Best Online Healthcare Programs in Kearney, NE (2026)
Kearney, Nebraska has a population of about 34,024. The city’s median household income is $69,790 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 36.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited healthcare programs within 100 miles of Kearney. In Nebraska, the top-earning healthcare-related role is Medical and Health Services Manager at a median $103,610 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Healthcare Schools to Kearney
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer healthcare programs. Distances are calculated from Kearney city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | Grand Island, NE | 39.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mid-Plains Community College | North Platte, NE | 91.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Central Kansas Technical College | Beloit, KS | 98.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska healthcare page.
Healthcare Wages Near Kearney
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Nebraska, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $103,610 |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $48,020 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $48,420 |
| Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $44,780 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $60,300 |
| Epidemiologist | $73,800 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Kearney at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,024 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,790 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 36.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Healthcare-related employment in Buffalo County | 4,580 workers, 250 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Kearney-Area Cities With Healthcare Programs
- Hastings, NE – 37.0 mi away (24,393 pop)
- Grand Island, NE – 40.9 mi away (53,556 pop)
- North Platte, NE – 92.5 mi away (24,578 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited healthcare programs are near Kearney, NE?
Our directory lists 3 healthcare programs within 100 miles of Kearney. The closest is Central Community College in Grand Island, NE (39.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is North Central Kansas Technical College (98.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying healthcare roles in Nebraska?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying healthcare-related roles in Nebraska are: Medical and Health Services Manager ($103,610), Epidemiologist ($73,800), Healthcare Social Worker ($60,300). Wages for Kearney workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hastings instead of Kearney?
Hastings, NE is 37.0 miles from Kearney and has its own set of local healthcare programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Kearney an affordable place to study healthcare?
Kearney’s median household income of $69,790 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Kearney while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Nebraska public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
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