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Review Nevada's top nursing programs along with the process of earning a degree and becoming licensed to practice in the state.
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Aaron Black / The Image Bank / Getty Images
According 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.
These rankings include
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Las Vegas College
Henderson, NV
2 years
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,247
Out-of-state
$14,247
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
399
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
61%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
#2 Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Carrington College-Reno
Reno, NV
2 years
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
526
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
No
#3 Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,747
Out-of-state
$23,398
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,675
Out-of-state
$21,328
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
31,142
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,901
Out-of-state
$23,554
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,657
Out-of-state
$21,310
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
20,722
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Nevada Nursing Schools and Programs of 2023
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, NV
4 years
Online + Campus
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
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$2,562
Out-of-state
$10,039
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,249
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find Nursing Programs in Other States
State
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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