How To Become a Nurse in Nebraska 2025

If you live in Nebraska and are considering a nursing career, you may be wondering what it will take to make that dream a reality. What sort of education and training do you need to get into nursing in your state?

Keep reading as we take a closer look at how to become a nurse. We'll explore the step-by-step process you can follow and look at some top schools in Nebraska with nursing programs.

What Does an RN Do?

A certified registered nurse (RN) coordinates nursing care for patients and leads teams of entry-level nursing professionals, such as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). RNs play crucial roles in many healthcare systems and facilities. Common job duties include:

• performing assessments and evaluations
• administering medications and providing patient care
• assisting with operations and advanced procedures
• collaborating with physicians and specialists to create care plans for patients
• answering patients' questions and educating them on recovery or self-care techniques

Nurses often work at hospitals, physicians' offices, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, telehealth services, and public health agencies. They are skilled in caring for patients and meeting their needs in various clinical settings.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Nebraska?

If you don't have any college or healthcare experience yet, you'll likely enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. ADN degrees typically take about two years to complete; BSN programs are more in-depth and can be completed in three to four years.

If you have experience as an LPN or paramedic, or if you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you may want to enroll in an accelerated nursing program online or in person. These programs build on your previous education or experience, helping you get your nursing degree quickly and efficiently. Some of these programs can be completed in as little as one year.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska

There are several educational requirements for nurses you must meet to earn your RN license in Nebraska. Let's look at each of the steps you'll need to follow.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Any nursing school you enroll in will require you to have a high school diploma or GED. If you don't yet meet these minimum education requirements, you'll need to ensure you do so before seeking admission into your chosen nursing program.

If you're still in high school, taking advanced courses, especially in science and math, can prepare you for the challenges of your future nursing courses. Some good options to consider include chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and psychology.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Nursing Program

When you're ready to begin your nursing education, you'll choose an ADN or BSN program. It's important to choose a school that's institutionally accredited as well as a nursing degree that maintains accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

As part of your nursing program, you'll complete classroom-based or online coursework, skills practice in simulation labs, and clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. This learning model ensures you will have an understanding of nursing theory and plenty of practice hours under your belt before earning your nursing license.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Requirements

Clinical experience is one of the most important components of any nursing program. It provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings under the supervision of licensed RNs and nurse practitioners.

When completing your clinical experiences, you should be prepared to work eight to 12-hour shifts during days, nights, or weekends. Your nursing instructors will help you find where to work these rotations and will assist with scheduling.

Step 4: Earn Your License

After completing your education, you'll need to complete an application and submit an application to Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services. You will also register through Pearson Vue to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

Once you have taken and passed the NCLEX-RN exam, the Department will conduct a background check and review your application along with your final transcripts. Once they have determined you are eligible for RN licensure, you will receive your license.

Step 5: Complete Continuing Education

Your nursing license must be renewed every two years in Nebraska. To renew your license, you'll need to submit proof that you have met the state's continuing education requirements.

Nebraska requires that RNs complete 20 contact hours of continuing education every two years. This ensures that RNs stay up-to-date on changes in their field and helps to keep their skills fresh.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Nebraska

If you're ready to obtain an education so you can start looking for nursing jobs, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top institutions in Nebraska that offer nursing degrees, including some with online nursing programs.

1. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center is a public school and medical center affiliated with the University of Nebraska System. It offers a range of nursing degrees for students at different academic levels.

Undergraduate students can pursue traditional and accelerated BSN programs along with an RN to BSN. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing are available for nurses hoping to advance their careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,416 (in-state); $34,405 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Clarkson College

Clarkson College is a private health sciences school located in Omaha. It is the oldest nursing school in the state and provides various high-quality programs.

Among the available degrees are a traditional BSN program and bridge programs for current LPNs and ADN holders. A master's degree in nursing is available, along with post-bachelor's and post-master's DNP programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,104 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health is a private healthcare-focused institution in Omaha. Many different nursing degrees and tracks are available at this school.

The college's accelerated BSN program is one of the fastest in the state, with a 12-month completion time. Various other BSN options are available, including traditional and LPN to BSN tracks. Master's and doctoral degrees offer various specializations so students can pursue specific nursing career paths.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,872 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. College of Saint Mary

The College of Saint Mary is a women's college located in Omaha. This private school offers various options for students hoping to earn a BSN degree.

Both three-year and four-year program options are available � and LPNs can earn their BSN in as little as two years. Students can also earn their CNA credentials after their first semester and begin completing clinical rotations as early as their first year, giving them great opportunities to gain experience while still in school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24,510 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Central Community College

Central Community College is a two-year school with campuses in Grand Island, Columbus, and Hastings. It offers an ADN program consisting of 64 to 65 credits that students typically complete within a couple of years.

Students can earn their LPN license after the first two semesters of the program. Those who complete the remaining two semesters will receive an associate degree and are eligible to become RNs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,360 (in-state); $4,800 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nebraska

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that nearly 23,000 nurses are employed in Nebraska. The median annual salary among these nurses is $79,780, which is below the national average of $93,600.

The national job outlook for nurses is expected to increase by 6% by 2033, which is higher than average among all occupations. With this in mind, nurses in Nebraska and beyond can expect better-than-average job security over the next several years.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Nebraska

If you still have questions about what it takes to start working as a nurse in Nebraska, read on. Below, we'll provide answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Nebraska?

Nursing education costs vary widely from school to school. Among the colleges listed above, average yearly tuition ranges from around $3,300 to more than $24,500. Attending an online college that accepts FAFSA can help you attend college on a budget by providing financial aid for your nursing degree.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing programs require students to take prerequisite courses before beginning the actual program. Common prerequisites you may have to take include microbiology, pathophysiology, college mathematics, chemistry, and sociology. Many schools provide self-paced nursing prerequisites online to give students a flexible option.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

For most students, the fastest way to become a nurse is to complete an ADN program. These programs typically last two to three years. If you are already an LPN or another entry-level healthcare professional, or if you have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you may be able to complete a bridge or accelerated program. These degrees can be completed in as little as one year.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree is typically considered to be the ADN because it consists of fewer credit hours and more introductory courses than other types of nursing programs. Regardless of the type of program you enroll in, choosing the best laptop for nursing students can make your college experience run more smoothly as you work through your courses.

Find a Nursing Degree

If you're ready to find an accredited nursing program, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to learn more about their programs and to choose the best option for you.