Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Omaha, NE

The place to begin your career in nursing is an entry-level training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX licensing exam and for your first professional nursing job. Students in the Omaha area have the choice of Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, which provide a foundational knowledge of nursing and preparation for entry-level nursing jobs, as well as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that provide a more in-depth nursing education and take around double the time to complete.

ADN Programs

ADN programs generally take around two years to complete, and can be found at community colleges, vocational schools and some colleges and medical centers. Metropolitan Community College, as one example, offers a 108 credit hour ADN program that is designed to be completed in two years. Coursework includes chemistry, anatomy and physiology, family nursing, medical assessment, and therapeutic interventions.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Including more in-depth coursework not typically covered in an ADN program, BSN programs also prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and begin working as an RN. Completion time can vary from school to school depending on whether a student takes a full-time or part-time course load. Nebraska Methodist College offers a traditional four-year on-campus BSN program, as well as an accelerated BSN program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject that can be completed in just 15 months.

Learn more about Nebraska Accelerated BSN Programs

Omaha RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 OmahaNebraska
NCLEX-RN Students Total9921,397
NCLEX-RN Students Passed8641,206
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate87.1%86.3%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Omaha

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Omaha based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Nebraska out of 16 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Clarkson College - #1
  • Creighton University - #5
  • Nebraska Methodist College - #4
SchoolContact Information

Clarkson College

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Nebraska Program: #1 of 16
101 S 42nd St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 552-3100

College of St. Mary

7000 Mercy Rd
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 399-2400

Creighton University

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 280-2700

Metropolitan Community College

5300 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68111
(800) 228-9553

Midland University

900 N Clarkson St
Fremont, NE 68025
(800) 642-8382

Nebraska Methodist College

720 N 87th St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 354-7000

University of Nebraska Medical Center

42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Omaha, NE

Many working nurses in Omaha who hold an RN license and an associate’s degree are considering going back to school to earn their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in order to move into more senior nursing roles and earn a higher salary. For these nurses, an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program is ideal, as it provides an accelerated pathway to a higher degree for professional nurses.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs provide a faster way to earn a bachelor’s degree than a traditional four-year BSN program, as they take into account previous ADN coursework. Oftentimes, RN to BSN programs can be taken online for maximum convenience, which is especially important for nurses who wish to continue working while they take classes. The RN to BSN program at Bellevue University is fully online, with the hands-on practicum component completed in the healthcare organization of the student’s choosing.

Learn more about Nebraska RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Another option for nurses who hold the RN license and an associate’s degree is the RN to MSN program, which is somewhat less common than the RN to BSN program, and prepares students for advanced practice nursing careers as well as leadership positions. The RN to MSN Nurse Educator program at Nebraska Methodist College is an online program that prepares nurses for teaching positions and can be completed in just 30 months of study.

Learn more about Nebraska RN to MSN Programs

Jump to City:

Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • $449 Per Credit Hour
    • CCNE Accredited Degree
    • No Entrance Exam Required
    • 32 Total Credit Hours
    • Designed for Working Nurses
    • Practicum Experience Included
    • Leadership Skills Development

Omaha, NE

Clarkson College

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online theory coursework
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Flexible part/full-time options
    • Degree attainable in under a year
    • $335 per credit hour
    • Median salary $86,070 annually
    • Portfolio credit options available
    • Rolling admissions each semester

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • Complete in 12 months
    • CCNE accredited
    • No prerequisite courses
    • Most courses 5 weeks long
    • Flexible full/part-time study
    • $350 per credit hour
    • Transfer credits evaluated
  • Master's - RN to MSN Nurse Educator

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online CCNE-accredited program
    • 36-month completion time
    • No GRE required
    • Prepares for NLN exam
    • Flexible for working nurses
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Current RN licensure needed
    • 54 undergraduate credit hours prerequisite
  • Master's - RN to MSN Online Degree Program (Nursing Informatics)

    Concentration: Health/Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Website

    • 33-month program
    • CCNE-accredited
    • No GRE required
    • Online flexibility
    • 200 clinical hours
    • Eligible for certification
    • Focus on health informatics
    • Advanced health assessment
  • Master's - RN to MSN

    Concentration: Care Coordinator - Online Learning - Website

    • 36-month online program
    • Focus on care coordination
    • Requires current RN licensure
    • 3.0 GPA for admission
    • 54 undergraduate credits required
    • $320-$588 per credit hour
    • Financial aid available
    • Practicum for real-world experience

University of Nebraska Medical Center

  • Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader

    Campus Based - Website

    • Generalist focus for nurses.
    • Improves patient care quality.
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis.
    • Interdisciplinary care coordination.
    • Certification opportunities post-graduation.
    • Diverse career settings available.
    • Not for nurse practitioner preparation.
    • Master’s Degree program.
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Omaha, NE

Nurses who want to pursue leadership positions and advanced practice nursing roles, including nurse practitioner jobs, will likely need to earn an advanced practice degree. Options for these degrees include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs and doctorate programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.

