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
Embark on a transformative one-year journey to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Nebraska Methodist College. This hybrid program prepares students for entry-level nursing practice through comprehensive coursework, hands-on lab experiences, and clinical training. Students gain critical skills in patient care across diverse healthcare settings, with opportunities to work in hospitals, residential facilities, and home healthcare. With a competitive median annual salary of $59,730 and projected job growth, this program offers an accessible pathway into the nursing profession. The curriculum requires prerequisite courses and includes CNA certification, making it an ideal starting point for aspiring healthcare professionals.
North Platte, NE - Public 2-Year - mpcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing (PN) Program at Mid-Plains Community College prepares students for entry-level practice as licensed practical nurses. With a concept-based curriculum, students gain essential knowledge and skills through theory and clinical courses. Clinical experiences occur in various healthcare settings, enhanced by state-of-the-art simulations. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission requires a composite ACT score of 21 or higher, a 3.0 GPA, and completion of specific prerequisites. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and professional development.
Grand Island, NE - Public 2-Year - cccneb.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma offers an accelerated pathway to healthcare careers with comprehensive training in nursing fundamentals. Students can complete the first two semesters and sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, then continue toward a full Associate Degree in Nursing. The program provides hands-on clinical experience with over 650 hours of training across state-of-the-art simulation centers and local healthcare facilities. With a rigorous curriculum, low faculty-to-student ratio, and high NCLEX pass rates, students receive individualized support to launch successful nursing careers.
Scottsbluff, NE - Public 2-Year - wncc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Nebraska Community College's Practical Nursing program prepares students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in just two semesters. Graduates are eligible to take the national NCLEX-PN licensing exam and can immediately enter the healthcare workforce. The program provides comprehensive training with classroom instruction and clinical rotations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience across multiple healthcare settings. Ideal for those seeking a quick path into nursing, this program offers a stackable credential that can serve as a foundation for future advanced nursing degrees.
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Practical Nursing program at Southeast Community College prepares passionate healthcare professionals for a dynamic nursing career. Students learn comprehensive patient care skills across the lifespan, from newborns to end-of-life care. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options, with an estimated total cost of $10,094. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and can practice in multiple states through the nursing compact. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, effective communication, and professional accountability, positioning students for success in diverse healthcare 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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