Best LPN Programs in Nebraska 2026
Discover Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Nebraska with information on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Nebraska.
2027 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Mid-Plains Community College
North Platte, NE - Public 2-Year - mpcc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (PN) Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mid-Plains Community College offers a Practical Nursing program with a concept-based curriculum combining theory and applied clinical experiences at local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community agencies. Students gain confidence through high-fidelity simulation labs before real-world practice. The program features a structured sequence, mandatory summer orientation, and requires a laptop for testing. Applicants must meet a 3.0 GPA, submit two letters of recommendation, complete prerequisites, and take the ACT entrance exam. Approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing, the program readies graduates for the NCLEX-PN, with advanced placement into RN programs available after licensure. Classes start once per year in the fall.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Concept-based nursing curriculum
- State-of-the-art simulations
Nebraska Methodist College
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health’s Practical Nursing Certificate is an ACEN-accredited, hybrid one-year program comprising 39 credit hours at $350 per credit. Combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, the curriculum covers health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, maternal/child care, and pharmacology. Students train in the state-of-the-art Nursing Arts Center with high-fidelity manikins. Prerequisites include CNA certification and a 2.3 minimum GPA; the program starts fall 2026, with applications due July 10, 2026. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN and report median earnings of $59,853. The certificate offers a pathway to an LPN-to-BSN degree, one-on-one job coaching, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement for Methodist Health System employees. Military-friendly and rooted in United Methodist values, the program includes service-learning opportunities.
- ACEN accredited
- $350 per credit
- 1-Year program
- Complete in just one year
- 39 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-07-10
- Starts fall
- 2.3 GPA minimum
- $59,853 median earnings
- Prerequisite courses required
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE - Public 2-Year - cccneb.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Offered at Columbus, Grand Island, and Kearney campuses, Central Community College's Practical Nursing Diploma is a two-semester, campus-based pathway to LPN licensure. The curriculum integrates concept-based instruction, simulation labs, and hands-on clinical experiences to build patient-centered care and communication skills. Admission uses a lottery system and requires prerequisites plus CNA certification. Applicants must take the TEAS entrance exam; fall-start applications are due Feb. 6, 2026. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN and see a 90% job placement within six months. The program is Nebraska State Board of Nursing approved and leads into the Associate Degree in Nursing.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-02-06
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 90% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Complete PN in 2 semesters
- Lottery-based admission process
Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE - Public 2-Year - southeast.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Southeast Community College Area offers a hybrid Practical Nursing diploma designed to launch LPN careers. The curriculum integrates online coursework with hands-on clinical rotations at Beatrice, Lincoln, and Falls City, beginning in the first term. Students delve into anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology while building critical thinking and patient communication skills. The flexible schedule accommodates full-time completion in two terms or part-time in four, with fall and spring enrollment. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN and entry into diverse healthcare settings. With a tuition of $4,890 and estimated total cost of $7,573, the program is budget-friendly. Clinical experience totals 270 hours, and median earnings for graduates reach $58,136 annually.
- $4,890 total program tuition
- Complete in 2 Terms (full-time) / 4 Terms (part-time)
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring
- $58,136 median earnings
- 270 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Clinicals each term of program
- Locations: Beatrice, Lincoln, Falls City
- Hands-on clinical learning
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE - Public 2-Year - northeast.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeast Community College's Practical Nursing diploma program prepares students for LPN licensure through a blend of classroom instruction, clinical experiences in local hospitals, and simulation labs. The curriculum covers the nursing process, critical thinking, pharmacology, and intravenous therapy. Full-time students can complete the program in one year, with a customizable plan of study. Admission is competitive and limited to approximately 60 students per year; applicants must take the TEAS entrance exam and hold CNA certification. Accredited by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing, the program boasts a 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate, consistently outperforming national averages. Graduates work in long-term care, hospitals, physician offices, and home care, supported by expert faculty and an advisory committee of regional healthcare partners.
- Nebraska State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- Complete in one, two or multiple years
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 95% licensure pass rate
- Prerequisite courses required
Nebraska LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To enroll in a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program in Nebraska, prospective students must meet several prerequisites. Applicants are generally required to have a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check. Many programs also require placement testing through exams like the Accuplacer or ACT. Immunization records, CPR certification, and completion of prerequisite coursework such as anatomy, physiology, and basic math may also be required by some institutions. Meeting these requirements is the first step to ensuring admission into a state-approved LPN program.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
The curriculum of Nebraska LPN programs covers foundational nursing concepts and clinical skills necessary for safe and effective patient care. Students learn pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric care, obstetric nursing, gerontology, and mental health concepts. Clinical rotations across various healthcare settings are a core part of the training, allowing students to gain real-world experience under supervision.
