How Do We Rank the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska?

Choosing a nursing program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. By encompassing a broad spectrum of factors such as tuition costs, student/faculty ratio, programs offered, NCLEX passing rates, 3rd party rankings and accreditation, you can refine your starting point about what program best suits your career aspirations.

This is our comprehensive evaluation approach, which empowers you to make a strategic decision for the nursing program you decide to attend. First, we assemble a list of all accredited nursing schools offering MBA programs in Nebraska, and then rank them based on our methodology and the following factors:

  • Program quality and desirability: tuition costs, student/faculty ratio, programs offered, NCLEX passing rates, 3rd party rankings and accreditation CCNE or ACEN accreditation: 50%
  • RNCaree.org’s editorial ranking of the nursing school’s reputation: 10%
  • The affordability of the programs offered by the nursing school: 20%
  • The NCLEX passing rate as it reflects on the overall program quality: 20%

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska

#1 in Nebraska

Nebraska Methodist College

Department of Nursing

  • Pin1
    720 North 87th Street, Omaha, NE - 68114-2852
  • Tel1
    (402) 354-7000
  • Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
Person
Nurse Admin: Sheila E. Garland, EdD, RN, MS
Title: Interim Dean

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 70
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,124
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: 92%
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 63%
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: N/A

Highlights for NP Students

  • Esteemed Reputation: Nebraska Methodist College, established in 1891, has a proven track record of excellence in nursing and healthcare education.
  • Holistic Approach: NMC combines a culture of caring with a solid grounding in the art and science of healthcare, ensuring students are both compassionate and competent.
  • Optimal Learning Environment: Enjoy a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individualized attention and guidance.
  • Award-Winning Institution: The university is recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education, the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Apple, and the AAMN for various achievements and contributions.
  • Accreditation and Approval: The university and its programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Nebraska Board of Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • Financial Aid Opportunities: Over $19 million in financial aid is provided annually, with 75% of students receiving some form of aid.

About Nebraska Methodist College's Nursing School

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) in Omaha, Nebraska is a private, not-for-profit institution dedicated to nursing and healthcare. Since 1891, this close-knit educational institution has been providing premier education. With a student body exceeding 1,100, NMC strikes a harmonious balance: it's personal enough to truly care about every individual, yet expansive in its range of healthcare programs. NMC's nursing school provides service-learning experiences, community-based education, and a curriculum focused on leadership development. With an impressive 14:1 student to faculty ratio, learners benefit from tailored guidance.

The awards NMC has won demonstrate its quality commitment.  From being recognized as a distinguished school by Apple to receiving the AAMN's Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award, the college's efforts extend beyond traditional boundaries.  It's not just about classroom learning; it's about creating a difference. As a bonus, financial help guarantees that students of all backgrounds can receive this prestigious education. NMC is a community where every aspirant nurse can succeed with its many scholarships, grants, and mor.. With a vast array of scholarships, grants, and more, NMC truly embodies a community where every aspirant nurse can thrive and excel.

About Nebraska Methodist College's NP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration:

Nebraska Methodist College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides advanced training for students looking to deepen their expertise in the nursing field. The program is designed for those who have a BSN, with concentrations available in both Adult Gerontology Primary Care and Family Nurse Practitioner. Students will complete a substantial 1,080 preceptor-guided clinical hours, allowing them to garner hands-on experience. The unique structure of the program asks students to find their own preceptors, making it easier for them to complete clinical work where they reside or are employed. Financially, the cost per credit hour stands at $850. However, the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) offers a significant relief, covering tuition, fees, and books for enrolled students. After completing their education, if graduates serve as full-time nurse faculty, they can get up to 85% of their loan forgiven.
The program's curriculum emphasizes a balance between scientific knowledge, advanced clinical practice, and fundamental nursing concepts. Graduates also undertake a scholarly project centered on translational research, addressing real-world practice issues. This ensures that they are adept at developing, assessing, and implementing novel healthcare delivery methods. Depending on the study mode chosen, students can complete the program in 36 months (full-time) or in four to five years (part-time).

