How to Become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska

Nebraska map

The healthcare field seems to have limitless possibilities.

If you already have some experience working in a medical environment, training to become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska may make sense to you.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services set a standard of at least two years of college for RNs.

The state does recommend a four-year degree, but the two-year associate degree will start you on the path to working as a registered nurse.

You can achieve different levels of registered nursing in Nebraska too.

The RN title begins at the first level, and you can move up to more level II and II positions.

While gaining on-the-job experience, you could train to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Studying to acquire a master’s or doctoral degree will put you closer to earning the APRN title.

An APRN has some of the same authority and responsibilities as a physician.

It’s possible to use this experience to go to medical school and become a doctor.

Some APRNs will specialize in anesthesia and IV treatments (APRN-CRNA), and others become nurse practitioners (APRN-NP).

No matter what path your career takes you, remember to attend schooling that teaches you content found on the NCLEX-RN exam.

That’s the test you’ll take before being awarded an RN license in Nebraska.

5 Registered Nurse Schools in Nebraska

1. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University Logo

Assuming you have already received RN training, you can upgrade your associate’s or bachelor’s degree to a BSN.

This takes as little time as 12 months.

It’s possible to transfer up to 90 credits from a different institution, and your accelerated classes last five weeks.

You can also earn a master’s in nursing in 2.5 years.

2. Doane University

Doane University Logo

You can attend Doane’s BSN program if you already have achieved RN status, presumably at the entry-level.

The training may take you “several semesters” to complete, according to them.

Program duration depends on your career goals and prior training or experience.

The BSN track is for RN students who currently have a license.

Start by reading the Health Science pre-professional degree information and contact the school to discuss your objectives.

3. Union College

Union College Logo

You can study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as a traditional, transfer, or online student at Union College.

You also have the option to transition from an LPN or RN to the BSN bachelor’s training.

Periods spent in school here may take you four years unless you have some education behind you.

It’s recommended for you if you have years of working in a healthcare environment.

However, you can also start in person as a new freshman.

4. Creighton University

Creighton University Logo

Creighton has a nursing school that offers you a chance to earn an undergraduate degree.

You also can join pre-licensure programs and acquire an advanced, post-bachelor’s credential.

Choices include either the BSN traditional or BSN accelerated.

This school also provides MSN and DNP, and there’s even a post-graduate certificate available for continued learning.

5. Bryan College of Health Sciences

Bryan College of Health Sciences Logo

Bryan College has nurses training right at their medical center.

It’s an excellent way to enhance your learning whether you have prior RN experience or not.

If you have no healthcare experience yet, you may need to take preliminary classes and gain experience as a CNA or LPN.

However, you have flexibility in learning when working your way through Bryan’s undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate training tracks.

If you’re already an RN, you can apply to the RN-BSN program.

After that, you earn a Master of Science in Nursing or a Ph.D.

This school also has a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) learning program.

There seems to be something for you at every level here.

Registered Nurse Schools in Nebraska – Summary Table

Top 5 Schools in Nebraska

School NameAddress
Grand Canyon University3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017
Doane University1014 Boswell Ave, Crete, NE 68333
Union College3800 S 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Creighton University2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178
Bryan College of Health Sciences1535 S 52nd St, Lincoln, NE 68506

Salary

A new RN graduate can make an average yearly income of $61,014 by the fall of 2022 in Nebraska.

Your salary may range from $54,732 to $69,749, depending on where you work and how far along in your training you are.

Advanced RN education and certification could raise your income per year to $77,702.

You would earn even more money if you take on healthcare leadership roles.

Chances are you won’t have a difficult time finding an RN position near you.

However, you can start your search in Lincoln, Omaha, Nebraska City, or Columbus if you want.

Annual Salary Range:
$54K
$60K
$69K

Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Nebraska

City NameSalary
Omaha$62,790
Lincoln$61,620
Bellevue$62,790
Grand Island$61,620
Kearney$61,620
Fremont$61,850
Hastings$61,620
North Platte$59,750
Norfolk$55,920
Columbus$61,620
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in Nebraska

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Grand Island, NE720$79,240$38.1$98,350$59,810
Lincoln, NE4,030$79,100$38.03$97,490$61,170
Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA12,190$81,710$39.29$99,680$63,790
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Registered Nurses, OCC Code 29-1141, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an RN in Nebraska do?

According to the state health department, an RN “plans and directs the plan of nursing care for patients.”

They also oversee the staff of practical nurses, medical assistants, and other staff, and they carry out duties as directed by a doctor.

In a smaller facility, you might have to divide your time between directing practical nurses and administrative work.

This may include supervising the staff that works at the front desk, taking calls, and scheduling appointments.

You will also provide advice to other nurses concerning IV or oral medication treatments, surgery preparation, and more that they must give to patients.

Who does an RN work with?

You’ll report to a physician on duty and work with other RNs, phlebotomists (blood drawing specialists), anesthesiologists, and your LPN or CNA staff.

Medical assistants, patient care technicians, and other support employees may also operate in your realm.

Where does an RN usually work?

You might work in a specialty hospital wing, emergency room, or physician’s practice.

Other places you might find openings include public clinics or urgent care centers.

Non-profit organizations, schools, long-term care facilities, and retirement homes also hire RNS.

You may even find a home healthcare position that requires RN licensure.

If you’re determined, you’ll find satisfying long-term employment in Nebraska.

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