Nursing Programs in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln, Nebraska, stands as a focal point for nursing education, offering a plethora of nursing programs that cater to diverse educational aspirations and career objectives. From those embarking on their nursing journey to experienced professionals seeking to advance their roles, Lincoln provides an array of programs to meet varying needs. Below, we delve into the diverse nursing programs available in Lincoln, categorized for your convenience.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Lincoln
Best Nursing Schools in Lincoln. When choosing a nursing program, rankings can help students identify schools with strong outcomes. At Registerednursing.org, we're creating rankings based on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, focusing on how well schools prepare graduates for this crucial exam. Learn more about our approach at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Top Performing Schools
These schools show the highest average pass rates for nursing programs with at least 20 total students in the dataset.
- Metropolitan Community College Area: 84.06% average pass rate with 69 students
- Southeast Community College Area: 83.64% average pass rate with 55 students
- Northeast Community College: 83.33% average pass rate with 36 students
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size can influence pass rates, with smaller programs showing slightly higher averages in this data.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 82.5% average pass rate with 80 students
- Medium programs (50-100 students/year): 81.77% average pass rate with 203 students
Geographic Trends
Pass rates vary across Nebraska's largest cities, with Omaha showing the highest average among major population centers.
- Omaha: 84.06% average pass rate with 69 students
- Lincoln: 83.64% average pass rate with 55 students
- Grand Island: 78.48% average pass rate with 79 students
- Norfolk: 83.33% average pass rate with 36 students
- North Platte: 82.61% average pass rate with 23 students
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
This analysis compares Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
- ADN programs: 81.98% average pass rate with 283 students
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - bryanhealthcollege.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bryan College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates natural sciences, social sciences, communications, and humanities. The program features a remarkable 1:6 clinical faculty-to-student ratio and provides over 1,200 clinical hours, the highest in Nebraska. As of May 2023, graduates achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate, supported by strong traditions of exam success. The program requires no prerequisites and offers a job guarantee upon acceptance, with graduates earning starting salaries up to $60,000. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is mentioned as required for this bachelor's-level program.
- Low 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio
- Over 1,200 clinical hours
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Job guarantee upon acceptance
- No prerequisites required
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on learning experiences
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
- Training at Bryan Medical Center
- Strong tradition of high NCLEX pass rates
Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Degree
Campus Based - Visit Website
Bryan College of Health Sciences provides a 12-month Accelerated Nursing Degree (BSN) program designed for students with a bachelor's degree or significant college experience. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses in subjects like anatomy and microbiology, with transfer credits accepted for grades of C or better. It maintains a 1:6 clinical faculty-to-student ratio and includes over 1,200 clinical hours. Graduates from May 2023 achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate, and the program offers job guarantees at Bryan Health facilities with starting salaries up to $60,000. No entrance exam is specified as required for this bachelor's-level accelerated program.
- 12-month BSN program
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- 1:6 clinical ratio
- 1,200+ clinical hours
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Job guarantee
- Starting salary up to $60,000
- Prerequisite courses required
- Transfer credits accepted
- Campus-based program
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - nebrwesleyan.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a comprehensive 4-year degree that integrates liberal arts education with extensive clinical training. Students complete over 800 clinical hours across diverse settings, supported by small class sizes and experienced faculty. The curriculum includes dedicated NCLEX-RN exam preparation, though specific pass rate data isn't provided. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and clinical readiness assessments, but does not mandate ACT or SAT scores. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and global health perspectives through hands-on simulation labs and clinical preceptorships.
- 4-year BSN degree
- Over 800 clinical hours
- Small class sizes
- NCLEX-RN prep course
- Competitive admission
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Direct entry options
- Experienced faculty
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on skills lab
Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Community College Area in Lincoln, NE offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing practice. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams and includes both traditional and LPN-to-RN pathways, accommodating diverse educational backgrounds. Accredited by ACEN, it emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and compassionate care for diverse healthcare settings. With a competitive cost of approximately $11,685, it provides a pathway to licensure in compact states. In 2022, the program had an NCLEX pass rate of 83.64% for 55 students, reflecting its solid preparation for nursing licensure.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Offers LPN-to-RN option.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Available in Lincoln, NE.
- Hybrid/In-Person formats.
- Fall/Spring/Summer starts.
- Full-time schedule.
- Estimated cost $11,685.
- Compassionate care focus.
- Critical thinking emphasis.
Union Adventist University
Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - uau.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Founded in 1896, Union Adventist University offers Nebraska's oldest Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes Christian service and Seventh-day Adventist values while preparing diverse students as competent generalists. Students complete over 900 clinical hours at Lincoln's major hospitals through either a four-year freshman track or five-semester transfer option. The program maintains exceptional outcomes with 100% of May 2024 graduates passing the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. Additional pathways include LPN-BSN and RN-BSN completion options, with opportunities for academic distinction through the Sigma Theta Tau Nu Rho chapter.
- Established in 1896.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
- Four-year curriculum for freshmen.
- Five-semester track for transfers.
- Over 900 clinical hours.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- LPN-BSN and RN-BSN options.
- Sigma Theta Tau chapter.
- Christian service values.
- Diverse student backgrounds.
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Lincoln, NE
To start out as an RN, students in Lincoln have the option of entry-level programs including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs are designed for those who don't already hold a nursing license.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed practical nurses are already experienced in providing patients with basic care and assisting them with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. For LPNs who want to expand on these skills and become licensed as RNs, some schools offer LPN to RN bridge programs that provide an accelerated pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Southeast Community College offers an LPN-to-RN bridge program designed to aid Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in transitioning to become Registered Nurses (RNs). This program acknowledges the practical skills of LPNs and provides an accelerated path to RN licensure.