#2 in Nebraska

University of Nebraska Medical Center

College of Nursing

  • Pin1
    42nd & Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
  • Tel1
    (402) 559-4000
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Person
Nurse Admin: Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, RN, FACDONA
Title: Dean and Professor

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 1415
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: N/A
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,863,604
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: N/A

Highlights for NP Students

  • Lauded Recognition: The primary care program at UNMC holds the 7th position nationally.
  • Vast Learning Opportunities: With five campuses spread across a 500-mile expanse, students have multiple site options for their education.
  • Innovative Approach: The Morehead Center for Nursing Practice offers an integrated model that allows faculty to balance their academic and clinical roles.
  • Rural Engagement: UNMC's commitment to rural care is evident, ranking 7th nationally for its graduates practicing direct patient care in rural settings.
  • Exemplary Alumni Network: Almost half of Nebraska’s healthcare professionals, including nurses, have UNMC roots.
  • Modern Facilities: Despite economic challenges, UNMC's College of Nursing is expanding its infrastructure like never before in its 90-year history.
  • Clinical Collaborations: Students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other health facilities across Nebraska.

About the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Nursing

Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is an educational institution situated in Omaha, Nebraska. Its College of Nursing hasa legacy of producing frontline leaders in the nursing profession, both within Nebraska and globally. As the largest of UNMC's six colleges, it champions interdisciplinary training and student-centric education. Housed within an academic health science center that bears impressive stats - such as $169.7 million in annual research grants and over 6,000 employees - the College of Nursing mirrors this excellence. They pride themselves in strong rural care. In addition, the college also has a remarkable alumni impact, in fact, nearly half of Nebraska’s health professionals hail from UNMC.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the UNMC College of Nursing/ Their five diverse campuses across Nebraska offer tailored programs to suit individual career aspirations. Additionally, their nursing research, particularly in areas addressing social health disparities, sets them apart. The dedication towards fostering a nurse-led, impactful practice is evident through initiatives like the Office of Transformational Practice and Partnerships (TPP).  Moreover, the Morehead Center for Nursing Practice's groundbreaking approach seamlessly integrates clinical practice within academic appointments.

About the University of Nebraska Medical Center's NP Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration:

The University of Nebraska Medical Center's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles.  Prospective students must have a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited nursing institution. Preference is given to candidates with prior registered nurse experience, with specifics varying by concentration. For instance, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track prefers candidates with critical care experience, whereas the Psychiatric Mental Health track values those with psychiatric nursing experience.

The duration for completion varies: if you already hold an MSN degree, you can earn a Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) in one to two years. However, BSN holders might require approximately three years, contingent on the chosen specialty. It's noteworthy that all NP specialties, barring the Pediatric Primary & Acute Care NP (Dual), are obtainable as a PGC. Completing the program paves the way for graduates to take the Nurse Practitioner board certification examinations from recognized bodies such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Certification Corporation, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, depending on the concentration.

 

Post-Graduate Certificate

Concentrations:

The Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) program has been meticulously designed for nurses who already hold MSN or DNP degrees, with the aim of providing them with advanced training in another specialty. As of Fall 2021, this program was renamed from the Post-Master's Certificate to the Post-Graduate Certificate. The program is flexible, adapting its curriculum based on the student's prior education, nursing background, and career aspirations. Upon admission, a faculty advisor evaluates the student’s prior education and experience to tailor the study plan. Based on this evaluation, students may need 20–30 credit hours to finish the degree in one to two years. It is worth noting that the outcomes and competencies of the PGC mirror those of the MSN program. Successfully finishing the PGC allows students to be eligible for the Nurse Practitioner Board certification exam in their chosen specialty track. Admission to this program is competitive, with preference given to applicants with solid educational backgrounds.

 

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentrations:

UNMC's DNP program is designed for nurses who want to advance their skills and lead in varied healthcare systems. This program focuses on advanced clinical proficiency, healthcare improvement, patient safety, and driving system changes. It caters particularly to advanced-practice nurses. The curriculum for BSN to DNP students ranges from 66 to 70 credits, integrating advanced practice specialization. Meanwhile, the MSN to DNP track is a 35-credit program. All DNP students undertake a dedicated DNP project. The BSN to DNP curriculum is offered in 3- and 4-year plans of study. Admittance prerequisites vary depending on whether the applicant holds a BSN or MSN degree, but in all cases, an emphasis is placed on degrees obtained from accredited institutions. Experience and licensure are also important factors in the admissions process.

