Nebraska — The Cornhusker State
Nebraska programs start at $300 — and Goodwill Omaha offers completely free CNA training. Nebraska employs 86% more CNAs per capita than the national average. The Cornhusker State genuinely needs you.
Nebraska is one of the most CNA-dense states in the country — employing 86% more CNAs per capita than the national average across its hospitals, nursing homes, and rural communities. With 60 of Nebraska's counties having more than 20% of residents over age 65, demand for qualified CNAs is not slowing down. The state pairs that demand with genuinely affordable training options — including one of the only free community-based CNA programs in the Midwest.
Program costs & details
Nebraska requires a minimum of 75 training hours — matching the federal minimum — making it one of the more accessible states to certify quickly. Programs run 2–10 weeks and cost $300–$700 at most providers, with free options available in Omaha. The Nebraska Health Care Learning Center administers the state exam at locations in Lincoln, Grand Island, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and Elkhorn.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodwill Omaha CNA Training | Omaha | FREE | Varies | Community-funded — free for qualifying individuals |
| Providence Health Care Institute | Lincoln | $350 | 36 hours of instruction | Day or evening classes — scholarships available |
| Nebraska Health Care Association | Lincoln | $442 | 2 weeks | In-person — classroom + clinical, fastest in NE |
| Bryan College of Health Sciences | Lincoln | $499–$500 | 4 weeks (75 hours) | In-person — grants and scholarships available |
| Southeast Community College (SCC) | Lincoln & multiple locations | ~$507 in-state | ~70 days (hybrid) | Hybrid — online + in-person lab & clinical |
| Metropolitan Community College (MCC) | Omaha metro | ~$600 | ~10 weeks | Day, evening & weekend options — multiple campuses |
| Employer-Sponsored Programs | Statewide | FREE (federal requirement) | Varies | On-the-job training — paid during training |
Goodwill Omaha offers completely free CNA training for qualifying individuals — one of the only community organization-funded CNA programs in the Midwest. This isn't employer-sponsored with a work commitment attached. Contact Goodwill Industries of Greater Omaha directly to ask about current class availability and eligibility. Seats fill fast. If you're in the Omaha area and meet income or employment eligibility guidelines, this is your first call before paying a dollar anywhere else.
The Nebraska CNA competency exam is administered by the Nebraska Health Care Learning Center — not Prometric or Headmaster like most states. Exam locations: Lincoln, Grand Island, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and Elkhorn. Written exam fee: $20. Skills evaluation: $32. Total: $52 — one of the lowest exam fees in the country. Military veterans with nursing-related training may be exempt from the exam — contact DHHS for details.
2026 salary data
Nebraska CNAs earn an average of $18.49/hr ($38,470/year) statewide — solid wages for a state with a genuinely low cost of living. Omaha and Lincoln pay the most, while rural Nebraska facilities offer faster hiring timelines and often comparable pay due to staffing shortages.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $19–$24/hr | ~$39,520–$49,920 | Largest city, Nebraska Methodist, CHI Health, Omaha VA hub |
| Lincoln | $18–$23/hr | ~$37,440–$47,840 | State capital, Bryan Health, university community |
| Bellevue | $19–$23/hr | ~$39,520–$47,840 | Bellevue Medical Center, Offutt AFB community |
| Grand Island | $17–$22/hr | ~$35,360–$45,760 | CHI Health St. Francis, central Nebraska hub |
| Kearney | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,360–$43,680 | CHI Health Good Samaritan, University of Nebraska Kearney |
| Norfolk | $16–$21/hr | ~$33,280–$43,680 | Faith Regional Health Services — steady northeast NE demand |
| Rural Nebraska | $16–$21/hr | ~$33,280–$43,680 | Critical access hospitals — fast hiring, low COL, less competition |
Sources: CNAClasses.com (2026), BLS OES, TopNursing.org. Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience.
Landing your first job
Financial aid & free options
Your next step
Nebraska LPN programs run 12 months and the median LPN salary is $51,150/year — a meaningful step up from CNA wages. The Bryan College CNA-to-LPN pathway in Lincoln is one of the most seamless in the state — same campus, same faculty network.
75 hours minimum. Nebraska Health Care Learning Center exam ($52 total). DHHS Nurse Aide Registry. 2–10 weeks.
Bryan College of Health Sciences, SCC, MCC, and others. ~12 months. Median NE LPN salary: $51,150/year. CHI Health and Bryan both offer tuition assistance.
Clarkson College, Bryan College, MCC, SCC, and University of Nebraska Medical Center all offer ADN and BSN programs. NE RN median salary: $86,000+/year.
For moms in Nebraska