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“Choosing a nursing school in Nebraska positions future nurses for a strong start in a rewarding, meaningful, and well-supported career.”
Jillian Krumbach, DNP, Director of Undergraduate Nursing, Nebraska Methodist College (NMC)
The early 2020s have been challenging for nurses. Workforce shortages and professional burnout due to the Covid-19 pandemic have strained the nursing profession beyond structural and vocational issues that predate the pandemic. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) noted that the US healthcare delivery system will require 1.9 million additional workers nationwide over the coming decade to meet demand, and many of those will need to be nurses.
Like several other states, Nebraska is confronted with various challenges within its healthcare system. The Nebraska Center for Nursing’s 2024 Biennial Report indicated that the state’s nursing workforce faces a shortfall of 3,966 RNs/APRNs and 2,727 LPNs.
Perhaps even more concerning is data showing which nurses are most likely to leave the workforce in the near future. Among those surveyed in the report mentioned above, the nurses most likely to leave the profession soon are those from Generation Y/Millennial. This data is especially worrisome as losing many early-career nursing professionals is likely to impact the strength of the entire workforce for many, many years to come.
Workforce shortages are attributable to multiple interrelated factors. Persistent understaffing, driven by high vacancy rates, can accelerate burnout and related issues among existing workers, who often must carry an unreasonably heavy workload to compensate for the lack of personnel. This can exacerbate another issue: staff turnover. When people do not remain in their jobs for a long time, this high turnover rate can easily undermine morale for those who do remain. As noted above, a lack of a reliable, robust workforce can undermine the critical transfer of nursing knowledge to early-career nurses, increasing risks to patient safety and longer-term outcomes.
As in many other rural states, Nebraska faces a stark divide in the accessibility and quality of care it provides to urban versus rural residents. Many of Nebraska’s rural communities are considered medically underserved areas for primary and acute care services. Several factors contribute to the urban-rural divide. One is that rural hospitals are rarely financially sustainable. A fear of financial instability can make it difficult for communities to effectively plan for the related infrastructure needed when a hospital opens. In addition, a lack of other infrastructure such as transportation and communications often compounds the difficulties rural residents experience when trying to get care.
Despite its challenges, Nebraska is working to address deficiencies in its healthcare system. For example, Nebraska’s state-designated electronic health information exchange, CyncHealth, is improving the Nebraska hospital system’s access to patient information and enhancing patient safety and outcomes. With a very high level of participation statewide, CyncHealth seeks to address a critical problem common to rural states like Nebraska.
Nursing professionals seeking to specialize in rural healthcare will find Nebraska full of opportunities to apply their skills. Despite its rural character and small overall population, Nebraska offers numerous academic programs for nursing professionals seeking to begin or advance their careers. These programs vary in terms of duration, intensity, and complexity. Read on to discover Nebraska’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Jillian Krumbach, DNP, RN, NE-BC
Dr. Jillian Krumbach, the director of undergraduate nursing at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), has dedicated herself to student success and faculty support for nearly 14 years. Her responsibilities include mentoring new faculty, guiding curriculum development, fostering clinical partnerships and monitoring student outcomes. Most rewarding to her are the moments when her stories and experiences inspire students to embrace nursing not only as a profession but as a calling to patient advocacy.
Dr. Krumbach—a proud alumna of NMC—has a diverse clinical background, which began in transplant care and was shaped most profoundly during her time as an inpatient charge nurse at the Rosebud Indian Health Services Hospital in South Dakota. There, she cared for patients across the lifespan—from labor and delivery to hospice—gaining a comprehensive foundation in nursing practice and a deep appreciation for public and community health in underserved areas.
Beyond her professional role, Dr. Krumbach is a wife and mother to six children. She and her husband enjoy running half marathons together, with the ambitious goal of completing one in every state. She is also passionate about reading and writing, and recently published her first book, Is It a Fever?
NursingColleges.com: What do you wish the public understood about nursing programs in Nebraska?
Dr. Krumbach: Nebraska is an exceptional place to pursue a nursing education. One of the most important factors for students to consider when selecting a nursing program is NCLEX pass rates, and Nebraska consistently excels in this area. In 2024, Nebraska ranked third in the United States for first-time test takers and BSN graduates, with an impressive 95 percent pass rate. This means that students choosing a Nebraska nursing school can feel confident they will be well prepared for both the licensure exam and their future career.
