How to Become an LPN in Nebraska
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) continue to be in demand and make up 23% of the nursing workforce in Nebraska. Employment opportunities are expected to increase by 20 to 22% through the year 2020.
LPN job growth is expected to be a combination of new positions and increasing demand for additional nurses to fill current positions as the population continues to age with greater longevity and the advancement of medical technology that present new healthcare solutions and options.
The average LPN salary in Nebraska is $36,400, based on a 40 hour work week. An entry level LPN can expect to earn $24,000 to $26,000. LPN salaries can top out at $75,000, based on years of experience, level of responsibility and additional education undertaken beyond LPN studies. LPNs that choose to specialize in certain nursing fields, such as IV therapy, foot care or childbirth education, will command higher salaries.
The first step to becoming an LPN in Nebraska is to complete an accredited LPN program. Such programs that offer a certificate or diploma take 8 to 12 months to complete while a two year LPN program offer an Associate’s degree in nursing. LPN programs must be accredited and approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing in order for the student to take the National Council for Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). LPN programs must be a combination of class work and clinical training. Class work typically includes courses such as nursing fundamentals, communication, medical terminology, nutrition, pharmacology, physiology and anatomy. Additional courses may also include nursing administration and obstetric, pediatric and geriatric studies.
After completing an LPN program, the graduate must apply to take the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs cannot practice nursing without being licensed. Graduates apply to the Nebraska State Board of Nursing, and the application includes a fingerprint card and criminal background check, drug check, passport type photo, social security number and copy of a valid driver’s license or passport. The student will also be required to provide a copy of their transcript and documentation of successful completion of the LPN program. The transcript and documented proof of completion must be sent directly from the school to the State Nursing Board. The application will be reviewed and approved if all the information is in place.
The student will be required to register to take the exam with Pearson VUE, the administrator of the exam. Pearson will issue an authorization to test (ATT), and the graduate must present the ATT on the day of the exam. The graduate will be notified of the exam results within 48 hours and then be issued a license by postal mail within 7 to 10 days.
LPNs are required to renew their license every two years and licenses expire on 31 October of the odd year. License renewal requires the LPN to have practiced nursing for at least 500 hours during the past 5 years, except for LPNs with less than five years from graduation, 20 hours of continuing education with 10 hours being peer reviewed. LPNs must also complete a refresher program every 5 years and maintain a portfolio that includes the LPNs current competency goals and documentation of the professional activities to meet the goals.
LPNs perform a variety of duties, but those duties may vary according to the facility. LPNs work under the direction of a registered nurse or physician and are part of a medical team that includes nurses, doctors, nursing aides and technicians. LPNs check blood sugar levels, start IV treatments, distribute medications, including oral and injections, dress wounds, track vital signs, perform diagnostic testing, monitor patient progress or lack of progress, implement and maintain patient care plans and render basic patient care.
LPN Schools in Nebraska
- 100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
- Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help maximize the credit you previously earned.
- *Excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
- Flexible, online RN-BSN and MSN programs available
- RN-BSN program is designed to help registered nurses earn their bachelor’s in as little as 9 months
- Courses designed to expand on student’s prior knowledge and enhance their patient care skills
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration
- Which career path will you take – Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology? Something else? GCU offers more than 100 majors to get you started!
- Colangelo College of Business: Features more than 25 programs from the bachelor through the master's level, including several high-demand MBA programs and an accelerated accounting degree.
- College of Nursing and Health Care Professions: Rich 25-year history providing outstanding health care and nursing degree programs, including an RN to BSN program & master's in nursing degrees.
- College of Education: Whether you are looking to start or advance your career as a teacher or administrator, GCU offers bachelor’s and master’s in education degrees in key areas.
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Provides a job focused education and features a variety of programs from counseling and psychology to justice studies, history and English literature.
- Does something else interest you? GCU also offers programs in Doctoral Studies; Theology; Science, Engineering & Technology; and Fine Arts & Production. Speak with an enrollment counselor today!
Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
- Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
- Students learn from instructors with experience in the health care field.
- Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- And more...
At Kaplan University, we offer over 180 degree and certificate programs. With three different ways to learn, you can choose the format that works best for you:
- Study wherever you have an Internet connection, because almost all of our courses are 100% online, or
- Take campus-based classes(with day and evening options available), or
- Combine campus learning with online classes (blended).
Programs:
- Diploma: Practical Nursing
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing : Executive Leader
- And more...
Do you want to start working toward a career that actually makes you excited? If so, an education from West Coast University (WCU) could be the perfect choice for you! This accredited, private University has a history that dates back over 100 years. Today, WCU offers health care degrees that will help prepare you and educate you on the current trends and issues within the health industry.
Programs:
- MSN - Informatics (Online)
- MSN Advanced Generalist (Online)
- RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist (Online)
- And more...
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
Programs:
- Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
- PhD - Addictions
- PhD - Gerontology
- And more...
The University
With over 80 years of academic achievements, Jacksonville University is a traditional, longstanding institution consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's best colleges.
Programs:
- MSN Clinical Nurse Educator
- MSN Leadership in Healthcare Systems
Established in 1897, Bradley University is a private, independent institution of higher learning in Peoria, Illinois. Inspired by our founder, notable philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, we pursue excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and service; and we celebrate leadership, integrity, diversity and collaborative learning. Today, we offer an impressive array of more than 130 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs across five colleges and the Graduate School.
Programs:
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Leadership Track (MSN to DNP)
- Online Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN-FNP)
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (BSN to DNP)
- And more...
Programs:
- Medical Assisting Diploma
Approved Nebraska LPN Training Programs
Central Community College
Grand Island Campus
3134 West Highway 34
PO Box 4903
Grand Island, NE 68802
(308) 398-7455 Ext. 7455
Metropolitan Community College
PO Box 3777
Omaha, NE 68103
(402) 457-2467
Northeast Community College
801 East Benjamin Avenue
PO Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702
(402) 644-0444
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
5401 South Street
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 483-9595
Mid-Plains Community College
1205 East 3rd Street
McCook, NE 69001
(308) 345-8164 Ext. 8164
Southeast Community College
Beatrice Campus
4771 W. Scott Rd.
Beatrice, NE 68310
(402) 228-3468 Ext. 264
Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff Campus
1601 E. 27th Street
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 635-3606 Ext. 6060
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