Best LPN Programs in Nebraska

Last Updated/Verified: Sep 12, 2023

The state of Nebraska strives to improve the quality of health for everyone by providing safe patient care via licensing health professionals and educating the public about available services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 11% increase in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2028. The increase in jobs has created quite a stir among hopefuls and has individuals flocking to state-approved schools for licensure. There are more than 10 community colleges, vocational programs, and private schools across the state of Nebraska that offer LPN programs. LPNs in Nebraska earn approximately $25.04 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $52,080. This is roughly $3,780 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Nebraska? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Nebraska are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 7 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Nebraska click here.

Details on Nebraska LPN Schools & Classes

If you are looking to enter the healthcare arena as an LPN in Nebraska, you are in luck. There are more than 10 community colleges, vocational programs, and private schools across the state that offer practical nursing programs. Most of them can be completed in one to two years, depending on part-time or full-time attendance. The LPN curriculum at most Nebraska schools includes both didactic and clinical learning experiences. Course titles may include the following:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nursing Care Concepts
  • Holistic Health Concepts
  • Introduction to Pharmacology
  • Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing
  • Maternal-Child Practical Nursing
  • Psychosocial Concepts in Practical Nursing

Accreditation

One of the smartest decisions a prospective student can make is choosing a properly accredited LPN program. This type of program signifies quality and is held to high standards through agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Smaller, regional organizations may also offer accreditation. Additionally, students can opt for programs endorsed by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Before applying to any LPN program, you must ensure that you meet or exceed all entrance requirements. While these may fluctuate slightly from school to school, they often include:

  • High school graduate; may need to supply GPA and transcripts
  • Satisfactory ACT scores
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses
  • Personal interview
  • Background check
  • Submission of completed application and associated fees

Tuition and Costs

Most potential LPN students are concerned about how much their program will cost. All schools will have their own set of fees, but students can generally expect to pay for tuition, supplies (including textbooks), and other mandatory expenses. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are options for those who are worried about covering the costs of their LPN program. To provide an example, the total cost of the LPN program through Southeast Community College, with campuses located in Beatrice and Lincoln, is estimated at roughly $6,000. This includes all applicable fees and materials, but does not include room and board.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Nebraska LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Nebraska LPN Licensing Requirements

To become an LPN in Nebraska, individuals must be attend a state-approved nursing program, lasting 9 months to 1 year. Once that is complete, he or she must sit and pass the NCLEX-PN exam—the required state-test to show proficiency. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:

  • Wallet sized photo
  • Copy of birth certificate or lawful presence
  • Official transcript from state-approved nursing program (sent directly from education source)

Nebraska LPN licenses expire October 31st of every odd-numbered year and require 20 contact hours continued education for renewal.

NCLEX Exam Information

Before a practical nursing program graduate can receive licensure, they must first sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. LPN program coursework should prepare students for this important exam. For more information, an overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here. For students who want to go the extra mile, an NCLEX-PN practice test is available to help students prepare and study.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Nebraska is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses from other states that are also members of the eNLC to practice within its borders without additional licensing. LPNs from states outside of the compact area can apply for a Nebraska license by endorsement by including the following with their application:

  • Official transcripts from their state-approved nursing program.
  • Proof of license in another state and having passed the NCLEX.
  • Proof of age and citizenship.
  • Must have graduated from a state-approved program within the last 2 years or practiced 500 hours nursing within the past 5 years.

Individuals who've studied abroad and hold licensing in other countries must not only provide the items above, but they must also submit the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation of a completed a full course-by-course review and English proficiency testing results. The applicant must also sit for and pass the NCLEX exam if he or she hasn’t already.

Top Ranked Nebraska LPN Programs

1

Central Community College

3519 Second Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847 - (308) 338-4000 - Visit Homepage

Central Community College's Kearney Center campus provides students with an LPN program that emphasizes patient-centered care. Upon graduating from CCC's program, students are equipped to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and are armed with the knowledge and skills to provide care to patients across the lifespan.

Overall Score: 97.99 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Northeast Community College

801 East Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701 - (402) 371-2020 - Visit Homepage

Northeast Community College, located in Norfolk, offers a diploma in practical nursing that requires a minimum of 41 credit-hours. NCC's faculty and staff mentor students so that they can find career success in the healthcare field, serve their communities, and meet their professional goals.

Overall Score: 97.84 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Metropolitan Community College

5300 N 30th S, Omaha, NE 68103 - (402) 457-2400 - Visit Homepage

Omaha's Metropolitan Community College is doing its part to bridge the nursing shortage by training LPNs through its one-year practical nursing certificate program. Enrolled students are taught by experienced nurse instructors in concepts such as pharmacology, human anatomy & physiology, mental health nursing, and much more.

Overall Score: 97.04 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Nebraska

RankedProgramScore
#4 Mid-Plains Community College
601 W State Farm Road, North Platte, NE 69101
(308) 535-3701
94.94
#5 College of Saint Mary
7000 Mercy Road, Omaha, NE 68106
(800) 926-5534
83.58
#6 Western Nebraska Community College
1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(800) 348-4435
81.99
#7 Southeast Community College
4771 West Scott Road, Beatrice, NE 68310
(402) 228-3468
80.24

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional NE Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Nebraska

The table below lists career information obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Nebraska. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Omaha, Council Bluffs2,290$25.44$52,920
Lincoln750$24.46$50,880
Grand Island260$25.17$52,350

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)