Nevada Nursing Colleges & Licenses
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“The years in the Navy as a hospital corpsman provided excellent experience in critical care, but nursing school allowed me to focus on patient care and see that I really wanted a more interpersonal connection through my work.”
James Matos, MPH, MBA, RN, IV Nurse with IV Reset
Nursing has long been a respected profession in the United States. As is true of many states in the country, Nevada’s population is rapidly changing as it simultaneously grows, ages, and becomes more diverse. Healthcare delivery in Nevada is also changing not just due to population trends but also as a result of continued technological advancement, changes in delivery models, and available therapeutics.
Nevada currently faces several challenges to its nursing workforce. One challenge is properly matching the number of nurses to the demand throughout Nevada. Millions of Nevadans currently or recently have resided in an area deemed to have a shortage of primary care health professionals.
The aging of the populace nationwide is also increasing pressure on health professionals with expertise in geriatric and related forms of care. The population shift will necessitate more resources to be allocated to care providers such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This reallocation of resources will also be driven by the needs of care facilities for the elderly as they seek highly skilled professionals capable of interpreting and following the often complex state and federal regulations such facilities must follow.
Despite its challenges, Nevada is making strides to meet its population’s healthcare needs. For example, nursing schools have recently reported steady growth in nursing student numbers. Nevada has also significantly increased the per capita growth of advanced practice registered nurses in recent years. Improvements in both the public’s rate of insurance coverage and the quality of such coverage are additional encouraging signs.
Read on to discover Nevada’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: James Matos, MPH, MBA, BSN, RN
James Matos is a dedicated healthcare professional and military veteran based in Las Vegas, Nevada, passionate about fostering meaningful connections and improving lives through a holistic approach to medicine. He earned his MSN from Chamberlain University and holds an MBA from National University.
Matos has extensive experience working as a registered nurse, having served in various capacities at Encompass Health and Post Acute Medical in Las Vegas, where he provided high-quality care to patients in need of rehabilitation and recovery services.
In addition to his clinical work, Matos runs “Plugged In”—a popular vlog that offers viewers an inside look into the world of IV infusion therapy and the everyday lives of those seeking these services. His commitment to both patient care and community outreach reflects his belief in the importance of personalized healthcare and the value of connection in the healing process.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from nursing school enhanced your career?
Matos: Graduating from nursing school really enhanced my prior education from my military experience. The years in the Navy as a hospital corpsman provided excellent experience in critical care, but nursing school allowed me to focus on patient care and see that I really wanted a more interpersonal connection through my work.
Fast forward to now, and I have found a great balance of that with Reset IV. Usually, I see clients who are relaxed and do not have the usual anxiety associated with talking to healthcare providers.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Matos: I would definitely stress the importance of finding a connection with your future patients. It can definitely be harder in the more traditional setting, but people want to be helped, and people also do not handle being uncomfortable the best sometimes.
Being able to develop emotional intelligence is going to be just as valuable as anything else you could learn in nursing school. My most rewarding experiences come from times where I know I made an impact for someone, but they also knew and felt it there and then too.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Nevada
The Nevada State University (NSU) School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program. The program provides an innovative, evidence-based education designed to create competent, compassionate professionals dedicated to providing quality care to diverse patients and communities. The curriculum content is aligned with the work of nurse theorist Dr. Jean Watson. Watson posited that human caring is the critical foundation for professional nursing practice.
NSU offers two undergraduate nursing program tracks. Students already licensed as RNs can complete the post-licensure RN to BSN degree program. Applicants to the post-licensure program are accepted from several backgrounds. They may be students who have earned an associate degree in nursing (ADN), hold an unencumbered RN license ,or are recent graduates of an ADN program and can obtain their RN license within seven weeks of acceptance into this program. This program features a fully online curriculum.
The other track is the pre-licensure BSN program. This one is open to applicants who do not hold an ADN or are not practicing RN. Students may choose full- or part-time study tracks. Full-time students can often finish in five semesters. Students lacking prerequisite coursework may need additional time to fulfill all degree requirements. Part-time students may complete the program in ten semesters.
