RN Programs in Nebraska
Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s office in Nebraska are suffering from the nursing shortage. It is important that the nurses are as highly educated as possible to help ensure that the patients receive the most effective care. Nursing schools and hospitals alike are working hard to implement programs that will encourage nurses to seek out higher education. Nursing schools in Nebraska responded to this by introducing more RN and BSN programs and making them more common. Hospital systems have also responded by offering recruitment bonuses for BSNs and tuition reimbursement for nurses who choose to advance their education.
In our Nebraska RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Nebraska RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Nebraska, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Nebraska RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 7 | 10 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 84.62% | 150.30% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 76.92% to 90.98% | 73.65% to 574.06% |
| Average Net Price | $8,647.29 | $19,085.44 |
| Average Net Price Range | $6,004.00 to $18,388.00 | $7,366.00 to $27,057.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $8,658.43 | $21,671.89 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $4,250.00 to $23,970.00 | $15,812.00 to $25,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for Nebraska State | BSN Rankings for Nebraska State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Nebraska
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Nebraska and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 7 ADN degree programs and 8 BSN degree programs in Nebraska. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Nebraska to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
RANKED 1
Northeast Community College
- 801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, NE - 68702-0469
- (402) 371-2020
Northeast Community College is located in Norfolk, Nebraska. Their nursing program is unique; students who apply first complete their practical nursing diploma. If they have an adequate grade point average, they are able to continue for their RN degree. The RN portion of the program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis
School Information
Location: Norfolk, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 92.75%- State Rank: 1
- US Rank: 188
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 2
Metropolitan Community College
- 30 & Fort Street, Omaha, NE - 68111-1610
- (531) 622-2400
Metropolitan Community College is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Their ADN nursing program is reserved specifically for licensed practical nurses. It is offered twice yearly – fall and summer. The fall program is “traditional”, whereas the summer program requires that students be available on evenings and weekends.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 88.83%- State Rank: 2
- US Rank: 331
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 3
Southeast Community College
- 301 South 68th Street Place, Lincoln, NE - 68510-2449
- (402) 471-3333
Southeast Community College is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. They offer a practical nursing program and an ADN program. They boast that they have one of the most affordable nursing programs in Nebraska. Their nursing programs are also eligible for Project HELP, which is a grant program that allows students in poverty to receive additional funds for their education.
School Information
Location: Lincoln, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.50%- State Rank: 3
- US Rank: 387
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 4
Central Community College
- 3134 West Hwy 34, Grand Island, NE - 68802-4903
- (308) 398-4222
Central Community College has various campuses throughout central Nebraska. The Columbus and Grand Island campuses offer the practical nursing program. Students who graduate from the practical nursing program are eligible to apply for the RN program, which is offered at the Grand Island campus. Students who are not practical nurses are also eligible to apply for the RN program, provided they meet certain requirements.
School Information
Location: Grand Island, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.14%- State Rank: 4
- US Rank: 402
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
RANKED 5
Western Nebraska Community College
- 1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE - 69361-1899
- (308) 635-3606
School Information
Location: Scottsbluff, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 87.05%- State Rank: 5
- US Rank: 405
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
RANKED 6
Mid-Plains Community College
- 1101 Halligan Drive, North Platte, NE - 69101
- (800) 658-4308
School Information
Location: North Platte, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus
NCLEX
Overall Score: 74.20%- State Rank: 6
- US Rank: 667
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree
- Program Accreditors: ACEN
NOT RANKED
College of Saint Mary
- 7000 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE - 68106
- (402) 399-2400
College of Saint Mary is located in Omaha, Nebraska. They offer two BSN programs. One program is a three-year program, which is the only three-year program in the state of Nebraska. The other program is a traditional four-year program. The summer program does require classes over the summer, making it back-to-back semesters.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
ADN Programs In Nebraska
Students at community colleges in Nebraska may be eligible for funds under "Project HELP", which stands for Health Education Laddering Program. Project HELP allows students who meet strict income guidelines to attend school for specific, in-demand, health-related careers:
- Nursing assistants
- EMTs/Paramedics
- Medication aide
- Medical assistant
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Medical laboratory technician
- Nursing - ADN
- Nursing - LPN
- Health information management services
NCLEX Passing Rates for Nebraska ADN Programs
Southeast Community College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Nebraska of 90.98%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $7,209.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Nebraska: 7
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 84.62%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 76.92% to 90.98%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Nebraska?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Nebraska so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Nebraska is offered by Mid-Plains Community College at about $6,004.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 79.48%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by College of Saint Mary and it will cost about $18,388.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 83.27%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inNebraska: $8,647.29
- Net-Price Range for Nebraska ADN Programs: $6,004.00 to $18,388.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Nebraska Schools: $8,658.43
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Nebraska: $4,250.00 to $23,970.00
NOT RANKED
Creighton University
- 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE - 68178
- (402) 280-2700
Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Their College of Nursing has extensive options for nursing students; they offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in one year, provided the student has a prior bachelor’s degree, and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is an online program and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- 987815 Nebraska Medical Ctr, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
- (402) 559-4000
University of Nebraska Medical Center is located in Omaha, Nebraska. UNMC is focused on educating healthcare professionals, from nurses, to pharmacists, to dentists. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree, an an RN to BSN program, which can be completed either full-time or part-time.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Public
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
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: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
- 720 North 87th Street, Omaha, NE - 68114-2852
- (402) 354-7000
Nebraska Methodist College is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Their college educates healthcare professionals, from nurses to respiratory therapists to occupational therapists. Their nursing program is extensive, offering everything from BSN programs to DNP programs. They offer a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, an RN to BSN program and an LPN to BSN program.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, BSN to DNP, Master Degree, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditors: ACEN, CCNE
NOT RANKED
Clarkson College
- 101 S 42nd St, Omaha, NE - 68131-2739
- (402) 552-3100
Clarkson College is located in Omaha, Nebraska. Clarkson College is devoted entirely to educating healthcare professionals. Their nursing program was established in 1888. They offer a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is offered entirely online. They are also the only college in Omaha to offer a Nurse Anesthesia program.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus, Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Union College
- 3800 S 48th Street, Lincoln, NE - 68506
- (402) 486-2600
Union College is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their nursing program has been in existence since 1896 – it is the oldest BSN program in the state of Nebraska. They offer a traditional BSN program, an LPN to BSN track and an RN to BSN track. They have also began to offer an early admission for new college freshmen.
