alumni and Advancement, School of Nursing and Health Innovations, Student Success

Featured Alumni | Magdalena Salazar ’25

April 22, 2026 | Alumni and Advancement, Student Success, School of Nursing and Health Innovations

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter poses with UP president and faculty outside the SMCDI

Congresswoman Maxine Dexter Visits UP—Tours Nursing Simulation Lab and Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation

April 22, 2025 | School of Nursing and Health Innovations, Shiley School of Engineering

Launch Your Health Care Career Today

The University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations (SONHI) inspires future nurse leaders and other health-care professionals through academic excellence to create systems and environments that support optimal holistic health and wellness. Plan your visit to learn more and apply now.