The Nursing programs at Northeast Community College prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand healthcare roles. Through a combination of theory, hands-on clinical experience, and state-of-the-art simulation labs, students gain the skills needed to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Courses are tailored to each level of nursing, ensuring relevant, real-world training.
Clinical experiences take place in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings, while advanced simulations provide additional practice in a controlled environment. Our experienced nursing faculty guide and support students throughout their educational journey.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): LPNs practice nursing under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed practitioner. Through such direction and use of the nursing process, they provide nursing activities such as treatments, medications, and basic cares. LPN employment offers great variety from long-term care to hospital care, physician offices to home care, and places in between.
- Registered Nurses (RNs): RNs provide and manage care in collaboration with the healthcare team through use of the nursing process. RNs may delegate, direct and assign nursing care to others. RNs provide nursing activities including health education, treatments, medication administration, and basic cares. RN employment offers unlimited variety, with RNs not only found in healthcare settings, but in medication, business, and industry as well.
The nursing programs at Northeast Community College are designed to allow you maximum mobility for either the practical or associate degree nursing education. All students accepted into the program who successfully complete the first two semesters receive a diploma in practical nursing and may opt to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. Based on grade point average, a student may be eligible to complete the last two semesters of the program to receive an associate degree in nursing and take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The program plan of study can be customized to meet the individual student’s needs.
Why Students Choose This Program
Northeast nursing students consistently outperform national averages on the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams, demonstrating the strength of the program and its real-world preparation.
At Northeast, students benefit from expert, supportive nursing faculty who bring years of clinical experience and a passion for teaching. They’re committed to mentoring each student through hands-on learning, simulations, and personalized guidance—ensuring students are confident and career-ready.
Nursing is one of the most in-demand and fulfilling careers in healthcare. With a critical shortage of qualified nurses across Nebraska and the nation, Northeast graduates are entering a field with excellent job prospects, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
Northeast’s nursing programs emphasize real-world experience through hands-on clinical training and cutting-edge simulation technology. Students practice skills in state-of-the-art labs that replicate hospital and clinical environments, using high-fidelity mannequins and equipment found in today’s healthcare settings. This immersive learning approach builds confidence and competence, preparing students to transition seamlessly into professional roles. From local clinical placements to advanced simulation experiences, students gain the skills needed to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills, including:
- Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
- Intravenous Therapy Practical Nursing
- Pharmacology and Nursing Practice
Program Details
The nursing program may be completed in one, two or multiple years, based on admission criteria. Part-time and full-time options are available. The program plan of study can be customized to meet the individual student’s needs.
Courses are offered in-person.
Enrollment in this program is limited and based on the date of completed requirements for acceptance into this program.
If you have any questions about the application process of Northeast Nursing, please contact Debbie Bates, Nursing Programs Advisor, at (402) 844-7320 or email debra@northeast.edu.
All students accepted into the program who successfully complete the first two semesters receive a diploma in practical nursing and may opt to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure. Based on grade point average, a student may be eligible to complete the last two semesters of the program to receive an associate degree in nursing and take the NCLEX-RN exam.
I have applied to the college and was accepted, does that mean I have been accepted to the nursing program?
No; you must apply to the nursing program and be accepted before you are allowed to take nursing courses (NURS courses), with the exception of NURS 2100 Health Care Ethics.
I have questions regarding Financial Aid, who do I contact?
The Financial Aid Office can be contacted at (402) 844-7285 or finaid@northeast.edu. They are the experts and can help answer questions regarding scholarship opportunities, FAFSA, qualifying for financial aid, what courses financial aid will pay for, how much financial aid the student will receive if only going to school part-time, etc.
How often do you accept students into the nursing program?
Students are admitted to the nursing program once a year. The deadline for application is February 1st to be admitted to the nursing program for the fall of that same year.
How many students do you accept into the nursing program?
We accept approximately 60 students each year.
Does Northeast have a waiting list for the nursing program?
No; we do not use a waiting list. We select the top candidates every year.
Does the Northeast Nursing Program offer a part-time option?
Yes, the part-time option is a great way for students to earn a nursing degree while balancing life, work, and school. It is highly recommended that students consider the part-time option if a student needs to work more than 15 hours per week. The part-time option extends the length of the nursing program by one year. Each student’s situation is unique, so please contact the Director of Nursing Programs, Dr. Karen Weidner at (402) 844-7330 or karenkw@northeast.edu for more information.
I have been talking to the advisors at the Extended Campuses (West Point, O’Neill, Ainsworth or South Sioux City), do I need to contact someone in Norfolk?
Yes, please contact Dr. Karen Weidner, Director of Nursing Programs at (402) 844-7330 or karenkw@northeast.edu or Debbie Bates, Nursing Programs Advisor at (402) 844-7320 or debra@northeast.edu.