MSN Programs

Many MSN programs allow students to focus their studies in a particular advanced practice specialty, and prepare students for leadership roles in nursing. Clarkson College offers an online MSN program that allows students to choose from four specialty areas: Nursing Healthcare Administration, Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Learn more about Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs allow nurses with their MSN to learn a new advanced practice nursing specialty or expand their areas of expertise. For example, Creighton University offers an 18-credit hour Clinical Nurse Leader certificate that requires 600 hours of supervised clinical hours and is completed over two years of study.

Learn more about Nebraska Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctorate-level programs, including DNP and Ph.D. programs, are the highest level study for nurses. DNP programs, such as the one at Creighton University, prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical practice. Ph.D. programs, like the one offered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, prepare nurses for careers in research and academia.

Learn more about Nebraska DNP Programs

Jump to City:

Omaha, NE

Clarkson College

  • Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Theory Coursework
    • 30 Total Semester Hours
    • Ranked Top 100 Online Graduate Nursing
    • Median Salary $113,300
    • Advanced Clinical Training
    • One On-Campus Clinical Weekend
    • Flexible Course Scheduling
    • National Certification Preparation
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online Master of Science in Nursing
    • 30 total semester hours
    • Comprehensive primary care focus
    • One on-campus weekend required
    • Clinical courses with sequential progression
    • Advanced Physical Assessment course
    • Pharmacology for Practitioners
    • Primary Care of Children/Adolescents
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program.
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health concentration.
    • 32 semester hours required.
    • On-campus weekend for clinicals.
    • Prepares for advanced practice roles.
    • Focus on evidence-based treatment.
    • Courses in advanced physical assessment.
    • Psychiatric-mental health concepts covered.
  • Master's - Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online theory coursework
    • Multiple nursing specialties available
    • Ranked top online nursing program
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Clinical sites near hometown
    • Cost per credit: $740
    • Full-time: 7-9 semesters
    • Part-time: 12-14+ semesters
  • Master's - Nursing Healthcare Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online master's degree program
    • 100% theory coursework online
    • Ranked top online nursing program
    • 7-9 semesters full-time
    • Cost: $740 per credit hour
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Valid RN license needed
    • Multiple specialization options
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 33 semester hours total
    • Hybrid online/on-campus program
    • Advanced acute care focus
    • Specialized clinical courses
    • Requires on-campus clinical weekend
    • Prepares for certification exam
    • Progression through clinical courses
    • Multiple advanced practice modules
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Healthcare Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online advanced nursing certificate
    • Five specialized nursing tracks
    • Flexible part-time/full-time options
    • $740 per credit hour
    • Local clinical requirement completion
    • Program length 23-35 semester hours
    • Designed for graduate degree nurses
    • Minimal on-campus visits required
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online graduate nursing program
    • $740 per credit hour
    • 5 specialized certificate tracks
    • 23-35 semester hours
    • Flexible clinical placement options
    • Designed for working nurses
    • Advanced practice preparation
    • On-campus weekend requirements
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Fully online DNP program
    • 39 total semester hours
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Acute care specialization
    • On-campus clinical weekend required
    • Prepares for certification exam
    • Specialized acute care courses
    • Leadership and policy training
  • Doctorate - Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid DNP program format
    • Two specialty track options
    • Maximum 7-year completion
    • Minimum 67 credit hours
    • 3.0 CGPA requirement
    • Scholarly project component
    • Interprofessional education modules
    • Advanced clinical leadership focus
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program delivery format
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Patient-centered care approach
    • Comprehensive adult-gerontology specialization
    • Evidence-based practice integration
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
    • Advanced clinical preparation
    • Evidence-based practice focus
    • Leadership development
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time, 9-semester program
    • Only Nurse Anesthesia program in Omaha
    • Limited to 22 students per class
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Cost: $1,100 per credit hour
    • Urban and rural clinical rotations
    • Core faculty are experienced CRNAs
    • Prepares for National Certification Exam

