Top RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska

Top RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska
Olivia Chen, NP

Olivia Chen, NP

June 19, 2025

The RN to BSN programs in Nebraska offer working nurses the chance to get their bachelor’s degree while maintaining their employment. The programs extend the prior nursing education to focus on leadership development alongside research and public health studies. BSN-prepared nurses play an essential role in Nebraska to manage advanced patient requirements because healthcare services operate in both rural and urban areas throughout the state. 

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2026 Top RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska

TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best RN to BSN programs across Nebraska to help aspiring nurses advance their careers. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like academic quality, program flexibility, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. Nebraska offers several outstanding pathways for registered nurses seeking to earn their bachelor's degree, with programs designed to accommodate working professionals and provide comprehensive nursing education. These top-ranked programs not only enhance clinical skills but also prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Each institution brings unique strengths to nursing education, ensuring students receive high-quality, transformative learning experiences. View our detailed ranking methodology.
#1

Clarkson College

Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - clarksoncollege.edu

Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Clarkson College's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing career. The program is designed for associate degree or diploma-prepared nurses seeking to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can complete coursework entirely online, with practicum hours potentially completed near their hometown. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health, preparing nurses for expanded professional opportunities. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, and the program can be completed in 4-6 semesters with part-time and full-time options available.

  • 100% online theory coursework
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Flexible part/full-time options
  • Degree attainable in under a year
  • $335 per credit hour
  • Median salary $86,070 annually
  • Portfolio credit options available
  • Rolling admissions each semester
  • Multiple start dates
  • Career advancement opportunities
#2

Nebraska Methodist College

Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nebraska Methodist College's RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses a flexible, comprehensive pathway to advance their nursing career. Completed in just three semesters with potential transfer credits, this program provides a population health-based curriculum designed to enhance professional nursing skills. With a cost of $350 per credit hour and CCNE accreditation, students can expand their career opportunities in a rapidly growing healthcare field. The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, current RN licensure, and offers a transfer-friendly admissions process for working professionals seeking career advancement.

  • 100% online program
  • Complete in 12 months
  • CCNE accredited
  • No prerequisite courses
  • Most courses 5 weeks long
  • Flexible full/part-time study
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Transfer credits evaluated
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • Active RN license needed
#3

Midland University

Fremont, NE - Private 4-year - midlandu.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program Option

Online Learning - Visit Website

Midland University's online RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers and enhance patient care. Designed for working professionals, this flexible program allows nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as one year. Students gain leadership skills, engage in community-based projects, and improve healthcare outcomes. The program offers competitive advantages, with BSN-prepared nurses earning nearly 48% more annually and qualifying for 88% of nursing job opportunities. Nurses can seamlessly integrate coursework into their existing schedules while completing clinical experiences in their local communities.

  • 100% Online Nursing Degree
  • Complete in One Year
  • Six to Eight-Week Courses
  • Community-Based Projects
  • Transfer Previous Credits
  • Expert Faculty Support
  • Increase Career Opportunities
#4

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NE - Private 4-year - nebrwesleyan.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN (B.S.N.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nebraska Wesleyan University's RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a strategic pathway to advance their nursing credentials. Designed for diploma and associate degree holders, this comprehensive degree completion program focuses on professional development and evidence-based practice. Applicants must hold an active nursing license and meet prerequisite requirements, including courses in anatomy, microbiology, and psychology. The program emphasizes critical skills like healthcare ethics, research application, and leadership, preparing nurses for expanded roles in modern healthcare settings.

  • RN-BSN Degree Completion
  • 30 Total Credit Hours
  • For Licensed RNs
  • GPA Requirement 2.5+
  • Prerequisite Course Requirements
  • Nursing License Mandatory
  • Multiple Nursing Electives
  • Leadership Management Course
  • Community Health Capstone
  • Evidence-Based Practice Focus
#5

Doane University

Crete, NE - Private 4-year - doane.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.

Online Learning - Visit Website

Doane University's R.N. to B.S.N. online program empowers licensed registered nurses to advance their professional growth through a comprehensive degree completion pathway. The curriculum develops critical skills in healthcare leadership, policy analysis, and interprofessional collaboration. Designed for working nurses, the program focuses on expanding clinical knowledge, professional development, and innovative problem-solving techniques essential for modern healthcare environments. Ideal for RNs seeking career advancement and deeper healthcare understanding.

