Accelerated Nursing BSN Programs in Nevada
Want to become a registered nurse in Nevada and already have your bachelor’s degree in another field? Learn how accelerated BSN programs in Las Vegas and other Nevada cities can provide the training you need in less than two years.
There’s a critical shortage of registered nurses in the U.S., and with that shortage comes a high demand for newly trained RNs throughout the nation, including in Nevada. To qualify for RN licensure, you’ll need the intensive education and training offered by an accredited Bachelor of Science in nursing program. There’s no quicker way to earn your BSN than through an accelerated nursing degree program.
Explore the quality accelerated BSN programs in Nevada available today and see how you can benefit from the convenience of earning your degree through a fully accredited online ABSN program. You’ll also learn about the requirements for admission, how much you’ll pay for your degree and how to get help in paying for it, what financial aid options are available, what you’ll need to do to obtain your Nevada RN license once you’ve graduated, what the current job market is like in Nevada for new RNs, and much more.
If getting on the fast track to obtaining your nursing bachelor’s degree and launching your career as an RN sounds good to you, keep reading to learn more about Nevada accelerated BSN programs.
Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Nevada for 2024
The two accelerated nursing programs in Nevada spotlighted below are among the very best available in Nevada in 2023. We chose these two programs based on a number of important program features including accreditation, affordability, faculty quality, and access to useful student academic and career support services. These two may not be the only quality accelerated BSN programs available in Nevada, but they’ll give you an idea of what you should expect from any other program you consider.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can earn their BSN in approximately one year through the Accelerated second degree BSN program from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The curriculum consists of 86 credit hours of nursing core and sciences coursework. Earning the degree requires a total of 122 credits with the additional credits coming from the student’s previously earned bachelor’s degree. Coursework is delivered online in one credit per week modules. Classes are scheduled weekdays and attended synchronously via videoconferencing. In addition to online coursework, students complete approximately 920 hours of clinical practice hours attended in-person at local program-affiliated clinical facilities. The NCLEX-RN pass rate (April 1, 2022) for UNLV graduates is an impressive 91.25%.
Tuition for the ASBSN program is determined using a tuition differential model. The current per-credit rate for nursing core coursework is $412.75 plus fees. Required non-nursing courses are charged at the university’s traditional $256 per-credit rate. Out-of-state residents pay an additional $8,271 per semester. A number of merit-based and need-based undergraduate nursing scholarship opportunities are available to qualifying students.
University of Nevada, Reno
The accelerated 12-month second baccalaureate BSN (ASBSN) program at the University of Nevada, Reno is designed to give students with a previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree a quick and efficient path to earning their BSN. The ASBSN curriculum consists of 51 credit hours of nursing coursework and labs. Students also complete a clinical practicum immersion in which they apply the knowledge and skills gained in the program in a variety of supervised nursing practice settings. The program starts once each year in January with the winter mini-semester and continues through the spring, summer, and fall. All classes and labs are attended on the UNR campus. The NCLEX-RN exam pass rate (data from April 1, 2022) for UNR graduates is 94.32%, one of the highest pass rates of all nursing schools in the state.
Admission considers variables that include grade point averages and TEAS scores and is limited to 32 students annually. Applicants must have completed their non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA and 24 credits of nursing prerequisite coursework prior to applying to the ASBSN program. The total program costs, including tuition, fees, labs, books, and immunizations, for Nevada residents is approximately $30,000. Out-of-state residents pay an additional $8,271 per semester. Discounted program costs are available to students qualifying for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Pack Exchange Program scholarships.
