RN to BSN in Nebraska

With 16,366 nurses employed statewide, Nebraska currently suffers from a nursing shortage. Projections indicate the state will be lacking at least 3,838 nurses by 2020. The median salary for a Nebraskan registered nurse in 2013 was approximately $66,220 per year ($31.84 per hour), according to O*Net, while the average annual salary for RNs in 2014 according to Payscale.com was $50,152. Professional nurses are typically offered between $43,000 and $48,000.

In terms of employment opportunities and earning potential, Bellevue, Fremont, Grand Island and Hastings are considered the best cities in Nebraska for nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of registered nurses will grow 19% from 2012 to 2022, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

Featured Nebraska Nurse

Kathy Morris DNP, ARNP, FNP-C, FAANP
Assistant Professor
UNMC College of Nursing

In today’s changing healthcare environment the RN to BSN degree is essential for leadership and management positions. It is rapidly becoming the minimum standard for nursing employment in the hospital setting. The BSN education enhances critical thinking skills; provides the communication and leadership skills necessary to meet patient care challenges in all areas of nursing.

RN-to-BSN Programs in Nebraska

Here we have compiled a comprehensive listing of Nebraska’s RN to BSN programs. In the summaries below, you will find all the essential program information to help you quickly and easily narrow down your RN to BSN search. NCLEX-RN pass rates are as reported by the school.

Bellevue University
$ 395 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Not Reported

  • The program is organized into a highly interactive, accelerated cohort format.
  • The program comprises 36 credit hours (9 classes, 4 credits each), 6 weeks per class, one course at a time.
  • All Bellevue University, students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series in addition to the RN to BSN major requirements.
Online 1000 Galvin Rd S
Bellevue, NE 68005-3098

Bryan College of Health Sciences
$ 465 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: First Monday of August
  • Spring: First Monday of October
  • The program RN to BSN Hybrid Completion Option enables students to earn their Bachelor's degree by completing an additional 64 credit hours of academic coursework outside of the Nursing major.
  • The hybrid format only requires three on-campus meetings spread throughout the term.
  • Program equipment includes the Human/Patient Simulators and Skills Labs-studying.
 Hybrid Completion 5035 Everett
Lincoln, NE 68506-1299

Clarkson College
$ 459 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

November 30th, August 1st, and January 15th
  • The program lasts 8 months full-time, though a part-time option is available.
  • A total of 130 semester hours are required, including non-core, general education courses, 68 of which are major courses.
  • Students have access to an on-campus skills lab and simulation lab, a variety of hospitals, clinics and other public health care settings, all within the first year in the program.
  • Students can enroll in the the Clarkson College Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program after one year of professional practice as a registered nurse.
 Campus and Hybrid 101 S 42nd St
Omaha, NE 68131-2739

College of Saint Mary
$ 950 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Applications reviewed on the 1st of every month.
  • A total of 85 credits may be transferred into the program.
  • The program totals 128 credit hours.
  • Practicum experiences prepare students for leadership, management and community health environments in the nursing field.
Hybrid 7000 Mercy Rd.
Omaha, NE 68106

Concordia University - Nebraska
$ 400 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

For more information, email admiss@cune.edu or call 402.643.7233

  • The program totals 120 credit hours, including 30 credit hours in the nursing major.
  • Up to 70 credits may be transferred from an accredited 2 year institution, or more may be transferred from a 4 year institution.
  • Courses last only 8 weeks, enabling students to complete the program in as little as 22 months.
Online 800 N Columbia Ave
Seward, NE 68434-1556

Doane College
$ 282 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Not Reported
  • Beginning in 2015, Doane partnered with Real Balance Global Wellness Services Inc. to provide Wellness & Health Coach Certification training to its nursing students.
  • Students can attend one of three of Doane’s four campuses.
  • Transfer courses may be submitted, but the school may not accept all credits.
Campus 800 N Columbia Ave
Seward, NE 68434-1556

Midland University
$ 14,425 per semester

Application Deadlines

For more information, contact Admissions at 402.941.6501
  • Courses are 8-weeks and students can finish the program in as little as 12-months.
  • Students complete the program by doing 24-48 semester hours of nursing credits and college humanities/prerequisite credits in order to meet the university degree requirements.
Online 900 N. Clarkson
Fremont, NE 68025

Nebraska Methodist College
$ 590 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program can be completed within 7 or fewer semesters, with full-time or part-time options.
  • Students have the option to enroll in the Spanish for Healthcare Professionals minor.
  • A minimum of 126 credit hours must be earned in order to receive the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
 Online 720 North 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114-2852