Nebraska nursing programs also have the capacity to welcome students, whereas some states face enrollment restrictions or limited program space. Job opportunities are plentiful across both urban and rural settings, and entry-level salaries remain highly competitive. Nurses make up the largest segment of Nebraska’s health care workforce, and 97percent report feeling fulfilled in their profession—a remarkable indicator of satisfaction and long-term career stability.
Choosing a nursing school in Nebraska positions future nurses for a strong start in a rewarding, meaningful, and well-supported career.
NursingColleges.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nursing students in Nebraska?
Dr. Krumbach: Online nursing programs have become increasingly popular among busy, professional nurses, and Nebraska has long been a leader in offering high-quality online options. If you are considering pursuing an advanced nursing degree through an online program, here are several important factors to keep in mind:
- Time: Reflect on how much time you are realistically able—and willing—to dedicate to your studies. Many programs are designed for working professionals, but it is essential to determine how coursework will fit alongside your current personal and professional commitments. Consider whether a full-time or part-time plan of study aligns best with your schedule and whether your program of interest offers flexible pathways.
- Cost: Furthering your education can expand career opportunities and often lead to increased earning potential. Review the cost of attendance and explore sources of financial support. Many employers offer tuition assistance or professional development funds, so be sure to check what benefits may be available to you.
- Faculty: A key differentiator among online programs is the quality of the faculty. Effective online educators must excel not only in their clinical or academic specialty but also in facilitating meaningful engagement in a virtual environment. Look for programs with faculty who are invested in student success and who foster a sense of community—no matter where you are located.
- Passion: As you review potential programs, examine the curriculum to ensure the courses align with both your long-term goals and your genuine interests. Choosing a program that resonates with your passion will help maintain your motivation and sense of purpose throughout your educational journey.
Meet the Expert: Megan Ray, EdD, RN
Dr. Megan Ray is an associate professor of nursing and the director of undergraduate nursing at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. She has a strong background in nursing education and clinical practice. She earned her BSN and MSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and her EdD in education from Nebraska Methodist College. Her areas of expertise include pediatrics, fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, and nursing research, with a focus on preparing students for safe, evidence-based practice.
Recognized for her commitment to teaching excellence, Dr. Ray has received multiple honors, including Student Senate Job Well Done Recipient and nominee, as well as nominations for the CSM Outstanding Faculty Award and Inspiring Excellence Award. She is actively involved at the national level as a peer evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and serves on item writing committees for the National League for Nursing and the NCLEX-RN. She is also engaged in her local community through education, youth athletics, and nonprofit service.
NursingColleges.com: What doyou wish the public understood about nursing programs in Nebraska?
Dr. Ray: Nursing programs in Nebraska carry responsibilities that extend beyond the classroom. Because our state relies heavily on rural health systems and Critical Access Hospitals, schools must work hard to secure clinical sites, prepare students for broad generalist roles, and support the rural workforce pipeline. These programs are not only educating future nurses, but they are also sustaining essential healthcare capacity for communities across Nebraska.
NursingColleges.com: What advice do you have for aspiring online nursing students in Nebraska?
Dr. Ray: Online nursing education offers valuable flexibility, but success requires structure and steady engagement. Students should create consistent study routines, communicate with faculty early, stay active in course expectations, and seek clinical experiences that reflect Nebraska’s diverse needs. This balanced approach builds confidence and prepares graduates to serve communities throughout the state.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Nebraska
The Creighton University College of Nursing is highly respected for its quality nursing education programs. Its programs emphasize both excellent nursing education based on the recognition that the profession of nursing is ever-changing, as well as a commitment to service.
Creighton University offers a 128-credit bachelor of science degree in nursing. This on-campus program trains students in the competencies necessary to become professional nurses skilled in various settings. The curriculum consists of traditional coursework and clinical training. It emphasizes critical thinking and decision-making skills, legal and ethical standards, and developing each student’s physical, spiritual, and intellectual potential. Creighton University also offers an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing degree (ABSN) program.
Creighton University’s curriculum is especially designed for recent high school graduates who wish to immediately begin their nursing studies as freshmen. The program accommodates students with various interests, including, but not limited to, study abroad, the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), and the Air Force (ROTC). After completing an introduction to professional nursing and other foundational courses as freshmen, students broaden their nursing studies to include many topics in subsequent years.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nebraska Methodist College (On-campus, online)
Nebraska Methodist College offers a range of undergraduate nursing degrees. The four options are a traditional BSN program, an RN-to-BSN program, an LPN-to-BSN program, and an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in 12 months. The curriculum emphasizes community-based practice. Except for the RN-to-BSN program, all programs are offered on the Josie Harper campus in Omaha. All four programs boast a first-time NCLEX exam pass rate of at least 93 percent.
