Nursing
Your Compassionate Path to a Rewarding Career
The Nursing program at SCC prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare by combining hands-on clinical experience with guided didactic learning. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, effective patient care, including patient communication, clinical techniques, and healthcare ethics. As you progress, you’ll also develop strong critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s fast-paced healthcare environments. SCC offers both Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing pathways, giving you flexible options to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to pass your licensing exams and confidently provide high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings.
HIGHLIGHTS
Clinical Competence
Students will demonstrate proficiency in essential nursing interventions including patient assessment, medication administration and other important nursing interventions while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols and standards of practice. Graduates will be prepared to deliver evidence-based care in diverse healthcare settings with confidence and compassion.
Critical Thinking
Students will develop critical thinking and clinical judgment abilities to analyze patient situations, identify problems and implement appropriate nursing interventions. Graduates will effectively prioritize care, anticipate complications, and make sound decisions in rapidly changing healthcare environments.
Professional Communication
Students will learn communication techniques to interact effectively with patients, families and healthcare team members. Graduates will document care accurately, participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for patients across various healthcare settings.
Practical Nursing
Diploma
Locations: Beatrice / Lincoln / Falls City
The Practical Nursing focus prepares students for a vital role in healthcare. This program emphasizes hands-on learning in a variety of healthcare and lab settings, while building your knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Graduates are well prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$4,890
CREDIT HOURS
38.5
PROGRAM LENGTH
2 Terms (full-time) / 4 Terms (part-time)
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Associate Degree Nursing
A.A.S.
Locations: Beatrice / Lincoln
The Associate Degree Nursing focus is a pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Students develop essential skills in patient assessment, critical care, and evidence-based practice, while strengthening their professional communication abilities. Graduates are well prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$8,573
CREDIT HOURS
67.5
PROGRAM LENGTH
4 Terms (full-time), 8 Terms (part-time)
SCHEDULE
Full-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Associate Degree Nursing, LPN-ADN Option
A.A.S.
Locations: Beatrice / Lincoln
The Associate Degree Nursing, LPN-ADN is a specialized pathway for Licensed Nurses to advance their careers to become Registered Nurses. Students build on their existing practical nursing knowledge and clinical experience to complete a degree to become a registered nurse. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$8,636
CREDIT HOURS
68 (LPN waiver credits 26.5)
PROGRAM LENGTH
2 Terms (full-time), 4 terms (part-time)
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Summer
WHY SCC?
What's the difference between an LPN and ADN nursing program?
Our LPN program prepares you to provide care for stable patients with predictable outcomes under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. Our ADN program prepares you to become a Registered Nurse, developing advanced clinical skills, greater independence, and the ability to care for patients with complex or changing conditions. We offer Practical Nursing, ADN and LPN-to-ADN pathways to support a range of career goals.
How long does it take to complete a nursing program at SCC?
The ADN program is designed to be completed in four terms for full-time students, while the LPN program can be completed in two terms. Part-time options are also available, with ADN completed in eight terms and LPN or LPN-to-ADN pathways completed in four terms.
What are the admission requirements for nursing programs?
Admission to our nursing programs is selective and requires completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA. Applicants must be active nursing assistants, and healthcare work experience is highly encouraged. You’ll work closely with an advisor who will guide you through the application process.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for SCC nursing graduates?
The SCC nursing programs consistently achieve strong NCLEX pass rates. Our comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and extensive clinical experiences equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed on these licensing exams.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurses deliver essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, or other licensed healthcare providers. They monitor patients’ health, administer medications and treatments, check vital signs, change dressings, and assist with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and mobility. LPNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, and home healthcare services, providing compassionate care to support patients’ well-being and recovery.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses provide and coordinate comprehensive patient care, working closely with patients, families, and healthcare teams. They monitor and assess patients’ conditions, administer treatments and medications, and develop care plans for patients with complex or changing health needs. RNs also educate patients about health conditions, offer guidance and emotional support, and assist with daily activities when needed. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare, and nursing care facilities, and can specialize in areas such as medical-surgical, emergency, pediatric, or geriatric nursing.
Practical Nursing Clinicals
In what term do students start clinicals?
