Nebraska Nursing License Requirements 2026
Nebraska licenses RNs and LPNs through the Department of Health and Human Services. First-time applicants must complete a board-approved program and pass the NCLEX at the appropriate level. Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses holding a compact license from another NLC state can practice here without applying for a separate Nebraska license.
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Nebraska’s RNs and LPNs are licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, meaning nurses with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Nebraska under their home state license. Nurses from non-compact states need a Nebraska license, obtained through a process called endorsement.
Use the links below to jump to LPN and RN requirements, endorsement steps, renewal rules, and scholarship information.
- LPN license requirements in Nebraska
- RN license requirements in Nebraska
- Out-of-state and endorsement licensing
- Nebraska nursing license renewal
- Nursing scholarships in Nebraska
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- Practical Nursing license requirements in Nebraska
- Registered Nursing license requirements in Nebraska
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse requirements in Nebraska
LPN Requirements in Nebraska
LPN Education Requirements
To qualify for an LPN license, you must complete a Nebraska-approved practical nursing program. The state doesn’t license applicants who completed alternative education pathways, such as military medical training that didn’t include a formal nursing program or partial completion of an RN program. International candidates who completed a first-level nursing program but did not pass the NCLEX-RN may be authorized to take the NCLEX-PN instead.
Read LPN programs in Nebraska to understand the board approval criteria and what to look for when selecting a program. For a full overview of the LPN path, see LPN requirements and career path in Nebraska.
The LPN Application Process
After graduating, submit an application to the Nebraska DHHS with documentation of age, citizenship or lawful U.S. presence, and official transcripts sent directly from your nursing school. The application fee is $123 in most cases. If you’re applying during the final six months of the two-year renewal cycle, the fee drops to $30.75.
You’ll also register separately to take the NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200. Once DHHS confirms your eligibility, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and have a 90-day window to schedule your exam. A criminal background check is also required as part of the application process.
RN Requirements in Nebraska
RN Education Requirements
RN applicants must complete a two- to four-year professional nursing program at a board-approved institution, either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Official transcripts must be sent directly from every institution where you completed coursework that applied toward your nursing degree.
Read RN programs in Nebraska for guidance on accreditation, program types, and what to consider before enrolling. For a step-by-step overview of the full RN path, see how to become an RN in Nebraska.
The RN Application Process
Submit all required documentation to DHHS, including proof of education and citizenship or lawful U.S. presence. Even if you’ve previously held an LPN license in Nebraska, you must complete the full RN application. The application fee varies depending on where you are in the license renewal cycle. A criminal background check is required, and DHHS will review any findings before issuing a license.
Register separately to take the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $200. After DHHS confirms your eligibility, you’ll receive an ATT and can schedule your testing appointment. The Nebraska Nurses Association is a voluntary professional organization that supports RNs practicing in the state.
Out-of-State and Endorsement Licensing
LPN Endorsement
Nurses licensed in another state can apply for a Nebraska license by endorsement. Nebraska accepts the NCLEX-PN and the State Pool Exam as qualifying exams. You’ll need to submit official license verification in addition to the standard application materials.
If your current state uses Nursys.com, license verification is handled electronically and processed quickly. If not, you’ll submit a paper verification form to your out-of-state board. A temporary permit is available once you’ve submitted your application, fee, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and a notarized copy of your current license. No additional fee is required for the temporary permit.
If you haven’t practiced at least 500 hours in the previous five years and didn’t graduate within the last two years, you’ll need to complete a board-approved refresher course before Nebraska will issue your license. The LPN refresher requires a minimum of 45 theory contact hours and 30 clinical contact hours.
RN Endorsement
Out-of-state RNs follow a similar process. Submit your application, standard documentation, and license verification from your current state. If that state uses Nursys, verification is electronic. Otherwise, complete the paper verification form and send it to the licensing agency along with any fee that the state requires.
A temporary permit is available while your materials are being reviewed. You’ll need a notarized copy of a current license to request one. If you haven’t practiced at least 500 hours in the last five years and aren’t a recent graduate, you must complete an approved refresher course of at least 75 total contact hours before Nebraska will issue your license.
International Nurses
International LPN candidates must demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC. International RN candidates must pass a qualifying exam, either the CGFNS or the Canadian Licensing Examination, before Nebraska will authorize them to sit for the NCLEX-RN. If educational deficiencies are identified, pursuing a certified nursing assistant or medication aide credential is an option while those deficiencies are resolved.
Nebraska Nursing License Renewal
Nebraska nursing licenses renew on a two-year cycle. To renew, you must meet one of the following continuing competency requirements:
- Practiced at least 500 hours in the past five years AND completed at least 20 contact hours of continuing education (CE) from an approved provider in the past two years
- Graduated from a nursing program within the last two years
- Completed an approved refresher course within the last five years
- Obtained or maintained a current nursing specialty certification from a nationally recognized certifying organization
- Developed and maintained a portfolio documenting continuing competency goals and professional activities
All 20 CE contact hours may be completed through home study or online courses. Renewal applications are submitted through the DHHS online system.
Nursing Scholarships in Nebraska
The Nebraska Nurses Foundation offers scholarships at the undergraduate level. The Nebraska Health Care Foundation also provides smaller scholarships for students pursuing nursing careers. The state of Nebraska is a potential source of forgivable loans for nurses who commit to practicing in underserved areas.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Nebraska is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses holding a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Nebraska without applying for a separate license. If Nebraska becomes your primary state of residence, you’ll need to update your home state designation through your current state board.
What exam is required for a Nebraska nursing license?
First-time RN applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN. First-time LPN applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE, and the current exam fee is $200. Nebraska DHHS will issue an Authorization to Test once your application is reviewed and approved.
How often do Nebraska nursing licenses need to be renewed?
Nebraska nursing licenses renew every two years. Renewal requires demonstrating continuing competency, most commonly by completing 20 CE contact hours from an approved provider and documenting at least 500 practice hours during the license period. Several alternative options are also accepted if you haven’t met the practice hour requirement.
Can I practice in Nebraska while my endorsement application is being processed?
Yes. Nebraska will issue a temporary permit once you’ve submitted your application, fee, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and a notarized copy of your current license. There’s no additional fee. The permit lets you practice while your permanent license is pending.
What is required if I haven’t practiced nursing in several years?
If you haven’t practiced at least 500 hours in the past five years and didn’t graduate recently, Nebraska requires a board-approved refresher course before issuing or reinstating your license. LPN refresher courses require 45 theory contact hours and 30 clinical contact hours. RN refresher courses require at least 75 total contact hours.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska is an NLC state — Nurses with a multistate compact license from another NLC state can practice here without obtaining a separate Nebraska license.
- NCLEX is required for first-time applicants — RN candidates sit for the NCLEX-RN and LPN candidates sit for the NCLEX-PN. Both are administered by Pearson VUE for a $200 fee.
- Licenses renew every two years — Renewal requires 20 CE contact hours and documentation of at least 500 practice hours, or another approved continuing competency option.
- Endorsement requires continuing competency — Out-of-state nurses who haven’t practiced 500 hours in the past five years must complete a refresher course before Nebraska will issue a license.
- International nurses have additional requirements — English proficiency exams are required for LPN candidates. RN candidates must pass the CGFNS or Canadian Licensing Examination before sitting for the NCLEX-RN.
Use the search below to find Nebraska-approved nursing programs, application details, and program options for your license type.