2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Nebraska

Becoming a Nurse in Nebraska

Nursing schools in Nebraska are plentiful, including several with multiple nursing program options. Each type of nurse has a specific set of criteria for licensure in the Cornhusker State, such as passing a version of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). 

The Nebraska Board of Nursing is housed in the state's Department of Health and Human Services, and aspiring nurses can receive credentials to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Nebraska also has specific certification requirements for certified nursing aides (CNAs). 

Becoming a nurse in Nebraska could kick off an in-demand career that pays relatively well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Nebraska make a mean annual wage of $73,510. That’s more than the annual mean salary for all occupations in the state, which is $55,070.

Keep reading to learn how to get various types of Nebraska nursing licenses. 

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get Certified Nurse Aide Certification in Nebraska

Students must complete at least 75 hours of training in an approved Nebraska nurse aide training program to become a CNA. Alternatively, applicants may complete a 21-hour basic resident care course if they want to work in intermediate care facilities housing residents with developmental disabilities. Nebraska requires one hour of Nebraska-specific abuse, neglect, and misappropriation training.

Most aspiring CNAs in Nebraska must pass both a written and oral exam and a test of their clinical skills. There is no fee to apply for licensure by examination. Another path is for candidates who are already licensed in another state. These CNAs can apply for an interstate endorsement and transfer their licenses. 

CNA Certification Renewal

Renewal for nursing aides occurs every two years. To remain active, a renewal candidate must have worked for pay as a CNA in the previous two years.

How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in Nebraska

A Nebraska LPN license requires the completion of a practical nursing program lasting between nine months and one year. Several programs are available throughout the state. Applicants must also pass the NCLEX-PN to become licensed. Individuals must send the results directly to the Nebraska Board of Nursing. 

Additionally, applicants must complete a fingerprint and background screening. Out-of-state candidates may qualify for a Nebraska Nursing License Endorsement, which is meant for LPNs who are already licensed in another state and looking to transfer.

How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Nebraska

To qualify for a Nebraska RN license, applicants must complete two to four years of nursing education at a college or university and graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Aspiring RNs must also pass the NCLEX-RN. Exam results should be sent directly to the board from the testing organization as part of the application for a Nebraska nursing license.

All Nebraska RN license hopefuls must undergo background and fingerprint checks. Transcripts must also be sent from the graduate's nursing program.

RN License Renewal

RNs must meet a continued competency requirement in order to renew their license. A common example includes practicing nursing for a minimum of 500 hours in the last five years and completing 20 contact hours of approved continuing education.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Nebraska

RNs may apply for a Nebraska APRN license after earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Successful APRNs must also receive a national board certification in order to qualify. There are four specialty areas in which a Nebraska APRN may become certified to practice: 

APRNs must submit an online application that includes a fingerprint and background check.

APRN License Renewal

Nebraska APRN licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years. Licensees must maintain their current national certifications. Each specialty may also have additional required hours of practice, including those who are licensed as either a CNS, CNM, or NP. The renewal process includes submitting a renewal notice, attesting to meeting the continued competency requirements, and paying the biennial renewal fee.

FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Nebraska