Intro to U.S. Healthcare for Nursing Students

Course Description

This program offers nursing students a unique opportunity to explore the U.S healthcare system. Over the course of one week, participants will visit hospitals and nursing homes, receive guided tours of medical facilities, and engage in Q&A sessions with doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals. 

Students will also connect with nursing students from Portland's prestigious Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)and take part in hands-on activities in OHSU's state-of-the-art simulation lab, led by experts in the field. 

Additionally, participants will tour medical institutions focused on senior and advanced-age care, such as hospice centers and senior living communities. These visits include opportunities to interact with residents and learn directly about their care experiences and daily living environments. 

As part of their stay in the Pacific Northwest, participants will also experience one of the region's iconic natural destinations - such as the Oregon Coast - offering a memorable opportunity to explore the beauty of the PNW!

Activities (Summer 2026 Tentative Calendar) and field trips may include:

• Lecture on U.S Healthcare
• OHSU Simulation Lab
• Senior Living Home visit
• Hospice House visit
• Hospital tour
• Interaction with OHSU nursing students
• One all day Pacific Northwest field trip

Program Dates

Summer 2026: July 30th - August 11th

Program Fees and On-Campus Housing Information

Payment is due June 30th, 2026. Please contact us at isp.programs@pdx.edu for more information.

All students will stay in campus dormitories during this program.

No meals are included in the dormitory stay. 

Program Eligibility

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Most participants are students at a university or college, but it is not a requirement.
• There is no required English test score.

Deadlines and Notifications

• You must apply by May 27, 2025 to secure on-campus housing; space is limited.
• A 2.75% credit card processing fee will be applied to all credit card payments.
• Please wait to purchase flight tickets until you have received the visa support letter from PSU. 

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• The program fee includes a $120 non-refundable application fee .
• If you cancel 30+ days prior to the program start date, you will receive a full refund of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee and the $620 dormitory fee.
• If you cancel between the 30 and 15 days prior to the start of the program, you will forfeit 33% of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee and the $620 dormitory fee.
• If you cancel within 14 days prior to the program, you will be refunded 50% of the program fee minus the $120 non-refundable application fee and the $620 dormitory fee.
• Once the program has started there will be no refunds.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this open-enrollment program, please contact us at isp.programs@pdx.edu.