Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
- Top Schools and Programs
- How to Choose a Program
- Why Become a Nurse
- Salary Outlook
- State Nursing Requirements
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Aaron Black / The Image Bank / Getty ImagesAccording to the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center, the number of registered nurses (RNs) in the state increased by 24% in the last decade. With some of the country’s highest average salaries for nurses and high National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rates, Nevada has become an attractive place to pursue the field.
This guide explores some of the best nursing programs in Nevada, the salary and job outlook for graduates, and state licensing guidelines. Keep reading to learn more about the best nursing schools in Nevada.
The Best Nursing Schools in Nevada
Learn more about the top nursing schools in Nevada and discover which programs provide the best options for prospective nurses.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Nevada, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Las Vegas College
Henderson, NV- 2 year
- Campus
Las Vegas College, a two-year institution, offers three nursing programs: a practical nurse certificate, an RN-to-BSN degree, and an associate in nursing degree (ADN).
After completing the practical nurse certificate, you can enter the ADN program, which takes 24 months to complete. You can also apply for direct entry into the ADN program. Both programs offer online and traditional classroom lessons.
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Registered nurses who need to continue working while in school can enroll in the fully online RN-to-BSN degree program that takes 15 months to complete.
- Program: Associate in nursing degree, bachelor of science in nursing, licensed practical nursing certificate
- Campus: Henderson, Nevada
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $43,250 per year for Nevada residents
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program; RN-to-BSN candidates need a current RN license and associate degree in nursing.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 70.19% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,649 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$14,247
- Out-of-state$14,247
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled399
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Carrington College-Reno
- Reno, NV
- 2 year
- Campus
Carrington College's 72-credit associate degree in nursing is offered at six campuses, including the 2009-built Reno location that features 15,000 square feet of learning space.
This two-year degree program emphasizes safety and quality patient care for people of all ages. You must complete 795 lecture hours, 240 lab hours, and 495 clinical hours. The program surveys various specialities, including community and mental health nursing, maternal child nursing, and pediatric nursing.
Before you graduate, you also take an NCLEX exam preparation course.
- Program: Associate in nursing degree
- Campus: Reno, Nevada
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $19,938 per year for Nevada residents
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; ATI TEAS Exam score of at least 58%; proof of immunization; drug screening and background check
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 86.30% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,852 for associate's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled526
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationNo
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Nevada's school of nursing in Las Vegas offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that feature traditional and accelerated pathways.
At the undergraduate level, you can earn a traditional BSN degree, RN-to-BSN degree, or accelerated second degree. The traditional BSN program takes 16 months and requires 122 credits. Coursework focuses on physical assessment skills, evidence-based practice and research, management complex nursing care, and population focused nursing.
UNLV admits students in the fall, spring, and summer.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master's of science in nursing, Ph.D. in nursing, doctor of nursing practice
- Campus: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $263-$323 per credit for Nevada residents; $551-$676 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements Varies; Undergraduates must meet with an advisor in the Division of Health Sciences Advisement Center; Minimum 3.0 GPA in 13 general core units, SAT or ACT scores, or Nevada advanced high school diploma for first-year undergraduate students; Minimum 2.5 GPA and at least 24 transferable credits for transfer students.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.82% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $75,313 (bachelor's graduates) and $99,683 (master's graduates), according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,747
- Out-of-state$23,398
- In-State$5,675
- Out-of-state$21,328
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled31,142
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada-Reno
- Reno, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Nevada's Orvis School of Nursing began in 1956 and offers nursing programs for entry-level and advanced nursing positions.
You can pick from a BSN degree, accelerated BSN program, online RN-to-BSN degree, MSN degree, and doctor of nursing practice programs. If you work as a licensed nurse, you can enroll in the RN-to-BSN and complete 120 credits in 3-5 semesters.
With a rolling admission policy, UNR's RN-to-BSN program admits new students in the fall, spring, and summer.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master's of nursing, doctor of nursing practice, post-master's certificates
- Campus: Reno, Nevada
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $256-$314 per credit for Nevada residents; $8,527-$8,585 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Varies; The RN-to-BSN program accepts students with an RN license and a minimum 2.0 GPA from an accredited nursing program or students concurrently enrolled in an ADN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 94.56% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,161 for bachelor's graduates and $104,192 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$7,901
- Out-of-state$23,554
- In-State$5,657
- Out-of-state$21,310
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled20,722
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Truckee Meadows Community College
- Reno, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Truckee Meadows Community College, established in 1979, offers an associate in nursing degree (ADN) in nursing or an RN-to-BSN degree.
The full-time ADN program takes six semesters and prepares you to transfer to a four-year college. You complete 69-72 credits with courses in human anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of pharmacology, cultural aspects of nursing care, principles of pathophysiology, and professional behaviors.
