Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska, has the largest nursing workforce in the state. Almost 20,000 nurses work in the Omaha metropolitan area, and this population is expected to increase at a faster-than-average pace for the next decade. Omaha’s new nursing graduates can expect plenty of job opportunities.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)

In Nebraska’s competitive nursing industry, a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree is a critical differentiator. Employers often favor nurses with an MSN degree in their hiring and promotion decisions, particularly for senior positions. Several Nebraska colleges offer MSN programs, including Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Creighton University in Omaha, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus in both cities.

An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) can prepare aspiring registered nurses (RNs) for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and for many positons in the medical arena. A typical ADN program requires two years of study; alternative programs with night or weekend classes may take a bit longer to complete. Coursework includes the liberal arts, nursing practice, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and contemporary ethical dilemmas. The state of Nebraska has approximately ten accredited ADN programs.

Many nursing students must weigh costs heavily when choosing their school. The all-in cost of nursing education extends well beyond tuition. It also includes registration fees, books, supplies, housing, meals, transportation, and other living expenses. These costs can vary dramatically by both school type and program length. In general, public universities and community colleges cost significantly less than their private counterparts, and two-year (or shorter) programs cost less than a four-year bachelor’s degree.

Nursing programs of two years or less