Best Medical Schools in Nebraska

Welcome to Nebraska best medical schools. Our rankings are based on alumni reviews, research scores received, peer institution assessment and admissions statistics including averaged MCAT scores, undergraduate GPA as well as acceptance rates. Below we list top medical schools in Nebraska that are top ranked nationally. You can find tuition cost, total enrollment and composite MCAT score for each school.

Best Medical Schools in Nebraska

Top Medical Schools in Nebraska

National Ranking Best Medical Programs
66 University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha, NE)
Acceptance rate: 11.8%
MCAT composite score: 10.1
Tuition: Full-time: $26,980 (in-state), Full-time: $63,262 (out-of-state)
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.75
Total medical school enrollment: 496
Full-time faculty-student ratio: 1.2:1
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $42.0

University of Nebraska Medical Center

80 Creighton University (Omaha, NE)
Acceptance rate: 6.9%
MCAT composite score: 10.0
Tuition: Full-time: $47,922
Average undergraduate GPA: 3.65
Total medical school enrollment: 549
Full-time faculty-student ratio: 0.5:1
NIH funds granted to medical school and affiliated hospitals (in millions): $11.6

Creighton University Medical School

All Medical Schools in Nebraska

Nebraska is home to medical schools that emphasize comprehensive healthcare education, research, and clinical practice, with a strong focus on serving rural and underserved communities. These institutions provide students with the skills and knowledge to address healthcare challenges across the state and beyond.


1. University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Medicine

Overview

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Medicine, located in Omaha, is the only public medical school in Nebraska and is widely recognized for its emphasis on clinical education, rural health, and medical research. UNMC provides students with a robust curriculum that integrates medical theory with practical experience, and its strong partnerships with Nebraska Medicine and regional healthcare providers offer excellent clinical training opportunities. The school is also known for its research in cancer, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
  • MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
  • MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • MD/MS in Biomedical Sciences
  • Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
  • Residency and fellowship programs in various specialties

Admission Requirements

  • Average MCAT: 510
  • Average GPA: 3.8
  • Prerequisites:
    • One year of biology with lab
    • One year of general and organic chemistry with lab
    • Biochemistry
    • One year of physics with lab
    • Mathematics (statistics or calculus)
    • Strong emphasis on clinical experience, research, community service, and leadership
    • Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to serving rural or underserved populations, a key focus of the school’s mission

Starting Salaries

  • Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
  • Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $310,000 depending on their specialization, with primary care physicians generally earning toward the lower end and specialists such as surgeons and cardiologists on the higher end.

2. Creighton University School of Medicine

Overview

Creighton University School of Medicine, located in Omaha, is a Jesuit institution that focuses on training physicians with a strong commitment to compassion, ethics, and service to others. Creighton places a strong emphasis on service-oriented healthcare and primary care, especially in underserved areas. The school is affiliated with CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy and other regional healthcare facilities, offering students a diverse range of clinical experiences. The school’s Jesuit values are integrated into its curriculum, promoting holistic and patient-centered care.

Degree Programs

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • MD/PhD (Medical Scientist Training Program)
  • MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
  • MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • Graduate programs in biomedical sciences
  • Residency and fellowship programs in various specialties

Admission Requirements

  • Average MCAT: 511
  • Average GPA: 3.7
  • Prerequisites:
    • One year of biology with lab
    • One year of chemistry with lab (general and organic)
    • Biochemistry
    • Physics with lab
    • Mathematics (statistics or calculus)
    • Creighton values applicants with a strong commitment to community service, leadership, and clinical experience
    • Emphasis is placed on applicants who are dedicated to serving underserved communities and who demonstrate ethical leadership

Starting Salaries

  • Median Starting Salary: $60,000–$70,000 (during residency)
  • Post-residency: Graduates typically earn between $200,000 and $320,000 depending on their specialty, with primary care doctors earning on the lower end and specialists earning higher salaries.

3. Rural Health Focus in Nebraska’s Medical Schools

Addressing Rural Health Needs

Both UNMC and Creighton University place a strong emphasis on addressing the healthcare needs of Nebraska’s rural communities. Nebraska faces physician shortages in rural areas, and both medical schools have created programs and pathways to encourage students to serve in these underserved regions.

  • UNMC’s Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP): This program is designed to recruit students from rural Nebraska who plan to return to practice in rural areas. It provides targeted support and training for students committed to rural health.
  • Creighton University’s emphasis on service: Creighton places particular importance on training doctors who will serve in medically underserved communities, including rural Nebraska.

Clinical Training and Residency Opportunities

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

UNMC provides extensive clinical training opportunities across Nebraska through its affiliation with Nebraska Medicine, the state’s largest healthcare system. This partnership allows students to gain experience in a wide range of specialties and settings, including rural and community health clinics.

  • Residency Programs: UNMC offers residency programs in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and more.
  • Fellowships: Fellowship programs in advanced specialties such as cardiology, oncology, and infectious diseases are also available.

Creighton University School of Medicine

Creighton’s clinical training is integrated with CHI Health, offering students experience in various healthcare settings, from academic medical centers to community hospitals.

  • Residency Programs: Creighton offers residency programs in family medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and other specialties.
  • Fellowships: Advanced training in fields such as oncology, cardiology, and gastroenterology is also available.

Admissions Process for Medical Schools in Nebraska

Both UNMC and Creighton University School of Medicine have a competitive admissions process, seeking applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, clinical experience, and a commitment to service.

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

  • Application Process:
    • Primary application submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
    • Secondary application focused on the applicant’s commitment to healthcare, community service, and leadership.
    • Interviews include both traditional and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) formats to assess interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
  • Key Qualities:
    • High academic performance (MCAT and GPA)
    • Significant clinical experience and exposure to patient care
    • Commitment to rural health or underserved communities
    • Leadership and volunteer work in healthcare-related activities

Creighton University School of Medicine

  • Application Process:
    • Primary application submitted through AMCAS.
    • Secondary application that includes essays highlighting the applicant’s dedication to Jesuit values, community service, and leadership.
    • Interviews assess interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and passion for compassionate care.
  • Key Qualities:
    • Strong academic background with competitive MCAT and GPA scores
    • Clinical experience, leadership roles, and community service involvement
    • Demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations and ethical leadership in healthcare