  • Online degree completion program
  • Designed for licensed RNs
  • Requires active RN license
  • Comprehensive leadership curriculum
  • Focuses on professional development
  • Covers healthcare policy topics
  • Interprofessional team skills
  • Maximum 72 transfer credits
  • Background check required
  • Clinical requirement considerations
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Nursing Research
Public Health Nursing
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Healthcare Ethics and Law
Nutrition

Clinical Rotations

Are Online RN to BSN Programs Available in Nebraska

 Nebraska provides multiple flexible RN to BSN degree pathways through completely online programs. The state’s working nurses throughout urban and rural healthcare facilities find online pathways to be suitable options. The program design allows students to study independently at times that fit their schedule without requiring physical campus attendance. Programs integrate hybrid formats which combine online learning with sporadic face-to-face classes and community engagement activities. The scheduling of programs includes evening and weekend classes for students who need to manage work and family responsibilities. The educational institutions provide both fast-tracking programs and continuous enrollment procedures to let students finish their studies quickly. 

2026 Fastest RN to BSN Program Options in Nebraska

Nurses in Nebraska looking to advance their careers can benefit from quick and efficient RN to BSN programs across the state. With options designed for working professionals, these educational pathways offer the fastest routes to completing a bachelor's degree. Professionals in Omaha, Lincoln, and other major Nebraska regions can now accelerate their nursing education without disrupting their current work schedules. These shortest program tracks help nurses upgrade their credentials, increase earning potential, and open doors to advanced healthcare roles. By focusing on streamlined curriculum and flexible learning formats, these programs ensure nurses can balance professional responsibilities while pursuing higher education.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Nebraska Methodist College
  • 100% online program
  • Complete in 12 months
  • CCNE accredited
  • No prerequisite courses
  • Most courses 5 weeks long
  • Flexible full/part-time study
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Transfer credits evaluated
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • RN-BSN Degree Completion
  • 30 Total Credit Hours
  • For Licensed RNs
  • GPA Requirement 2.5+
  • Prerequisite Course Requirements
  • Nursing License Mandatory
  • Multiple Nursing Electives
  • Leadership Management Course
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Doane University
  • Online degree completion program
  • Designed for licensed RNs
  • Requires active RN license
  • Comprehensive leadership curriculum
  • Focuses on professional development
  • Covers healthcare policy topics
  • Interprofessional team skills
  • Maximum 72 transfer credits
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Admission Requirements

Active RN License 
 Current, unencumbered RN license in the state of practice
Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing 
 Graduation from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or NLNAC)
Official Transcripts 
 From all previously attended colleges or universities
Minimum GPA 
 Typically 2.0 cumulative GPA
Completed Prerequisites 
 Courses such as English Composition, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology or Sociology, and Nutrition
Background Check and Immunizations 
 Required for practicum or community health experiences

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardNebraska Board of Nursing
CertificationGraduate from an NBON‑approved BSN program, submit official transcripts and fingerprint‑based background check, and pass the NCLEX‑RN
License Renewal PeriodBiennial renewal, RN licenses expire October 31 of even‑numbered years
Continuing EducationComplete 20 contact hours of CE every two years plus 500 practice hours in the past five years as part of continued competency, waivers and alternate options (recent grad exemption, refresher courses, specialty certification, portfolio, military service) apply
License Application Fee$85 application fee, $60 fingerprint processing fee, and $200 NCLEX registration fee
Clinical HoursVerification of all required didactic and clinical practicum hours via official BSN transcripts
Application Processing TimeApproximately 8–10 weeks total (including 4–6 weeks for fingerprint processing), processed in order received
License by Endorsement$85 endorsement application fee and $60 fingerprint fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, and proof of competency, temporary license valid for 60 days

Salary and Job Outlook

Nurses who complete their BSN degree in Nebraska tend to receive better salaries than RNs with associate degree qualifications. The salary range for nurses with BSN degrees depends on their location and experience but they become eligible for higher-paying leadership and specialty positions. The RN salary range in Nebraska maintains a competitive level which suits the state’s economic standards. BSN-educated nurses gain better access to hospital Magnet recognition positions together with education and management careers. The employment market for nursing professionals in Nebraska shows robust growth because of population aging and persistent staffing shortages. 

