The state of Nebraska is providing more patient care with better patient outcomes by empowering up-and-coming students to pursue a degree in the field of registered nursing. With so many different types of nursing jobs, it's no wonder that earning a nursing degree in the state has become such a popular choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported the mean annual salary of a registered nurse in Nebraska at $58,970, making it a truly positive career goal.

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Cities in Nebraska

Best RN Programs in Nebraska

Selecting the best nursing school in Nebraska can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 5 nursing schools in Nebraska by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 16 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

101 S 42nd St, Omaha, NE 68131

Score: 96.21

Clarkson College in Omaha is home to an exceptional BSN program for aspiring RNs. With class sizes kept to a minimum and the guidance of experienced instructors, students are given a solid foundation for nursing excellence. Hands-on experience via the on-campus skills lab and simulation lab, as well as area medical facilities, begin in the first year of the program.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (402) 552-3100
2.

1535 S 52nd St, Lincoln, NE 68506

Score: 95.09

Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln is home to an acclaimed nursing department. With a traditional BSN program as well as an RN to BSN bridge option, students receive the advanced training experiences they need to succeed in the field. The low 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio makes individual attention a priority. Students can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art skills lab and simulation center for hands-on learning.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (402) 481-3801
3.

3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

Score: 92.96

Lincoln's Union College offers students numerous routes to an RN degree, admitting students to their traditional 4-year BSN option each semester. Enrolled students enjoy small class sizes, community engagement, and the benefits of a partnership with Kettering Health Network. Union College also offers students a chance to practice as part of an annual international service trip to a developing nation.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (402) 486-2600
4.

720 N 87th St, Omaha, NE 68114

Score: 92.26

Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha is renowned for the character and professionalism of their nursing graduates. They offer an excellent 4-year BSN program that consists of 3 semesters of general ed courses and 5 semesters of nursing courses and clinicals. NMC also boasts a 98.6% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for their BSN program grads.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (402) 354-7000
5.

2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68102

Score: 91.96

Creighton University of Omaha has been preparing nursing students for over 60 years. The school's BSN program gives students a foundation in critical thinking, clinical decision-making, nursing theory, clinical skills, and much more. Students can choose between the traditional BSN pathway, or the one-year accelerated BSN for those who already hold non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (402) 280-2700

ADN Programs in Nebraska

Those wanting a short educational experience might find themselves drawn to an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN). This program is a quick 2 years in length, making it ideal for those who want to start working as an RN without delay. ADN programs are commonly offered at smaller schools, such as junior and/or technical colleges, so it's easy to find a program no matter where you are located in the state.

Nebraska is home to roughly 7 schools that offer accredited ADN programs.

What to Look For in an ADN Program in Nebraska

Finding a good ADN program can be daunting. To ensure that you are making a wise decision, it's recommended to do a little research on ADN programs in your area. Be sure to look for things like:

Accreditation

Industry associations dedicated to nursing education lend accreditation to worthy nursing programs. When comparing ADN programs, look for accreditation from organizations such as the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and/or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It's also important that your school and program of choice has local approval from the Nebraska State Board of Nursing.

Licensing

The process to receive your RN license doesn't end with your ADN degree. Once you finish your program, you'll need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nursing. To ensure that your ADN program will fully prepare you for this test, you should spend some time reviewing the school's curriculum, faculty, and NCLEX pass rates. In 2015, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing published a report stating that 1,250 people in Nebraska took the NCLEX-RN exam for the first time and that 86.8% of those who took the test received a license.

Program Outcomes

Pay close attention to program outcomes, as they can be a good indicator of a quality program. Many schools will provide statistics from past program graduates on the following:

  • Graduation rates
  • NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Graduate satisfaction
  • Employment rates

Southeast Community College in Lincoln, NE, is one example of a school in the state that offers an approved and accredited ADN program.

