The Nebraska medical community recognizes nursing as a vital service. Nurses enjoy competitive salaries, numerous job openings, and outstanding opportunities for advancement. Fortunately, nursing programs are abundant in Nebraska, especially for students interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or registered nurse (RN).
Certified nursing assistant
Most CNA programs can be completed in several weeks to several months. The course covers physiology, interpersonal skills, and medical terminology. Over fifty Nebraska institutions are approved to teach the 75-hour CNA certificate program, including Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln and Clarkson College in Omaha. Nursing assistants perform basic healthcare tasks to provide patients with daily care, such as taking vital signs and assisting with eating, mobility, and dressing. There are approximately 13,350 CNAs in Nebraska who earn a median annual salary of $23,830.
A practical nursing program requires 12 to 18 months of fulltime study. The LPN certificate includes advanced coursework in biology and pharmacology. Nebraska has about 15 state-approved LPN certificate programs, including three campuses apiece of Central Community College and Western Nebraska Community College. Graduates will conduct a range of important medical tasks, from administering medications and injections to performing CPR. LPN employment opportunities are abundant in hospitals, private homes, extended care facilities, and doctors’ offices. There are approximately 6,030 LPNs in Nebraska earning a median annual salary of $37,520.
Registered nurse
Nebraska’s aspiring RNs can pursue one of two prelicensure pathways: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). All programs cover liberal arts, anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology. BSN programs feature advanced studies in critical thinking, leadership, and communication. They also include more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. Over twenty Nebraska colleges and universities offer RN prelicensure training, including five campuses of the University of Nebraska Medical Center system. There are approximately 19,550 RNs in Nebraska who earn a median annual salary of $55,820.
Whether you are interested in becoming a CNA, LPN, or RN, you’ll need the relevant certificate or degree from an accredited nursing school. To start your journey on the right foot, take a look at our comprehensive list below of Nebraska’s accredited nursing schools.