Nebraska's statewide NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate hit 96.05% in the 2023/2024 testing cycle, well above the national average. That figure reflects strong clinical preparation across the state's practical nursing programs, most of which are housed at community colleges charging as little as $3,360 in annual tuition for residents.
Demand for LPNs runs especially high in Nebraska's long-term care facilities and rural clinics, where staffing shortages have persisted for years. Seven approved programs span the state, including LPN programs in Omaha and options in Scottsbluff, offering campus, hybrid, and accelerated formats that can fit around existing work schedules.
In-state tuition at public programs ranges from roughly $3,360 to $4,950, while the one private option exceeds $18,000, a gap that makes financial planning as critical as choosing the right clinical site.
Top LPN Programs in Nebraska: 2027 Rankings
Nebraska's practical nursing programs are concentrated at community colleges, and the strongest of them report first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates far above the 86.68% national average recorded in 2022/2023. Statewide, first-time candidates passed at 96.05% in 2023/2024. The cards below focus on what genuinely separates these schools for a one-year certificate: cost, campus reach, admission style, and the schedule that fits your life.
How we ranked these
- Median graduate debt load
- Net price after financial aid
- Institutional graduation rate
- Program-level graduate earnings
- First-time NCLEX-PN pass rate
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent editorial research
- IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
Metropolitan Community College Area
MCC's Practical Nursing Certificate of Achievement is a one-year program based at the South Omaha Campus, with day cohorts starting in fall and evening and weekend cohorts starting in spring. Applicants complete a health professions advising step, then submit TEAS scores along with proof of CNA or CMA certification, health insurance, and a current BLS CPR card. The college posted a 92.68% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2024, and it builds in a stair-step pathway to its Associate Degree in Nursing.
- One-year Practical Nursing Certificate of Achievement
- Approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam
- Fall day cohorts and spring evening/weekend cohorts
- Pathway to the Associate Degree in Nursing
- Academic advising and Success Navigator support
- Early advising step with a Health Professions Advisor
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Central Community College
Central Community College runs its two-semester Practical Nursing diploma at Columbus, Grand Island, and Kearney, giving students several entry points across central Nebraska. Admission is lottery-based, and applicants must hold an active CNA license from the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry plus current AHA BLS CPR certification before applying. The college reported a 98.28% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024, among the highest published figures in the state.
- Two-semester Practical Nursing diploma
- Campus sites in Columbus, Grand Island, and Kearney
- TEAS entrance exam required
- Active CNA license and BLS CPR certification required
- Lottery-based admission for nursing applicants
- Single fall start each year
- 90% job placement rate within six months
- Pathway to the Associate Degree in Nursing
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Western Nebraska Community College
WNCC delivers its ACEN-accredited practical nursing diploma across three college semesters at Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Alliance, with clinical rotations scheduled on days, evenings, and weekends. Outcomes reporting from the college shows a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for both 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, while the state board's 2024 table lists 69.64% for the program, a gap the available sources do not reconcile. A readmission review course is offered for students who need to re-enter the program.
- ACEN accredited and Nebraska Board of Nursing approved
- Delivered over three college semesters
- Offered at Scottsbluff, Sidney, and Alliance
- Clinical rotations on days, evenings, and weekends
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN
- Stackable credential toward an Associate Degree in Nursing
- Readmission review course for students re-entering
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Mid-Plains Community College
Mid-Plains uses a concept-based curriculum that pairs simulation labs with clinical placements in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies. Admission requires the ACT, a 3.0 GPA minimum, and two letters of recommendation, and the program starts once a year in the fall after a mandatory summer orientation. Mid-Plains posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024, matching the top reported figure in Nebraska that year.
- Concept-based nursing curriculum
- Simulation labs plus clinicals in hospitals and long-term care
- ACT entrance exam required
- 3.0 GPA minimum with two letters of recommendation
- Mandatory summer orientation before a fall start
- Laptop required for testing
- Advanced placement into RN programs after licensure
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Northeast Community College
Northeast's one-year practical nursing diploma can be stretched across two or more years, which suits students who need to keep working while they study. Roughly 60 students are accepted each year, and admission requires the TEAS exam plus CNA certification. The college reports a 95% licensure pass rate and a 91.67% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2024.