School Information
Location: Lincoln, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
College of Saint Mary
- 7000 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE - 68106
- (402) 399-2400
College of Saint Mary is located in Omaha, Nebraska. They offer two BSN programs. One program is a three-year program, which is the only three-year program in the state of Nebraska. The other program is a traditional four-year program. The summer program does require classes over the summer, making it back-to-back semesters.
School Information
Location: Omaha, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Midland University
- 900 N. Clarkson, Fremont, NE - 68025
- (800) 642-8382
School Information
Location: Fremont, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Online
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Bryan College of Health Sciences
- 5035 Everett, Lincoln, NE - 68506-1299
- (402) 481-3801
Bryan College of Health Sciences is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. They offer a BSN and an RN to BSN program. The RN to BSN program is a hybrid program – it is a mix of online and traditional, on-campus courses. Bryan College of Health Sciences is a college devoted entirely to educating healthcare professionals, from nurses to sonographers.
School Information
Location: Lincoln, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
- State Rank: N/A
- US Rank: N/A
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
NOT RANKED
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- 5000 St Paul Ave, Lincoln, NE - 68504-2794
- (402) 466-2371
School Information
Location: Lincoln, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
NOT RANKED
Doane College-Lincoln Grand Island and Master
- 303 N 52nd St, Lincoln, NE - 68504
- (402) 466-4774
School Information
Location: Lincoln, NE- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Programs Offered As: Campus
Nursing Degrees Offered
Programs: Registered Nursing- Award Levels: Bachelor Degree
- Program Accreditors: CCNE
BSN Programs In Nebraska
There are several options available to registered nurses who wish to pursue higher education and wish to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Both state and private universities administer BSN programs. Available campus programs can be completed on both a part-time or full-time schedule. There are also online programs to choose from. These programs are ideal for busy, working nurses. A typical BSN program meets the challenges of today’s nurses in terms of technology and research advances.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Nebraska BSN Programs
College of Saint Mary wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Nebraska with a score of 574.06%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $18,388.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Nebraska: 10
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 150.30%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 73.65% to 574.06%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Nebraska?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Nebraska to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Nebraska is offered by Doane College-Lincoln Grand Island and Master and will cost you about $7,366.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Creighton University and will cost you about $27,057.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 91.70%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Nebraska: $19,085.44
- Net-Price Range for Nebraska BSN Programs: $7,366.00 to $27,057.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Nebraska Schools: $21,671.89
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Nebraska: $15,812.00 to $25,000.00
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Nebraska
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Nebraska
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Nebraska offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Nebraska RN Licensing Requirements
Nebraska Health and Human Services System
Dept. of Regulation & Licensure, Nursing Section
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
Website: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/pages/crlNursingHome.aspx
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $123
License renewal (every two years), RN: $123
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs: 20 contact hours every renewal period
RN Licensure by Exam
Candidates must complete a 2-4 year program in professional nursing prior to applying to the department. All official transcripts should be sent from any institution where the candidate took courses that were applied toward the nursing degree. Application fees are dependent on what stage the candidate is in the licensure renewal cycle. Following this, the candidate will register separately to take the NCLEX-RN and pay the $200 testing fee. When the candidacy has been accepted, the candidate will be issued an ATT and be able to schedule a testing session.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
A candidate who has obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states can apply to be licensed in Nebraska by endorsement. The candidate will be able to practice under a temporary permit while materials are being received and processed. A notarized copy of the license will also need to be submitted. Nurses must show continuing competency by being a practicing nurse or participating in a refresher course within the last five years.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Internationally educated nurses must have passed a qualifying exam before being authorized to take the NCLEX exam in Nebraska. The Department will accept the CGFNS or the Canadian Licensing Examination.
RN Salaries in Nebraska
Registered Nurses in Nebraska earn an average of $56,920 on a yearly basis. This average covers medical and surgical nurses, home healthcare positions, and psychiatric and substance abuse hospital positions. Traditional offices generally pay less but nurses enjoy Monday to Friday daylight work hours. A registered nurse with a Bachelor’s degree will find a wide array of job opportunities available to them. Some hospital jobs that are available for PSN prepared nurses include positions in management, utilization review, and case auditors, wound care specialists, and nursing educators.
Nebraska Registered Nursing Salaries
The Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area has the highest employment rate along with the highest annual median wage. The same area also has the highest hourly mean wage, with Lincoln following closely behind.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | 3,370 | $26.80 | $54,670 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 11,170 | $28.70 | $58,580 |
| Western Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 1,550 | $27.35 | $56,260 |
| Central Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 2,340 | $25.60 | $52,170 |
| Northeastern Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 1,700 | $26.05 | $53,300 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