ADN Program Admission Requirements in Nebraska

Making sure you understand and meet the criteria for your program's admission is extremely important. Requirements tend to vary, but in general, you can expect the following:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 in science prerequisites and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in general education
  • Submit all official transcripts
  • Personal statement and 2 personal references
  • Completion of the ATI Test of Academic Skills (TEAS) exam

Tuition and Costs of ADN Programs in Nebraska

ADN programs tend to be affordable due to their short length and availability at community colleges. It's important to remember that aside from tuition, you'll also need to cover mandatory fees such as books, uniforms, test fees, and more. These additional fees can fluctuate depending on what school you choose, so it's a good idea to break down the costs and fees of each program you consider.

For example, the estimated tuition and fees for the ADN program at Nebraska’s Central Community College are between $7,040 and $7,150 for in-state students. This does not include other mandatory expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, and more.

Advantages of ADN Programs

ADN programs are perfect for those who don't want to spend a lot of time finishing their schooling before they are able to enter the nursing workforce. The 2-year ADN program is quick and efficient and even tends to be more affordable compared to longer nursing programs. Because they are so widely available, they are also accessible in more areas of the state than other programs as well, making them ideal for those in less urban settings.

LPN to RN Programs in Nebraska

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Nebraska looking to break into registered nursing, there are specialized LPN to RN program pathways. These programs are often quicker and less expensive than traditional RN programs because they allow LPNs to come into the program with some credits from their prior education and experience.

LPN to ADN/BSN Programs

LPNs have two options for completing an RN degree: the LPN to ADN pathway is shorter and culminates in an associate’s degree in nursing, while the LPN to BSN program results in a more versatile bachelor’s degree in nursing. Western Nebraska Community College offers a competitive LPN to ADN program route, where LPNs who have completed their general education prerequisites are allowed to enter into the second year of this 2-year ADN pathway. For nurses who want to advance a bit further, Fremont’s Midland University offers an LPN to BSN program in which applicants meet with a program advisor to plan their program of study.

BSN Programs in Nebraska

For those wanting a more advanced nursing education and to have a little more time to spend attaining it, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an excellent choice. This is a traditional 4-year nursing program widely available at larger universities throughout the state. In addition to the traditional option, some schools offer accelerated programs and RN to BSN programs, making it a very versatile nursing degree.

Approximately 10 schools in the Nebraska area offer appropriately accredited BSN programs for your consideration.

What To Look For in a BSN Program in Nebraska

There's so much to consider when comparing schools with BSN programs. You'll need to factor in things like location, cost, accreditation, program outcomes, and much more. You may want to consider looking for a school with an accelerated BSN program if you already hold a bachelor's degree or higher in another subject. Additionally, if you are already an RN looking to advance with a BSN, you'll want to find an RN to BSN program.

Clarkson College in Omaha is an excellent example of a school in the state that offers a fully accredited BSN program.

BSN Program Length in Nebraska

Those going for a traditional, pre-licensure BSN can expect it to take 4 years from start to finish. Students in this type of BSN will take a mix of general education and specific nursing courses. Accelerated BSN programs can take roughly 15 months to complete, but remember that this program is meant for those who hold a bachelor's degree in another subject. For working RNs, the RN to BSN program generally lasts 1-2 years, depending on the prior coursework taken.

BSN Program Admission Requirements in Nebraska

Admission requirements can differ from school to school and for each different type of BSN program. Here are a few examples of common requirements:

  • Official high school transcript or GED, as well as any prior college transcripts
  • Official standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
  • Personal essay

Tuition and Costs of BSN Programs in Nebraska

BSN program costs have a lot of moving parts and can be challenging to understand. In general, you will need to cover the cost of tuition as well as any mandatory college fees, as well as indirect expenses. These include things like a textbook, lab fees, and other miscellaneous costs.

As an example of cost, the tuition for the BSN program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is estimated at around $378 per credit hour for Nebraska residents and $1,017 per credit hour for out-of-state residents.