- One-year diploma; full-time and part-time options
- TEAS entrance exam and CNA certification required
- Approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing
- Clinical experiences in local hospitals and simulation labs
- About 60 students accepted per year
- Single fall start each year
- Graduates consistently outperform national NCLEX-PN averages
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — On-Campus
Southeast Community College Area
Southeast's practical nursing diploma is hybrid, combining coursework with clinicals that begin in the first term at Beatrice, Lincoln, and Falls City. Students can finish in two terms full-time or four terms part-time, with fall and spring start dates. The program posted a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate in 2024, and roughly 270 clinical hours are built into the curriculum.
- Hybrid delivery mixing coursework with clinicals
- Complete in two terms full-time or four terms part-time
- Fall and spring start dates
- Clinicals begin in the first term
- Clinical sites in Beatrice, Lincoln, and Falls City
- About 270 clinical hours
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College offers the state's most schedule-flexible private route to licensure: a one-year hybrid certificate that pairs online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals at its Omaha campus. The 39-credit program starts each fall and admits students with a 2.3 GPA minimum and prior CNA certification. Methodist Health System employees can use employer tuition reimbursement, and graduates can continue into the college's LPN to BSN pathway.
- One-year hybrid certificate totaling 39 credit hours
- $350 per credit tuition rate
- Online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals
- 2.3 GPA minimum and CNA certification prerequisite
- Fall start; application deadline of July 10, 2026
- Nursing Arts Center with high-fidelity medical manikins
- Pathway to the LPN to BSN degree
- Employer tuition reimbursement for Methodist Health System staff
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nursing (LPN or LVN), Certificate or Diploma — Hybrid
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska's community colleges keep LPN tuition among the lowest in the Midwest, but sticker price is only part of the picture. The net price figures below reflect institution-wide averages after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students; your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on residency status, financial aid eligibility, and program-specific fees. Beyond tuition, budget roughly $800 to $1,200 for textbooks and course materials, $150 to $300 for scrubs and clinical supplies (stethoscope, blood-pressure cuff, nursing shoes), and $75 to $150 for a criminal background check and drug screening, which virtually every Nebraska nursing program requires before clinical rotations. Students who qualify for the Nebraska DHHS Nursing Scholarship Program, which offers up to $2,500 per semester for Nebraska residents enrolled in an LPN program with a two-year in-state practice commitment, can reduce these costs significantly. The Nebraska Health Care Association Foundation awards four $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing LPN or RN credentials in long-term care, and the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Nebraska offers at least three $500 practical nursing scholarships to veterans or their family members. Note that net price shown is an institution-wide average and actual student costs vary by program, enrollment intensity, and individual aid packages.
| Rank | School | City | Published Tuition (In-State) | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metropolitan Community College | Omaha | $3,375 | $4,982 |
| 2 | Mid-Plains Community College | North Platte | $3,600 | $5,235 |
| 3 | Western Nebraska Community College | Scottsbluff | $3,840 | $5,474 |
| 4 | Central Community College | Grand Island | $3,360 | $7,024 |
| 5 | Northeast Community College | Norfolk | $3,840 | $8,544 |
Quickest Paths: Fastest LPN Programs in Nebraska
Most full-time LPN programs in Nebraska run about 12 months, but a handful of schools structure their curricula to allow completion in as few as 9 to 12 months when students attend year-round or follow a condensed schedule. Accelerated tracks typically eliminate long summer breaks and may compress coursework into consecutive semesters, letting motivated students reach the NCLEX-PN faster. Part-time or evening options, by contrast, can stretch the timeline to 18 to 24 months. The programs below represent some of the quickest approved pathways in the state.
| School | City | Program Length | Format | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College | Omaha | 12 months | Campus | One-year Certificate of Achievement; Nebraska Board of Nursing accredited; serves as a pathway to an associate degree in nursing |
| Northeast Community College | Norfolk | 12 months (flexible pacing available) | Campus | Full-time and part-time options; can be completed in one, two, or multiple years; 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate; fall start |
| Nebraska Methodist College | Omaha | 12 months | Hybrid | 39 credit hours; ACEN accredited; hybrid format supports work-life balance; CNA certification required before entry; fall start |
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Nebraska LPN Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Nebraska LPN programs are selective, and requirements vary from school to school. Understanding the baseline qualifications and school-specific thresholds will help you build a stronger application. Here is what most programs expect for the 2025–2026 cycle.