Students will attend clinicals in each term of the program.
Where do students participate in clinicals?
Clinical locations are determined by the program location students attend. Beatrice and Lincoln: Clinicals are scheduled in Beatrice and Lincoln and surrounding areas. Milford: Clinical experiences are scheduled in surrounding areas. Falls City: Clinicals are scheduled in Falls City.
In general, what time of day and days of the week can students expect to attend clinical?
Clinicals may be scheduled Sunday - Saturday, 6 a.m. - midnight, depending on available sites and will vary each term.
Will the program help student secure their sites? Do students need to contact clinical sites prior to acceptance/placement?
The clinical coordinator will place students in clinical sites based on required hours, specialties, rotations, and availability. Students should not contact potential clinical sites.
How many clinical hours do students complete in the program?
270
ADN (LPN - ADN) Clinicals
In what term do students start clinicals?
Typically the second term, may depend on the student’s individual plan.
Where do students participate in clinicals?
Students may be assigned to clinical in Lincoln, Beatrice, and surrounding areas. Students will attend clinical in a variety of sites including hospitals, long-term care, and clinics.
In general, what time of day and days of the week can students expect to attend clinical?
Clinical will be scheduled based on facility availability and will vary based on each facility. Students typically attend 1-3 days per week of clinical between the hours of 6:00am-10:00pm (these time frames are subject to change). The amount per week and time frames will depend on the term the student is enrolled as well as facility availability.
Will the program help student secure their sites? Do students need to contact clinical sites prior to acceptance/placement?
The clinical coordinator will place students in clinical sites based on required hours, specialties, rotations, and availability. The program meets with other nursing schools in the area every 6 months to determine which sites are available to students. Students should not contact potential clinical sites.
How many clinical hours do students complete in the program?
383
ADN Clinicals
In what term do students start clinicals?
Typically the second term, may depend on the student’s individual plan.
Where do students participate in clinicals?
Students may attend clinicals in Beatrice, Lincoln, and surrounding communities.
In general, what time of day and days of the week can students expect to attend clinical?
Clinical will be scheduled based on facility availability and will vary based on each facility. Students typically attend 1-3 days per week of clinical between the hours of 6:00am-10:00pm (these time frames are subject to change). The amount per week and time frames will depend on the term the student is enrolled as well as facility availability.
Will the program help student secure their sites? Do students need to contact clinical sites prior to acceptance/placement?
The clinical coordinator will place students in clinical sites based on required hours, specialties, rotations, and availability. The program meets with other nursing schools in the area every 6 months to determine which sites are available to students. Students should not contact potential clinical sites.
How many clinical hours do students complete in the program?
518
Additional Program Requirements
ADN Getting Started
Applying to an SCC health science program involves two steps. First, students take required courses to prepare for their health science career. Second, once these courses are completed, they can apply to the program of their choice.
LPNS Getting Started
Applying to an SCC health science program involves two steps. First, students take required courses to prepare for their health science career. Second, once these courses are completed, they can apply to the program of their choice.
Nursing Accreditations
State Licensure or Certification Requirements
Nursing ADN:
- Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Nebraska belongs to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) compact. Any student passing the NCLEX-RN exam in Nebraska also may practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in any of the other compact States without reapplying for a license in that state, provided they meet the qualifications for holding a multi-state license.
- Member states of the compact are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- States and U.S. territories that do not belong to the compact, have pending legislation regarding NCSBN, or have partially implemented NCSBN standards are: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Connecticut, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands, Washington D.C.
- As states/territories join the NCSBN compact, this information will be updated accordingly. You also may access the NCSBN participant map at www.nursecompact.com.
- Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Nebraska belongs to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) compact. Any student passing the NCLEX-PN exam in Nebraska also may practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in any of the other compact states without reapplying for a license in that state provided they meet the qualifications for holding a multi-state license.
- Members of the compact are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- This program may not be offered in the following states and U.S. territories due to the state/territory has partially implemented NCSBN standards, has pending legislation regarding NCSBN or has not implemented: Alaska, American Samoa, California, Connecticut, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands, Washington D.C.
- As states/territories join the NCSBN com
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following
areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.