Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Nebraska

Top Nursing Schools in Nebraska
Hannah Pierce, BSN

Hannah Pierce, BSN

June 26, 2025

Nebraska’s nursing education landscape offers a variety of pathways to suit every stage of your healthcare career. Whether you’re launching your journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), advancing from Registered Nurse (RN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or specializing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s community colleges, universities, and health systems provide well‑rounded curricula that blend classroom study with hands‑on clinical experiences. From rotations in Omaha’s leading hospitals to rural practicums on the plains, and with flexible online options for busy learners, Nebraska’s nursing programs prepare graduates with the expertise, credentials, and competitive salary potential to thrive across the Cornhusker State’s diverse medical settings.

On this page

2026 Top Nursing Programs in Nebraska

At TopNursing.org, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive rankings of the best nursing programs across Nebraska. Our expert team carefully evaluates each nursing school based on critical factors like academic quality, student outcomes, faculty expertise, and clinical training opportunities. Nebraska offers some exceptional nursing education options, ranging from community colleges to prestigious university programs that prepare students for dynamic healthcare careers. These top-ranked institutions provide robust curriculum, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and strong connections with regional healthcare networks. Whether you're seeking an associate's degree, bachelor's, or advanced nursing program, our rankings help prospective students make informed decisions about their educational journey. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

Clarkson College

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Clarkson College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program blends science, humanities, and nursing courses to prepare students for diverse healthcare environments. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and early hands-on learning, students gain the skills to excel. The program offers a hybrid format, combining classroom and online learning. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and compassionate care, setting students on a path to make a significant impact in healthcare.

  • Hybrid program format.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Early hands-on learning.
  • 2.5 GPA requirement.
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN.
  • Focus on critical thinking.
  • Leadership development.
  • Compassionate care emphasis.
  • Experienced faculty.
  • Combines science and humanities.
#2

Bryan College of Health Sciences

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, NE, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses. This program stands out with its comprehensive curriculum, blending natural sciences, social sciences, communications, and humanities. Unique features include a low clinical faculty-to-student ratio of 1:6 and over 1,200 clinical hours, the highest in the state. Graduates enjoy a 100% NCLEX pass rate as of May 2023 and a job guarantee upon acceptance. With no prerequisites required, students can complete their entire degree at Bryan, preparing for a rewarding career in various healthcare settings.

  • Low 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio
  • Over 1,200 clinical hours
  • 100% NCLEX pass rate
  • Job guarantee upon acceptance
  • No prerequisites required
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • State-of-the-art Simulation Center
  • Training at Bryan Medical Center
  • Strong tradition of high NCLEX pass rates

Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, NE, offers an Accelerated Nursing Degree, a 12-month BSN program designed for swift entry into nursing. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and prerequisite courses, it's ideal for those with a bachelor's degree or significant college experience. The program boasts a 1:6 clinical faculty-to-student ratio, over 1,200 clinical hours, and a 100% NCLEX pass rate for May 2023 graduates. Graduates enjoy job guarantees at Bryan Health facilities and a starting salary up to $60,000. Prerequisites include courses in anatomy, microbiology, and more, with transfer credits accepted for C grades or better.

  • 12-month BSN program
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • 1:6 clinical ratio
  • 1,200+ clinical hours
  • 100% NCLEX pass rate
  • Job guarantee
  • Starting salary up to $60,000
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Transfer credits accepted
  • Campus-based program
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Nebraska Wesleyan University

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nebraska Wesleyan University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a comprehensive 4-year degree that blends clinical and foundational knowledge with liberal arts for a well-rounded education. Students gain over 800 clinical hours, enhancing critical thinking and communication skills in a supportive environment with small class sizes and experienced faculty. The curriculum includes a prep course for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and clinical readiness. Direct entry options are available for high achievers.

  • 4-year BSN degree
  • Over 800 clinical hours
  • Small class sizes
  • NCLEX-RN prep course
  • Competitive admission
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Direct entry options
  • Experienced faculty
  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • Hands-on skills lab
#4

College of Saint Mary

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE, prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This campus-based program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for nursing excellence. It focuses on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Admission requires meeting specific academic standards. Financial aid options are available to eligible students. The program is designed for those seeking to enter the nursing profession with a strong foundation in nursing principles and practices.