Choosing an accredited program is essential for students planning to apply for licensure and work in Nebraska. Accreditation ensures that the program meets educational standards approved by the state and national accrediting bodies. Graduating from an accredited program is required to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure from the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
LPN Schools and Classes
In Nebraska, LPN programs are commonly offered by community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. These institutions provide practical nursing education through a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical training. Core coursework includes nursing fundamentals, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. Specialized courses often cover maternal-child nursing, mental health nursing, and geriatric care. The programs prepare students to handle a range of patient care responsibilities and function as integral members of healthcare teams.
Career Outlook
The demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Nebraska remains steady, especially in rural and underserved areas. LPNs typically work in settings such as long-term care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, home health, and clinics. Many LPNs enjoy a balanced work/life schedule with options for day, evening, and weekend shifts. The Nebraska Department of Labor projects stable employment for LPNs, with opportunities influenced by healthcare needs in aging populations and the expansion of outpatient care services across the state.
LPN Program Length
LPN programs in Nebraska vary in length based on the student’s enrollment status. Full-time students can typically complete their program in about 12 months, whereas part-time students may take 18 to 24 months. Some institutions offer evening and weekend tracks to accommodate working adults, which can extend the program duration slightly. Regardless of schedule, students must complete both classroom and clinical requirements to be eligible for graduation and licensing.
2027 Shortest LPN Programs in Nebraska
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Methodist College |
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| Northeast Community College |
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| Metropolitan Community College Area |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Nebraska generally ranges from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the school and whether the student is classified as in-state or out-of-state. Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, background checks, immunizations, and licensing exam fees. For students living away from home, housing costs in Nebraska can vary widely but average around $700 to $1,000 per month in most cities. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are often available through schools and state programs to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
2027 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Nebraska
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Community College Area |
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| Northeast Community College |
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| Nebraska Methodist College |
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Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
Nebraska LPN programs cannot be completed entirely online due to the hands-on nature of nursing education. Essential components of the curriculum require in-person attendance, including clinical rotations and lab practice. Although some theoretical coursework may be offered in a hybrid format through online platforms, students must complete all clinical instruction in approved healthcare facilities under the supervision of licensed instructors, as mandated by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Nebraska
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nebraska, graduates of approved practical nursing programs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam. This national examination evaluates the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed entry-level LPN. Applicants must first submit an application for licensure by examination to the Nebraska Board of Nursing, along with an official transcript from an approved nursing program and a criminal background check. Once eligibility is approved by the Board, candidates will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) to schedule their NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Nebraska participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs holding an unencumbered multistate license from another compact state to practice in Nebraska without obtaining additional licensure. For nurses licensed in non-compact states, Nebraska provides licensure by endorsement. Applicants must provide verification of their existing license, completion of an approved nursing program, and proof of having passed the NCLEX-PN. Additional documentation such as proof of citizenship or lawful presence and completion of a criminal background check is required for endorsement applicants.
Licensure Requirements
The Nebraska Board of Nursing, part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), regulates the licensure of LPNs within the state. To obtain initial LPN licensure by examination, candidates must graduate from a Board-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Applicants must also attest to having good moral character and be at least 18 years of age. The Board reviews all application materials to ensure each candidate meets the necessary qualifications before issuing a license.
License Renewal
LPN licenses in Nebraska must be renewed biennially, with the renewal deadline falling on October 31 of odd-numbered years. To qualify for renewal, LPNs must complete at least 20 contact hours of continuing education, or meet one of the following practice requirements: a minimum of 500 hours of active practice in nursing in the previous five years, completion of a refresher course, or graduation from a nursing program within the past five years. Renewal applications must be submitted through the DHHS online portal along with the appropriate renewal fee and verification of meeting all educational or practice standards.