Students gain critical, required hands-on experience in clinical rotations. Affiliated hospitals, including Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital, offer several rotations. Given the large size of the Methodist hospital system in the Midwest many students ultimately make meaningful professional connections through their clinical rotations that may help them secure their first jobs after graduation.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: One to four years, depending on the program
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of Nebraska is a well-respected institution dedicated to providing quality nursing education. The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing is the largest of UNMC’s six health colleges. It has a major presence and impact throughout Nebraska and seeks to influence the nursing profession throughout the United States. Students also benefit from a centralized online application process that considers them for programs at one of UNMC’s five nursing campuses across the state. Given its reputation, UNMC attracts a diverse student body from the United States and the world.
The University of Nebraska offers numerous undergraduate nursing degree programs. All degree options feature a curriculum emphasizing advanced, student-centered learning technologies and interdisciplinary learning. Particular options include the traditional BSN program, the accelerated BSN program, and the RN-to-BSN program. The accelerated BSN program is an intensive, 12-month program featuring student cohorts who participate in synchronous lectures across all participating campuses. Class sizes are small, and students have only one annual admission period in January.
In addition, in recognition of the pervasive challenges of rural health care, UNMC also offers programs such as the UNMC Nursing Rural Advantage Scholarship and the Nursing Rural Pathway program.
- Location: Students can study at many campuses throughout the state
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The College of Saint Mary offers a Nebraska Board of Nursing-approved 128-credit bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. The program curriculum consists of nursing, general education, and supporting courses. Of the required total credit hours, students complete 69 in nursing, 41 in general education, 15 in supporting courses, and three in electives. Students immediately embark on laboratory and clinical practice in their first semester and continue such training throughout the program.
This program is designed as a day program that full-time students can complete in three years. Though students can transfer to the College of Saint Mary to complete their nursing education, a minimum of 30 credit hours applied toward their degree must be completed at the College of Saint Mary. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) exam for registered nurses. After successfully passing the exam, they may apply for licensure. Prospective students interested in practicing outside of Nebraska are recommended to research licensure requirements, as they vary by state.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers a traditional four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. The curriculum incorporates clinical and foundational nursing coursework and liberal arts courses to provide students a comprehensive education. Small class sizes in which experienced faculty provide instruction in various specialized areas of nursing prove effective in achieving learning outcomes. Critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills are emphasized throughout the program. A majority of nursing courses are offered in an eight-week format.
Hands-on experience is a critical part of the program. This program requires the completion of at least 900 clinical hours of hands-on experience. Students also use skills and simulation labs to develop skills and confidence further. In addition, a preparatory course is included in the curriculum such that students can successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
However, admission and graduation from this program should not be construed as guaranteeing that students will be permitted to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Prospective students are recommended to research both the material tested in the exam and licensure requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Duration: years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a wealth of opportunities for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers through a graduate degree. The master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program prepares students for advanced practice roles as nurse practitioners and administrators. The UNMC College of Nursing master’s degree program seeks applicants passionate about excellence in practice and scholarship, quality patient care and reducing health disparities often starkly evident between urban and rural populations.
The MSN program features nine specializations within two distinct roles. Those seeking to become nurse practitioners can specialize in adult-gerontology (subspecialties in acute or primary care), family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care, pediatric primary and acute care, psychiatric-mental health, and women’s health.
Students who elect to become nurse administrators can specialize as clinical nurse leaders or pursue a dual MSN-MBA to fill roles that require leadership and business skills. Students with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can also pursue the nurse administrator track and become a nurse leader/executive.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Approximately three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Creighton University (Online)
In addition to its highly regarded BSN program, Creighton University also offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program. This advanced degree program allows students to study in one of two tracks. These tracks are the nurse education and nursing administration, and leadership tracks.
These programs are offered online to give busy professionals the flexibility they typically need to complete their education while simultaneously managing their work and other commitments. Students may also choose between part- and full-time study. Although the programs are fully online, students may occasionally need to visit the Omaha campus.
The MSN program in nursing administration and leadership is a 37-credit program designed to develop inspiring healthcare leaders. Meanwhile, the MSN in nursing education is a 39-credit program that trains professionals to effectively work as an educators in diverse settings. Jesuit teaching and learning principles are also incorporated into the design of this program.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers nursing professionals three different options to pursue a master of science in nursing degree. Students can pursue an MSN and choose from one of two tracks. These tracks are the nurse educator and nurse leader tracks.
