ACNP Programs in Nebraska (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Seeking a new direction for your Nebraska nursing career? Consider enrolling in one of the many excellent ACNP programs in Nebraska. An ACNP program will prepare you to provide nursing care to patients with acute illnesses and complex injuries in settings like emergency rooms and intensive care units. You'll be well compensated for the work you do: Acute care NPs in the Cornhusker State typically earn $124,640 annually. You'll have your choice of employment options, too: Acute care NPs are in such high demand that within the next decade, their job prospects are predicted to increase by 36 percent. The list below of the best ACNP programs in Nebraska will tell you more.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Nebraska.)
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology ACNP pathway requires the completion of 50 credits and 600 clinical hours. The Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care pathway has a 62-credit curriculum and requires 960 clinical hours. Both pathways feature classes, including Advanced Assessment & Clinical Reasoning Across the Lifespan, Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing, Foundations of Population-Based Health Policy, and Biostatistics & Epidemiology in Nursing Practice. A clinical practicum complements each clinical course.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students who wish to pursue the MSN program must have a BSN degree from an ACEN-, CCNE, or NLN-accredited nursing school and hold a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Candidates for the Adult Gerontology ACNP program must have a minimum of one year of critical care experience as an RN, with two years preferred. At least 2,000 hours of critical care experience in an acute care setting is preferred for applicants for the Pediatric Primary and Acute Care program.
In addition to completing an application via NursingCAS, candidates are required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a Personal Statement, three professional references, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: At the University of Nebraska Medical Center, baccalaureate-prepared nurses also have the option to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specialize in either Adult Gerontology or Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP. Full-time students can complete the program in three years, and part-time students typically finish in four years. Admission to this program occurs in the fall annually.
The BSN-to-DNP program requires the completion of 66-70 credits. The plan of study for each pathway includes courses that meet MSN essentials, core nursing courses, DNP courses, specialty courses, and clinicals. The DNP program requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program is highly competitive. Only applicants from accredited baccalaureate nursing programs are considered. Accreditation must be through the ACEN, CCNE, CNEA, or NLN. Candidates are required to submit a Personal Statement, a curriculum vitae or professional resume, three letters of recommendation (preferably from individuals holding a doctorate), and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average is required. The final step in the admission process is to interview with program faculty. Interviews may be conducted in person or virtually.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you previously earned a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing and wish to advance your practice by adding an acute care NP specialty, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at UNMC is a great option! With part-time and full-time study options and the option to complete the certificate in two to four years, you can choose a learning pace that suits your current lifestyle and needs. Admission to the PGC program occurs once yearly in the fall semester. The course load varies for each student and is determined by an analysis of previous nursing transcripts. All students are required to complete a minimum of 500 precepted clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree or higher from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school. Candidates must complete an application through NursingCAS and submit a Personal Statement and letters of recommendation. Additionally, prospective students must provide proof of an unencumbered RN license, a copy of a current BLS certification, and transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The Adult Gerontology Acute Care pathway requires at least one year of critical care experience as a registered nurse (two years are preferred). Applicants who wish to pursue the Pediatric Primary and Acute Care pathway must have at least 2,000 hours of critical care experience in an acute care setting.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• One way to determine a nursing program's quality is by finding out the percentage of graduates who pass national certification testing. According to the 2024 Certification Data Report issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 83% of testers pass the national certification exam for Adult Gerontology ACNP on their first attempt. Graduates of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Acute Care NP programs have a nearly 100% pass rate on national exams, far exceeding the average reported by the ANCC!• If learning about healthcare and cultures away from home interests you, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has excellent opportunities! The Office of Global Health supports partnerships with universities worldwide that allow students to observe and participate in learning opportunities and experiences in different cultures.
• As a student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, you will have support from not only faculty but also academic advisors, mentors, and preceptors. From the time you are admitted to the program, faculty and staff will work with you to ensure you have the resources and support you need to succeed in the program and your career following graduation!
