Nebraska Nursing Programs and Degrees Guide
The following guide will provide you with important information on the many undergraduate and graduate nursing programs in Nebraska. The colleges and universities in Nebraska allow students to earn a degree focusing on a specific area such as adult gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse leader/executive, pediatric nurse practitioner, and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Some schools may also allow students the convenience and flexibility of earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in nursing entirely online.
Quick Facts
- 19 schools with nursing programs in Nebraska are in our database (see below).
- 8 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 13 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 7 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 3 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 2 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Nebraska
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018
- Creighton University
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (#62 tie)
- Creighton University (#102 tie)
- Nebraska Methodist College (#220 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (#71)
- Creighton University (#82)
Following you will find more in-depth information about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in Nebraska’s colleges and universities.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Nebraska
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Nebraska nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Nebraska Board of Nursing (https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/NebraskaApprovedNursingEdPrograms.pdf).
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8,727 |
| Bryan College of Health Sciences | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 86.36% | 88 | $21,744 |
| Concordia University Nebraska | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $19,144 |
| Central Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 92.86% | 28 | 79.1% | 67 | $7,803 |
| Clarkson College | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | 100% | 11 | 95.62% | 137 | $18,176 |
| College of St. Mary | Yes | Yes | Yes | ACEN | 91.67% | 12 | N/A | N/A | $16,588 |
| Creighton University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 93.55% | 155 | $29,226 |
| Doane University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Grace University | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $16,962 |
| Metropolitan Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 27 | 82.76% | 58 | $6,586 |
| Midland University | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 84.85% | 33 | $22,898 |
| Mid-Plains Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 87.5% | 24 | 79.17% | 24 | $6,250 |
| Nebraska Methodist College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96.92% | 130 | $18,457 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $22,787 |
| Northeast Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 100% | 25 | 93.1% | 29 | $7,252 |
| Southeast Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 90.91% | 88 | 87.27% | 55 | $8,023 |
| Union College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 97.06% | 34 | $20,786 |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 92.36% | 288 | N/A |
| Western Nebraska Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 90.48% | 21 | 78.95% | 19 | $6,355 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Nebraska with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Metropolitan Community College
With campuses located throughout the Omaha area, Metropolitan Community College’s associate degree nursing (ADN) program offers convenient study options for those interested in beginning careers as registered nurses. The program can be completed in as few as three quarters for those who are already licensed practical nurses. For first-time nursing students, the program takes two years to complete after general education requirements are satisfied. Certain required classes may be available during evening and weekend hours, though clinical hours are typically scheduled during the day. The ADN program at Metropolitan Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Western Nebraska Community College
Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program that takes 72 credit hours to complete. The program can be completed on a traditional track for first-time nurses or an advanced placement track for currently licensed practical nurses. Students complete clinical nursing experience during each of the four semesters focused on nursing education, tallying at least 615 clock hours of clinical experience across the degree program. Courses include Pathophysiology, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, and Issues in Professional Nursing. WNCC’s ASN program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. WNCC also offers a practical nursing program that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
Midland University
Midland University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Students spend the first two years of the four-year program completing general college coursework in math, science, and English and, in the sophomore year, take several nursing courses before focusing predominately on the nursing curriculum in the junior and senior years. Nursing coursework, which includes mandatory practicums, covers medical and surgical procedures, developmental psychology, population focused care, and professional concepts. Students, who already have a registered nurse’s license and an associate’s degree in nursing, may want to consider the RN to BSN program, which is completed entirely online.
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is geared toward students who already have an associate’s degree or a diploma in nursing and who possess a registered nurse’s license. Students, who have taken the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) but who have not received test scores, may still apply for the program but cannot take certain courses until the test has been passed. The RN to BSN program requires students to complete between 39 and 45 general college credits and 42 credits in nursing coursework. The program can be completed in one full year. Required coursework encompasses nursing theories, health assessment, and health care ethics.
Master’s in Nursing Programs
Clarkson College
Graduate students at Clarkson College may earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of several concentrations: adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse healthcare administration, and nursing education. Students in the nursing education and healthcare administration tracks may fulfill degree requirements online. Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner students can complete most courses online although students must attend classes on campus three times during the program for two days each session. The program generally takes between two and a half and five years to complete depending on full-time or part-time study. In addition to core courses and concentration-specific classes, nurse practitioner students must complete practicums totaling 650 hours.
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares graduates for advanced nursing positions. Nursing students may choose from one of six concentrations: adult gerontology/acute care/primary care, family nurse practitioner, nurse leader/executive, family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner, and pediatric nurse practitioner. Those students who want to teach upon graduation may opt for a dual concentration with the nurse educator track. All MSN students, regardless of the track, take such core courses as nursing scholarship, leadership in nursing, health systems innovation and improvement, and health promotions for populations. The MSN program is offered on campus and entirely online. Online students complete clinical requirements in their hometown.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Mid-Plains Community College
601 W State Farm Rd
North Platte, NE 69101
(308) 535-3600
http://www.mpcc.edu
Student Review: “Being part of [the] nursing program has been a challenging experience, yet I’ve been able to learn an incredible amount over a short period of time. My nursing classes are just like lecture classes, so I spent a lot of time outside of class reviewing and teaching myself the material. It takes a lot of self-discipline to stay on top of work, and I really wish these classes were more interactive. However, professors are always available to help, and encourage us to visit them during office hours. I’d say that what I love the most about this nursing program are the labs. I’ve gotten the chance to learn how to examine people and perform nursing skills such as catheter insertion, tracheostomy suctioning, nasogastric tube insertion, wound care, etc. It can be a little scary (especially when the professor was watching), but the hands-on labs proved to be an invaluable part of my experience here. I couldn’t have chosen a better place!” – Student at Mid-Plains Community College
Student Review: “I was in an accelerated LPN program, it took 1 year to complete, 5 days a week from 8-4:30. It was the hardest year of my life but well worth it. Our teachers were old school but produced very educated, knowledgeable nurses. We were only allowed to miss 3 days the whole year or we would not complete the program. The teachers were tough but caring. The homework was intense, we were told that if we worked more than every other weekend, we would not be able to complete the homework and studying that the course required. One teacher was so intense that if you made a mistake she would chew you out until you were in tears. then she would say, now you get it. We got a chance to do an anonymous review of the teachers and I stated that it did not take putting me in tears to get it! Overall it was one of the best experiences of my life and I learned a lot even thru the rough schedule and strict teachers.” – Student at Mid-Plains Community College
University of Nebraska Medical Center-Lincoln
UNMC College of Nursing-Lincoln
1230 O Street, Suite 131
Lincoln, NE 68588
(402) 472-3657
https://www.unmc.edu/
Student Review: “This nursing program is excellent, arguably one of the best in the US. The care for its students is immaculate and I loved being a part of the program. The program has one goal: save the life of the baby being born, as well as the mother, to bring life into this world. My professors were great and all acted like they wanted to teach. Also, the facilities are top notch as well as the equipment. The top of the line facilities and equipment allowed me to more easily learn how to care for children directly after childbirth. My favorite area was the NICU.” – Student at University of Nebraska Medical Center
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Nebraska Center for Nursing: https://center4nursing.nebraska.gov/education/