Overview of Nursing Schools in Nebraska
- There are 16 nursing schools in Nebraska. The CCNE accredits 6 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 8 schools in Nebraska.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Nebraska is between 76.92% and 90.98%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Nebraska is between 73.65% and 93.66%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Nebraska can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Nebraska
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools 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% | 87.85% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 76.92% to 90.98% | 73.65% to 93.66% |
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 9 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.
Best Nursing Schools (BSN) 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.
Bryan Health College
Pass Rate
- 1535 S 52nd St, Lincoln, NE - 68506
- (402) 481-3801
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.52%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 42
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,901
Percent Admitted: 58%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 53%
Graduation Rate: 76%
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Pass Rate
- 720 North 87th Street, Omaha, NE - 68114-2852
- (402) 354-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.22%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 70
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,124
Percent Admitted: 92%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 63%
Graduation Rate: N/A
Union College
Pass Rate
- 3800 S 48th Street, Lincoln, NE - 68506
- (402) 486-2600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.05%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 57
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,286
Percent Admitted: 98%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Clarkson College
Pass Rate
- 101 S 42nd St, Omaha, NE - 68131-2739
- (402) 552-3100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.83%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 69
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $814
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,625
Percent Admitted: 57%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 72%
Graduation Rate: 52%
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Pass Rate
- 42nd & Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
- (402) 559-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.36%
- 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, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 1415
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: N/A
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,863,604
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Creighton University
Pass Rate
- 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE - 68178
- (402) 280-2700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.80%
- 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
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University Information
Total Faculty: 664
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,484
Percent Admitted: 64%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) 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
Northeast Community College
Pass Rate
- 801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, NE - 68702-0469
- (402) 371-2020
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 129
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,750
Book and Supplies: $1,316
Percent Received Aid: 91%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,848
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 53%
Additional Listings for Nebraska Nursing Schools
Grade
|
University
|
Nebraska Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
84.90 | Metropolitan Community College Area | 3 | ADN |
84.30 | Central Community College (Grand Island) | 4 | ADN |
83.90 | Southeast Community College Area | 5 | ADN |
65.00 | Mid-Plains Community College | 6 | ADN |
81.13 | College of St Mary | 7 | BSN |
79.32 | Midland University | 8 | BSN |
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.
Online NP Programs Liked by Nebraska Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.