#3 in Nebraska

Creighton University

College of Nursing

  • Pin1
    2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE - 68178
  • Tel1
    (402) 280-2700
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Person
Nurse Admin: Mary Kunes-Connell, PhD, RN
Title: Interim Co-Dean

University Information

  • Faculty Total Faculty: 664
  • Tuition In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
  • Book Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Receiving Aid Percent Received Aid: 100%
  • Scholarship Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,484
  • Admitted Percent Admitted: 64%
  • Enrolled Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
  • Graduation Rate Graduation Rate: 82%

Highlights for NP Students

  • Prestigious Accreditation: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Creighton is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • Historical Excellence: Creighton's nursing education dates back to 1928, showcasing a deep-rooted commitment to nursing.
  • High National Ranking: Creighton's nursing program is among the nation’s top 8%, ensuring top-tier education for students.
  • Innovative Learning: Grounded in Jesuit values, students develop a holistic and socially responsible approach to healthcare.
  • Experiential Learning: Students can engage in outreach in underserved areas, domestically and internationally.
  • Nationally Recognized Scholarship: The Harper Nursing Scholars Program offers selected students a significant annual education scholarship.
  • Solid Career Outcomes: A notable 95% of graduates are employed shortly after graduation, and many engage in experiential learning or research.

About Creighton University's Nursing School

Creighton University, a private research institution located in Omaha, Nebraska, has a rich history since its establishment by the Society of Jesus in 1878. The institution's 2023–2024 rating among U.S. News & World Report's top national universities highlights its academic reputation. Creighton University College of Nursing is a pioneer of innovative and modern nursing. With a history dating back to 1928, the college has consistently displayed a dedication to imparting a quality education. The program's accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education speaks to its exceptional standard. For prospective Nurse Practitioner students, the promise of a quality education is evident: Creighton's nursing program ranks in the nation's top 8%. This feat is a remarkable one, given the program's competition.

Students gain an academic education and a Jesuit-based healthcare perspective through the Creighton Nursing Experience. In addition, they are are prepared for different clinical situations, policy shaping, and healthcare leadership by the experienced teachers. Additionally, the College of Nursing emphasizes hands-on experience. Students receive comprehensive practical training through preceptorships at large urban and rural hospitals. Adding to this, the commitment to service and outreach in places like the Dominican Republic highlights Creighton's global perspective and emphasis on holistic healthcare.

Thus, Creighton University's College of Nursing offers a blend of academic training and a values-driven approach, ensuring that its graduates are competent and compassionate healthcare professionals.

About Creighton University's NP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentrations:

Creighton University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is both flexible and comprehensive, catering to a student's individual goals and interests. With a range of specialized tracks like Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care and Neonatal Care, the program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to address, prevent, and resolve ethical challenges in their practice.
The program offers three pathways: BSN to DNP for those with a bachelor's degree; a unique pathway for Creighton BSN graduates; and a post-graduate option for those already in advanced practice or holding an MSN. The credit hour requirements vary depending on the pathway chosen, ranging from 27 to 75 credit hours.
Creighton's DNP program stands out for its commitment to Jesuit principles, blending self-reflection, ethical reasoning, and cultural understanding into the curriculum. While most coursework is online, some visits to the Omaha campus are mandatory, the number of which varies by track. The program is eligible for financial aid.

 

APRN Post-Graduate Certificates

Concentration:

Creighton University College of Nursing offers APRN post-graduate certificates for nurses aiming to expand their certification range. This program is tailored for those who already possess a graduate nursing degree and are seeking to practice in another population. Entry prerequisites include holding a graduate degree from a recognized institution and having substantial clinical practice as a nurse.
Each certificate concentration prepares students for distinct roles, from managing acute care in adults and children to addressing psychiatric and mental health issues across the lifespan. Notably, graduates from these post-graduate certificate tracks are eligible for national certification by reputable organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Importantly, Creighton's post-graduate APRN certificate program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, underscoring its commitment to high educational standards.

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Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology