2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Nevada

Overview of Nursing Schools in Nevada

If you are looking to advance your career as a Registered Nurse and dive into the ever-growing world of health-care then you will first need to select a nursing school that best fits your needs and goals. A good nursing school can become the difference between a great nursing leader and an average care provider. Here we have compiled a list of the best nursing schools in the state of Nevada that will most definitely help you start your journey into becoming the best healthcare professional that you aspire to be.

Nevada has more than 23,420 registered nurses working in various settings. By the year 2028, it is anticipated that there will be a need for 22.3% new nursing positions available. The average hourly wage of these nurses is $43 with the annual wage amounting to approximately $89,750. NP's by contrast earn an average $88,340 yearly and there is 36.5% need for new nurses from 2018 to 2028. Nevada nurse have a bright future and many employment opportunities for those who earn an RN, MSN or Nurse Practitioner degree.

About Nursing Schools in Nevada

There are many highly rated accredited universities in Nevada for prospective nurses who want enrich their career by enrolling in an RN or advanced nursing degree program. These programs generally build on prior nursing and liberal arts education. They are designed to enhance educational mobility and strengthen health and leadership abilities. Advanced programs are built under the assumption that registered nurses have a solid nursing foundation. Students can complete this program online or on campus. There are both part-time and full-time options available. It is recommended that nurses research all options available to ensure that they find the program that best fits their needs.

In our Nevada RN program guide, you can find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Nevada RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

Nevada RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in Nevada

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Nevada and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 5 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in Nevada. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Nevada to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Great Basin College

Nursing/Health Sciences

96.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV - 89801
• 
  (775) 738-8493

Nurse Admin: Amber Donnelli, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

One of the biggest and most esteemed colleges of Nevada state, the Great Basin College offers its students a chance to learn with a large pool of like-minded students. The campus spans across a whopping 86,500 sq miles, is spread across ten of Nevada's largest counties and two time zones.

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 71
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,593
• Book and Supplies: $1,670
• Percent Received Aid: 74%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,285
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 43%

Nevada State College

School of Nursing

95.03% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1300 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV - 89002
• 
  (702) 992-2000

Nurse Admin: June A. Eastridge, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI

Title: Interim Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.03%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor

Nevada State College’s School of Nursing has devoted itself to supporting nursing students as they become compassionate nurses who provide quality care to both patients and their families.  Nevada State College has partnered with a variety of hospitals, clinics, as well as community healthcare facilities to provide its students with

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 106
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,075
• Book and Supplies: $1,300
• Percent Received Aid: 92%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,924
• Percent Admitted: 90%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
• Graduation Rate: 23%

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

School of Nursing

93.61% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, NV - 89154
• 
  (702) 895-3011

Nurse Admin: Angela Frederick Amar, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.61%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

The University of Nevada, School of Nursing prepares both its graduate and undergraduate nurses to meet global healthcare needs. The school has been actively preparing its students to face all kinds of healthcare scenarios. The alumni of the University of Nevada have proven themselves to be competent in evidence-based education,

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 1235
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,737
• Book and Supplies: $1,240
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,518
• Percent Admitted: 81%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 42%
• Graduation Rate: 44%

Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas

93.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  8363 West Sunset Road, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV - 89113
• 
  (855) 706-8382

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.40%
• Programs:
• Award Levels:

University Information

• Total Faculty: 17
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: $10,339
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,394
• Percent Admitted: 89%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 47%
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Truckee Meadows Community College

Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program, William N. Pennington Health Science Center

93.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV - 89512-3999
• 
  (775) 673-7000

Nurse Admin: Jody Covert, DNP, MSN, RN

Title: Director Of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

With over 70 programs of study that provide more than 160 degree, certificate, and other completion options, Truckee Meadows CC is one of the leading voices when it comes to affordable, accessible, and quality education in the state of Nevada.  Similarly, the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program prepares nurses for

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 158
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,934
• Book and Supplies: $690
• Percent Received Aid: 82%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,045
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Carrington College-Reno

91.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5580 Kietzke Ln., Reno, NV - 89511
• 
  (775) 335-2900

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Carrington College has multiple campuses across eight states, one of which is in Reno, Nevada.  They offer a practical nursing program, an RN program and a bridge program, for LPNs seeking a degree as an RN.  Carrington College is a network of campuses that focus on educating healthcare professionals, using "hands-on"

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 14
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: $1,280
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,771
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 72%

University of Nevada-Reno

Orvis School of Nursing

91.69% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  North Virginia Street, Reno, NV - 89557
• 
  (775) 784-1110

Nurse Admin: Debera Thomas, DNS, RN, ANP, FNP

Title: Dean And Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.69%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

If you are looking to expand your career as a nurse in one of the best and oldest nursing schools in the state of Nevada then the University of Nevada is the best choice for you. The Orvis School of Nursing is preparing its nurses to become not only healthcare

View More

University Information

• Total Faculty: 1173
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,588
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 92%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,872
• Percent Admitted: 87%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
• Graduation Rate: 60%

Chamberlain University-Nevada

91.15% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9901 Covington Cross Drive, Las Vegas, NV - 89144
• 
  (702) 786-1660

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.15%
• Programs:
• Award Levels:

University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $600
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,552
• Percent Admitted: 83%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 80%
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Nursing Compact Status for Nevada

A nurse compact state allows nurses holding a nurse compact license (NLC) to work in multiple states without getting additional state licenses. Also known as a multistate license, this document allows nurses flexibility in their career without having to go through the ordeal of obtaining a new license every time they change their state. 

The NLC was replaced by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) which is only available for RNs and LPNs. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are required to hold an individual state license in each state where they wish to practice. 

However, as of June 2021, the state of Nevada has not yet implemented the eNLC, meaning that all RNs, LPNs, and APRNs should hold individual state licenses should they wish to practice elsewhere.

Current RN Employment and Salary by City in Nevada

As of May 2020, the state of Nevada currently has an estimated 23,420 nurses working as RNs, a number which is expected to rise further in the future. 

The average hourly wage of these nurses is $43 with the annual wage amounting to approx $89,750. However, the wage and other benefits do differ according to the experience level of the RNs, with the entry-level new graduates making about $32 hourly on average and nurses with an experience of 20+ years earning $58 hourly.

Nevada  Nursing Salaries by Experience

Projected RN Employment for Nevada

Nursing is an ever-growing and ever-developing field. With life-expectancy increasing and chronic, as well as communicable diseases spreading like wildfire, it is no doubt that the need for nurses in hospitals, clinics, and every other healthcare facility will only increase over time.

According to BLS, the projected %change in nursing employment in the state of Nevada from the year 2018 to 2028 is expected to rise by 22.3% which is one of the highest percentage changes in the entire country. The state also has an expected annual opening for nurses of 1,980.

Nevada  RN Licensing Requirements

Nevada State Board of Nursing
License Certification and Education
4220 S. Maryland Parkway
Suite B300
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Website: http://nevadanursingboard.org/

Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $100
License renewal (every two years), RN: $100

Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: 30 contact hours every renewal period

RN Licensure by Endorsement

Before a candidate can obtain permanent licensure in the state of Nevada, there are a few requirements that must be completed. A criminal background check through a fingerprint card is one requirement. When this has been completed, the nursing candidate must register to take the NCLEX exam through the Pearson VUE website, pay the fee, and schedule the test when authorization to test has been obtained. Registered Nurses who apply for licensure by examination will be required to pay $100 to the Nevada Board of Nurses. Candidates who fail the first attempt at the NCLEX will be invalidated. Registered nurses are encouraged to join the Nevada Nurses Association but membership is not directly correlated to licensure.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

A registered nurse who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may be eligible for a reciprocal license. The nurse must submit license verification and pay $105 for the endorsement fee. An endorsement candidate may work under a temporary permit while waiting for the background check to be processed. Processing can take a great length of time so fingerprinting should be done early. Candidates who put in a request for an application from the Board will be granted a fingerprint card that will be taken to a fingerprinting agency in the current state. There is an additional $51.25 fee for processing.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Nurses who obtained completed a program abroad will be required to go through the CGFNS evaluation process before being authorized to take the NCLEX exam. Internationally educated nurses often need to demonstrate English proficiency. This can be completed through TOEFL. Candidates educated in an English speaking country will be exempt.

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Nevada

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Nevada

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Nevada offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Practice Authority

Nevada is one of the few states that have provided Nurse Practitioners with Full Practice Authority. A Full Practice Authority means that all the NPs are permitted to evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; initiate and manage treatments which include prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

To get this authorization, however, the NPs must have an RN license, a graduate degree, and a National Certification.

Current NP Employment and Salary

According to the latest data, there are currently 1,290 NPs working in Nevada, a number that is only expected to rise with time. These nurses make on an average $88,340 yearly. The NPs with 1-4 years of experience usually make $102,610 annually and those with 20+ years of experience earn $159,490 on average.

Projected NP Employment

With an average annual opening of 70 NPs, the projected change in the NP employment status is expected to rise by 36.5% from 2018 to 2028. The number of NPs working in Nevada is expected to rise from a base of 740 to 1010 in these 10 years. 

This is rather good news for all the aspiring nurses who wish to practice as Nurse Practitioners in Nevada and become a voice in leading and developing nursing practice as they go.