- High School Diploma or GEDEvery Nebraska LPN program requires proof of a high school diploma or GED equivalent. This is a non-negotiable starting point before any other prerequisites come into play.
- Minimum GPAGPA requirements differ by institution. Mid-Plains Community College and Western Nebraska Community College both require a 3.0 cumulative GPA, while Metropolitan Community College sets a 2.0 floor but ranks applicants by their prerequisite course GPA, so strong grades in sciences and math matter more than the minimum suggests.
- CNA or Nursing Assistant CertificationSeveral programs require active Certified Nursing Assistant status on the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry before you can apply. Mid-Plains, Metropolitan Community College, and Southeast Community College all list active CNA or nursing assistant certification as an eligibility requirement. Some programs also accept Certified Medical Assistant credentials.
- Entrance Exam ScoresNebraska schools do not share a single standardized test or cutoff. Metropolitan Community College requires the TEAS with an adjusted total score of at least 50 percent across all four subcategories, and limits retakes to twice within three years. Mid-Plains Community College accepts the ACT (composite of 21 or higher with subscores of at least 19) or Next-Gen Accuplacer (Arithmetic 263, Reading 258, Writing 258). Some programs may also accept the HESI A2, but specific LPN-level HESI minimums are not widely published across the state. Check directly with each school for its current testing policy.
- Prerequisite CourseworkExpect to complete foundational courses before starting clinical work. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, basic chemistry, and a health-focused math course. Mid-Plains requires Math for Health Occupations with a C+ or higher, while Metropolitan Community College lists introductory chemistry and a two-semester anatomy and physiology sequence among its required courses. All prerequisite coursework typically must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- Background Check, Immunizations, and CPRCriminal background screening is required across Nebraska LPN programs. You will also need up-to-date immunizations (including hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and a current TB screening), plus current BLS/CPR certification. Some schools also require liability insurance before clinical rotations begin.
- Application Windows and CompetitivenessDeadlines vary and can fill quickly. Mid-Plains Community College sets a priority deadline of January 15 for fall entry, then continues to accept applications on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. Metropolitan Community College has fixed deadlines of June 13 and December 1, with cohort sizes of roughly 40 to 64 seats depending on the term. Published acceptance rates and formal waitlist data are generally not available from Nebraska LPN programs, but limited seats and prerequisite-based ranking mean competition is real. Apply early and have all documentation ready well before the deadline.
What LPN School Really Costs: Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Nebraska's community colleges keep LPN program tuition among the lowest in the region, but tuition is only part of the picture. When you budget for your practical nursing certificate, plan for clinical supplies, testing fees, and exam costs on top of the sticker price. Nebraska students can offset these expenses through state financial aid options such as the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, workforce development scholarships through the Nebraska Department of Labor, and employer tuition reimbursement programs offered by many healthcare facilities statewide.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus-Based LPN Programs in Nebraska
One of the most common questions aspiring LPN students ask is whether they can complete LPN classes online in Nebraska. The short answer: partially. Some Nebraska schools deliver didactic coursework (lectures, exams, discussion boards) through online platforms, but every Nebraska Board of Nursing approved program requires a minimum of 270 clinical hours completed in person at hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, or community agencies. No fully online path exists. Two formats dominate the state: traditional campus-based programs and hybrid programs that blend online instruction with on-site clinicals. Below is a side-by-side look at how each format stacks up for different student situations.
