The demand for RNs continues to grow at a faster than average when compared to other healthcare careers in Nebraska. Indicators show that the demand is largely in care sectors outside of the hospital including long-term care facilities, doctors' offices, surgical centers and home health. This is a result of a reduction in the number of in-patient overnight stays in hospitals. However, if you are looking to work in a hospital environment, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital continues to be ranked as one of the top 100 places to work in the country by Becker's ASC Hospital Review. Because RNs can expect to earn 45 percent more than LPNs, transition degree programs remain popular in the state.
Accredited LPN-to-RN programs in Nebraska include:
College of Saint Mary: In Omaha, Saint Mary's offers an LPN-to-RN program that can be completed in one calendar year. LPNs receive advanced placement in the traditional program track after standard entrance exams are taken. The day-only program offers an associate degree in nursing.
Central Community College: LPNs receive advanced placement in the two-year program at the Grand Island campus. Required courses may also be completed at the Lexington Center branch while the clinical component of the coursework may be completed in either Lexington or Kearney. A limited number of students are permitted to do clinical rotations in Columbus or Kearney while attending class one day per week in Grand Island. Students may enroll in a three-year part-time ADN option if needed.
Mid-Plains Community College: The program beings in August at the North Platte campus. The bridge program provides advanced placement for LPNs in the ADN program. Students who do not maintain at least a "C" average in courses, will be withdrawn from the program.