Where do I need to send my transcripts if I plan to attend one of the Extended Campuses (West Point, O’Neill, Ainsworth or South Sioux City)?
All students need to request a copy of their official transcript be sent to the Northeast Community College Registrar’s office in Norfolk.
Where can I take the TEAS Version 7 exam?
The TEAS Version 7 exam is given in the testing center located on the Norfolk Campus. The test may also be given at the O’Neill and West Point Extended Campuses. Please contact the Testing Center at (402) 844-7281 or testingcenter@northeast.edu to schedule the exam in O’Neill and West Point campuses. Any applicant is welcome to test at any of these Northeast locations.
Are there resources to prepare me for the nursing application exams?
Yes. Students can purchase the study guide through ATI. Also, there are free practice tests available online through the College's home page under library resources. Contact the library for more details.
Please refer to page titled, Northeast Nursing Program Application TEAS Exam Information for more information and/or access Library Resources.
I have to take developmental classes (English or Math). Will this impede me from being accepted to the nursing program?
Northeast Community College has mandatory placement for English, Math, and Science. If you score below the requirements to take English Composition I or Math for Health Care Professionals, it does not mean that you cannot be considered for acceptance. You will need to take the fundamental courses to help you succeed. Biology is a prerequisite to Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology. Please see your advisor for course selection. Dependent on placement scores in Reading, a student may be exempt from General Biology.
What are the requirements related to nurse aide (CNA)?
The nursing program requires students to be on the Nebraska Registry as a Nurse Aide (commonly known as CNA) by the time they start the nursing program. A student does not have to be a CNA when he/she applies to the nursing program. Also, a student does not have to work as a CNA to be accepted into the nursing program.
If a student has taken the Basic Nurse Aide and the "license" has lapsed, the student has a few options. The student can (a) retake the state written and skills test, (bl complete a refresher course and then take the state written & skills test, or (c) complete the basic nurse class and then take the state written & skills test. To find out more information related to the Basic Nurse Aide class, Refresher class, and testing times, please contact the Allied Health Department at (402) 844-7335.
It has been a while since I have attended college. What are some courses that can help me to succeed?
Some classes that can help include: (LNSK 1100) Learning Skills for Success, and (HLTH 1060) Comprehensive Medical Terminology. These are not required classes but can be very beneficial to students.
Who do I contact to verify my application file is complete?
Please contact Debbie Bates, Nursing Programs Advisor at (402) 844-7320 or debra@northeast.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that the file is complete.
If I have met the minimum admission criteria, does that mean I am accepted to the nursing program?
Northeast nursing program utilizes a competitive application process and accepts a set number of the highest scoring applicants. The nursing application is due by February 1. Please contact the Nursing Program Specialist for details at (402) 844-7320 or email debra@northeast.edu.
When will I know if I am accepted to the nursing program?
By late March.
Do you require a criminal background check or DHHS Adult and Child Abuse Neglect Registry check?
Yes. Once a student is admitted to the nursing program, a criminal background check and the DHHS Adult and Child Abuse Neglect Registry will be completed. To be accepted, the student must successfully pass the background check and not be listed on the DHHS Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Registry. Depending on the convictions, the student may not be eligible to attend clinical and therefore would not be granted acceptance to the nursing program. Licensure upon graduation also is dependent on the student's criminal background check and Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Registry. If a student has any concerns regarding his/her criminal background history or DHHS registry, he/she should contact the Director of Nursing Programs, Dr. Karen Weidner at (402) 844-7330 or karenkw@northeast.edu.
In addition, educational institutions and employers are using social networks sites (i.e., Facebook, Snapchat, lnstagram) to gather data regarding potential students/employees. Please keep this in mind as you post information on these sites.
Do you require drug screening?
Once admitted to the nursing program, a urine drug screen will be completed. The student must successfully pass the drug screen, which will be arranged by Dr. Karen Weidner. The nursing program retains the right to conduct random drug screens for students.
What if I do not get accepted?
We recommend that you make an appointment with your advisor to discuss your options.
Once I am accepted, can I take all my nursing courses at the Extended Campuses?
We offer the didactic portion of our courses virtually to the Extended Campuses. For some labs and clinical you will need to travel to Norfolk or other locations.
What are the requirements to be in good standing once I am accepted to the nursing program?
The minimum passing grade in a nursing course is a letter grade of a “B” with a test average in each nursing course of a “B” or 80%. The nursing program does not round grades up to the nearest whole number. Therefore, a test average of 79.9%, results in failure of the course.
If a student fails one nursing course, then the student will need to retake the course. However, depending on the course, the student may need to wait one year before continuing in the nursing program. Some courses are considered co-requisites and both classes must be taken if a student fails one of the courses.