| Feature | Campus-Based | Hybrid (Online Didactics + In-Person Clinicals) |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska schools using this format | Metropolitan Community College (Omaha), Central Community College (Grand Island), Western Nebraska Community College (Scottsbluff), Mid-Plains Community College (North Platte), Northeast Community College (Norfolk) | Southeast Community College (Lincoln, Beatrice, Falls City), Nebraska Methodist College (Omaha) |
| Lecture delivery | In-person classroom sessions on a set weekly schedule | Online or web-based coursework completed on a flexible schedule |
| Clinical component | 270 hours at local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics; schedules may include days, evenings, and weekends | Same 270-hour requirement at assigned clinical sites; scheduling varies by campus location |
| Schedule flexibility | Lower: students must attend classes and clinicals at fixed times | Higher: online lectures let students study around work or family obligations, though clinical dates are still fixed |
| Best fit for | Students who prefer face-to-face instruction, live near a campus, and can attend full-time | Working adults, rural students who can travel for clinicals but need remote access to lectures, and part-time learners |
| Part-time option availability | Varies by school; Northeast Community College advertises both full-time and part-time tracks | Southeast Community College offers a part-time track completable in four terms; Nebraska Methodist College supports employer reimbursement for working students |
| Hands-on lab access | On-campus simulation labs and nursing skills centers available during scheduled lab hours | On-campus simulation labs still required for skills checkoffs; Nebraska Methodist College features high-fidelity medical manikins in its Nursing Arts Center |
| Typical in-state tuition range | Approximately $3,360 to $3,840 per year at community colleges | Approximately $3,444 (Southeast Community College) to $18,934 (Nebraska Methodist College) |
| Key consideration | Proximity matters: clinical sites are assigned based on campus location, so students at Western Nebraska Community College, for example, rotate through Scottsbluff-area facilities | Online coursework reduces commute time for lectures, but students must still plan for travel to clinical sites assigned by the program |
Common Questions About LPN Programs in Nebraska
Prospective students often have the same handful of questions before committing to an LPN program. Below are straightforward answers drawn from the most recent data available for Nebraska.
How long does it take to complete an LPN program in Nebraska?
Most full-time LPN programs in Nebraska take roughly 9 to 12 months to finish, typically spanning three semesters. Students comparing the Fastest LPN/LVN Programs of 2026 should note that part-time, evening, or weekend tracks often extend the total timeline to 18 to 24 months depending on the school. No single statewide mandate sets the exact length, so check with your chosen program for its specific schedule.
What is the NCLEX-PN pass rate for Nebraska LPN programs?
Nebraska LPN graduates consistently outperform the national average on the NCLEX-PN. The statewide first-time pass rate was approximately 96.05% for the 2023 to 2024 reporting period and about 94.77% for 2024 to 2025, compared to national averages of 88.38% and 86.60% during those same periods. Individual program rates can range from 69.64% to 100%, so reviewing each school's results and NCLEX-PN Practice Test Questions is worthwhile.
Can I work while enrolled in a Nebraska LPN program?
Yes. There is no state rule preventing LPN students from holding a job during their studies. Many Nebraska community colleges offer evening and weekend tracks specifically designed for working adults. Keep in mind that choosing a part-time or flexible schedule will extend your total program length, so weigh work commitments against how quickly you want to enter the field.
LPN Pay in Nebraska: Statewide and Metro Salary Breakdown
Nebraska LPNs earn a statewide median annual wage of $62,660, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That figure compares favorably to many certificate-level healthcare credentials, especially when you factor in that most Nebraska LPN programs can be completed in roughly 12 months at a tuition cost often below $15,000. With approximately 4,580 LPNs employed across the state, demand remains robust, and the 8.8% projected job growth rate from 2022 to 2032 outpaces the national LPN growth forecast of 3%. Long-term care facilities account for about 44% of LPN employment in Nebraska, making skilled nursing homes and extended care communities the single largest hiring sector. Other common employers include physician offices, home health agencies, and hospitals. Metro-level wage breakdowns are not currently published for Nebraska LPNs in the federal data, so the table below places LPN compensation alongside related nursing roles statewide to help you gauge your earning trajectory.
| Occupation | Total Employed in Nebraska | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 4,580 | $59,080 | $62,660 | $71,860 | $64,560 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 24,720 | $79,240 | $84,730 | $99,640 | $88,330 |
| Nursing Instructor (Postsecondary) | 300 | $67,910 | $82,720 | $98,470 | $89,010 |
Nebraska LPN Salary at a Glance
Nebraska LPNs earn a competitive wage that outpaces the national median.