  • Campus-based program
  • Focuses on patient care
  • Health promotion emphasis
  • Disease prevention training
  • Blends theory and practice
  • Financial aid available
  • Strong nursing foundation

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) program designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers. This campus-based program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for higher-level nursing roles. It focuses on bridging the gap between LPN and BSN qualifications, ensuring a smooth transition. The curriculum covers advanced nursing practices, patient care, and healthcare systems. Admission requires an LPN license and meeting specific academic criteria. Prospective students should check the college's website for detailed cost information and application deadlines. This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their nursing expertise and career opportunities.

  • Campus-based program.
  • For LPNs advancing to BSN.
  • Focuses on advanced nursing practices.
  • Requires LPN license for admission.
  • Check website for cost details.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

Creighton University

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Creighton University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for generalist practice in various healthcare settings. With a curriculum of 128 credits, the program emphasizes hands-on experience, critical thinking, and ethical standards in nursing. Admission is direct for freshmen, requiring a high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and a strong academic background. The program boasts a 93% NCLEX pass rate over five years, with all graduates employed or pursuing further studies within six months. Financial aid and scholarships are available to make this accredited program accessible.

  • 128 credit curriculum.
  • Direct freshman admission.
  • 93% NCLEX pass rate.
  • 100% employment rate post-graduation.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Small cohort sizes.
  • Emphasis on ethical standards.
  • Strong alumni network.
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

Nebraska LPN Program Overview

Nebraska’s LPN programs blend classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and rural health clinics. Students gain practical skills administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and supporting patient recovery under professional supervision. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and obtaining Nebraska licensure, graduates bolster the state’s practical nursing workforce, enhancing access to quality care across both metropolitan areas like Omaha and Lincoln and smaller communities.

Nebraska CNA Program Overview

Nebraska’s CNA courses run approximately six to twelve weeks, merging classroom instruction in hygiene best practices and vital‑sign monitoring with supervised hands‑on practicums. Students practice feeding, grooming, and mobility assistance while maintaining precise care records. After certification, graduates bolster healthcare teams in both urban medical centers and small‑town clinics. Their foundational care enables nurses to focus on advanced treatments.

Nebraska RN to BSN Program Overview

Nebraska’s RN to BSN pathways blend self-paced online study in areas like nursing leadership, population and community health, informatics and health policy with supervised clinical rotations at both urban medical centers and rural health clinics. Structured in part-time and accelerated options, these programs let RNs keep working while they complete their bachelor’s degree. Earning a BSN sharpens skills in evidence-driven practice and interdisciplinary coordination, meets employer and accreditation standards for degree-prepared nurses, and opens doors to leadership, specialty certification and public health roles statewide. By advancing their education, Nebraska’s nurses are better equipped to address diverse healthcare needs from city hospitals to frontier communities.

Nebraska Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Overview

Nebraska’s Nurse Practitioner programs take BSN-prepared nurses into advanced-practice roles through comprehensive graduate study and hands-on clinical immersions, typically spanning two to four years, in areas like family health, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Offered through on-campus cohorts, hybrid models, and fully online tracks at universities and health systems statewide, these MSN and DNP pathways equip nurses for APRN certification and Nebraska licensure. Graduates serve as primary care providers, chronic care coordinators, and telehealth specialists in metropolitan hospitals, community clinics, and the state’s many rural and frontier communities. By supplying expert clinicians to regions with limited physician coverage and enhancing care continuity, NP programs play a crucial role in strengthening Nebraska’s healthcare delivery.

Traditional RN Degree Types

DegreeTypical LengthPrerequisitesOutcome / Notes
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)~2 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDCommon entry path in rural areas, BSN preferred in Omaha and Lincoln hospitals
RN Diploma2-3 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDNo longer offered in Nebraska
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)4 years (12-18 months accelerated)High school diploma or ADN transferBSN-in-10 requirement, RN-to-BSN widely available online for rural nurses
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)2 years (post-BSN)BSN + RN licensePrepares for advanced roles, NPs have full practice authority statewide
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN)BSN or MSN + RN licenseHighest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently with full authority

List of RN Programs in Nebraska

Jump to City:

Crete, NE

Doane University

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

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Requires current RN license
    • Focus on leadership and policy
    • Liberal arts education foundation
    • Prepares for global health challenges
    • Innovative problem-solving curriculum
    • Professional development emphasis
    • Healthcare economics included