If you have any questions about the application process of Northeast Nursing, please contact Debbie Bates, Nursing Programs Advisor, at (402) 844-7320 or email debra@northeast.edu.
The Associate Degree nursing program at Northeast Community College located in Norfolk, NE is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.
The Northeast Community College Practical Nursing Program and the Associate Degree Nursing Program are approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing.
Northeast Community College Nursing Program Outcomes and Success Measures
Program Outcome 1: NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN pass rates (for first attempt) will be at or above 80%.
NCLEX-PN
|
Year |
National Average |
Northeast |
|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
88.38% |
94.87% |
|
2023 |
86.68% |
100% |
|
2022 |
79.93% |
94.29% |
|
2021 |
79.60% |
100% |
NCLEX-RN
|
Year |
National Average |
Northeast |
|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
91.16% |
97.14% |
|
2023 |
88.56% |
97.56% |
|
2022 |
79.91% |
83.33% |
|
2021 |
82.48% |
97.22% |
Program Outcome 2: Program completion rates (students completing within 100% of program length) will be at or above 60% for the Practical Nursing (PN) program and 70% for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program.
|
Year |
% of PN Students |
% of ADN Students |
|---|---|---|
|
2024 |
74.4% |
97.2% |
|
2023 |
63.2% |
97.5% |
|
2022 |
67.9% |
90.2% |
All nursing program applicants will be required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills [TEAS] Version 7 Exam.
The TEAS Version 7 test covers Reading, Math, Science, English, and Language usage. Students are advised to have completed (or be near completion) 10 credit hours of college coursework prior to taking the TEAS test. This should include appropriate Math, English, and Science courses.
To be considered for fall admission to the nursing program, the TEAS test must be taken between June 1st of the previous year and January 31st of the year the applicant intends to start the nursing program (i.e., if applying for the fall 2024, TEAS tests must be taken between June 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024).
The TEAS test may be taken multiple times with at least 14 days between attempts. Each attempt is at the applicant’s expense. A current government issued ID with photo, signature and permanent address and a credit/debit card is required for the ATI TEAS.
Preparation
- A study guide is available at the Northeast library (print and online) as well as Practice Tests. A practice exam is also available online for a fee.
- Library Resources: Look under Practice Tests and Skill Builders
- Click PrepSTEP, Career Preparation, Prepare for Nursing Exams, Prepare for Nursing School Entrance Tests: ATI TEAS Practice Tests, sign in or register to begin.
- Click Mometrix, Nursing, ATI TEAS 7 Practice Test Questions (Interactive Practice Test Questions OR ATI TEAS 7 Secrets Study Guide (PDF book with Strategies, Practice Tests, and Answer keys)
Price
- The price associated with the TEAS test is available via the Calendly link below.
- The fee for the exams is payable on the day of the test by credit card or debit card only.
- No cash or check accepted! Costs of exams are subject to change.
Schedule an Appointment
- Seating is limited
- If you are taking the TEAS test on the Norfolk Campus, schedule with Calendly.
Locations
- Test are given on the Northeast Community College Main Campus Testing Center:
College Welcome Center Room 1252 or 1256
Email: testing@northeast.edu
Phone: (402) 844-7281 or (402) 844-7708 - If you plan to test at either the West Point or O’Neill extended campus, contact them directly.
West Point Extended Campus Phone: (402) 372-2269
O’Neill Extended Campus Phone: (402) 336-3590
Results
- The higher the scores on the exam, the more likely a student will be selected for admission to the nursing program. The nursing program recommends students achieve the national average or higher on the TEAS exam. Results of the TEAS test are available immediately upon completing the online test. An online calculator is available.
Merry Sprout, Antelope Memorial Hospital
Amy Langan, Avera St. Anthony's Hospital
Cindy Lesiak, Boone County Health Center
Melinda Allen, Columbus Community Hospital
Tawny Sandifer, Columbus Community Hospital
Donna Taylor, Community Pride Care Center
Shannon Avery, Faith Regional Health Services
Tiffany Gansebom, Faith Regional Health Services
Heather Persinger, Faith Regional Health Services
Staci Kolm, Faith Regional Health Services
Connie Rupp, Faith Regional Health Services
Melissa Vietor, Faith Regional Health Services
Brenda Wells, Faith Regional Health Services
Karissa Zwingman, Faith Regional Health Services
Kathy Nordby, Midtown Health Center
Lacey Moeller, Norfolk Vets Home
Tiffany Rice, Osmond General Hospital
Katie Peterson, Pender Community Hospital
Nicole Haglund, Providence Medical Center
Dara Schlecht, St. Francis Memorial Hospital
Kelly Johnson, St. Joseph Hillside Villa
Ann Crumly, Valley Hope