Nebraska Wesleyan College
$ 315 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

Rolling Admissions
  • The program requires 42 credits of nursing and supportive courses plus 39-45 credit hours of required general education courses.
  • A prep course is built into the curriculum to help students succeed on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
  • Many students complete the program in as little as one year.
Campus 5000 St Paul Ave
Lincoln, NE 68504-2794

Union College - Nebraska
$ 390 per credit hour

Application Deadlines

February 1st and September 1st
  • Students may transfer up to 46 relevant credit hours towards the BSN completion program.
  • The program must be completed within 5 years of the initial start date.
  • The total required 128 credit hours is comprised of 65 credit hours of nursing courses, 51 credit hours of general education courses and 12 credit hours of electives.
  • Of the total required credit hours, 30 of the final 36 hours must be completed at Union College, meaning students will need to complete 4 additional credits in order to meet the residency requirement.
Hybrid 3800 S 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68506

University of Nebraska Medical Center
$ 274 resident
$ 850 nonresident

Application Deadlines

June 30th
  • A minimum of 20 nursing credits must be completed at UNMC to earn a BSN degree.
  • Students can complete the clinical experience requirements at an approved facility near their locale.
  • Students can choose to take up to 3 courses per semester resulting in degree completion within 1 to 3 years.
 Online 42nd & Dewey Ave
Omaha, NE 68198-7815

Please contact the RN to BSN program in Nebraska that you are interested in enrolling in to confirm details and to learn more. If you run an accredited RN to BSN program in Nebraska that is not listed above; please reach out to us with program information and proof of accreditation. Thank you!

State Commitment to RN to BSN Education Paths

The Future of Nursing campaign is a nationwide effort to bring the country up to the standards of nursing as outlined in the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. As a part of the effort, Nebraska has formed a State Action Coalition with the singular objective of achieving the goals set forth by the campaign. Having at least 80% of the nursing workforce hold a BSN degree is an integral part of this initiative and we have outlined the ways in which Nebraska is actively progressing on this front.

  • Education
  • Leadership
  • Practice & Care
  • Interprofessional Care
  • Diversity
  • Data
Education

What is being done to increase the number of Nebraska RN’s with a BSN?

The AC is creating and piloting a common program for the seamless academic progression of nursing education.

Are students enrolled via identified promising models of education progression?

Yes. State or Regional Competency Based Programs.
Leadership

What programs are being implemented to prepare nurses to lead change to advance health?

The coalition has been promoting leadership through mentoring programs, conferences, and speakers.
Practice & Care

Is the Coalition working to remove barriers to RN level of care?

Yes. The coalition worked with other organizations to advance legislation that increases practice areas for all nurses.

Are they advancing state policy to remove barriers to care provided by APRNs?

No.
Interprofessional Care

Is the state working to improve communication, transparency, and cooperation between healthcare providers?

No specific plans announced.
Diversity

How are they improving diversity of the nursing workforce and care provided?

The AC convenes a monthly diversity task force that organizes targeted events at schools and community organizations.
Data

What steps are being taken to remove gaps in workforce and health care data?

No specific plans announced.

Contact Info

Cyndi McCullough

Director of Clinical Services
HDR Architecture, Inc
402.415.5873

James Summerfelt

President and CEO
Visiting Nurse Association
402.930.4016

Victoria Vinton

Director
Nebraska Action Coalition
402.830.7769

Source: Campaign for Action

For a detailed progress report and additional workgroup contact information, please see the Nebraska Action Coalition page and their Action Coalition Status Report (opens as PDF).

Nebraska Licensing

Nebraska is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you move to another state participating in the NLC (pictured in green), you can practice without getting a new license. For licensing information, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website.

licensure map

Nursing Employment Outlook

Nursing Supply and Demand Projections

Source: " The Future of the Nursing Workforce," US HRSA, accessed June 2015.

What Nurses Make on Average in Major Cities

Source: BLS OES, May 2013. Accessed May 2014. Some data not provided.

Additional Information


Other State RNtoBSN Information

Looking for other RN-BSN information in a nearby state? We’ve got you covered:

Arkansas RNtoBSN Information
Kansas RNtoBSN Information
Louisiana RNtoBSN Information
Missouri RNtoBSN Information
Oklahoma RNtoBSN Information
Texas RNtoBSN Information