About the School of Nursing & Health Innovations

The University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations (SONHI) inspires future nurse leaders and other healthcare professionals through academic excellence to create systems and environments that support optimal holistic health and wellness. The SONHI offers baccalaureate and doctoral degrees.

The bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) program is designed to prepare graduates for the practice of professional nursing in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (N.C.L.E.X.-R.N.), a requirement in all states to obtain professional registered nurse (R.N.) licensure.

The bachelor of science in integrative health and wellness (B.S.-I.H.W.) program prepares graduates to enhance health, wellness, and well-being among individuals, families, populations and communities. As health educators, graduates of this program are able to teach integrative health concepts and guide individuals by providing holistic, wellness-focused education. The University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations Integrative Health Coaching Program is an Approved Health and Wellness Coach Training & Education Program by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the HWC Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree is a practice-focus degree with emphasis on a scientific foundation for guiding nursing practice, improving care delivery models, influencing health policy, leading organizations and systems, and engaging in the scholarship of application. The family nurse practitioner (F.N.P.) track prepares graduates to take the national F.N.P. certification exam through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and assume the advanced practice role of an F.N.P. The adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (A.G.P.C.N.P.) track prepares graduates to take the national A.G.P.C.N.P. certification exam through the AANPBC or ANCC and assume the advanced practice role of an A.G.P.C.N.P. The A.G.P.C.N.P. track also prepares graduates to take the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse exam, if they wish to be distinguished as a palliative care expert and complete the required clinical hours and experiences. Individuals who are prepared as nurse practitioners at the master’s level retain their nurse practitioner specialty and earn the D.N.P. degree. Note: The N.P. to D.N.P. program is not currently accepting new students.

We invite you to explore our programs!