Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Nebraska

Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
Last Updated On Oct 24, 2024
Expert Verified: Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
12 Min Read
Nebraska

The medical field is full of exciting careers. One of these many careers is that of a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have unrestricted practice in Nebraska, which means that they are able to practice independently of a physician. This typically means that once you’re licensed as a nurse practitioner, you can seek highly paid, advanced positions in a variety of specialized practice areas, and practically work for yourself.

If you’re based in Nebraska, the first step is to seek nurse practitioner degree programs in your area (Lincoln, Omaha, or beyond), followed by getting licensed and certified in a practice area you’re passionate about. In the sections below, we’ll go over everything you’ll need to get started. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nebraska! Our rankings help aspiring nurse practitioners find the best online programs in the state. We evaluate programs based on key factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. For a detailed overview of how we determine our rankings, visit our methodology page.

1.

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University's nursing department offers highly acclaimed nurse practitioner programs, providing students with hands-on clinical experiences and top-notch education in multiple specialty areas. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care to diverse populations, making them highly sought after in the healthcare industry.

DNP ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
2.

Clarkson College

Omaha, NE

The Clarkson College nursing department offers top-rated nurse practitioner programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These programs provide students with hands-on training and clinical experiences to prepare them for the rapidly growing field of advanced practice nursing. The college's nurse practitioner programs also boast a high job placement rate and a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, making it a highly sought-after program for aspiring nurse practitioners.

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, NE

The University of Nebraska Medical Center's nursing department offers highly-ranked nurse practitioner programs. With state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences, students gain hands-on skills necessary for advanced practice. Graduates of these programs have a 100% pass rate on national certification exams.

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Typically the first question on everyone’s minds when they’re looking into going back to school is “How long is it going to take and how much is it going to cost?” You may be surprised to learn that if you already have your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN license, and a few years in the field, you will likely spend less time and money than you think!

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are essentially two main traditional nurse practitioner degree programs — a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both of these will qualify you to become a nurse practitioner, but the MSN will allow you to graduate in a much shorter amount of time. On average, you can expect to complete an MSN degree program in around two years of full-time study, though this will depend on how many credits your program requires and how many you’re allowed to transfer. Here a few of the shortest MSN programs in Nebraska:

NP ProgramLengthOnline/Campus
Nebraska Methodist College21 MonthsOnline
Nebraska Wesleyan University24 MonthsCampus
Bryan College of Health Sciences2 YearsOnline

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Going back to school is expensive, but the amount you spend to become a nurse practitioner could be much lower than you expect. MSN programs are also ideal for those who want to save money as they involve less enrollment time. Below are a few of the most affordable MSN degree programs in Nebraska — keep in mind that you may pay less or more depending on how many credits you’re transferring and additional costs such as technology fees or textbooks.

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
Clarkson College$20,000 – $25,00030
Bryan College of Health Sciences$18,000 – $23,00036
Nebraska Wesleyan University$20,000 – $25,00040

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Whether you decide on an MSN, a DNP, or some other variation (see more below), you’ll usually find that most nurse practitioner programs usually have some type of specialized curriculum that allow you to become certified in one of dozens of nurse practitioner specializations. Here are a few examples in Nebraska:

School NameNP SpecialtyCredits Required
University of NebraskaPediatric Primary Care NP50
Nebraska Methodist CollegeNursing Education36
Clarkson CollegePsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner51

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

As mentioned, MSN and DNP degree programs are just two of many different types of nurse practitioner degree programs. Below is a full breakdown of the various types.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are generally 2-year programs that come in a variety of specializations. Examples of MSNs in Nebraska include:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are one of many types of nurse practitioner bridge programs. They allow working nurses with an RN license and an associate’s degree in nursing to skip the BSN and graduate with an MSN in as little as four years. RN to NP programs are also known as ADN/ASN to MSN programs or RN to MSN programs. They can be found in Nebraska at:

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest educational level you can obtain as a nurse practitioner is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs are great for students with a lot of ambition and plenty of time to spare as they usually require at least six years of full-time study. Here are a few DNP programs located in Nebraska:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you already have an MSN or DNP but you’d like to specialize in a different or additional area, you may be interested in a Post-Master's Nursing Certificate. These programs are designed for licensed nurse practitioners and can usually be completed in a year or less.

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, allow non-nurses with a bachelor's degree who majored in a non-nursing area to enter directly into an MSN program. These programs essentially combine BSN and MSN coursework into one challenging program. Unfortunately, you won’t find these types of programs available in Nebraska, but you may be able to find them in states with licensure compliance.

General Admissions Requirements

While each specific nurse practitioner degree level will have its own set of requirements, most NP programs will require the following to be eligible for admission:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Nebraska NP License and Certification Requirements

To become licensed as a nurse practitioner in Nebraska, applicants must gather the necessary documentation, such as official transcripts from their NP program and proof of Nebraska RN licensure. After compiling these materials, candidates must submit a formal application for NP licensure along with an application fee, typically around $70. Detailed instructions on the licensure process, including how to submit the application and required documents, can be found on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website.

Certification is another critical step in becoming an NP in Nebraska. Most NP specialty certifications can be earned through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed a graduate program in a specialty and hold an active RN license. Passing a national certification exam specific to the specialty is often required.

Since Nebraska grants full practice authority to nurse practitioners, NPs in the state can provide a broad range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and managing patient care without the need for physician supervision. This autonomy allows Nebraska NPs to function as primary care providers in many healthcare settings. Additional support and resources can be found through the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA), which offers professional development, networking, and advocacy for NPs statewide.

List of NP Programs in Nebraska

Omaha, NE

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