Olivia Chen, NP
June 4, 2025
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides necessary nursing care as a healthcare worker under registered nurse or doctor supervision. The Nebraska healthcare system depends heavily on LPNs for providing care in long-term facilities and hospital settings as well as outpatient environments. The healthcare provider shortages in Nebraska’s rural areas make LPNs essential for delivering high-quality patient care to patients.
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College's Practical Nursing Certificate provides an innovative hybrid pathway into nursing, strategically designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students experience a comprehensive one-year curriculum blending rigorous classroom instruction with immersive clinical training. The program uniquely integrates high-fidelity simulation experiences and prepares candidates for the NCLEX-PN examination. With a competitive $250 per credit hour cost and a minimum 2.25 GPA requirement, students gain critical patient care skills across diverse healthcare environments. The program's robust clinical component ensures graduates are well-prepared for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, residential facilities, and home healthcare settings. Graduates can anticipate promising career prospects with a median annual salary of $59,730 in the nursing profession.
North Platte, NE - Public 2-Year - mpcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mid-Plains Community College's Practical Nursing Program offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse through an innovative, concept-based curriculum. Students engage in rigorous theory and clinical training, utilizing advanced simulations to develop critical healthcare skills. The program distinguishes itself with mandatory clinical experiences across diverse healthcare environments, preparing graduates for immediate professional practice. An ACT score of 21 and 3.0 GPA are required for admission, ensuring students meet high academic standards. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and professional development, positioning students for successful NCLEX-PN exam completion and entry into the nursing profession.
Grand Island, NE - Public 2-Year - cccneb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma provides an innovative and comprehensive pathway for aspiring nurses, featuring an accelerated two-semester program designed to rapidly prepare students for healthcare careers. Students benefit from extensive hands-on training, including over 650 clinical hours across advanced simulation centers and local healthcare facilities. The program strategically enables students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam early while offering continued educational progression toward a full Associate Degree in Nursing. With an impressive 90.77% NCLEX-RN pass rate and multiple campus locations, the curriculum emphasizes individualized learning support and collaborative clinical experiences, ensuring students receive robust preparation for professional nursing practice.
Scottsbluff, NE - Public 2-Year - wncc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Nebraska Community College's Practical Nursing program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, strategically designed for aspiring healthcare professionals. Through an intensive two-semester curriculum, students receive comprehensive training blending rigorous classroom learning with diverse clinical experiences. The program's robust structure ensures graduates are fully prepared to successfully challenge the NCLEX-PN licensing examination and seamlessly transition into entry-level nursing roles. Students benefit from hands-on training across multiple healthcare environments, developing critical skills in patient care, medical procedures, and professional nursing practices. This state-board-approved program provides an exceptional foundation for those seeking a quick, strategic entry into the nursing profession with potential for future educational advancement.
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Community College's Practical Nursing program delivers a comprehensive healthcare education designed to transform students into skilled nursing professionals. Strategically structured as a hybrid program, students benefit from flexible learning formats that accommodate various schedules. The curriculum focuses on holistic patient care across different life stages, emphasizing evidence-based practices and professional accountability. With an affordable total cost of $10,094, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and offers promising career opportunities. Nebraska's strong nursing job market, projecting 25% growth, makes this ACEN-accredited program an attractive pathway for aspiring practical nurses seeking diverse healthcare employment settings.
The majority of LPN programs in Nebraska require students to attend classes physically because nursing requires direct patient interaction. A few institutions provide hybrid programs which combine online academic work with in-person clinical training for students. Students in these programs learn theory through online classes yet must participate in both on-site clinical work and skills laboratory training. The flexible program design works for students who need to manage their education alongside work responsibilities and family obligations. The Nebraska regulations mandate that students must perform their clinical training in healthcare facilities because there are no fully online LPN programs available.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Community College |
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| Nebraska Methodist College |
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| Mid-Plains Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Nebraska Board of Nursing, Department of Health & Human Services |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Completion of a Nebraska Board-approved practical nursing program (typically 9–12 months) with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Fees | Initial application fee $123 (fee waiver options available), fingerprint-based background check fee $45.25, NCLEX exam registration fee paid separately to Pearson VUE |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued in 1–2 weeks after file review, permanent license generally granted within 30 days of passing NCLEX and receipt of all required documents |
| License Renewal | Biennial renewal with licenses expiring October 31 of odd-numbered years, renewal fee $123, option to place license on inactive or military status at no charge |
| Continuing Education | 20 contact hours every two years (max 4 hours CPR/BLS, at least 10 peer-reviewed hours) – alternative competency pathways (practice hours, recent graduation, refresher course) available |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Endorsement application fee $123, verification of current unrestricted LPN license via NURSYS or state board, fingerprint background check, proof of recent practice or completion of board-approved refresher if inactive. |
LPNs working in Nebraska receive competitive compensation because their average yearly salary reaches $57,000. Nebraska will experience steady growth in its LPN workforce because of an aging population that needs more healthcare services specifically in long-term care and home health settings. The growing need for medical care services will lead to increasing demand for qualified LPNs to provide fundamental nursing services. The state’s healthcare system experiences workforce shortages that create multiple employment opportunities for new LPN graduates to start their careers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Nebraska | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $54,110 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$60,472 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $54,110 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$48,777 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 5% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~5,950 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Community College Area |
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| Metropolitan Community College Area |
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| Nebraska Methodist College |
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The LPN profession in Nebraska provides multiple opportunities for career progression. The most popular career progression for LPNs involves attending LPN-to-RN bridge programs which enable them to become RNs by finishing additional education along with clinical practice requirements. Nebraska community colleges operate bridge programs which require students to finish their programs within one to two years. The RN license obtained after graduation creates more job prospects together with increased compensation. LPNs who want to specialize in particular patient care fields can earn certifications in areas like gerontology, wound care, and hospice nursing. LPNs seeking leadership positions in long-term care facilities should consider supervisory or charge nurse roles. Professional development together with continuing education serves as a vital factor for career advancement. The ability to advance professionally with higher salaries becomes accessible to LPNs who choose to pursue additional education along with specialized skills training.
Additional Nursing Programs in Nebraska
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