- Location: Henderson, NV
- Duration: Five to ten semesters, depending on the program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Touro University Nevada (TUN) offers a single undergraduate degree program. This online, one-year RN-BSN program is offered through the School of Nursing. The curriculum is delivered online to accommodate the needs of working nurses. Students may select one of three start dates throughout the year.
Students who work within the Valley Health System (VHS) may benefit from lower tuition rates due to a partnership between VHS and TUN. VHS is an integrated network of acute care hospitals, emergency departments, and primary care and specialty facilities located in southern Nevada.
The nursing curriculum prepares professionals who will offer exemplary nursing leadership in diverse practice environments. Graduates are trained to reliably adhere to the values, philosophy, and practice of the nursing professio,n as evidenced by their provision of quality care to diverse patients. The student-centered curriculum seeks to train students who, upon graduation, will serve society through a combination of nursing practice, research, leadership, and community service.
- Location: Henderson, NV
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of Nevada Reno Orvis School of Nursing is known as one of the best nursing schools in Nevada. At the undergraduate level, students may select from a traditional, accelerated 16-month BSN program or an online RN-BSN option. The accelerated program is designed for high school graduates seeking the traditional BSN degree to start a nursing career. The RN-BSN program is for associate degree in nursing (ADN) program graduates seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students in their final two semesters of an ADN program may also apply.
Applicants of both programs must apply for admission to both the University of Nevada, Reno and their particular nursing program. Applicants are not eligible for nursing program admission until the university first admits them. BSN program applicants are assessed according to their GPA, TEAS exam scores and completion of prerequisite coursework with the top 96 applicants receiving provisional admission. The RN-BSN program features two admission paths. These paths are post-licensure admission and the concurrent enrollment program path.
- Location: Reno, NV
- Duration: 12 to 21 months, depending on the program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Chamberlain University offers a variety of online degree programs throughout the United States. Known for being the largest provider of pre-licensure nursing education in the country, Chamberlain’s BSN programs are offered at more than twenty campuses throughout the country and online via the BSN Online Option. Students are permitted to complete courses year-round and may thereby finish in as little as three years.
Students based in Nevada are eligible for two BSN program options. These are the campus hybrid option featuring in-person learning and some online coursework and the fully in-person campus evening/weekend program designed especially for working individuals with challenging schedules that prevent the attendance of a traditional program offered during the week. Evening/weekend program students complete clinicals on weekends and have access to the same resources as the campus hybrid program. Regardless of which program they choose, students will complete a CCNE-accredited program, have no prerequisite requirements for admission and typically will receive some form of financial aid to make their education more accessible.
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Great Basin College offers a registered nurse to a bachelor of science in nursing degree (RN-BSN) program. This fully online program is designed for non-traditional RN students with an associate’s degree in nursing background who wish to enhance their research and professional practice skills while continuing to work in the profession. This program is ideal for nurses seeking to advance into leadership roles and other positions where they can act as agents of change on behalf of rural and underserved populations.
To be admitted, applicants must demonstrate they have an active RN license in the state where they currently practice, an associates degree in nursing from an ACEN accredited program and regionally accredited college, and a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale.
The RN-BSN curriculum allows for full- or part-time study. Coursework and practicum experience prove relevant to nurses regardless of what practice setting graduates ultimately work in. The curriculum incorporates knowledge from multiple disciplines and prepares graduates to provide safe, quality care to individual patients, families, groups, and entire populations. The curriculum is also designed following major competencies expected of those working at a BSN level practice. Examples of topics in which graduates develop competency include informatics, evidence-based practice, population-level care, quality improvement, and leadership.
- Location: Elko, NV
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Nevada
The University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing offers a wealth of opportunities for nurses to advance their careers through completion of its master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program. MSN students further develop their clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to move into advanced practice, educator and leadership roles within the healthcare industry. Completing an MSN degree is also essential for those seeking to pursue more advanced nursing scholarship by pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing.
The School of Nursing offers seven MSN degree tracks. These are adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Given the great variety of patient populations these programs train its graduates to serve, nursing professionals working in Nevada are very likely to find a program suitable to advancing their careers here at the University of Nevada, Reno.