List of ABSN Programs in Las Vegas and Other Major Cities in NV
There are a number of quality accelerated nursing programs in Nevada to choose from. Five of them are listed in the chart below along with some basic facts on each. The learning modes described below refer strictly to classes and labs, and all programs include the substantial in-person clinical practice hours required to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
| City | Learning Mode | Est. Completion Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roseman University | Henderson | Hybrid (Online Classes; On-Campus Labs) | Less than 18 months |
| Grand Canyon University | Las Vegas | Hybrid (Online Classes; On-Campus Labs) | As few as 16 months |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Las Vegas | Hybrid (Online Classes; In-Person Labs) | 12 months |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Reno | On-Campus | 12 months |
| Chamberlain University | Las Vegas | Blended (Online and On-Campus Classes; On-Campus Labs) | As few as 3 years |
| Arizona College of Nursing | Las Vegas | On-Campus | 3 years (or less, depending on number of transfer credits) |
Classes and Clinical Training for Nevada ABSN Programs
The purpose of accelerated nursing programs in Nevada is for you to get the knowledge and training you need to earn your BSN – along with the clinical practice hours needed for RN licensure – as quickly as possible. These programs offer curriculums made up of these four components:
1. Nursing Classes
Accredited BSN programs in Nevada nursing curriculums combine nursing theory coursework (class lectures, readings, assignments, exams, etc.) with experiential labs and practice simulations. Examples of typical course subjects include health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology, adult nursing care, nursing care of children and families, nursing research, population health, and nursing leadership. For more on core nursing class requirements, check out these example nursing course curriculums from UNR and Grand Canyon University.
2. Clinical Training
All accelerated BSN programs in Nevada include substantial clinical rotation hours which are required not only for earning your degree but also as part of the eligibility requirements for taking the NCLEX-RN exam and state RN licensure. The purpose of these clinical training requirements is to give students hands-on experience in real-world practice settings where they can apply what they’ve learned in their nursing classes and simulation labs. Students typically complete their clinical rotation hours at program-affiliated healthcare practice hospitals and outpatient clinics in the nursing school’s or patient’s local area.
3. General Education Coursework
All ABSN programs include substantial general education course requirements covering the fields of English composition, mathematics, history, and the natural and social sciences. For most students, all ABSN general education requirements will be satisfied by coursework completed in their previously earned bachelor’s degree or otherwise previously completed and transferred to the ABSN program.
4. Prerequisite Coursework
Nevada ABSN programs additionally require students to complete courses in a number of science and mathematics subjects. In most cases, these courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the ABSN program or before the student begins their nursing core curriculums. A few programs incorporate these courses into the ABSN curriculums themselves. Typical subjects for these courses include human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition, and statistics.
FAQs About Accelerated BSN Programs in Nevada
How long is an accelerated BSN program in Nevada?
Program length depends on the program you choose. For example, the UNR and UNLV programs are each12 months. These program lengths do not include the extra time needed to complete specific prerequisite course requirements. Other programs have stated “less than” or “as few as” completion times. Examples include Grand Canyon University (as few as 16 months), Roseman University (less than 18 months), Arizona College of Nursing (three years or less), and Chamberlain University (as few as three years). Completion times for programs with variable program lengths typically depend on the number of credits transferred in and, in some cases, the student’s chosen study pace.
How many credits can be transferred to my Nevada ABSN program?
This depends on the specific program. Some programs set a minimum number of credits that must be transferred in. Examples include 54 credits for Roseman University’s program and 60 credits for Grand Canyon University’s program. Other programs, such as those at Chamberlain University and the Arizona College of Nursing, have no stated minimums or maximums. In practically all programs, transferability of credits for specific courses is determined on a case-by-case basis. Almost all accelerated nursing programs in Nevada require completion of several specific prerequisite classes prior to starting their programs regardless of whether they’re transferred or earned at the ABSN program’s school.
How much do ABSN programs in Nevada cost?
Total costs for accelerated nursing programs in Nevada vary substantially from program to program. Private schools tend to charge significantly higher tuition than the two public University of Nevada programs. Also, UNLV and UNR both charge substantial fees to out-of-state residents in addition to its program tuition costs.
You’ll find the current tuition rates for two Nevada ABSN programs below. Along with the costs of these programs, these rates will give you a good idea of what you should expect to pay for your ABSN degree. Keep in mind, though, that these are tuition rates only, so your total degree price tag will be higher once you include additional program fees and the cost of books, supplies, transportation, etc.
Arizona College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science
in Nursing
Total Credits: Varies depending on credits transferred in. A total of 120 credits required for degree.
$764/credit
Chamberlain University
Bachelor of Science
in Nursing
Total Credits: Varies depending on credits transferred in. A total of 122 credits required for degree.
