How to Become an LPN in Nebraska – A Simple Guide

How to Become an LPN in Nebraska - A Simple Guide

Some people think that you need at least 4 years in college and additional years of training to get into the health industry.

But the truth is, getting a college degree is not required for all healthcare jobs.

One of the roles you can get into is an LPN or a Licensed Practical Nurse. 

For you to become one in Nebraska, you just need one year of training from a state-approved program, as well as a few more requirements.

Yes, a few requirements!

In this article, you’ll see the simple and easy steps you need to become an LPN in Nebraska.

We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions, such as:

  • Do I need to get another LPN license if I have an out-of-state LPN license?
  • Where do I submit my LPN application?
  • What are the feeds I need to prepare to become an LPN in Nebraska?

Ready?

Let’s get into it.

How to Become an LPN in Nebraska in 4 Easy Steps

Here are the steps to becoming an LPN in Nebraska:

  • Step #1: Complete Training Program Application Requirements.
  • Step #2: Get into a State-Approved Training Program.
  • Step #3: Send in Your Application and Take the NCLEX-PN.
  • Step #4: Practice as an LPN and Renew Your License.

Step #1: Complete Training Program Application Requirements

Like in any school, you need to complete admission requirements for schools to take you in.

Most programs and schools would ask you to submit these, so make sure to prepare them ahead.

Admission Requirements

  • Should be at least a high school graduate; GPA and transcripts are needed
  • Satisfactory ACT Scores
  • Proof of completion of prerequisite courses
  • Proof of background check
  • Filled in and completed application and association fees

Why are background checks needed?

Working in the health industry means dealing with the lives of people daily. You get to see personal and private information, administer medication, and prescribe treatment so they can get better.

In many states, a criminal background check is asked during the application process. But here in Nebraska, you might encounter schools and institutions that will ask for this as early as the program admission.

Step #2: Get into a State-Approved Training Program

The Nebraska Board of Nursing will only accept applications from individuals who have completed training in a state-approved program. This safeguards the quality of education future practitioners will get.

If you want to see a list of LPN programs approved in Nebraska, you can head to this site.

What’s great about programs in Nebraska is that you can accomplish them in a short period of time. 

How short? 

You can finish one in just 9 months! If you can’t commit to a daily schedule, it can extend up to 1 year.

This is not bad compared to getting a 4-year college program.

What will you learn in an LPN program?

LPNs’ scope of work is now more technical than certified nursing assistants or CNAs. You also get to interact with patients more and take part in their medication.

Given this, LPN curriculums would usually include courses on physiology, nutrition, human anatomy, nursing concepts, and medical terminology.  

You can also expect more clinical training and exposure as well. That should be exciting!

How much are tuition costs?

In Nebraska, the average tuition fee for the program is around $6,000. This is generally less than other states’ tuition costs.

However, the $6,000 fees are not inclusive of your textbooks, lodging, and uniforms, if needed.

Step #3: Send in Your Application and Take the NCLEX-PN.

After graduating from your LPN program, you need to take a national exam (the NCLEX-PN).

But you can’t take it automatically. You first need to apply through the Nebraska Board of Nursing. 

They will evaluate if you qualify for the exam. 

To apply for your licensure by examination, you need to have the following:

  • Filled-out application form
  • Wallet-sized photo (Should be your most current photo)
  • A copy of your birth certificate
  • Official transcript from the school where you took your state-approved nursing program
  • Registration to take the NCLEX-PN (www.vue.com/nclex)

Once complete, you can apply at Nebraska’s Board of Nursing and pay the $123 application fee. 

Now it’s time for you to take the NCLEX-PN.

What is NCLEX-PN?

The National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses Exam or the NCLEX-PN exam is a national examination that determines whether or not you’re ready to become an LPN.

The test questions can range from 85 to 205 questions. 

They mostly are in multiple-choice format, but you’ll also see some fill-in-the-blank and chart-type questions.

Given the number and complexity of the questions, each applicant has 5 hours to take the examination.

It’s crucial to prepare for the exam since it is a requirement for you to become licensed. 

If you pass the exam… Congratulations! You will receive your license and can start practicing as an LPN.

If you don’t pass on the first try, you will receive a diagnosis of how you performed on the exam. You can use this tool and retake the exam. However, you will need to pay the examination fee each time. 

How much is the NCLEX-PN examination fee?

For all states across the country, it costs $200 to take the exam. 

Step #4: Practice as an LPN and Renew Your License.

Have your license already?

Time to start practicing!

Here in Nebraska, a huge number of LPNs work with the elderly and chronically-ill populations. There are a lot of nursing and home facilities hiring LPNs, given the number of patients coming from this group.

Aside from this, many LPNs also take jobs in nursing homes, assisted living homes, and even in home health settings.

These facilities aren’t your only options as you can also go to work in hospitals. You can assist the RNs in administering vaccines, recording patient histories, and handling specimens. Usually, LPNs help with pediatric and cardiology settings. 

As an LPN in Nebraska, the average annual salary is around $48,040. Though this is generally lower than the national average, you can get lucky with some employers who give a starting bonus.

Your salary can also increase with more years of experience, specialized training, and certifications. 

When do I need to renew my license?

LPN licenses expire every October 31st of odd-numbered years. This means you need to renew your license every 2 years.

What are the renewal requirements?

  • Payment of $123 for the processing fee
  • Competency requirements
    • Practiced nursing for at least 500 hours in the past 5 years and completed 20 contact hours of continuing education in the past 2 years 

OR

  • Completed approved refresher courses within the last 5 years
  • Obtained your specialty certification from a recognized organization

FAQs about Becoming an LPN in Nebraska

Now that you know the 4 steps to becoming an LPN in Nebraska, let’s answer a few relevant questions. 

I’m a practicing LPN from another state. Do I need to get another license here in Nebraska?

Thankfully, Nebraska is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means that you don’t need to get a new and additional license if you’re already a practicing nurse. 

You can apply as an LPN in Nebraska through reciprocity or endorsement with these documents in your application:

  • Official transcripts from the school where you took your state-approved training program
  • Current license in another state
  • Proof of passing the NCLEX-PN
  • Must have at least 500 hours of practice within the past 5 years

Where do I submit my LPN application?

Here in Nebraska, everything needs to be submitted on paper. So once your application form and other documents are complete, you can send them all over to:

Department of Health & Human Services

Division of Public Health

Licensure Unit

P.O. Box 94986

Lincoln Nebraska 68509-4986

What are the fees I need to prepare to become an LPN in Nebraska?

  • NCLEX fee: $200
  • Application fee (LPN): $65
  • Criminal background check fee: $45.25
  • TOTAL fee: $310.25

Of course, this does not include the LPN program tuition. 

Conclusion

There you have it! That’s all you need to become an LPN in Nebraska.

Give yourself time to prepare all the documents, save up for the tuition, and make the most out of your training so you can get your license on your first application.

If you have any more questions, feel free to leave us a message!

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