Fremont, NE

Midland University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-year program
    • NCLEX preparation included
    • Clinical experiences in Fremont and Omaha
    • State-of-the-art simulation lab
    • Academic and career support
    • Open to high school and transfer students
    • Hands-on nursing training
    • Dedicated advising

Grand Island, NE

Central Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Multiple location options
    • ACEN accredited
    • Requires Nurse Aide course
    • Background check needed
    • Drug testing required
    • Uniforms and books extra

Lincoln, NE

Bryan College of Health Sciences

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month BSN program
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • 1:6 clinical ratio
    • 1,200+ clinical hours
    • 100% NCLEX pass rate
    • Job guarantee
    • Starting salary up to $60,000
    • Prerequisite courses required
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Low 1:6 faculty-to-student ratio
    • Over 1,200 clinical hours
    • 100% NCLEX pass rate
    • Job guarantee upon acceptance
    • No prerequisites required
    • Comprehensive curriculum
    • Hands-on learning experiences
    • State-of-the-art Simulation Center

Nebraska Wesleyan University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4-year BSN degree
    • Over 800 clinical hours
    • Small class sizes
    • NCLEX-RN prep course
    • Competitive admission
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Direct entry options
    • Experienced faculty

Southeast Community College Area

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Offers LPN-to-RN option.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Available in Lincoln, NE.
    • Hybrid/In-Person formats.
    • Fall/Spring/Summer starts.
    • Full-time schedule.
    • Estimated cost $11,685.

Union Adventist University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Established in 1896.
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
    • Four-year curriculum for freshmen.
    • Five-semester track for transfers.
    • Over 900 clinical hours.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • LPN-BSN and RN-BSN options.
    • Sigma Theta Tau chapter.

Norfolk, NE

Northeast Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Approved by Nebraska State Board.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Mix of theory and clinical courses.
    • Hands-on experience in local settings.
    • Part-time and full-time options.
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
    • Excellent job opportunities.

Omaha, NE

Clarkson College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Early hands-on learning.
    • 2.5 GPA requirement.
    • Eligible for NCLEX-RN.
    • Focus on critical thinking.
    • Leadership development.
    • Compassionate care emphasis.

College of Saint Mary

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • For LPNs advancing to BSN.
    • Focuses on advanced nursing practices.
    • Requires LPN license for admission.
    • Check website for cost details.
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Focuses on patient care
    • Health promotion emphasis
    • Disease prevention training
    • Blends theory and practice
    • Financial aid available
    • Strong nursing foundation

Creighton University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 128 credit curriculum.
    • Direct freshman admission.
    • 93% NCLEX pass rate.
    • 100% employment rate post-graduation.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Small cohort sizes.

Metropolitan Community College Area

  • Associate - Nursing - Associate Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • Associate Degree in Nursing
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • ACEN accredited program
    • Combines instruction, labs, clinicals
    • Affordable tuition options
    • Financial aid available
    • Located in Omaha, NE
    • High-quality nursing education

Nebraska Methodist College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE-accredited program
    • 93.3% NCLEX pass rate
    • 96% employment rate
    • Four-year, on-campus experience
    • Hands-on clinical training
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Prerequisite courses needed
    • Focus on clinical reasoning

University of Nebraska Medical Center

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month duration
    • 97.64% NCLEX pass rate
    • 760 clinical training hours
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Five campus locations
    • Full-time course load
    • State-of-the-art simulators
    • Clinical rotations available
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Traditional

    Campus Based - Website

    • High NCLEX pass rate 97.64%
    • Full or part-time options
    • Five campus locations
    • 760 hours clinical training
    • Flexible progression
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Two to three years duration
    • Fall semester start dates
  • Bachelor's - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Full or part-time options
    • 2-6 semesters duration
    • Starts in August, January, May
    • Focus on leadership skills
    • Evidence-based practice curriculum
    • Flexible clinical training

Seward, NE

Concordia University-Nebraska

  • Bachelor's - BSN Dual Degree 3+1 Nursing Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated dual degree program
    • Christian perspective curriculum
    • Mentorship from both universities
    • Financial aid available
    • 149 credit hours
    • 100% career outcome rate
    • 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • Hybrid program type
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.