9th Annual Nevada RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
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.Â
Best ADN Programs in Nevada
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Great Basin College
Pass Rate
1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV - 89801
(775) 738-8493
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN
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%
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. The school also boasts an enrollment of more than 4,000 students annually. Despite its size and large student body, the college offers affordable tuition so that finance doesn't become a barrier when it comes to producing quality nurses.Â
Every campus affiliated with the Great Basin College offers state-of-the-art simulation labs, clinical practice opportunities at multiple locations, and a competitive as well as nurturing environment to prepare nurses who are critical thinkers and exceptional critical thinkers. The graduates of the Great Basin College AAS Nursing have gone on to work excellently at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health facilities.Â
Similarly, the Elko campus which offers the AAS Nursing program is well equipped with computing labs, a library, a high-tech center, an academic success center, a theater, an outdoor amphitheater, a fitness center, as well as an amazing student housing system. The campus also has a child and family center which offers preschool and extended childcare to students who need it.
Undergraduate programs - Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree (AAS Nursing): This baccalaureate-level program aims to prepare nurses to take on any kind of challenges as Registered Nurse, while also paving way for more advanced studies. Students are admitted only in the fall semester if they can pass the academic requirements and the TEAS entrance examination.Â
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The RN to BSN program is designed to integrate the concepts from the social, natural sciences, and humanities to understand health and diseases. The program enables students to emerge as competent leaders who can integrate evidence-based practice into health care while also thinking critically. They also have a fully online GBC RN to BSN program.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Western Nevada College Carson City
Nursing & Allied Health Division
Pass Rate
- 2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV - 89703-7399
- (775) 445-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.41%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 51
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,748
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 88%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,038
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 1,025%
The nursing program at Western Nevada College helps students develop professional competencies that value nurturing and respect for differences, the use of evidence-based practices, ethical integrity, a spirit of inquiry, and introspection. Western Nevada College prepares nurses who are competent enough to take on all kinds of challenges pertaining to healthcare and more, to meet the healthcare needs of Nevada’s ever-growing population.
Western Nevada College is an advocate for affordable and accessible education. Which is why they have small classes with personalized instruction by some of the best faculty in the state, as well as low cost of tuition and a plethora of financial aid. In addition to a degree in Associate of Applied Science - RN, WNC also provides certifications in CNA and Phlebotomy. Being one of the best nursing colleges in the state, every year WNC produces highly skilled nurses who go on to work in the local hospitals, medical facilities, as well as in other health care facilities around the country.
Undergraduate Programs -Â Associate Degree Nursing Program: This program enables the graduates to start their career as competent registered nurses after they pass their NCLEX-RN examination. The curriculum integrates knowledge from the bio/psycho/social sciences, literacy, mathematics, and humanities. The graduates are also awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree once they complete the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Truckee Meadows Community College
Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program, William N. Pennington Health Science Center
Pass Rate
- 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV - 89512-3999
- (775) 673-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.23%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, RN to BSN
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
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.Â
Similarly, the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program prepares nurses for any high-demanding nursing job in any kind of healthcare facilities like clinics, hospitals, or community care centers.Â
Truckee Meadows CC is determined to fill in the gaps created by the lack of skilled human resources in Nevada and to ensure cost is never a barrier to both their and their students’ goals, the college provides ample amounts of financial aid, grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. The college offers a special distance education rate to out-of-state students who take the online RN to BSN course, and it also provides great opportunities for international students.Â
Undergraduate Programs -Â The Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for students who wish to practice as Registered Nurses. The students are required to have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree before applying. With a wide variety of learning resources such as simulation labs and clinical rotations at high-end hospitals, it is no surprise that the ADN degree here ranks among the best in the state.Â
As mentioned earlier, there is also an RN to BSN program specially designed for practicing RNs who don’t have their BSN degree. The students can attend the entire course online while working.
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Carrington College-Reno
Pass Rate
- 5580 Kietzke Ln., Reno, NV - 89511
- (775) 335-2900
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.96%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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%
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" training.
Best BSN Programs in Nevada
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Nevada-Reno
Pass Rate
- North Virginia Street, Reno, NV - 89557
- (775) 784-1110
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 80.82%
- 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, RN to BSN
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%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Pass Rate
- 4505 S Maryland Pky, Las Vegas, NV - 89154
- (702) 895-3011
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 77.42%
- 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
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%
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nevada State University
Pass Rate
- 1300 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV - 89002
- (702) 992-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.91%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, RN to BSN
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%
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV - 89014
- (702) 990-4433
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (D) 69.42%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 129
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $1,105,973
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
About RN Programs in Nevada
- There are 12 nursing schools in Nevada. The CCNE accredits 5 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 7 schools in Nevada.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Nevada is between 83.10% and 96.20%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Nevada is between 76.27% and 92.95%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Nevada can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
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.
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.
Nevada RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 5 | 6 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 91.98% | 88.37% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 83.10% to 96.20% | 76.27% to 92.95% |
Nursing Programs Offered by Nevada Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 10
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Nurse Educator: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
Nevada Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Nevada-Reno: 7
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas: 4
- Great Basin College: 1
- Truckee Meadows Community College: 1
- Western Nevada College Carson City: 1
- Nevada State University: 1
- Roseman University of Health Sciences: 1
- Carrington College-Reno: 1
- Touro University: 1
- College of Southern Nevada: 1
Become a Nurse Practitioner in Nevada
Research the best Nevada NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
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.
Become an 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.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in Nevada
Comprehensive guide to Nevada Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN
Nevada State Board of Nursing
License Certification and Education
4220 S. Maryland Parkway
Suite B300
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Website: http://nevadanursingboard.org/
More of the Best Nursing Programs in Nevada
|
Grade
|
University
|
Nevada Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 83.10 | College of Southern Nevada | 5 | ADN |
Nursing Salaries in Nevada
How much do nurses earn in Nevada?
- CNA Salary Report for 2025
- LPN Salary Report for 2025
- RN Salary Report for 2025
- NP Salary Report for 2025
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