The abundance of prospects in nursing makes it increasingly difficult to enroll in nursing programs across the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for registered nurses is projected to grow by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030 – a positive outlook for aspiring nurses. The annual median salary of $75,330 is another factor that draws multitudes to this profession.
There are multiple paths to get into professional nursing. The associate degree in nursing provides one of the fastest paths and the minimum accepted requirement for entry to the profession. Graduates must apply to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN to practice in hospitals, nursing homes, home health care, and other healthcare facilities.
Southeast Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Southeast Community College prepares adults for entry-level employment as a registered nurse. The intensive curriculum includes theory and practical instruction designed to encourage success, competence, compassion, and confidence in practice. Supervised clinical rotations at local health care facilities provide students with real-world exposure and help to ease the transition into the workforce. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to work as a registered nurse in various health care settings. Licensed practical nurses can apply for advanced placement through the LPN-ADN option to complete the requirements to become a registered nurse. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Full-time classes commence every fall and spring semester. Part-time classes open in the fall semester of odd-numbered years.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 65
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
Pre-major nursing courses – Speech Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Human Anatomy and Lab or Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Physiology and Lab or Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Chemistry and the Citizen or General Chemistry I, Nutrition for the Healthcare Provider, Introduction to Sociology or Diversity in Society, Pathophysiology through the Lifespan
Core Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical, Assessment, Pharmacology for Nurses, Medical Surgical Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical, Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Clinical, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing Clinical, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical, Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Gerontological Nursing, Gerontological Nursing Clinical, Leadership in Nursing, Leadership in Nursing Clinical
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
- Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at SCC
- Submit completed application to the Nursing Program
- Demonstrate Math and Reading proficiency through placement test scores or completion
- Submit a complete digital resume outlining experiences
- Must have current CPR card – BLS for Healthcare Providers American Heart Association
- Complete current TB 2-step skin test
- Submit a completed Health Statement to the Health Sciences Division
- Must have active CNA status on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry – DHHS documentation required. As an alternative, candidates may program proof of completing a NA class and other current healthcare certification
- Take and obtain satisfactory results on the HESI Admission Assessment
- Must complete annual flu vaccination – documentation required
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check – a non-refundable fee of $45 will be assess for the CBC
- Must submit to initial drug and alcohol testing before the first clinical rotation – a non-refundable fee of $35 will be assessed for the drug screen
- Must obtain a GPA of 2.5 in the general education courses and a GPA of 2.75 in the science courses – Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition for Healthcare Providers
- Must have a functional laptop throughout the program
Program Cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $11,165. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.southeast.edu/
Address: 8800 O St., Lincoln, NE 68520
Phone: 402-471-3333
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Metropolitan Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Metropolitan Community College prepares adults for practice as registered nurses. Theory and hands-on instruction emphasize best practices in nursing and the importance of compassion, caring, and critical thinking. The program includes theory in the classroom, laboratory experience, and clinical practice, Students must complete a total of 103 credit hours to graduate from the program. Graduates will be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse. The program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing and accredited by the ACEN. Licensed practical nurses can complete the program in one year. New programs begin in the fall and summer quarters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 103
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
Pre-major nursing courses –Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition, College Algebra, Human Growth and Development. College Chemistry, Microbiology, Human Relations Skills, Information Systems and Literacy
Core Courses – Adult Nursing I, Adult Nursing I Lab, Adult Nursing II, Adult Nursing II Lab, Adult Nursing III, Adult Nursing III Lab, Professional Role of the Nurse I, Mental Health Nursing I, Family Nursing I, Family Nursing I Lab, Concepts of Health Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions I, Health and Therapeutic Interventions I Lab, Pharmacology in Nursing, Adult Nursing IV, Adult Nursing V, Professional Role of the Nurse, Mental Health Nursing II, Family Nursing II, Concepts of Health Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions II
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program
- Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at MCC
- Submit completed application to the Nursing Program by the published deadline
- Submit official transcripts of general education courses – will be calculated for points in the admission process
- Provide unofficial MCC transcript
- Must be in good standing in the MCC PN program
- Complete the pre-entrance courses with a grade C or higher – BIOS 2310, BIOS 2320, CHEM 1010, ENGL 1010, MATH 1315, PSYC 1120
- Applicants who have completed a PN course outside of MCC must possess current license for Nebraska or a compact state
- Complete TEAS with a score of 50 percent or higher
- Have a minimum MCC cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Provide copy of high school or GED transcripts
- Must have current CPR card – BLS for Healthcare Providers or Professional Rescuer American Heart Association
- Complete current TB 2-step skin test
- Submit a completed Medical Exam Form
- Must complete annual flu vaccination – documentation required
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Must submit to initial drug and alcohol testing
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $66 per credit hour for Nebraska residents. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://mccneb.edu/
Address: 10407 State Street, Omaha, NE 68122
Phone: 531-622-2400
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Central Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Central Community College provides a foundation of knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes that students need to provide safe and competent care as professional nurses. The curriculum covers diverse theoretical and hands-on opportunities to achieve the program’s objective of producing confident and caring nurses. Upon completion of the first two semesters, students can graduate with a diploma in nursing and apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nursing Licensure. They can then complete the final two semesters to receive the associate degree and take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing and accredited by the ACEN.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64-65
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
Pre-major nursing courses –Communications, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Elements of Chemistry, General Chemistry I, Introduction to Literature, College Algebra, Applied Statistics, Nutrition, Introduction to Ethics, Introduction to Sociology, Public Speaking
Core Courses – Lifespan I, Pathopharmacology I, Nursing Judgment I, Lifespan II, Pathopharmacology II, Nursing Judgment II, Life and Career Skills, Information and Technology Literacy, Lifespan II, Pathopharmacology III, Nursing Judgment III, BIOS 2460, Lifespan IV, Pathopharmacology IV, Nursing Judgment IV, Communications, ENGL 1020
Admission criteria:
- Meet the requirements for admission to the Central Community College Application – indicate Nursing as the major when applying
- Complete a mandatory criminal background and urine and drug screen – the cost is $25 each
- Take and pass the ATI TEAS test and score 58.7% or higher – the cost of $82
- Provide proof of active status on the Nebraska Nursing Assistant Registry or LPN license
- Must have current Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR certification – Healthcare Provider
- Submit a completed Immunization Form
- Submit a completed Nursing Program Application
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a passing grade – Anatomy and Physiology I – B, English Composition I – C
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $6,955 for Nebraska residents completing 65 credits. Students will spend an additional $5,827 for uniforms, books, laptop, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
Website: https://www.cccneb.edu/
Address: 1215 30th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
Phone: 1-877-222-0780
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A