$699/credit
University of Nevada, Reno
Accelerated 12-Month Second Baccalaureate BSN
Total Credits: 51 (ASBSN curriculum only).
$399/credit (NURS courses); $242.25/credit (non-NURS courses)
What are the admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Nevada?
Admission requirements for online ABSN programs in Nevada vary from program to program, so it’s vital that you understand what’s needed to apply before you start the enrollment process. Here are the major admission requirements for Nevada online ABSN programs:
- Previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree: Most programs require applicants to have a previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Substantial previously earned credits: In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, some programs will admit applicants who have previously completed all general education and prerequisite coursework that, along with the nursing coursework that makes up the ABSN program, is required to earn the BSN degree.
- High school diploma: A few programs, like those at Chamberlain University and the Arizona College of Nursing, accept applicants with only a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED). These programs are “accelerated” through the submission of previously earned college credits,, or by the student exchanging summer breaks for nursing coursework.
- Minimum GPA: Most programs have a stated minimum required grade point average on all previously completed college coursework.
- Criminal background check: Students typically must pass a criminal background check to participate in the required clinical practice hours at program-affiliated healthcare facilities.
How can I judge whether an accelerated Nevada BSN program is of high quality?
There are a few things to look for in deciding if an ABSN program is worth your consideration. They include graduation rates, NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, and even word-of-mouth reputation. All programs you consider, however, should meet these two conditions of foundational academic quality:
- Approval by the Nevada State Board of Nursing: Visit the Nevada State Board of Nursing for a link to the current list of NSBN-approved nursing programs in the state.
- Accreditation: Accreditation is the process through which nursing schools and their programs are determined to meet stated standards of academic quality. Accelerated BSN programs in Nevada are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You can check current accreditation status with the CCNE search engine.
Is financial aid available to help pay for my ABSN program in Nevada?
A wide range of financial aid resources are available to qualifying Nevada ABSN students. Among the most common are scholarships and grants offered by outside sources and nursing programs, work study programs, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and, for active military, veterans, and qualifying family members, there are VA education and training benefits. There are also several funding opportunities available from the U.S. Government. These include scholarships and loan repayment programs specifically for nursing students and as federal student loans.
To find out about financial aid opportunities for ABSN programs in Nevada, contact the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering. And for more on funding your nursing degree, be sure to check out EduMed’s nursing scholarships and financial aid guides.
Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Nevada: A Flexible Alternative
Before you jump into any online degree program, you’ll want to have a good idea of how online programs work. Here’s a look as some of the ways in which online accelerated nursing programs in Nevada are similar and how they’re different, starting with what they all have in common:
- All accelerated BSN programs, online or on-campus, are full-time.
- All online ABSN programs in Nevada include hands-on labs and simulated practice experiencesthat students typically attend on the school’s campus.
- Like campus-based programs, all online ABSN programs include the in-person clinical practice hours required for NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure eligibility.
Along with admissions requirements, here are some of the ways online accelerated BSN programs in Nevada may differ from one another:
- Online classes may be delivered synchronously, i.e., via live stream and requiring attendance at specifically scheduled times, or asynchronously, i.e., via previously recorded classes that are accessible to students at any time.
- Online courses may be delivered 100% online or in a hybrid format, a combination of online and on-campus elements.
To get a clearer picture of how online accelerated nursing programs operate, here are spotlights of two ABSN programs in Nevada featuring online components.
Examples of Quality Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Nevada
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private, Catholic-affiliated institution with its main campus located in Phoenix, Arizona. Nursing students in southern Nevada can earn their nursing bachelor’s degree in as few as 16 months through Grand Canyon’s online ABSN program in Henderson, Nevada. The Nevada-based ABSN program is presented in a blended format. Nursing didactic coursework is completed entirely online with classes delivered in an asynchronous format. Labs, simulations, and proctored exams are attended in-person at Grand Canyon’s Henderson ABSN Learning Site. Students complete the supervised clinical practice hours required for NCLEX-RN and licensure eligibility at program-affiliated healthcare facilities in and around the Las Vegas-Henderson area. The estimated total program cost for the 16-month, 63-credit program (not including ancillary fees) is $53,550, or $850 per credit.
