Sumner College

Sumner College began serving students in 1974 and has grown into a private college with campuses in Portland and Bend, Oregon. Its work centers on healthcare education and preparing graduates for employment in their chosen fields. Programs emphasize critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical experience, and community partnerships. Most students are working adults focused on healthcare careers, and the college designs its programs to support work-life-school balance.

Nursing is the college's main academic focus. Students can choose a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, or RN to BSN program. The BSN program includes traditional prerequisite subjects within its 12-term curriculum, so applicants do not need to complete prerequisite courses before applying. Up to 25% of prior college coursework may be transferred. Learning combines classroom teaching, skills laboratories, online study, and clinical experiences at assigned partner sites. The BSN program is offered at both campuses, while Practical Nursing and RN to BSN are available at the Portland campus.

Sumner's hybrid format can reduce commuting and accommodate students with work or family responsibilities. Enrollment opportunities are available throughout the year. The college reports a 97% retention rate for its Portland BSN program and a 97% retention rate for its Practical Nursing program in its 2023-2024 reporting statistics. New students should consider the campus location, blended delivery format, clinical requirements, and the admissions process, which includes TEAS scores, a panel interview, and essays.