Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

Most licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have rewarding, enjoyable careers.

As an LPN, you’ll provide care and comfort for your patients. You’ll work alongside doctors and other nurses, taking vital signs, administering medication, and ensuring your patients are comfortable.

As you can see, an LPN career is similar to a registered nursing (RN) career. However, it takes much less time to complete the required schooling and gain your LPN licensure. Nurses in Nebraska typically complete an LPN program in a year or less. On the other hand, a registered nurse’s education usually takes two to four years to complete. Many nursing students choose to gain their LPN licensure, start their nursing career, and then complete a nursing degree while they work as an LPN. Some employers encourage LPNs to pursue this path and will even offer incentives via tuition reimbursement or similar programs.

• Most LPN programs take nine months to one year to complete, and you can obtain licensure once you complete a program.
• LPNs in Nebraska average $26.34 per hour and earn an additional $7,921 in overtime each year.
• The BLS estimates a job growth rate of 9% for LPNs in Nebraska over the next decade or so..
• LPNs in Lexington, NE, have the highest average salaries in the state at $28.95 per hour.
• Omaha has the most educational programs and job openings for LPNs in Nebraska.

Overview of LPN Schools in Nebraska

There are seven LPN programs throughout Nebraska that are approved by the Board of Nursing. When choosing a school, most nursing students consider location, curriculum, tuition costs, and the course schedule.

Each LPN program in Nebraska is different from the rest, and nursing students should closely review the pros and cons of each school before making a final decision.

When you’re looking over a school’s curriculum, expect to find a few general courses that are included in most programs. These may include:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Nursing Fundamentals
• Advanced Nursing
• Clinical Training

LPN Accreditation

When you apply for your LPN license in Nebraska, you’re required to submit your transcripts from nursing school. The school you attend should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Each LPN program has its own admissions requirements, so please contact your school for details. Here are the minimum requirements for most schools:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Entrance examination
• Background check
• Physical examination
• Health insurance
• Immunization records

There may be additional or alternative requirements, depending on the school’s policies.

LPN Tuition & Costs

When you’re choosing an LPN program, cost is an important consideration. Most programs have a set tuition rate, either per hour or for the entire program. In addition to the tuition, you’ll have additional costs for books, fees, uniforms, licensing, room and board, and other expenses.

To get an idea of the total cost of your LPN education, consider the tuition rates for Northeast Community College. Tuition is $3,150 per 30 credit hours for Nebraska residents. Fees are an additional $600. Books average $1,352, and room and board averages $8,910, which includes an unlimited meal plan. The total cost is $14,012 for an average year of education.

Compared to a bachelor’s degree, this cost is quite affordable. Many LPN programs, like Northeast Community College, also provide financial aid options or scholarships for those who qualify. These are amazingly helpful options for students who can’t afford to pay all expenses out-of-pocket.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Nebraska

To gain LPN licensure, you only need nine months to a year of education in Nebraska. It’s a popular path for nursing students in Nebraska because you can start your new career very quickly.

Checklist to become a Nebraska LPN:

1. Complete an accredited, approved LPN program with 9 to 12 months of classroom and practical coursework.
2. Apply for licensure with the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Include a photo of yourself, your application fee (or waiver), proof of citizenship, and submit your background check and final transcripts.
3. Attend CPR training and receive your CPR certification card.
4. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Your LPN license will expire on October 31st of each odd-numbered year. You must complete 20 hours of continuing education to renew your license. You may also need to meet other requirements, depending on your situation.

NCLEX-PN Exam

Each LPN in Nebraska is required to pass the NCLEX-PN exam. You can register for the exam and pay the registration fee through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

There are four main sections on the exam:

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
• Psychosocial Integrity
• Physiological Integrity

You can find practice tests on the NCSBN website.

LPN Reciprocity

If you are a licensed LPN in another state, you can apply for a Nebraska LPN license via endorsement application. You’ll need to include:

• Proof of citizenship
• Application fee (or waiver)
• Documentation of fee waiver eligibility
• Criminal background check
• License verification
• Additional documentation (if applicable)

International applicants submit all of the above requirements as well as a transcript evaluation from an approved agency.

To apply for LPN licensure in Nebraska via endorsement, you must have a current license in another state or jurisdiction. Submit the following:

• Online application and fee
• Criminal Background check
• Verification of licensure
• Verification of employment

If you’re moving to Nebraska from another country, you must submit all of the above as well as pass the NCLEX exam.

LPN Salaries in Nebraska

LPNs are generally paid well in Nebraska. The average salary is $26.34 per hour with an additional $7,921 in overtime. When compared to the national average salary of $20.17 per hour, the compensation seems more than fair.

Here are the average LPN salaries in Nebraska in major metropolitan areas. All salaries are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Grand Island, NE ($46,420)
• Lincoln, NE ($46,100)
• Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($47,210)
• Sioux City, IA-NE-SD ($45,150)
• Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area ($44,390)
• Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area ($44,940)
• South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area ($44,210)

Job Outlook for LPNs in Nebraska

LPNs have numerous opportunities in Nebraska. There are currently plenty of job openings, and the BLS estimates a job growth rate of 9 percent between now and 2029. Nursing and other healthcare occupations are expected to increase as the Baby Boomer generation ages. Health conditions are also expected to increase, and the need for quality healthcare will rise. Many employers such as hospitals and physician’s offices may offer incentives for new nurses just entering the workforce. These could include a flexible schedule, sign-on bonuses, performance bonuses, higher salaries, and tuition or student loan reimbursement options.

Besides these perks, it’s important for LPNs to remember their options. Once you obtain your LPN licensure, you can continue your education and open additional doors for your career. You might earn your nursing degree and become an RN or continue your education to become a nurse practitioner (NP). Your employer may offer to pay for your education so you can learn specialized skills.

For aspirational employees, an LPN career is an excellent choice for new opportunities and personal growth.

Top LPN Schools in Nebraska

Central Community College
3134 West Highway 34
PO Box 4903
Grand Island, NE 68803-4903
877.222.0780

Central Community College has three campuses with 37 different career programs. They have an academic transfer program for students who wish to pursue a four-year degree.

College of Saint Mary
7000 Mercy Rd.
Omaha, NE 68106
402.399.2400

The College of Saint Mary is a women’s college with affordable degree programs. They have a special program for single mothers who need assistance with childcare.

Metropolitan Community College
2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave
Omaha, NE 68107
531.622.2400

Metropolitan Community College is an accredited institution with multiple campuses across the state. It has an average of just 15 students per class for more personalized instruction.

Mid-Plains Community College
601 West State Farm Rd.
North Platte, NE 69101
308.345.8100

Mid-Plains Community College has seven campuses across Nebraska. Each program includes classroom theory as well as practical hands-on experience.

Northeast Community College
801 East Benjamin Avenue PO Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
402.371.2020

Northeast Community College is ranked as one of the top 10 community colleges in the country. They have over 130 programs with a 17:1 student to faculty ratio.

Southeast Community College
8800 O Street
Lincoln, NE 68520
402.228.3468

Southeast Community College is a two-year institution serving 15 counties in Nebraska. The school has over 60 programs available.

Western Nebraska Community College
1601 E. 27th Street
Scottsbluff, NE 69361-1899
308.763.2000

Western Nebraska Community College is a student-centered institution with three campuses. They have a diverse student body including many adult continuing education students.

Additional Resources

Nebraska Board of Nursing

The Nebraska Board of Nursing is the state’s authority for LPNs and other nurses. They issue licenses and are the primary authority for guidance, policies, and oversight.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent, not-for-profit organization of nursing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. territory. The NCSBN issues NCLEX examinations.