As health care needs continue to change and access to health insurance continues to increase, the need for qualified nurses, including LPNs, is only expected to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 5,900 LPNs were employed in Nebraska as of May 2014. By 2025, the US Department of Health and Human Services projects the state will be short more than 2,600 LPNs. This impending shortage is due in part to current nurses reaching retirement age, creating many job opportunities for prospective LPNs.
Those interested in pursuing this career path can find helpful information on LPN programs in Nebraska, the required steps for licensure, and salary and employment trends across the state.
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Methodology +
Lpn Programs
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
These rankings include
#1 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Mid-Plains Community College
North Platte, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With a main campus in Nebraska, public Mid-Plains Community College delivers nursing associate and certificate programs. Students who plan to pursue careers in nursing can earn an associate degree or certificate to obtain technical training. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits, allowing graduates of associate or certificate programs to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years.
The school's online options provide opportunities for enrollees not based near North Platte. Online learning also benefits working professionals, who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.
Mid-Plains Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 18
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 24
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 6
#2 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
With associate and certificate programs in nursing, Central Community College is a public institution. Students located anywhere can enroll in the school's online programs. Online learning eliminates the need to relocate and allows learners the flexibility to maintain full-time employment.
Participants in associate and certificate programs complete nursing-specific coursework and training. Immediately after graduation, many individuals use their training to secure entry-level nursing roles. An additional option for graduates of certificate or associate programs is to pursue a bachelor's degree, which can lead to increased earning potential.
Central Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 32
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 4
Number of Certificate Programs: 54
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 10
#3 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Delivering online and on-campus associate and certificate programs, Western Nebraska Community College educates learners based in the state and throughout the country. After earning an associate degree or certificate in nursing, graduates can apply for entry-level positions in the field. To improve their job prospects and earning potential, graduates can continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees not based near the Scottsbluff campus can pursue the school's nursing programs online. Students with personal and professional responsibilities often choose online programs because of their increased flexibility. Admissions counselors can help applicants verify that their prospective program meets the education requirements for their field.
Western Nebraska Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 47
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 5
Number of Certificate Programs: 17
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
#4 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
At Metropolitan Community College, learners can obtain a certificate or associate degree by enrolling online or on campus in Nebraska. The coursework required by an associate or certificate program helps students gain knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in nursing positions. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits, allowing graduates of associate or certificate programs to earn a bachelor's degree in less than four years.
Enrollees not based near the Omaha campus can pursue the school's programs online. Online learning also benefits working professionals, who need to schedule their studies around full-time employment. Prospective applicants should look into the associate and certificate programs offered and see if any meet their needs.
Metropolitan Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 71
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 9
Number of Certificate Programs: 112
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 11
#5 Best LPN Programs in Nebraska
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can earn an associate degree or certificate in nursing from Northeast Community College. The school provides on-campus and online programming to support students located in Nebraska and throughout the country. These flexible remote programs are great options for those unable to move for their education.
Nursing-specific coursework and training in associate and certificate programs help participants understand the field and gain practical skills. Many individuals apply their training to entry-level positions in nursing immediately after graduation. Along with applying for positions, graduates can transfer their credits into a bachelor's program and advance their education before entering the workforce.
Northeast Community College at a Glance:
Number of Associate Programs: 73
Number of Associate Programs Available Online: 13
Number of Certificate Programs: 34
Number of Certificate Programs Available Online: 5
Licensure Requirements for Nebraska LPNs
Because LPNs work so closely with patients and other healthcare providers, its imperative for state boards of nursing to ensure each and every worker has gone through the proper steps to be eligible for licensure. The mandated requirements for Montana are reviewed in the following section.
Basic Eligibility
Before signing up for a state-approved LPN program, candidates should ensure they meet all of the following basic eligibility requirements:
- Possess document showing citizenship or lawful presence in the United States
- Hold high school diploma or equivalent
- Demonstrate English language proficiency in nursing vocabulary
Education & Training Requirements
Individuals who have completed a Board approved practical nursing program are eligible to undertake the licensure process. Before filling out the application for licensure by examination, candidates must ensure their institution has sent a final official transcript directly to the board. Once this is completed, students should fill out the application online or via paper and send it in along with a $123 application fee. They must also contact their local Pearson Vue testing center to set up an appointment to sit for the exam. Once the candidate has received an Authorization to Test notification, they are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN test.
The Board estimates the entire process, beginning with the application and ending with dispersal of license, takes approximately eight to 10 weeks, provided the applicant has correctly filled out all their documentation.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Outside of these requirements, only a few more steps stand between a candidate and their first LPN position. These include:
- Providing fingerprints and paying $28,75 for processing
- Passing a criminal background check via the Nebraska State Patrol and the FBI
- Recent wallet-sized photograph, signed
- Information on any prior convictions
Renewal
LPNs working in Nebraska must renew their licenses by October 31st of each odd-numbered year. In order to receive a renewed license, the candidate must submit a renewal notice application, show proof of continuing education credits, and pay a $123 renewal fee. Some of the ways LPNs can meet the continued competence mandate include:
- Practiced nursing for at least 500 hours in the last five years and completed 20 CEU contact hours
- Graduated from a nursing program within the last two years
- Graduated from a program in more than two but less than five and competed 20 CEU contact hours
- Competed a refresher course in the last five years
- Obtained/maintained certification in nursing specialty area
Salary for LPNs in Nebraska
Annual mean salaries for licensed practical nurses in Nebraska sit just below the average for all occupations in the state, though individuals with some experience under their belts are able to make higher annual wages. Depending on where they choose to pursue their careers, LPNs can also make larger salaries. The following tables outline salary details based on experience and location.
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Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
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Nebraska LPN Employment Trends
While Douglas and Lancaster counties are set to experience the highest levels of job creation for LPNs in the coming years, numerous areas of the state will see a substantial rise of positions as more and more healthcare facilities seek their skills and knowledge. Interested candidates can use the tables below to find the region best suited to their personal and professional goals.
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Omaha-Council Bluffs NE-IA | 2,070 |
| Northeastern Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 960 |
| Central Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 920 |
| Lincoln | 900 |
| Western Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 720 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Southeastern Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | 610 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Nebraska
2012 - 6,290
2022 - 7,680
Average Annual Openings 290
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in Nebraska
Approved Schools of Practical Nursing
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as an LPN in Nebraska should refer to this list of 13 programs approved by the Board of Nursing.
Licensed Practical Nurse Association of Nebraska
As the only official member organization representing LPNs in Nebraska, LNPAN works to advocate, educate and support professionals working in this role. IN addition to offering a helpful career center, the association also provides details on continuing education credits.
Licensed Practical Nurse Continuing Education Information
The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services has specific mandates for continuing education hours that must be completed at the time of license renewal. These requirements can be found on the department's website.
LPN Licensure by Examination Application
Recent LPN program graduates and first time licensure applicants use this form to apply for their license via examination. The document also provides information on all the steps they'll need to take throughout the licensing process.
Nebraska Board of Nursing
The NBN serves as the regulatory body for all LPNs and Registered Nurses throughout the state. Information about licensure can be found on their official website.
Nebraska Health Care Association
This organization serves as the prime source of information and research on healthcare professions within the state of Nebraska and offers valuable insight into the state of the industry.
Nebraska Nurses Association
The NNA offers a range of benefits to its members, including advocacy efforts, education support, an annual conference, and job listings.