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Your search for an accredited Nebraska DNP just got easier! This practical guide & directory includes rankings of the best and most affordable DNP programs in Nebraska, notes on online & hybrid NE doctorates, and tips on comparing BSN to DNP options. Already have a school or two in mind? Skip ahead to our listings.
Top Nebraska DNP Programs
For this list of the best DNP programs in Nebraska, we considered a large number of factors, including independent rankings for nursing graduate degrees, certification pass rates, clinical connections, and research opportunities.
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center
UNMC’s DNP program hit our #1 spot on the strength of its national rankings (e.g. top 70 for DNP) and its well-known College of Nursing. UNMC nursing faculty are involved in a wide variety of research projects and use the Morehead Center for Nursing Practice to improve their clinical expertise through faculty practice & partnerships. DNP students can also find opportunities for interprofessional research at other UNMC centers (e.g. Center for Patient, Family, and Community Engagement in Chronic Care Management (CENTRIC)).
Another major benefit? UNMC’s clinical connections. The College has five nursing campuses in Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Kearney and Scottsbluff and each one has relationships with local healthcare providers and organizations. The most obvious partner is the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, but the College also has ties to 100+ practice sites. In addition, it runs its own nurse-managed health centers, including a Mobile Nursing Center, and rotating community clinic outreach programs. UNMC states that it will guide DNP students in arranging sites, schedules, and preceptors—you may want to ask if there are guaranteed placements.
2. Creighton University
If you want a convenient doctorate, Creighton’s online DNP program may just fit the bill. It’s offered by a Jesuit university and College of Nursing with a history of emphasizing ethical healthcare and service to others. Creighton is involved in a large number of community partnerships (e.g. One World Community Health Center, Magis Clinic, Porto Urgent Care Clinic, etc.); global healthcare programs (e.g. Institute for Latin American Concern in the Dominican Republic); and faith-based initiatives such as the Health Sciences Multicultural and Community Affairs Office.
It gets better. Creighton has tight clinical connections to CHI Health in Omaha. Annual pass rates on NP certification exams generally range from 90%-100% for first-time test-takers. The College recently opened a Center for Faculty Innovation, Research and Education (FIRE). And reviews on independent websites and messageboards are excellent. Graduates say the DNP and MSN programs are challenging, interactive, and taught by helpful faculty. Reviewers note that students are usually responsible for organizing clinical placements, but Creighton has useful area advisors and contracts with a lot of hospitals. The only real downside folks mentioned was the cost.
3. Nebraska Methodist College
NMC’s online DNP program edged out Clarkson for the #3 spot for a few key reasons. This private, non-profit nursing & healthcare college is affiliated with the Nebraska Methodist Health System, one of the largest health systems in Nebraska. The Department of Nursing receives universally positive reviews from undergraduate & graduate nursing students. It has a good name in the Omaha area. And in recent years, NCLEX pass rates have been excellent (you’ll need to ask the DNP program coordinator for NP pass rates).
We also like the fact that NMC’s Center for Health Partnerships works to deepen community impact and student learning. Examples of the college’s local partnerships & initiatives include the Mobile Diabetes Center, education programs, and outreach efforts with community organizations. According to NMC’s DNP handbook, students are responsible for finding acceptable clinical sites and preceptors, but guidance is available from the program director and/or clinical coordinator.
Most Affordable DNP Programs in Nebraska
This list of the cheapest DNP programs in Nebraska is based on the lowest per credit tuition rate for the doctorate. For public universities (e.g. UNMC), we chose the in-state tuition rate. There are only a few Schools of Nursing in Nebraska that offer the DNP, so take this affordability ranking with a “grain of salt”!
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center
DNP Tuition & Fees
UNMC is a good deal for Nebraska residents—the per credit nursing graduate tuition rate for in-state students is quite reasonable. But the out-of-state rate is comparable to expensive private schools. DNP students also pay additional College of Nursing student fees (e.g. course fee, distributive learning fee, etc.).
2. Clarkson College
DNP Tuition & Fees
Clarkson College is a private school, so all students pay the same DNP tuition rate. Be aware that there’s a mandatory, per credit hour online technology fee.
3. Nebraska Methodist College
DNP Tuition & Fees
NMC has one DNP tuition rate, which is not much more than Clarkson’s. There are additional fees (e.g. technology fee per semester, enrollment fee, etc.).
Online DNP Programs in Nebraska
Nebraska universities are ready & willing to offer online DNP programs. You’ll find them under each school in our listings. Keep in mind that some of them may have campus components. For example:
- Online BSN to DNP Programs in NE: Clarkson and Creighton state that their BSN to DNP pathways are online, but they don’t provide any details about potential campus visits. Ask the DNP program coordinator for clarification. NMC notes that its BSN to DNP students come to campus three times (i.e. weekends during the summer semesters).
- Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in NE: UNMC is also a bit vague. It says that its graduate programs are delivered in a hybrid format utilizing group and individual online classes, but on-campus requirements will vary by DNP program and specialty. If you’re thinking of nurse anesthesia and the DNAP, Bryan offers certain courses in a hybrid format.
It’s a similar story at the post-master’s level. You’ll notice that MSN to DNP programs in each school have a similar format to the BSN to DNP pathways. For instance:
- Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in NE: Clarkson and Creighton don’t discuss any campus requirements—ask the DNP program coordinator if they’re 100% online. NMC’s post-master’s tracks require two campus visits (summer weekends).
- Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in NE: UNMC’s MSN to DNP looks like it’s hybrid, with a combination of on-campus and online coursework—check with the program coordinator to be sure.
Coming from out-of-state? Before you lay your money down on any application fees, check to make sure you’re eligible to apply. Online nursing programs often have state authorization & distance learning restrictions (especially for NP specialties). See Clarkson’s State Authorization, Creighton’s State Authorization, and UNMC’s State Authorization sections for examples of limitations.
Note: Eyeing online degrees in neighboring areas (e.g. Iowa)? Have a look at the directory of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.
BSN to DNP Programs in Nebraska
To speed your search, we’ve flagged BSN to DNP tracks in our program listings. You can skim & scan through all the options in your chosen field. A few things to note:
- Multiple APRN Specialties: All of the “Big 4” in Nebraska (i.e. UNMC, Creighton, Clarkson, and NMC) offer a variety of specialties. UNMC and Creighton have leadership & pediatrics tracks; Creighton has the NNP; and NMC has an AGCNS track.
- Nurse Anesthesia: You’ll be able to choose between Bryan and Clarkson—both are COA-accredited. When you’re evaluating DNAP programs, ask for NCE pass rates, inquire about clinical training opportunities (i.e. your potential employers in the future), and talk to recent alumni.
Note: We also have a nationwide directory of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs.
Nebraska Nursing Organizations
- Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Nursing Licensing
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioners (NNP)
- Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NANA)
- Nebraska League for Nursing (NeLN)
- Nebraska Organization of Nurse Leaders (NONL)
Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in Nebraska.
Full list of Nebraska DNP Programs
5 schools