Advantages of BSN Programs

BSN degrees are ideal for those who have their hearts set on attending a 4-year university and who want the option of advancing both in title and salary in their nursing careers. Many nursing positions, and especially management positions, require at least a BSN. They are also versatile degrees, as modified versions for current RNs and those switching to nursing as a second career are also available.

MSN Programs in Nebraska

For those wanting to elevate their nursing careers to a heightened level, a Master's of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) is an appropriate option. This advanced program is for current RNs who are interested in pursuing careers such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and other specialties. Nurses who hold an MSN stand to make much higher annual salaries as well.

A handful of schools in the state offer accredited MSN programs for registered nurses wanting to advance their careers.

MSN Program Length in Nebraska

You can expect a typical MSN program to last approximately 2-3 years. This fluctuates slightly due to the school and program chosen, as well as the coursework taken. Many schools offer flexible schedules to accommodate busy working nurses. Additionally, some MSN program specialties require more coursework than others.

MSN Admission Requirements in Nebraska

As many MSN programs have limited enrollment and can be competitive, you'll want to ensure you meet the criteria before applying. Here is a sample of some of the requirements that MSN programs in Nebraska have listed:

  • GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Graduation from an accredited nursing program
  • Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the state
  • Written statement

Tuition and Costs of MSN Programs in Nebraska

While some MSN programs can be costly, there are often numerous financial aid options as well as scholarships available. Remember that you'll need to factor in tuition and extra mandatory fees like textbooks and uniforms. Planning ahead is the key to staying on top of your program's expenses. To provide an example of cost, the tuition for the MSN Nurse Educator program at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha is approximately $565 per credit hour.

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Getting a Nebraska Nursing License

Nebraska Board of Nursing regulations for licensure in nursing by examination or by endorsement must meet this criteria:

By examination the candidate must complete the appropriate application, pay the subsequent fees and attach the following information for consideration:

  • Be of good moral character
  • Graduated from a state approved nursing program
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status
  • Passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam

By endorsement the candidate must complete the corresponding application, submit the appropriate fees, as well as attach this supporting documentation:

  • Be of good moral character
  • Proof of degree from the nursing program
  • Proof of citizenship/age
  • Proof of current/active license
  • Passing score on the NCLEX or State Board Test Pool Exam (STBPE)

Learn about NE RN license information at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Nebraska

Full-time, on-campus studies with clinical hours in the mix can make for an intense 12 to 18-month adventure, but when you graduate you will have completed an accelerated BSN degree at one of the several college programs offered within Nebraska. Intensifying your studies now can make your career aspirations come true at a faster rate. Accelerated courses have requirements that must be completed before entrance into the degree program, checking each college for these requirements, as each program varies. Costs for taking these programs are not set across the board and do vary depending on a few different factors.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Nebraska

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
6.
Norfolk, NE 68701 | Phone: (402) 371-2020
Programs: Associate in Nursing
89.82
7.
Omaha, NE 68198 | Phone: (402) 559-4000
Programs: BSN
89.59
8.
Omaha, NE 68111 | Phone: (800) 228-9553
Programs: Associate in Nursing
84.73
9.
Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | Phone: (308) 635-3606
Programs: Associate in Nursing
84.42
10.
Grand Island, NE 68802 | Phone: (308) 398-4222
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.40
11.
Lincoln, NE 68520 | Phone: (402) 761-2131
Programs: Associate in Nursing
82.86
12.
Omaha, NE 68106 | Phone: (402) 399-2400
Programs: Associate in Nursing
82.15
13.
Fremont, NE 68025 | Phone: (800) 642-8382
Programs: BSN
79.77
14.
Lincoln, NE 68504 | Phone: (402) 466-2371
Programs: BSN
78.67
15.
Lincoln, NE 68508 | Phone: (402) 474-5315
Programs: Associate in Nursing
77.65
16.
North Platte, NE 69101 | Phone: (308) 535-3701
Programs: Associate in Nursing
69.06

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