Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Omaha, NE

The place to begin your career in nursing is an entry-level training program that will prepare you for the NCLEX licensing exam and for your first professional nursing job. Students in the Omaha area have the choice of Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, which provide a foundational knowledge of nursing and preparation for entry-level nursing jobs, as well as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that provide a more in-depth nursing education and take around double the time to complete.

ADN Programs

ADN programs generally take around two years to complete, and can be found at community colleges, vocational schools and some colleges and medical centers. Metropolitan Community College, as one example, offers a 108 credit hour ADN program that is designed to be completed in two years. Coursework includes chemistry, anatomy and physiology, family nursing, medical assessment, and therapeutic interventions.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Including more in-depth coursework not typically covered in an ADN program, BSN programs also prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and begin working as an RN. Completion time can vary from school to school depending on whether a student takes a full-time or part-time course load. Nebraska Methodist College offers a traditional four-year on-campus BSN program, as well as an accelerated BSN program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject that can be completed in just 15 months.

Learn more about Nebraska Accelerated BSN Programs

Omaha RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 OmahaNebraska
NCLEX-RN Students Total9921,397
NCLEX-RN Students Passed8641,206
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate87.1%86.3%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Omaha

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Omaha based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Nebraska out of 16 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Clarkson College - #1
  • Creighton University - #5
  • Nebraska Methodist College - #4
SchoolContact Information

Clarkson College

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Nebraska Program: #1 of 16
101 S 42nd St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 552-3100

College of St. Mary

7000 Mercy Rd
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 399-2400

Creighton University

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 280-2700

Metropolitan Community College

5300 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68111
(800) 228-9553

Midland University

900 N Clarkson St
Fremont, NE 68025
(800) 642-8382

Nebraska Methodist College

720 N 87th St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 354-7000

University of Nebraska Medical Center

42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Omaha, NE

Many working nurses in Omaha who hold an RN license and an associate’s degree are considering going back to school to earn their BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in order to move into more senior nursing roles and earn a higher salary. For these nurses, an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program is ideal, as it provides an accelerated pathway to a higher degree for professional nurses.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs provide a faster way to earn a bachelor’s degree than a traditional four-year BSN program, as they take into account previous ADN coursework. Oftentimes, RN to BSN programs can be taken online for maximum convenience, which is especially important for nurses who wish to continue working while they take classes. The RN to BSN program at Bellevue University is fully online, with the hands-on practicum component completed in the healthcare organization of the student’s choosing.

Learn more about Nebraska RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Another option for nurses who hold the RN license and an associate’s degree is the RN to MSN program, which is somewhat less common than the RN to BSN program, and prepares students for advanced practice nursing careers as well as leadership positions. The RN to MSN Nurse Educator program at Nebraska Methodist College is an online program that prepares nurses for teaching positions and can be completed in just 30 months of study.

Learn more about Nebraska RN to MSN Programs

SchoolContact Information

Bellevue University

1000 Galvin Road South
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 293-7920

Clarkson College

101 S 42nd St
Omaha, NE 68131

Midland University

900 North Clarkson
Fremont, NE 68025
(800) 642-8382

Nebraska Methodist College

720 North 87th Street
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 354-7049

University of Nebraska Medical Center

42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Omaha, NE

Nurses who want to pursue leadership positions and advanced practice nursing roles, including nurse practitioner jobs, will likely need to earn an advanced practice degree. Options for these degrees include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs and doctorate programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs.

MSN Programs

Many MSN programs allow students to focus their studies in a particular advanced practice specialty, and prepare students for leadership roles in nursing. Clarkson College offers an online MSN program that allows students to choose from four specialty areas: Nursing Healthcare Administration, Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Learn more about Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs allow nurses with their MSN to learn a new advanced practice nursing specialty or expand their areas of expertise. For example, Creighton University offers an 18-credit hour Clinical Nurse Leader certificate that requires 600 hours of supervised clinical hours and is completed over two years of study.

Learn more about Nebraska Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctorate-level programs, including DNP and Ph.D. programs, are the highest level study for nurses. DNP programs, such as the one at Creighton University, prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical practice. Ph.D. programs, like the one offered at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, prepare nurses for careers in research and academia.

Learn more about Nebraska DNP Programs

SchoolContact Information

Clarkson College

101 S. 42 Street
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 552-3100

College of Saint Mary

7000 Mercy Rd.
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 399-2400

Creighton University

2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
(402) 280-2700

University of Nebraska Medical Center

42nd and Emile
Omaha, NE 68198
(402) 559-4000