2. Creighton University - Omaha
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Both the Adult Gerontology ACNP and the Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary NP programs feature a 70-credit curriculum that includes 1,200 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students who wish to enroll in the BSN-to-DNP program are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a college or university accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and a current, unencumbered RN license with authority to practice in the United States. Applicants must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, and all official post-secondary transcripts. Transcripts must reflect a college GPA of 3.0 or higher and show successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate physical assessment course with a corresponding practicum.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Creighton University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate option for nurses who have previously earned a master’s or doctoral degree as an Advanced Practice RN and wish to become certified as an Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP Post-Graduate curriculum plans require 19 and 16 credits, respectively. Both pathways include a minimum of 525 clinical hours. After an analysis of your previous graduate clinical courses and verification of graduate clinical hours, an amended study plan may be developed, requiring additional hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Candidates for the Post-Graduate Certificate program must have a Master of Science in Nursing from an ACEN, ACME-, CCNE-, or COA-accredited program and an unrestricted RN license and national certification as an advanced practice registered nurse, if applicable, with at least 2,000 hours of work employment as a registered nurse. In addition to a completed application form, applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation, a current curriculum vitae or resume, a Personal Statement, and verification of clinical practicum hours completed in their master’s program. A cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• If you are interested in earning a degree or certificate at a school where faith-based values are important, Creighton University is an excellent choice. The nursing program at Creighton is founded on Jesuit values and emphasizes social justice, ethical patient care, and compassionate service.• Creighton University has a solid reputation for providing high-quality nursing education. The school is recognized by U.S. News & World Report for having one of the best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs nationwide.
• Creighton University’s Office of Financial Aid is responsible for administering millions of dollars in aid to students each year. From scholarships and grants to work-study programs and military and veterans’ benefits, financial aid advisors can work with you to find the resources you need to make pursuing your degree possible.
3. Clarkson College - Omaha
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Graduate Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology ACNP MSN program features a 49-credit curriculum. In this program, you will study Foundations of Adult Gerontologic Healthcare, Advanced Nutrition, Complex Acute Care Concepts, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology for Practitioners.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and a valid, unrestricted RN license in the state of practice or where clinicals will occur. Applicants are required to complete a graduate application and submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a scholarly essay, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Clarkson College is an excellent option for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who wish to obtain a clinical doctorate and specialize in adult and gerontology acute care. The program offers part-time and full-time options. Full-time students complete the program in 10-11 semesters, and part-time students take 18 months or longer, depending on the course load.
This post-baccalaureate ACNP program in Nebraska requires the completion of 71 credit hours. The curriculum comprises major core courses, specialty courses, and DNP Scholarly Project courses. Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Clinical hours are inclusive of both direct patient care hours and indirect hours, which are earned by completing the DNP Scholarly Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for the BSN-to-DNP program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, NLN CNEA, or CCNE) and hold a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where clinicals will be completed. In addition to completing a graduate nursing packet, you are asked to provide a copy of your RN license and submit a scholarly essay, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are a registered nurse who has already earned a master’s or doctorate in nursing, you can gain academic preparation to expand your scope of practice by pursuing the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Clarkson College. This program features an online curriculum and clinical experiences in or near your community, making it the perfect choice if you work or have other responsibilities. Additionally, you may opt to enroll part-time and complete the program in 7-10 semesters, or enroll full-time and graduate in four to seven semesters.
The Post-Graduate Adult Gerontology ACNP Certificate program requires the completion of 33 credits. You may apply up to nine credits from your graduate nursing degree toward completion of the certificate program. The curriculum includes 650 hours of precepted clinical practice.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree or higher from an accredited nursing program and hold a current, unrestricted RN license (and APRN license if applicable). Applicants are required to submit a completed Graduate Nursing packet and provide a scholarly essay and official college transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is a major career decision. Therefore, finding the right nursing program is crucial. As a nurse educator, I encourage potential students to research different schools and choose a program after careful consideration. As you search for the right school, look for those that are highly regarded, especially by reputable sources. For example, Clarkson College has been rated by U.S. News & World Report as a top school in its Best Online Programs: Graduate Nursing category. The school has been recognized for 13 years in a row!• At Clarkson College, the ACNP program is taught by faculty with years of combined experience. Each faculty member maintains a level of active practice, ensuring they bring the most up-to-date information to you. They are dedicated to your success both in the program and in your career following graduation.
