Exploring Nebraska CRNA Schools: Your Quick Read Guide
Finding the right CRNA program can feel overwhelming.
Nebraska CRNA Schools offer excellent options for future Nurse Anesthetists. This guide will break down schools, requirements, and career prospects so you can choose confidently.
Keep reading to learn more about your path to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and what schools are in Nebraska.
Key Takeaways
- There are only 2 CRNA Schools in Nebraska.
- Nebraska CRNA’s earned an Average of $276,367 in 2023
- Both programs require a BSN degree, at least one year of critical care experience
Overview of Nebraska CRNA Schools
Nebraska has strong programs for nurse anesthesia training. These schools prepare students for advanced nursing roles in healthcare.
Two CRNA Schools in Nebraska:
There are not that many options to choose from in Nebraska for Anesthesia school, but the ones you do have to choose from will be able to turn you in to a fantastic CRNA.
Clarkson College CRNA School
Clarkson College’s Nurse Anesthesia Program spans nine semesters full-time.
Students begin with a 20-month didactic phase, learning key concepts in nursing practice and anesthesia.
A one-month clinical practicum follows, offering hands-on experience in acute-care facilities. The final 16 months focus on advanced clinical rotations at top hospitals like Nebraska Medical Center.
The program admits only 18 students per class to ensure personalized training. Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort close on January 6, 2025. Interviews take place from March 24–26, 2025.
Graduates earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree while mastering techniques like epidurals and peripheral nerve blocks.
“Small classes mean better attention and real-world readiness.”
Bryan College CRNA Program
Bryan College offers a top-tier CRNA program. The Program Administrator, Sharon HadenFeldt, CRNA, PhD, brings years of experience to the curriculum and helps students become prepared to become CRNA’s.
Applications open on April 1 and close August 31 for May enrollment. This program accepts 20–22 students each year from about 70–80 applicants.
First-time test takers achieved an impressive pass rate of 87% in 2020. Students gain clinical practice through Bryan Medical Center and other medical facilities like Nebraska Medicine.
This graduate-level program focuses on critical care skills using advanced training methods. It is perfect for registered nurses pursuing higher degrees in nurse anesthesia studies.
Admission Requirements for CRNA Programs in Nebraska
CRNA programs in Nebraska have strict entry rules. Applicants need strong academic backgrounds and healthcare experience.
Academic Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or a related field is required for admission to Bryan College’s CRNA programs. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA, but a 3.2 GPA in basic sciences is preferred.
Bryan College also requires minimum certifications like BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Experience in critical care for at least one year is mandatory; two years are recommended. A GRE score must be submitted but no minimum score is specified.
Application Deadlines and Process
Clarkson College’s Nurse Anesthesia Program application deadline is January 6, 2025. Interviews for the Spring 2026 class will take place from March 24 to 26, 2025. Submit all required documents by the deadline to avoid delays.
Bryan College accepts applications starting April 1 for May enrollment. The final submission date is August 31 each year. Non-native English speakers must score at least a 550 on the TOEFL exam to qualify for admission.
Key Features of Nebraska CRNA Programs
Nebraska CRNA programs offer strong academic paths and hands-on learning. They prepare students for real-world challenges in health care settings.
BSN to DNP Pathways
BSN to DNP pathways in Nurse Anesthesia require 28 semester hours of core courses. The Nurse Anesthesia specialty adds 61 more semester hours. Optional electives can add an extra 1–3 semester hours, allowing for focused learning on specific interests.
These programs build advanced skills in health care and critical thinking. Core subjects focus on areas like local anesthetics, surgery, respiratory therapy, and inpatient care. Students gain knowledge to work alongside anesthesiologists or other medical professionals in outpatient clinics or major medical centers like Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy.
CRNA students need strong dedication to complete rigorous academic programs.
Clinical Training Opportunities
Students in Nebraska CRNA programs gain hands-on skills through diverse clinical rotations.
Facilities cover specialized areas like cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgical procedures, trauma care, obstetrics, pain management clinics, dental anesthesia, and pediatrics.
These experiences prepare students for various healthcare settings.
Clarkson College offers urban and rural placements to expand real-world exposure. High-fidelity simulation labs train future CRNAs with advanced tools for realistic practice.
These labs help develop critical thinking during surgical cases or emergencies in level II trauma centers approved by The Joint Commission.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Tuition for the nurse anesthesia program at Clarkson College costs $1,100 per credit hour. Full-time students pay $11,965 per semester for 12 hours in the 2024–25 school year. Part-time students taking six hours spend $6,070 each semester.
Additional fees include a $1,000 enrollment fee, a $140 Interprofessional Education Course Fee, and a $250 Clinical Administration Fee.
