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Top Nebraska RN to BSN Programs

Up until recently, most nurses launched their healthcare careers by first earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Increasingly, however, healthcare employers are wanting nurses to hold Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, especially for nursing positions that require leadership or research responsibilities. Thus, progressive-minded RNs looking to stay ahead of the curve are headed back to college to earn their BSNs. Not only do BSN degrees enhance an RN’s career prospects and increase their earning potential, but they also position RNs nicely for an advanced nursing degree. Academic institutions have also responded to the shift towards more BSN-educated nurses by making affordable and flexible RN to BSN programs available to students. But with so many programs out there, finding a program that suits your needs can be an arduous task. To make that process as straightforward as possible, we've put together a list of the top RN to BSN programs in Nebraska.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Nebraska

Deciding which RN to BSN program to attend is an important decision. While looking into Nebraska's top programs, consider the following factors:

  • Total cost of attendance (tuition plus fees)
  • Program acceptance rate
  • Percentage of program graduates who found gainful employment
  • Student satisfaction rate/success rate
  • Proper program accreditation
  • Class sizes
  • How long the program has been around
  • Internship and clinical opportunities
  • Cost of living
  • Quality of faculty

Testing and Certification

ADN graduates are required to have first passed the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before gaining their RN license. This means that RN to BSN students aren't required to take the licensing exam for a second time following the completion of their program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Nebraska

1. Bellevue University

Established in 1966, Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university. BU offers students an online, 40 credit hour RN to BSN program that seeks to develop student's critical skills in decision-making, leadership, and health promotion. In addition to the didactic coursework, which includes courses like Population Based Healthcare, Health Regulation, and Strategic Nursing Leadership, students are expected to complete a hands-on clinical practicum in their local area.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Nebraska Medicine- Bellevue
  • Select Specialty Hospital - Omaha
  • CHI Health Midlands

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Bellevue University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $17,000 in tuition plus fees.

2. Bryan College of Health Sciences

Bryan College of Health Sciences is a higher learning institution that's a part of Bryan Health - a not-for-profit healthcare organization located in the city of Lincoln. BCHS offers a flexible, online, RN to BSN program that students can complete in just twelve months. The 23 credit hour program is taught by committed faculty and is individualized to meet the needs of working nurses.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • CHI Health St. Elizabeth
  • Bryan Medical Center East Campus
  • Select Specialty Hospital - Lincoln

Tuition:

Students who enroll in BCHS's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $14,260 in tuition plus fees.

3. Doane University

Originally founded in 1872, Doane University is a private liberal arts college that has its primary campus in Crete, but which also operates satellite campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island. DU's 30 credit RN to BSN program is offered in-person at its campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, and also online. Students who enroll in the program can expect to tackle courses like Personal Leadership Development, Community Health, and Research in Nursing.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Methodist Hospital
  • Children's Hospital and Medical Center
  • CHI Health Lakeside

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Doane University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $12,210 in tuition plus fees.

4. Nebraska Methodist College

Situated in the city Omaha, Nebraska Methodist College is a private Methodist College that first opened its doors to students in 1891. NMC offers its students a flexible, online RN to BSN bridge program that's designed for working nurses. The program, which consists of courses which last five weeks, can be completed in a full-time or part-time study. RN to BSN students also have the opportunity to minor in Spanish for Healthcare Professionals and Healthcare Sign Language alongside their BSN.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center
  • Children's Hospital and Medical Center
  • CHI Health Lakeside

Tuition:

For current information on Nebraska Methodist RN to BSN tuition and fees, contact them at (420) 353-7000.

5. Midland University

At nearly 140 years old, Midland University is a private Lutheran university located in the city of Fremont. Designed for working students, MU's 30 credit hour, online RN to BSN program allows students to complete their BSN degrees while continuing to advance their nursing careers. Students can earn the degree in just one year of full-time study, with six or eight-week online courses. Coursework students can expect to tackle while enrolled in the program include Multicultural Nursing, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, and Spiritual Nursing. New cohorts are admitted January, May, and August of each year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Methodist Freemont Health

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Midland University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay roughly $11,700 in tuition plus fees.