There are numerous opportunities for aspiring nurses in the Nebraska healthcare system. The Lincoln metropolitan area has 7,000 licensed nursing professionals who fill three critical roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN). Nursing employment is expected to grow at a faster pace than average over the next decade.
CNA programs and career overview
Becoming a CNA is the quickest and easiest way to enter the field of nursing. Training programs are available at over 50 locations throughout Nebraska, including at least five schools in the Lincoln metropolitan area. They typically require just a few weeks or months to complete. Nursing assistants provide critical patient care, such as assisting them with dressing, eating, and mobility. The Lincoln area is home to approximately 1,660 CNAs who earn a median annual salary of $24,430.
An LPN certificate program typically lasts 12 to 18 months. The LPN coursework prepares nurses for advanced patient care, such as administering medications and injections. LPNs work in a broad range of healthcare settings including hospitals, extended care facilities, doctors’ offices, and private homes. Southeast Community College and Kaplan University offer accredited LPN programs in Lincoln, Nebraska. The area’s 1,000 LPNs earn a median annual salary of $37,460.
RN programs and career overview
Aspiring RNs in Lincoln can pursue one of two pathways: the two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or the four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Southeast Community College and Kaplan University offer the city’s accredited ADN programs. Several local colleges offer BSN degrees, including Bryan College of Health Sciences and Union College. The Lincoln metropolitan area has 3,300 RNs who earn a median annual salary of $54,430. However, those with BSN degrees often earn top-quartile pay of $65,220 or more per year. The city’s major nursing employers include Bryan Medical Center, Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, and Lincoln Surgical Hospital.
If you are considering a career in nursing, start your journey with the right program. Browse our comprehensive list below of accredited nursing schools in Lincoln, Nebraska.