Student Financial Services at Clarkson College offers help with scholarships and grants. Loans and payment plans are also available to assist future certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Now let’s explore career prospects for CRNA graduates in Nebraska!
Career Prospects for CRNA Graduates in Nebraska
CRNAs in Nebraska enjoy strong job stability and high demand. They also earn competitive salaries within the health professions field.
Median Salary for CRNAs
Aspiring CRNAs in Nebraska might wonder about earning potential.
In 2023, the median annual pay for CRNAs in Nebraska is an impressive $276,367, reflecting the high value placed on their expertise and autonomy. With competitive salaries and the opportunity to make a significant impact in patient care, Nebraska is an excellent state for aspiring CRNAs to build their careers
Consider these numbers as you evaluate CRNA programs in Nebraska.
Job Outlook and Demand
CRNAs in Nebraska have strong job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% growth in CRNA jobs from 2018 to 2028. This is much faster than many other nursing roles, including registered nursing.
Bryan College proudly reported a 100% employment rate for its CRNA graduates within two months of finishing the program in 2020.
With a focus on mental health and rehabilitation care, demand for skilled nurse anesthetists continues to grow across hospitals and clinics statewide.
Tips for Choosing the Right CRNA Program in Nebraska
Choose a program that fits your needs and career goals. Focus on schools with strong clinical training and good faculty support.
Evaluating Program Accreditation
Accreditation ensures a CRNA program meets strict standards. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia (COA) gives this approval. Students should only apply to COA-accredited programs for the best education and career growth.
Focus on schools with proper credentials, like CCNE accreditation. This guarantees quality in nursing school education. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or other bachelor degree holders must check these details before applying.
Considering Location and Clinical Rotations
Location plays a big role in your clinical training. Nebraska CRNA schools, like Bryan College and Clarkson College, offer diverse rotations. Bryan College provides hands-on experience in rural areas across the state.
This exposure prepares you to handle different cases and settings.
Clinical rotations vary by school location. Schools near larger hospitals may provide more complex cases, including radiology procedures. Rural sites can give unique chances for independent practice.
Both programs ensure strong clinical experiences to build essential skills as a nurse anesthetist.
Living in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a mix of quiet rural spots and bustling city life. Cities like Omaha and Lincoln provide plenty of job opportunities, shopping, and entertainment. Smaller towns keep things calm with friendly neighbors and less traffic.
Winters can be cold, but summers are warm and sunny. The cost of living here is lower than in many states. Housing prices make it easier for students or employees to manage budgets while studying at colleges of medicine or pursuing a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP).
Move on to explore career prospects for CRNAs in Nebraska!
Conclusion
Nebraska offers strong CRNA programs for aspiring nurse anesthetists. Schools like Clarkson College and Bryan College provide excellent training and real-world experience. They prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare.
With competitive salaries and high demand, Nebraska is a great place to start your journey as a CRNA. Choose the program that best fits your goals!
Many people may be considering other CRNA schools outside the state of Nebraska. If you are looking for other schools you can find all the CRNA Schools in the country at CRNA Schools by State.
FAQs
CRNA programs in Nebraska can be exciting yet challenging. Here are some common questions answered for future CRNAs.
- What schools offer CRNA programs in Nebraska?
Clarkson College and Bryan College provide accredited Nurse Anesthesia programs. - Is Clarkson College the only option in Omaha?
Yes, Clarkson College is the sole institution in Omaha offering a CRNA program. - What degree does Clarkson College offer?
The program leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia. - How long is the program at Clarkson College?
It includes a 20-month classroom phase followed by a 1-month clinical rotation. - What GPA do I need for admission?
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to apply. - Do I need work experience before applying?
Yes, at least one year of critical care RN experience is needed. - What kind of license is required?
Applicants must have an active and unencumbered RN license. - Are these programs accredited?
Programs should be recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). - Can transfer students apply to Nebraska CRNA schools?
Check each school’s policy, but many accept qualified transfer students who meet their criteria. - How much emphasis do programs place on leadership or policy training?
The DNP program focuses heavily on leadership, health care policy, and evidence-based practice strategies.
FAQs
1. What is a CRNA, and why are Nebraska schools a good choice?
A CRNA is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who provides anesthesia care. Nebraska schools offer strong programs with quality training in the Cornhusker State.
2. How do I choose the best nurse anesthetist program in Nebraska?
Look for accredited programs that match your career goals. Compare clinical training, costs, and graduation rates to find the right fit.
3. What qualifications do I need to apply to Nebraska CRNA schools?
You need an RN license, critical care experience, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing or related fields to qualify for most programs.
4. Do Nebraska nurse anesthetist programs provide hands-on experience?
Yes, these programs focus on both classroom learning and clinical practice to prepare students for real-world anesthesia care situations.