Salary & Career OutlookNebraskaUSA
Avg Annual BSN Salary$69,800$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$33.54$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$80,000$80,510
Median Salary$63,000$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$48,000$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)10%3%
Annual Job Openings~1,200~54,000

2026 Affordable RN to BSN Program Options in Nebraska

Nurses in Nebraska seeking to advance their careers can find valuable opportunities through accessible RN to BSN programs across the state. With options spread throughout key regions like Omaha and Lincoln, these programs offer affordable pathways for working healthcare professionals to complete their bachelor's degrees. These educational tracks provide critical support for nurses wanting to enhance their professional credentials without breaking the bank. By focusing on low-cost educational solutions, these programs help address the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in Nebraska's healthcare landscape. Students can explore various tuition-friendly options that balance academic quality with financial practicality, making career advancement more attainable for dedicated healthcare workers across the state.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Clarkson College
  • 100% online theory coursework
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Flexible part/full-time options
  • Degree attainable in under a year
  • $335 per credit hour
  • Median salary $86,070 annually
  • Portfolio credit options available
  • Rolling admissions each semester
  • $12,100 - $18,200 (Undergraduate)
Nebraska Methodist College
  • 100% online program
  • Complete in 12 months
  • CCNE accredited
  • No prerequisite courses
  • Most courses 5 weeks long
  • Flexible full/part-time study
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Transfer credits evaluated
  • $14,400 - $21,600 (Undergraduate)
Bellevue University
  • 100% Online Program
  • $449 Per Credit Hour
  • CCNE Accredited Degree
  • No Entrance Exam Required
  • 32 Total Credit Hours
  • Designed for Working Nurses
  • Practicum Experience Included
  • Leadership Skills Development
  • $7,100 - $10,700 (Undergraduate)
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Advancement Pathways

BSN education provides nurses with the opportunity to advance their careers throughout Nebraska’s healthcare sector. BSN-prepared nurses tend to become leaders in nursing roles including charge nurse, unit coordinator and nurse manager. Nurses who earn a BSN qualify to work as educators, policy advocates, and care coordinators in complex health care settings. Graduate nursing programs require a BSN for admission which makes this degree a necessary step for students who want to become nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists or nursing administrators. Nurses holding a BSN can pursue certifications that focus on critical care as well as case management and informatics. Nursing credentials build professional credibility which enables nurses to shape wider patient care results. The BSN provides Nebraska nurses with the tools to enter various impactful roles that serve different parts of the state due to its diverse healthcare requirements.

List of RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska offers diverse educational programs across its universities and colleges, providing students with unique opportunities in various fields of study. From agricultural sciences to cutting-edge technology programs, these institutions deliver quality education that prepares students for successful careers. The following table highlights some standout programs available throughout the state, showcasing the educational landscape and opportunities for academic growth.
Jump to City:

Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • $449 Per Credit Hour
    • CCNE Accredited Degree
    • No Entrance Exam Required
    • 32 Total Credit Hours
    • Designed for Working Nurses
    • Practicum Experience Included
    • Leadership Skills Development

Crete, NE

Doane University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online degree completion program
    • Designed for licensed RNs
    • Requires active RN license
    • Comprehensive leadership curriculum
    • Focuses on professional development
    • Covers healthcare policy topics
    • Interprofessional team skills
    • Maximum 72 transfer credits

Fremont, NE

Midland University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Nursing Degree
    • Complete in One Year
    • Six to Eight-Week Courses
    • Community-Based Projects
    • Transfer Previous Credits
    • Expert Faculty Support
    • Increase Career Opportunities

Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Wesleyan University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN (B.S.N.)

    Campus Based - Website

    • RN-BSN Degree Completion
    • 30 Total Credit Hours
    • For Licensed RNs
    • GPA Requirement 2.5+
    • Prerequisite Course Requirements
    • Nursing License Mandatory
    • Multiple Nursing Electives
    • Leadership Management Course

Omaha, NE

Clarkson College

  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online theory coursework
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Flexible part/full-time options
    • Degree attainable in under a year
    • $335 per credit hour
    • Median salary $86,070 annually
    • Portfolio credit options available
    • Rolling admissions each semester

Nebraska Methodist College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • Complete in 12 months
    • CCNE accredited
    • No prerequisite courses
    • Most courses 5 weeks long
    • Flexible full/part-time study
    • $350 per credit hour
    • Transfer credits evaluated
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.