Creighton University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Administration and Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Flexible online program format
    • Hybrid learning experience
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Active RN license needed
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Part-time and full-time options
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • Part-time or full-time options
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Nurse Faculty Loan Program
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Potential loan forgiveness
    • Credits apply to EdD program
    • Start dates: August, January
  • Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 19-credit post-graduate certificate
    • Advanced acute care nursing focus
    • Multiple clinical practicum courses
    • Gerontological population specialty
    • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Graduate Certificate - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 16 credits required.
    • Blends online and campus courses.
    • Focus on pediatric acute care.
    • Admission requires graduate nursing degree.
    • Flexible based on previous coursework.
    • Specializes in urgent care settings.
    • Includes care for critically ill children.
    • Offers practicum in pediatric acute care.
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online Post-Graduate Certificate
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Active RN license needed
    • Specialization in Nursing Education
    • Potential loan forgiveness available
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Requires Master's in Nursing
    • Multiple certification pathways
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-graduate nursing certificate
    • 6 specialized nursing tracks
    • National certification eligibility
    • Requires 3.0 MSN GPA
    • Professional nursing experience required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Advanced practice nursing focus
    • Minimum 2,000 clinical hours
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-graduate nursing certificate
    • Six specialized nursing tracks
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Professional work experience needed
    • National certification eligibility
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Flexible part-time enrollment
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online DNP program
    • Jesuit values-based curriculum
    • Manages acute care patients
    • Nationally recognized program
    • Flexible part-time options
    • Minimum 2,000 hours nursing experience
    • Occasional campus visits required
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online flexible program format
    • Multiple specialization tracks
    • Jesuit values-based education
    • Personalized faculty support
    • Campus intensives required
    • 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
    • Professional nursing experience needed
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online flexible DNP program
    • Jesuit values-based education
    • Acute care nurse practitioner focus
    • Minimum 2,000 hrs experience required
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Nationwide certification eligibility
    • Campus visits required
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nursing Administration & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 38-40 total credit program
    • Hybrid program format
    • Executive leadership focus
    • Scholarly project required
    • Healthcare policy coursework
    • Advanced nursing administration training
    • Practicum and residency components
    • Interdisciplinary course options
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online flexible program format
    • Specialized Psychiatric Mental Health track
    • Jesuit values-centered education
    • Minimum 2,000 hours psychiatric nursing experience required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • National certification eligibility
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Advanced leadership training
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 73-credit DNP program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Comprehensive psychiatric specialty
    • Advanced clinical practicums
    • Evidence-based curriculum
    • Policy and leadership focus
    • Lifespan mental health training
  • Doctorate - Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 70-credit hybrid DNP program
    • Dual track pediatric specialization
    • Advanced pediatric healthcare focus
    • Comprehensive clinical practicums
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Healthcare policy integration
    • Well child and acute care training
    • Advanced pathophysiology courses

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

  • Master's - MSN, Care Coordinator

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSN program format
    • No GRE admission requirement
    • 24-month completion time
    • $588 per credit hour
    • Bachelor's in Nursing required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Flexible online course access
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
  • Master's - MSN, Nurse Executive

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online CCNE-accredited program
    • 24-month completion time
    • No GRE required
    • $588 per credit hour
    • Flexible online learning
    • Prepares for executive certification
    • Leadership and management focus
    • Courses 5-10 weeks long
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Informatics - Online Learning - Website

    • Online CCNE-accredited program
    • 24-month program completion
    • No GRE required
    • Median salary $100,000
    • 200 clinical hours included
    • Informatics certification eligible
    • Flexible online coursework
    • HIMSS membership provided
  • Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Post Master's Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online post-master's certificate
    • 17 total credit hours
    • 12-16 months completion time
    • Median salary $100,000
    • 200 clinical hours included
    • Certification eligible program
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Cost per credit: $429
  • Graduate Certificate - Post Master’s Care Coordinator Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online 12-16 month program
    • 14 total credit hours
    • $429 per credit hour
    • Requires Master's in Nursing
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • Practicum experience included
    • CCCTM certification eligible
    • Flexible course scheduling
  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 75 total credit hours
    • 57 online, 18 clinical credits
    • 1,080 clinical practice hours
    • No GRE required
    • Hybrid program format
    • Full Practice Authority eligible
    • Cost per credit: $850
    • 3-5 year completion time
  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • 75 total credit hours
    • 1,080 clinical hours
    • No GRE required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Full-time completion in 36 months
    • Part-time option available
    • Cost per credit: $850

University of Nebraska Medical Center

  • Master's - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • Focuses on acute, complex health issues
    • Covers adolescent to elderly patients
    • Hospital and clinic practice settings
    • Advanced diagnostic interventions
    • Multiple study plan options
    • Specialized career opportunities
    • Graduate-level nursing education
  • Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader

    Campus Based - Website

    • Interdisciplinary care coordination focus
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Diverse healthcare practice settings
    • Generalist nursing specialty
    • Certification opportunities available
    • Not a nurse practitioner program
    • 3 and 4-year study plans
    • Graduate-level professional program
  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • Primary care focus all ages
    • Advanced health assessment skills
    • Multiple study plan options
    • Career opportunities diverse settings
    • Health promotion expertise
    • Disease prevention knowledge
    • Not acute hospital practice
    • Graduate program at UNMC
  • Master's - MSN – Nurse Leader/Executive

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 500 hours clinical experience
    • Strategic leadership focus
    • Diverse career opportunities
    • Advanced healthcare management skills
    • Evidence-based specialty practices
  • Master's - MSN-Leadership and MBA Dual

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Dual-degree graduate program
    • Collaborative UNMC and UNO program
    • Healthcare leadership focus
    • Flexible career advancement
    • Complex clinical environment preparation
  • Master's - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • Serves life span population
    • Diverse mental health diagnoses
    • Comprehensive practice scope
    • Multiple career settings
    • Interprofessional collaboration focus
  • Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • Comprehensive women's health focus
    • Holistic, person-centered care approach
    • Independent practice preparation
    • Diverse career opportunities
    • Care across entire lifespan
    • Inclusive gender health practice
    • Multiple clinical settings
    • Advanced assessment skills

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Master's - MBA/MSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Dual MBA and Nursing degree
    • Hybrid program format
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 22 MBA core credit hours
    • Project-focused capstone course
    • Leadership seminar requirement
    • Health systems innovation focus
    • Two program admission attempts
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2023 release.