• Clarkson College has a long-standing, rich history of preparing excellent nurses. The school has provided nursing programs for over 135 years!
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEBRASKA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $44.09 |
| Weekly | $1,763 |
| Monthly | $7,640 |
| Annual | $91,700 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $44.09 | $1,763 | $7,640 | $91,700 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.88 | $1,995 | $8,650 | $103,760 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.88 | $2,355 | $10,210 | $122,480 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $65.58 | $2,623 | $11,370 | $136,400 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.37 | $3,135 | $13,580 | $163,000 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA?
| Hourly | $59.92 |
| Weekly | $2,397 |
| Monthly | $10,390 |
| Annual | $124,640 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEBRASKA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Grand Island | $58.52 | $2,341 | $10,140 | $121,720 |
| Lincoln | $59.63 | $2,385 | $10,340 | $124,020 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs | $59.49 | $2,380 | $10,310 | $123,740 |
ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Nebraska ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $124,640 | $131,620 | -$6,980 | -5.30% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$40,840 | -24.68% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$27,650 | -18.16% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$24,300 | -16.32% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$23,920 | -16.10% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$23,840 | -16.06% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$22,880 | -15.51% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$21,670 | -14.81% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$15,680 | -11.17% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$15,460 | -11.03% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$13,660 | -9.88% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$13,490 | -9.77% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$12,070 | -8.83% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | -$11,200 | -8.24% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | -$11,150 | -8.21% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | -$9,660 | -7.19% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | -$9,370 | -6.99% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | -$9,280 | -6.93% |
| Texas | $133,180 | -$8,540 | -6.41% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | -$6,820 | -5.19% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | -$6,470 | -4.93% |
| Utah | $130,930 | -$6,290 | -4.80% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | -$6,230 | -4.76% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | -$5,910 | -4.53% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | -$5,350 | -4.12% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | -$4,600 | -3.56% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | -$4,530 | -3.51% |
| Montana | $127,680 | -$3,040 | -2.38% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | -$2,940 | -2.30% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | -$2,720 | -2.14% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | -$1,930 | -1.52% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | -$1,680 | -1.33% |
| Maine | $125,930 | -$1,290 | -1.02% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | -$1,220 | -0.97% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | -$320 | -0.26% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | $0 | 0.00% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$90 | +0.07% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$540 | +0.44% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$710 | +0.57% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$830 | +0.67% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$1,020 | +0.83% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$2,010 | +1.64% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$2,460 | +2.01% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$3,080 | +2.53% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$4,290 | +3.56% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$4,850 | +4.05% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$5,120 | +4.28% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$8,430 | +7.25% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$8,470 | +7.29% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$11,580 | +10.24% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$11,940 | +10.59% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$18,390 | +17.31% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEBRASKA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $212,860 | -$88,220 | -41.45% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,640 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,780 | +$44,860 | +56.23% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $78,220 | +$46,420 | +59.35% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,120 | +$68,520 | +122.10% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,470 | +$86,170 | +223.99% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEBRASKA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEBRASKA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $204,980 | -$80,340 | -39.19% |
| Dentist | $167,990 | -$43,350 | -25.81% |
| Radiation Therapist | $136,510 | -$11,870 | -8.70% |
| Pharmacist | $130,120 | -$5,480 | -4.21% |
| Physician Assistant | $126,330 | -$1,690 | -1.34% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,640 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Optometrist | $118,120 | +$6,520 | +5.52% |
| Veterinarian | $95,040 | +$29,600 | +31.14% |
| Audiologist | $91,530 | +$33,110 | +36.17% |
| Physical Therapist | $90,870 | +$33,770 | +37.16% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,710 | +$36,930 | +42.10% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,660 | +$41,980 | +50.79% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $80,080 | +$44,560 | +55.64% |
| Chiropractor | $72,260 | +$52,380 | +72.49% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Nebraska?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Nebraska?
| 3 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Nebraska?
| $59.92 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Nebraska?
| $2,397 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Nebraska?
| $10,390 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Nebraska?
| $124,640 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Nebraska?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +35.75% |
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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