The Top Nursing Schools in Nebraska

The Top Nursing Schools in Nebraska

Nebraska is actively seeking qualified nurses and is willing to offer competitive compensation to frontline healthcare workers. Discover the requirements for licensure in Nebraska and the potential earnings in this state. If you aspire to serve as a nurse on the front lines, Nebraska presents opportunities to fill positions left vacant by healthcare professionals exhausted from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislation is under consideration that could result in bonuses of up to $5,000 for nurses in high-need areas. This comprehensive guide delves into nursing salaries, top-ranked nursing programs, and the pathway to becoming a nurse in Nebraska.

The Best Nursing Schools in Nebraska

Not all nursing schools yield the same outcomes for students. The featured nursing schools excel in preparing students to successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), pursue graduate studies, and secure fulfilling nursing positions.

Our Methodology: Our ranking of the best nursing schools in Nebraska employs a data-driven approach, simplifying the process for you to identify a program aligned with your goals. We base our methodology on key metrics that we believe are crucial for students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. Utilizing publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) informs the data for these schools. All data is current as of the publication date of this article. Note that program-specific information may vary.

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#1 Nebraska Wesleyan University

Location: Lincoln, NE
Duration: 4 years
Campus

Established in 1887, this Methodist-affiliated university caters to over 2,100 students. Nebraska Wesleyan University offers a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and an accelerated BSN option tailored for working nurses with a valid RN license. The 30-credit RN-to-BSN program includes online, hybrid, and in-person classes, meeting once a week in eight-week sessions.

– Program: RN-to-BSN
– Campus: Lincoln, NE
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $445 per credit
– Admission Requirements: Associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; current Nebraska, Iowa, or Compact State RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 61.9% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,395 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#2 Creighton University

Location: Omaha, NE
Duration: 4 years
Online + Campus

As one of 28 Catholic and Jesuit-sponsored higher education institutions in the country, Creighton University offers over 140 academic programs across nine schools and colleges. Creighton distinguishes itself with a flexible online Doctor of Nursing Practice, available in full- and part-time options, featuring limited on-site requirements.

– Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice
– Campus: Omaha, NE
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $955 per credit hour
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA; valid RN license; three letters of recommendation; resume; personal statement
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.8% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,626 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#3 College of Saint Mary

Location: Omaha, NE
Duration: 4 years
Online + Campus

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the College of Saint Mary is a Catholic women’s university enrolling over 1,000 students in more than 30 academic programs. The Practical Nursing Certificate program provides a fast-track route to a nursing career, consisting of 42 credits that can be completed in one year. Additionally, CSM offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

– Program: Practical Nursing Certificate Program
– Campus: Omaha, NE
– Type: Private
– Accreditations: Nebraska State Board of Nursing; Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $337 per credit
– Admission Requirements: High school graduate or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 2.0 GPA; valid CNA license and completion of CPR course
– Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.1% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $63,692 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#4 Northeast Community College

Location: Norfolk, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

Established 47 years ago to serve residents of northeast and north-central Nebraska, Northeast Community College has become a top-ranked rural community college. The 72-credit Associate in Nursing degree, completed over two years, prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Successful completion of the first two semesters also earns a diploma in practical nursing, allowing students to opt for the NCLEX-PN for licensure.

– Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
– Campus: Norfolk, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $108 per credit for Nebraska residents; $151 for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; completion of nursing application and entrance exams; minimum 2.7 GPA in prerequisite courses; completion of a nurse’s aide course and inclusion in the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,524 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

Explore these premier nursing programs in Nebraska to embark on a fulfilling and impactful nursing career.

#5 Bryan College of Health Sciences

Location: Lincoln, NE
Duration: 4 years
Online + Campus

In collaboration with the Bryan Medical Center, Bryan College confers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and certificates. As a Methodist-affiliated institution, this college stands out by offering the only nursing program in Nebraska that guarantees employment upon acceptance. Students receive a job offer during their junior year at a Bryan Health facility and a $5,250 scholarship for their senior year, contingent on a one-year work commitment.

– Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Lincoln, NE
– Type: Private
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $597 per credit
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 2.75 GPA
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.9% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,626 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#6 Mid-Plains Community College

Location: North Platte, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) caters to residents in an 18-county service area in west-central Nebraska, providing over 50 academic programs, including an associate degree in nursing. The 66-credit nursing curriculum includes a concept synthesis course preparing students for the NCLEX-RN and the HESI comprehensive exam.

– Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
– Campus: North Platte, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $112 per credit for Nebraska residents; $130 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; completion of general education requirements; ACT or Accuplacer scores; two letters of references; active status on the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,482 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

#7 Central Community College

Location: Grand Island, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

Central Community College (CCC), one of six regional community colleges in the state, focuses on providing 37 career and technical programs, primarily for residents of central Nebraska. The associate degree in nursing at CCC awards a practical nurse diploma after successfully completing the first two semesters. Continuing through the remaining two semesters leads to an associate degree and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

– Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
– Campus: Grand Island, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $92 per credit for Nebraska residents; $138 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 58.7% ATI TEAS score; active status on the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry; CPR certification
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,574 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

#8 Metropolitan Community College Area

Location: Omaha, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

Established in 1974, Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers a diverse range of over 100 one- and two-year career programs, including nursing and allied health degrees. The Associate of Science in Nursing requires 103.5 quarter credits. Students completing the practical nurse curriculum in the first year can conclude their associate degree in the second year and sit for the NCLEX-RN.

– Program: Associate of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Omaha, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $68 per credit for Nebraska residents; $102 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; completion of MCC general education requirements
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.8% first-time pass rate
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,087 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#9 Southeast Community College Area

Location: Lincoln, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

This two-year college, operating three campuses in Lincoln, Beatrice, and Milford, along with several learning centers throughout southeast Nebraska, offers a 65-credit Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN, while licensed practical nurses (LPN) can enroll in the LPN-to-RN option, earning their associate degree in approximately one year.

– Program: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
– Campus: Lincoln, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $102 per credit for Nebraska residents; $123 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; completion of SCC general education requirements with a minimum 2.75 GPA; HESI assessment
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $56,333 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard

#10 Western Nebraska Community College

Location: Scottsbluff, NE
Duration: 2 years
Online + Campus

Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) provides over 70 degree and certificate programs across three campus locations in Scottsbluff, Sydney, and Alliance. The 72-credit Associate of Nursing program, one of the college’s most sought-after majors, combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical rotations, offering clinical experiences in daytime, evening, and some weekend placements.

– Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
– Campus: Scottsbluff, NE
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $107 per credit for Nebraska residents; $111 per credit for out-of-state residents
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; completion of WNCC general education requirements; minimum 3.0 GPA; ATI-TEAS test scores; active status on the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry
– Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,775 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard

How to Select a Nursing Program in Nebraska

In Nebraska, as in the rest of the country, educational expenses differ among institutions, with private colleges typically being more expensive than public ones. Public colleges in Nebraska may opt to join the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, offering affordable tuition to students residing in participating states, including Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Nursing schools in Nebraska exhibit varying NCLEX pass rates, reflecting how well a program prepares students for their nursing careers. Acceptance rates and accreditation are also crucial indicators of the quality of nursing schools in Nebraska, as employers and graduate schools often prefer graduates from accredited programs.

Additional factors to weigh include convenience and flexibility. Many nursing schools in Nebraska provide online, part-time, and weekend courses, accommodating the schedules of working nurses. Prospective nursing students should also evaluate the curriculum and available career services, considering factors such as nursing specialties, partnerships with healthcare facilities for clinical experiences, and job placement support. Assessing these aspects can aid nursing students in choosing a school aligned with their career goals.

Why Pursue a Nursing Career in Nebraska

Nebraska presents unique opportunities for nursing students and professionals not found in other states. For instance, nursing schools in Nebraska offer lower-than-national-average tuition rates. While the average annual cost for national in-state students at four-year colleges is $10,560, nursing students in Nebraska pay less than $10,000 per year for in-state tuition.