ADN Programs
The ADN program is the basic, entry-level route to becoming an RN. These programs take about 2 years to complete and are regularly offered at community and technical colleges in the city. Nebraska Wesleyan University features an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program aimed at equipping students with fundamental nursing skills and knowledge. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and begin their careers as Registered Nurses (RNs).
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
The 4-year baccalaureate nursing program has become more and more ubiquitous in recent years. With many employers requiring this type of nursing degree, some students choose to earn it from the get-go. Union College provides an Accelerated BSN program catering to individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. This program offers a streamlined route to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and emphasizes comprehensive nursing training, clinical proficiency, and leadership development.
Find out more about Lincoln Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Lincoln, NE
Those RNs who are licensed and have previously earned an ADN or nursing diploma can opt to further their careers with an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. These bridge programs offer the benefits of earning a higher degree in a shortened time span, taking into account the nursing education the RN has already completed.
RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN pathway allows licensed RNs to earn a baccalaureate nursing degree. Many of these programs have the option to be completed online in order to accommodate working RNs. The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers an RN-to-BSN program tailored for working Registered Nurses (RNs). This program recognizes the experience of RNs and aims to enhance their skills while obtaining a BSN degree.
Learn more about Nebraska RN to BSN programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Nurses wanting a more advanced option may decide to pursue an RN to MSN program. These programs allow licensed RNs to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN). Clarkson College features an RN-to-MSN bridge program designed for RNs aspiring to advanced practice roles. This program streamlines the transition from RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), paving the way for specialized positions such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Learn more about Nebraska MSN programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Crete, NE
Doane University
- RN to BSN - Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- Online degree completion program
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Requires active RN license
- Comprehensive leadership curriculum
- Focuses on professional development
- Covers healthcare policy topics
- Interprofessional team skills
- Maximum 72 transfer credits
Lincoln, NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- RN to BSN - Nursing RN-BSN (B.S.N.)
Campus Based - Website
- RN-BSN Degree Completion
- 30 Total Credit Hours
- For Licensed RNs
- GPA Requirement 2.5+
- Prerequisite Course Requirements
- Nursing License Mandatory
- Multiple Nursing Electives
- Leadership Management Course
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Lincoln, NE
For nurses looking to enter advanced practice as nurse practitioners, Lincoln schools have a number of options. From MSN degrees to post-graduate certificates to doctoral nursing programs, RNs have a variety of available pathways depending on their goals.
MSN Programs
The traditional graduate pathway can be found at most universities in the area. In around 2 years of study, students are well-equipped to work in a number of nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. Bryan College of Health Sciences offers an MSN program with specialized tracks, such as Nurse Anesthesia. This program equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills, preparing them for roles as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Learn more about Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates are designed for RNs who have completed a master's program and don't want to complete an additional master's or DNP program to change specialties. These certificates take just 1-2 years to finish. Creighton University offers post-master's nursing certificates for experienced nurses seeking specialization in nursing informatics. These certificates enhance skills in healthcare technology and data management.
Learn more about Nebraska Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP and Ph.D. Programs
The terminal degree options for nurses are the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degrees. While the DNP degree is mainly focused on clinical practice, the Ph.D. degree is geared toward academia and research. The University of Nebraska Medical Center provides a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for nurses aiming to achieve the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership. DNP programs emphasize advanced practice skills and innovative healthcare approaches.
Learn more about Nebraska DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
Bryan College of Health Sciences
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Nurse Educator track available.
- Manageable course load.
- Full-time working nurses supported.
- Three to four synchronous meetings.
- Real-time engagement with faculty.
- Preceptor program for learning.
- Award-winning faculty teach.
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- BSN to MSN - MSN/MBA Joint Degree
Online Learning - Website
- 55 credit hours.
- Online program format.
- Joint MSN/MBA degree.
- For working nurses.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Focus on business operations.
- Saves time and money.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
- Online 40-credit MSN degree
- Specialized Nurse Educator track
- Flexible start dates: August/January
- Accredited by CCNE
- Focus on trans-cultural nursing
- Teaches educational theories
- Develops curriculum skills
- All classes online
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Lincoln, NE
Crete, NE
Doane University
- Bachelor's - Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Requires current RN license
- Focus on leadership and policy
- Liberal arts education foundation
- Prepares for global health challenges
- Innovative problem-solving curriculum
- Professional development emphasis
- Healthcare economics included
Lincoln, NE
Bryan College of Health Sciences
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Degree
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month BSN program
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- 1:6 clinical ratio
- 1,200+ clinical hours
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Job guarantee
- Starting salary up to $60,000
- Prerequisite courses required
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Low 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio
- Over 1,200 clinical hours
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Job guarantee upon acceptance
- No prerequisites required
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Hands-on learning experiences
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-year BSN degree
- Over 800 clinical hours
- Small class sizes
- NCLEX-RN prep course
- Competitive admission
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Direct entry options
- Experienced faculty
Southeast Community College Area
- Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Offers LPN-to-RN option.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Available in Lincoln, NE.
- Hybrid/In-Person formats.
- Fall/Spring/Summer starts.
- Full-time schedule.
- Estimated cost $11,685.
Union Adventist University
- Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Established in 1896.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
- Four-year curriculum for freshmen.
- Five-semester track for transfers.
- Over 900 clinical hours.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- LPN-BSN and RN-BSN options.
- Sigma Theta Tau chapter.
Seward, NE
Concordia University-Nebraska
- Bachelor's - BSN Dual Degree 3+1 Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated dual degree program
- Christian perspective curriculum
- Mentorship from both universities
- Financial aid available
- 149 credit hours
- 100% career outcome rate
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Hybrid program type
