Online Nursing Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska has several affordable options for online nursing education. Clarkson College, located in Omaha, provides students with an affordable option, offering an online RN to BSN for a yearly tuition of $13,392. Clarkson also offers a variety of online MSN programs and BSN to DNP programs. Creighton University, University of Phoenix, and Nebraska Methodist College are also all located in Omaha and offer online nursing degrees. Registered nurses must complete a combination of contact hours and working hours during each two-year period in order to renew their licenses. Nebraska is also a compact state, meaning that nurses who earned their licenses in Nebraska can also work as nurses in all of the other compact states.
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Become a Nurse CNA Certification LPN License RN LicenseAPRN License FAQs
Comprehensive List of Online Nursing Schools in Nebraska
School | Annual Tuition | NCLEX Pass Rate | Locations |
---|---|---|---|
Bellevue University | $7,851 | Not Reported | Bellevue |
Bryan College of Health Sciences | $17,534 | 94.9% | Lincoln |
Clarkson College | $14,040 | 98.1% | Omaha |
Creighton University | $41,400 | 93.81% | Omaha |
Midland University | $34,040 | 84.62% | Fremont |
Nebraska Methodist College | $16,284 | 95.12% | Omaha |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | $26,259 | 92.06% | Omaha |
University of Phoenix | $9,552 | 90.0% | Nationwide |
Becoming a Nurse in Nebraska
Nursing schools in Nebraska are plentiful, and each licensing option has multiple nursing program options in Nebraska. There are several types of nurses, and each type has a specific set of criteria, such as passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
The Nebraska Board of Nursing is housed under 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).
This article explains how to obtain a Nebraska nursing license in the field that's right for you.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get CNA Certification in Nebraska
To become a nurse aide in Nebraska, students must complete at least 75 hours of training in an approved Nebraska nurse aide training program. Alternatively, applicants may choose to complete a 21-hour basic resident care course for intermediate care facilities for residents who are developmentally disabled. Nebraska also requires 1 hour of Nebraska-specific abuse/neglect/misappropriation training.
Aspiring CNAs must pass the State of Nebraska Written/Oral Exam and the Clinical/Skills Competency Exam. There is no application fee. If you are already licensed in another state, you may be able to obtain an Interstate Endorsement and transfer your license, or you can become licensed in Nebraska through employer verification if your employer is out of state. For more information on courses, textbooks, and regulations, visit Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services website. They list all requirements, provide necessary forms, and offer mental health resources.
CNA Certification Renewal
Renewal for nursing aides occurs every two years and students may complete the renewal process online. To remain active, a CNA's last paid job in the previous two years must be a nurse aide. If this requirement is not met, the Nebraska CNA registration will lapse. Another scenario of a CNA becoming ineligible is if there are findings of conviction, abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
How To Get an LPN License in Nebraska
A Nebraska LPN license requires the completion of a nursing program, which lasts between nine months and one year. Several programs are available throughout the state. Applicants must also pass the NCLEX - Practical Nurse (PN) exam prior to becoming licensed. Individuals must send the results directly to the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
Additionally, applicants are required to complete a fingerprint and background screening. A fingerprint card must be returned along with a processing fee of $45.25. The LPN application for a Nebraska nursing license costs $123. However, this fee drops to $30.75 for applicants who apply between May and October during an odd-numbered year. An LPN license is also eligible for a Nebraska Nursing License Endorsement, which is meant for RNs who are already licensed in another state and looking to transfer.
How To Get an RN License in Nebraska
In order to qualify for a Nebraska RN license, applicants must complete two to four years of nursing education at a college or university, such as an online RN program in Nebraska. Aspiring RNs must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam before becoming licensed. 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 also undergo background and fingerprint checks. A fingerprint card must be returned along with a processing fee of $45.25. The RN application for a Nebraska nursing license costs $123. However, this fee drops to $30.75 for applicants who apply between May and October during an even-numbered year. Transcripts must also be sent from the graduate's nursing program.
RN License Renewal
In order to get existing licenses renewed, RNs must meet a continued competency requirement. 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 APRN License in Nebraska
RNs who receive a master's in nursing or doctoral degree may apply for a Nebraska APRN license. Successful APRNs must also receive national board certification in order to qualify. There are four specialty areas in which an APRN may become certified to practice:
Certified Nurse Midwife (APRN-CNM)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (APRN-CNS)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (APRN-CRNA)
Nurse Practitioner (APRN-NP)
In addition to the RN application and fee, APRNs must submit another application, with a $68 fee. A fingerprint and background check is also required, which entails another fee of $45.25.
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
Can I Become a Nurse With an Online Degree?
Yes, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has a list of recommended nursing schools in the state, and several of them offer nursing programs online.
If you’re interested in attending a university outside of Nebraska, explore our complete list of online nursing programs at the bachelor's level.
How Long Does It Take To Become an RN in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, it can take between two and five years to become an RN. Nebraska requires that licensure applicants complete a two to four year degree program and pass the NCLEX exam.
Depending on your degree program, you may graduate prepared to take the NCLEX exam, or you may need to prepare after graduation. View our nursing guide for more information.
Are There Online LPN to RN Programs in Nebraska?
Yes, there are several higher education institutions with online LPN to RN programs. You may also find online CNA classes in Nebraska.
Are There RN to BSN Online Programs in Nebraska?
Yes, there are several RN to BSN programs available online in Nebraska. View the Department of Health and Human Services’ list for more information.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 10/28/2022