Federal funding for nurses in Nebraska has seen an increase since 2016, with the state receiving over $3 million for Title VIII nursing workforce development programs and $879,695 for the National Institute of Nursing Research. Moreover, high job satisfaction rates are reported, with 59.5% of registered nurses (RNs) and 57.7% of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) expressing “very satisfied” sentiments with their jobs in 2021.

Nebraska faces a shortage of nurses, particularly in rural areas where some counties lack registered nurses (RNs). In 2020, the state encountered a deficit of 4,191 RNs, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and LPNs.

As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, Nebraska allows nurses from other participating states to work without obtaining an additional license. Additionally, as a right-to-work state, Nebraska nurses are not obligated to join or pay union dues, making collective bargaining and union organization challenging.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nebraska

Nebraska employs approximately 24,060 registered nurses (RNs), 1,500 nurse practitioners (NPs), 5,530 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 13,390 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). While Nebraska RNs earn an average annual salary of $69,480—below the national average of $80,010—they benefit from a lower cost-of-living index at 93.6 compared to the national average of 100.

The job growth outlook is positive, with an anticipated 11.1% increase for RNs from 2018-2028. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are expected to experience a growth rate of 19.7%, LPNs 11.9%, and CNAs 6.8%.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Nebraska

While rural areas in Nebraska may have the highest demand for nurses, cities offer the highest salaries. In particular, nurses in Omaha—Council Bluffs and Lincoln earn the most substantial salaries in the state.

Highest-Paying Cities

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Omaha — Council Bluffs	$70,510
Lincoln	$68,280
Sioux City	$60,160

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Nebraska

Becoming a nurse in Nebraska involves specific steps, with requirements varying for registered nurses (RNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

RN Requirements

To obtain licensure as an RN in Nebraska, individuals must complete a state-approved education program, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Graduates from accredited nursing programs are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN, a computerized assessment that must be taken no earlier than 35 days after graduation.

Nursing students can apply for licensure through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) up to 90 days before graduating, provided they have registered for the NCLEX. The RN licensing requirements include an application fee, evidence of citizenship, a photo, a criminal background check, and transcripts. The RN license costs $30-$123, depending on whether the license expires on an odd- or even-numbered year. Additionally, a criminal background check requires a $45 fee and the submission of fingerprints.

APRN Requirements

Becoming an APRN in Nebraska necessitates a master’s in nursing degree or a doctor of nursing practice degree. APRNs must hold an RN license and an advanced degree in a specialty area such as certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or nurse practitioner.

Each APRN specialty requires a different application submitted to the DHHS. Candidates must provide proof of citizenship or a legal green card and pay a fee ranging from $25-$68. Admission requirements also encompass a criminal background check, transcripts, an ID, RN license, and evidence of passing a national certification exam.

Other Top Nursing Programs in Nebraska

For individuals seeking additional information on nursing programs in Nebraska, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs and online requirements, as well as the best medical assistant programs and training options, further exploration of these programs is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Nebraska

For those with inquiries about nursing in Nebraska, common questions are addressed below:

1. I took my exam. When will I be licensed in Nebraska?

Applicants must complete the appropriate nursing form, with RNs, APRNs, and LPNs having distinct licensing processes and application forms from the DHHS. The licensure unit of the DHHS processes nursing licenses in the order received, and applicants typically wait approximately 8-10 weeks, inclusive of criminal background check processing time.

2. How will I know if I’ve been licensed in Nebraska?

The License Lookup feature on the DHHS website displays all active nursing licenses. Once the Nebraska DHHS publishes a license on its website, nurses receive their licensing paperwork and physical license by mail. Any incomplete application is returned by mail.

3. How much does nursing school cost in Nebraska?

– Tuition varies by school, with two-year colleges often charging less than four-year institutions. For example, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture charges around $5,347 per year, while the University of Nebraska in Lincoln costs $9,366 per year.

4. What are peer-reviewed courses?

Peer-reviewed courses educate nurses on becoming peer reviewers for medical research. Students learn to assess reports, identify conflicts of interest or fraud, and understand research ethics and various types of plagiarism.