Nebraska LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nebraska is $60,240, which is slightly below the national average of $62,340 for LPNs and LVNs. This wage difference is largely influenced by Nebraska's lower-than-average cost of living, which means a lower nominal salary can offer similar purchasing power. Other factors contributing to this salary level include regional population trends and the specific demand for LPNs within the state's long-term care facilities, which are major employers for this role.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nebraska LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
11-12 months (typically 3 semesters).
Credential Awarded:
Diploma or Certificate in Practical Nursing.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrated training on core nursing theory and direct, hands-on clinical skills for entry-level patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Average In-State Tuition in Nebraska:
Approximately $6,000 - $8,500 for the entire program (excluding books, fees, and supplies).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct route to enter the nursing workforce as a licensed practical nurse.
School Types:
Community Colleges (e.g., Central, Southeast, Northeast, and Western Nebraska Community Colleges).
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
2 years (typically 4-5 semesters).
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Most Nebraska associate degree programs are for RN licensure but are structured to allow students to earn a diploma and take the NCLEX-PN after the first year.
Program Focus:
Broader scope that includes all LPN competencies plus general education courses (e.g., English, psychology, sociology) and deeper nursing theory, preparing for the RN role.
Average In-State Tuition in Nebraska:
Approximately $9,500 - $13,000 for the entire program (excluding books, fees, and supplies).
Best For:
Students who plan to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and want a seamless academic pathway with transferable credits.
School Types:
Community Colleges (e.g., Metropolitan Community College, Mid-Plains Community College).
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Entry into the Workforce: You can complete the program and be eligible for licensure in about one year, allowing you to start earning an income much sooner.
- Lower Cost: Total tuition and associated fees are significantly lower than for a two-year associate degree, reducing student debt.
- Focused Curriculum: The program avoids general education requirements and concentrates solely on the essential nursing skills and knowledge needed to be a successful LPN.
- Direct Pathway: It is the most efficient and direct educational path to becoming licensed specifically as an LPN.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Foundation for Advancement: Credits, especially general education courses, are designed to transfer directly into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, simplifying future educational goals.
- Seamless Transition to RN: Most programs are structured as the first half of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN) program, allowing you to continue directly toward becoming an RN without having to re-apply.
- Broader Skill Set: The curriculum includes leadership, advanced critical thinking, and communication courses, which can be valuable for future career growth.
- Greater Flexibility: Earning the LPN license after one year provides a "step-out" option, allowing you to work as an LPN while completing your RN degree.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Nebraska
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $48,000 - $60,000 | 9-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 400-500 hours | $8,500 - $10,000 |
| MA | $37,000 - $46,000 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) | 160-200 hours | $7,000 - $9,000 |
| CNA | $31,500 - $41,000 | 3-8 weeks | Nebraska Nurse Aide Competency Exam | Minimum 16 hours | $500 - $1,000 |
| DA | $39,500 - $52,500 | 9-12 months | DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam | 300-400 hours | $7,000 - $9,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $37,000 - $46,000 | 9-12 months | PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) | 200-300 hours | $6,000 - $8,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $31,500 - $46,000 | 3-6 months | PBT (ASCP) or CPT (NHA) | 100-120 hours | $2,000 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $59,000 - $74,000 | 2 years (Associate's Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | Minimum 640 hours | $16,000 - $20,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Nebraska
Grand Island, NE
Central Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- Apply by 2026-02-06
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 90% job placement rate
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Lincoln, NE
Southeast Community College Area
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $4,890 total program tuition
- Complete in 2 Terms (full-time) / 4 Terms (part-time)
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring
- $58,136 median earnings
- 270 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Clinicals each term of program
Norfolk, NE
Northeast Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Nebraska State Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 1-Year program
- Complete in one, two or multiple years
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
North Platte, NE
Mid-Plains Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (PN) Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
Omaha, NE
Metropolitan Community College Area
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Nebraska Board of Nursing accredited
- 1-Year program
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Pathway to associate degree in nursing
- Academic advising with Success Navigator
Nebraska Methodist College
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- $350 per credit
- 1-Year program
- Complete in just one year
- 39 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-07-10
- Starts fall
- 2.3 GPA minimum
Scottsbluff, NE
Western Nebraska Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Nursing (Practical)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for the Education in Nursing (ACEN), Nebraska State Board of Nursing accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN licensure exam
- Offered at all three WNCC campuses
- Stackable credential toward ADN
- Clinical rotations day, evening, weekends
- Hands-on training and classroom work
- Entry-level LPN careers in varied settings
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