Nurse educators develop expertise in educational theory and teaching strategies, learn to create curricula and community education programs, and understand the fundamentals of evaluating and assessing these programs. Nurse leaders develop skills to work within complex healthcare systems and implement strategic plans to improve the healthcare industry’s performance.
NWU recognizes that many nursing professionals are increasingly expected not only to possess nursing expertise but also to apply business operations skills in their daily work. Nurses interested in developing such skills can pursue a 55-credit online dual MSN-MBA degree.
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Clarkson College (Online)
Clarkson College has received many awards in recent years in recognition of the quality of its nursing degree programming. The Clarkson College online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program attracts RNs from Nebraska and across the United States. Recognizing the diverse roles nurses may fill, the MSN program offers five different specialties. These specialties are nursing healthcare administration, nursing education, family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
The program features a rigorous and patient-centered curriculum designed to teach existing nurses to work both independently and collaboratively in creating, implementing, and evaluating the functioning of complex healthcare strategies and systems within a variety of advanced practice roles.
Additional program features include flexible course scheduling, clinical/practicum sites close to a student’s city or town of residence, and a compassionate, highly experienced faculty.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: 2.5 to five years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step programs take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their program have received a quality education. When selecting a nursing program, ensure it is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure that nursing programs meet certain standards and provide students with a quality education.
Nursing professionals seeking to practice in Nebraska must seek licensure through the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. This board is responsible for licensing both registered and practical nurses. It is common for licensure requirements to include passing a criminal background check and the certification exam directly relevant to the particular nursing specialization the individual wishes to practice in.
After obtaining their licenses, nursing professionals maintain their skills through continued education. Continuing education is an important way for nurses to maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties and renew their licenses in the future.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Nebraska?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2024—the latest data available as of January 2026.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 632,430 | 4,820 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $64,150 | $60,240 |
| 10th percentile | $47,960 | $47,110 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,340 | $60,740 |
| 90th percentile | $80,510 | $73,520 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,282,010 | 24,180 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $98,430 | $82,890 |
| 10th percentile | $66,030 | $63,290 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $93,600 | $81,020 |
| 90th percentile | $135,320 | $101,500 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 50,350 | 290 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $231,700 | $224,900 |
| 10th percentile | $137,230 | $165,860 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $223,210 | $231,020 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 per year | >$239,200 per year |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 8,280 | Unavailable |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,110 | $132,680 |
| 10th percentile | $74,670 | $129,440 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $128,790 | $133,890 |
| 90th percentile | $177,040 | $133,940 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Nebraska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 307,390 | 2,150 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $132,000 | $127,950 |
| 10th percentile | $97,960 | $100,810 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,210 | $127,930 |
| 90th percentile | $169,950 | $161,800 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services | Nebraska LPN license application requirements include:
| In the state of Nebraska LPNs must renew their licenses every two years. To renew, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
All renewal candidates must pay the renewal fee. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
In the state of Nebraska, RN license application requirements include:
|
Nebraskan RNs must renew their licenses every two years. To renew, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
All renewal candidates must pay the renewal fee |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
To be eligible for a CNS license in the state of Nebraska, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewals for CNS licenses in Nebraska are required every two years. Each person holding an active advanced practice registered nursing license in Nebraska must, on or before the date of expiration of the license, meet the continuing competency requirements determined by the certifying body. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
To be eligible for a CNM license in the state of Nebraska, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewals for CNMs in Nebraska are required every two years. Each person holding an active advanced practice registered nursing license in Nebraska must, on or before the date of expiration of the license, meet the continuing competency requirements determined by the certifying body. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services | To be eligible for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Nurse Practitioner (APRN-NP) license in the state of Nebraska, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewals APRN-NPs in Nebraska are required every two years. Each person holding an active APRN-NP license in Nebraska must, on or before the license expiration date, meet the continuing competency requirements determined by the certifying body. Nurse practitioners must attest to 2,080 hours of practice over the five years preceding renewal. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Nebraska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CRNA license in the state of Nebraska, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
Renewals for CRNAs in Nebraska are required every two years. Each person holding an active advanced practice registered nursing license in Nebraska must, on or before the date of expiration of the license, meet the continuing competency requirements determined by the certifying body. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.