Veterans and Nevada residents get preferred admission to the TMCC's Maxine S. Jacobs nursing programs.
- Program: Associate in nursing degree, bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Reno, Nevada
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $115-$189 per credit for Nevada residents; $242-$398 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Varies; The ADN program requires applicants to submit official transcripts, meet with an academic advisor, minimum 2.75 GPA for lower-division course, minimum 3.0 GPA for prerequisite courses
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92.54% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,653 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$2,562
- Out-of-state$10,039
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,249
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Nevada
There are many factors to consider as you explore nursing programs in Nevada. For example, you should limit your search to accredited nursing schools and programs.
Other features to examine include tuition rates, program length, and any available financial aid options for nurses. You can find out if a program successfully prepares students for the workforce by checking its NCLEX pass rate and graduation rate.
Why Become a Nurse in Nevada
Nurses in Nevada enjoy some of the highest average salaries in the United States. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn higher salaries in their respective fields than 80% of their counterparts nationwide.
Nevada nursing students also demonstrate some of the country’s highest NCLEX-RN pass rates. In 2020, over 93% of first-time test takers passed the exam, ranking Nevada the 12th most successful state in preparing its students for the NCLEX-RN.
Offering high average salaries and strong nursing programs, Nevada is a great place for prospective nurses to begin their careers.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nevada
Nevada offers RNs some of the highest average annual salaries in the country. At $89,750 per year, Nevada is just ahead of New Jersey ($85,720) and right behind New York ($89,760). Nurse practitioners (NPs) fare even better than their RN counterparts, coming in just outside of the top five states with an average annual salary of $119,890.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada ranks 36th in demand estimates. The state is projected to have a surplus of 8,100 nurses by the year 2030. However, these projections were calculated before the COVID-19 pandemic, when many nurses left the field due to nurse burnout.
The following table identifies the highest-paying metropolitan areas in Nevada. Geographically, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno are the top three most populated areas in the state.
With much of the state covered in desert, employment opportunities cluster in the state’s highly populated southernmost (Las Vegas) and westernmost (Carson City) regions.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas — Henderson — Paradise | $92,720 |
| Carson City | $81,930 |
| Reno | $80,310 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Nevada
Candidates must complete a program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for state licensure.
After becoming licensed and gaining experience, RNs who complete an approved graduate program can apply for APRN licensure.
Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy continuing education requirements for nurses to maintain their license and work as a nurse in the state.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Nevada:
- Candidates must enroll in a nursing program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- Students may earn their nursing degree online or in person. ADN programs typically take two years to complete, while BSN programs are generally four years long. Part-time students may take longer to graduate.
- After earning an ADN or a BSN, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for state licensure. Nurses also undergo a criminal background check and submit their transcripts and proof of graduation to the state board of nursing.
- RNs must complete 30 continuing education credits every two years to maintain their license.
APRN Requirements
To become an APRN in Nevada:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Nevada.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.
- Prospective APRNs are required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles: certified nurse midwife, NP, clinical nurse specialist, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. The Nevada licensing board accepts certifications from the following organizations:
- National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- National Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- American Midwifery Certification Board
- APRNs must complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. These consist of 30 hours for their RN license and 15 hours directly related to their APRN specialty.
Other Top Nursing Programs in Nevada
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Nevada
Is Nevada a good place for nurses to work?
Nurses who work in Nevada benefit from one of the nation’s higher average annual salaries. The state is ranked 5th for LPNs, who earn $59,700 a year; 9th for RNs, who make $89,750; and 6th for NPs, who draw an average annual salary of $119,890.
While the state is not projected to experience a nursing shortage in the coming decade, promising job opportunities make Nevada a good state for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs.
How do I transfer my nursing license to Nevada?
To transfer a nursing license to Nevada, out-of-state nurses should apply for licensure by endorsement. Licensed LPNs and RNs must have graduated from an accredited program to get endorsement. The Nevada State Board of Nursing issues qualified nurses a temporary license that is valid for six months.
The nurse must then undergo a background check before the end of the six months to receive a permanent license. Individuals who do not complete the background check before their temporary license expires cannot reapply for licensure.
Is Nevada a compact state for nursing?
Nevada does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nursing compact states agree to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. The NLC makes it easier for RNs to qualify for a license in other NLC states with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license do not need to pay license renewal fees and can provide telehealth nursing care to patients across state lines.
How do I become a nurse in Nevada?
The easiest way to become a nurse in Nevada is to enroll in an ADN or BSN program in the state. Completing an in-state program makes it easier to earn a Nevada nursing license.
Individuals who have earned their license in another state can contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing for a temporary license. As long as the nurse completes a background check before the temporary license expires, the state should issue a permanent license.
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