Admission into Grand Canyon’s Nevada ABSN program requires a previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 credits of transferred in college coursework that includes 10 general education and nine prerequisite courses/labs. Students without all the required 60 credits can earn the needed credits through GCU prior to the start of their nursing core courses. Three start dates are available annually.
Roseman University
The private, non-profit Roseman University of Health Sciences is another Nevada school offering a hybrid-formatted accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program that does not require a previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree for admission. Instead of the typical semesters or quarters, the program employs a unique “block system” in which students complete nursing topics in discrete block segments of two to eight weeks in length one block at a time. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to access their nursing theory coursework at any time that fits their schedules. Students complete experiential learning nursing skills and simulation labs on Roseman’s Henderson campus. Clinical rotations are attended at healthcare facilities in the greater Las Vegas area. Four cohort start dates are available each year and the entire program can be completed in 18 months or less.
Admission requirements include a minimum of 54 credits earned from an accredited post-secondary institution. Credit transferability is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Applications are accepted year-round. The total cost for Roseman’s 2022-2023 ABSN program, including tuition and lab and tech fees, is $62,500. The NCLEX-RN exam pass rate for Roseman BSN graduates (reported April 1, 2022) is 94.83%.
Getting Your Nursing License After Your ABSN Program in Nevada
Obtaining your BSN through a Nevada accelerated nursing program is the biggest step to becoming a licensed RN, but it’s not the only step. You will also still have to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all the other requirements for RN licensure in your state. Below are the specific steps you’ll take as a graduate of a Nevada ABSN program to obtain your RN license in Nevada. For links to information on RN licensure for all U.S. states and territories, you can visit the NCSBN webpage.
- Complete your RN license application and pay the required registration fee via the Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) Nurse Portal.
- Order an official transcript of your nursing education program, including your degree posted and graduation date, and have it submitted directly by your nursing school to the NSBN. Once you’ve completed your BSN program, your school will send an affidavit of graduation to the NSBN which will make you eligible to receive an interim permit to start your nursing practice.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN exam and pay your registration fee through the Pearson Vue testing service. Once you’ve completed these first three steps, the NSBN will confirm your eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN exam and you will receive and authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson Vue. You will then schedule and sit for the exam.
- Complete and submit your fingerprint card or electronic fingerprint submission. The NSBN will not issue your permanent license until it receives fingerprint reports from the FBI and Nevada Department of Public Safety and any issues have been resolved. This process can take up to four months to complete.
- You will receive notice of your NCLEX-RN exam results from the NSBN approximately one week after taking the exam. If you have passed the exam and completed all other licensure requirements, you will be issued your permanent Nevada RN license.
Employment Outlook for BSN Nurses in Nevada
Before considering any career change, you need a solid understanding of what it’s in store for you in terms of job security and earnings, both starting your career and as you gain professional experience. Here’s a look at pay and job growth expectations for graduates of ABSN programs in Nevada today.
Are BSN registered nurses in high demand in Nevada?
There continues to be a major shortage of licensed RNs in the U.S. That shortage is particularly pronounced in Nevada, where employment of RNs is expected to grow by more than 20% from 2020 to 2030 compared to 9% across the nation overall. The shortage is long standing and existed well before the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem hits Nevada’s rural areas the hardest due to lesser resources than the state’s urban areas. All of this adds up to very strong current demand for RNs in Nevada that is expected to continue for many years to come.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in Nevada (2020-2030)
| New Jobs | Job Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 5,590 | 23,3% | 1,950 |
| United States | 276,700 | 9,0% | 194,500 |
Source: Projections Central
How much do nurses with a BSN make in Nevada?
High pay typically goes hand-in-hand with high demand for most occupations. That holds true when it comes to registered nurses in Nevada. According to the most recent (May 2021) figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, the annual mean wage in the state for RNs is $88,000, which is higher than for RNs in the U.S. overall.
| Area | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $82,750 |
| Nevada | $88,800 |
| Las Vegas- Henderson- Paradise | $90,230 |
| Carson City | $86,410 |
| Reno | $84,590 |
| Nevada nonmetropolitan area | $83,460 |
Source: Projections Central