- Location: Reno, NV
- Duration: 16 to 24 months, depending onthe program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) program designed to enhance the education and skills of clinical practice generalists.
Students may choose one of five tracks to specialize their skills to advance in a particular career direction. The family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery and direct entry generalist tracks are all designed for nurses who will ultimately work in direct care or in roles that support providing such care to diverse populations. The fifth nurse education track, is designed for nurses who ultimately want to educate other nurses. Graduates of this track may advance to faculty positions or work as nurse educators in a clinical setting.
All MSN program options are designed to meet both MSN degree learning outcomes as well as learning outcomes necessary to work in the graduate’s chosen specialization successfully. Coursework for all tracks is offered fully online. However, all tracks also have mandatory on-campus sessions. Such sessions typically consist of orientation, skills or workshop experiences vital to ensuring students are well prepared upon graduation. Students may study part- or full-time.
All students must complete a clinical placement. All students, regardless of residency during their studies, are advised to thoroughly review UNLV’s policy and procedures related to securing and completing clinical placements prior to beginning their studies.
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Duration: Two to three years, depending onthe program and pace of study
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); MSN program in nurse-midwifery is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
Touro University Nevada (TUN) offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization as a family nurse practitioner. The MSN-FNP curriculum is mostly online and also features three on-campus clinical intensives.
Upon program completion, graduates meet the eligibility requirements for AANP and ANCC FNP national certification exams. TUN offers support in securing a suitable clinical practicum placement but acknowledges that students may be proactive and ultimately best able to find and secure a placement ideal to their needs, skills, and future career ambitions.
TUN accepts applications three times a year. To be considered for admission applicants must submit an application to the university, a resume or CV, a personal statement and pay a non-refundable application fee. Applicants must also demonstrate they hold an active RN license, a BSN degree from a nursing program with acceptable accreditation status, and hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale.
- Location: Henderson, NV
- Duration: Twenty months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but important step academic institutions take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their degree programs receive quality education. Two groups typically award accreditation. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In Nevada, nursing program graduates obtain their licenses through the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Applicants typically secure a license via either endorsement or examination. Endorsement is a process existing licensed nurse professionals use to secure a license in a state other than the one they have recently been practicing in. The examination is the process new nurses who have never held a license must undergo. Applicants must have satisfactorily completed an appropriately accredited nursing program to be eligible for licensure. Additional steps applicants usually need to complete include passing a criminal background check, completing the Nevada State Board of Nursing application for licensure, and passing the NCLEX exam. The Nevada State Board of Nursing website provides information for new and seasoned nursing professionals.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Nevada?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of December 2024. Salary.com (Dec. 2024) provides certified nurse midwife salary data and the 10th- and 50th-percentile salary data for nurse anesthetists.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 3,030 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $66,580 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $52,490 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $64,920 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $78,770 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 25,890 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $97,700 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $77,160 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $96,210 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $132,010 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 70 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $223,680 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $193,801 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $223,530 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | >$239,200 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | No data |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | No data |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $105,460 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $124,617 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | $156,361 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Nevada | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 2,040 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $148,670 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $109,530 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $138,780 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $204,510 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Nevada has the following requirements for LPN license applicants:
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An LPN in the state of Nevada must do the following for renewal:
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Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada State Board of Nursing | Nevada has the following requirements for RN license applicants:
| An RN in the state of Nevada must do the following for renewal;
|
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CNS license in the state of Nevada, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
CNS and RN licenses in Nevada have the same expiration dates. APRNs are expected to complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years and practice at least 1000 hours every five years in order to be eligible for renewal of licensure. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for a CNM license in the state of Nevada, applicants must meet the following requirements:
|
CNM and RN licenses in Nevada have the same expiration dates. APRNs are expected to complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years and practice at least 800 hours every five years in order to be eligible for renewal of licensure. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Nevada
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be eligible for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in the state of Nevada, applicants must:
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APRN and RN licenses have the same expiration dates in Nevada. APRNs are expected to complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years and practice at least 1,000 hours every five years to be eligible for renewal of licensure. Renewals cost $200 |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.