Online Nursing Schools in Nevada: Finding the Right Program
With jobs for registered nurses (RNs) in Nevada expected to grow more than double the national average from 2018 to 2028, the state will need to boost its nursing pipeline. Fortunately, many Nevada schools have online nursing programs to help the state meet those demands. Get the inside scoop on top programs in Nevada, learn about NV licensing requirements, see career and salary information, and review the top online nursing programs available.
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Comparing Online Nursing Programs in Nevada
You can become a registered nurse by first testing the waters and starting as a CNA or earning your associate degree, or you can pursue an advanced degree or post-graduate certification. Las Vegas has nursing programs at all levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and doctoral and graduate certificate programs.
Keep in mind that online components of nursing programs vary. In the early stages of education, the practical aspects of nursing roles are in focus, meaning the most flexible online undergraduate degree programs typically adopt a hybrid approach. Additionally, clinicals or fieldwork are usually held on campus or in a professional setting. However, once you’ve received your early training, graduate programs are often fully online and designed to accommodate a working nurse’s schedule.
Explore the various pathways to your nursing education below.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
If you are a high school graduate, have a GED, or are a high school senior considering a career in nursing, start here. Even if you’ve been in the workforce in another area, these undergraduate options are the best place to begin to explore nursing as a career.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistants are often the glue in the medical workflow, checking in frequently with patients and monitoring their needs. Many CNA programs can be completed efficiently with online coursework and in-person clinicals, culminating in taking a Certified Nursing Assistant exam.
Example: University of Nevada Las Vegas Certified Nursing Assistant
- Cost: $2,575
- Length: 4 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurses take on more responsibility than a CNA and still need additional coursework to earn an RN (there are programs to bridge your skills as an LPN to becoming an RN). Practical Nurses provide hands-on care directly to patients and can administer medications and injections, for example.
Example: Las Vegas College Practical Nurse Program
- Cost: $450/credit unit, $24,975 total
- Length: 15 months (55.5 quarter credit units)
- Mode: Hybrid
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs often serve as the first stop for students aspiring to become registered nurses and are found in Nevada’s community colleges and vocational schools. In addition to coursework, students participate in a clinical component to qualify for licensure. Most students spend two years completing ADN graduation requirements.
Example: College of Southern Nevada Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Cost: $123.75/credit hour
- Length: 34 credits
- Mode: Hybrid
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN programs support students who already possess bachelor’s degrees in unrelated subjects but want to move into nursing. Requiring 12-18 months of study, these programs are either campus-based or hybrid, and they typically include summer semesters to help students graduate more quickly.
Example: Roseman University of Health Sciences Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
- Cost: $61,800 (total cost)
- Length: 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
After practicing for a little while, many nurses want to upskill their training or advance their studies to take on other job opportunities. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or a PhD in Nursing are all pathways to increase the scope of your practice or contribution to the field.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
To advance to the role of Nurse Practitioner, the first step is earning a Master of Science in Nursing. Many nurses elect to enroll in these programs while working as an RN with a BSN, as they are primarily online. Some health systems may support the cost of your program, especially if you work for a health system with a nursing school that offers an MSN.
Example: University of Las Vegas Nevada Master of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $344.25/credit hour
- Length: 33-53 credits, depending on area of specialization
- Mode: Online (with on-campus orientations)
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
Pursuing a DNP provides graduates with the credentials to work in professional clinical nursing roles at the highest echelons of the discipline, such as a Nurse Anesthetist. The PhD provides training for research and academic positions. Students spend three to six years enrolled, depending on their chosen path.
Example: Roseman University of Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA)
- Cost: $49,000 (total cost)
- Length: 36 months
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate certificates take less time than a degree but help nurses build niche skills. Many schools offer graduate certificates fully online with specializations like psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, nurse leader, nurse educator, and family nurse practitioner.
Example: University of Nevada Reno Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate
- Cost: $344.25/credit hour
- Length: 17-33 credits (depending on APRN status)
- Mode: Hybrid
Bridge Degree Programs
If you have previously earned a license or degree in nursing, it makes sense that you would want to build on that knowledge base while advancing your education. Bridge degree programs consider your existing credentials when conceptualizing the curriculum for your desired tier of learning, all while upholding accreditation and licensing standards.
RN to BSN
Many ADN-educated RNs decide to upgrade their degrees to help them earn higher salaries, move up the career ladder, and take advantage of leadership positions by earning a BSN. Schools often provide online RN to BSN bridge programs for these individuals since they don’t require additional clinical training, as there is no licensure change due to earning a BSN. Most take 12-18 months to complete.
Example: Truckee Meadows Community College RN to BSN Nursing Program
- Cost: $62/credit
- Length: 120 credits (12 months)
- Mode: Fully online
BSN to DNP
A BSN to DNP bridge program allows students to bypass an MSN and move directly into earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Most of these programs take 30-36 months, and both in-person and online options are available. Typical concentrations include family nurse practitioner, nursing faculty, healthcare executives, policy analysts, or nursing leaders.
Example: University of Nevada Reno Nursing DNP (from BSN)
- Cost: $344.25/credit hour
- Length: 3 years (68-72 credits, based on specialty)
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
For RNs who do not hold a BSN but do hold a bachelor’s degree in another domain, a direct-entry MSN folds in BSN coursework and results in earning an MSN without going through two application and admission cycles. Many programs prefer some work experience as an RN before enrolling.
Example: University of Nevada Las Vegas Master of Science in Nursing
- Cost: $344.25/credit hour
- Length: 33 – 53 credits, depending on concentration area
- Mode: Hybrid
How to Become a Licensed Registered Nurse in Nevada
The licensing requirements for becoming an RN in Las Vegas and surrounding areas are determined by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. These requirements include obtaining licensure by examination. To sit for the NCLEX-RN, students must fill out an application, provide their official transcripts, pay a fee to the state board of nursing, pay to take the test through Pearson VUE and present their fingerprints for a background check. Visit our guide to nursing schools in Nevada, where you can find more information on licensing requirements.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Failing to attend a school from the list of approved nursing education programs provided by the Nevada State Board of Nursing may result in issues getting a license. Approved programs are also programs that carry accreditation from CCNE or ACEN. Programs will proudly display their accreditation status on their marketing materials. You must graduate from an ADN or BSN program to seek RN licensure.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The State Board of Nursing allows applicants to supply passing scores from either the NCLEX-RN or if they previously held a license in a different state, a State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) approved by another state’s board of nursing.
To prepare for the NCLEX-RN, study together with your classmates! Take advantage of your program’s study resources; they want to support you in passing the exam on your first attempt.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN, apply for your license by submitting a completed application alongside a $105 application fee. You must also supply a copy of your diploma or official transcripts and a completed fingerprinting card for a background check. Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence of a U.S. social security number or individual taxpayer ID Number and pass an English proficiency examination.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
RNs must renew their licenses via the Nevada Nurse Portal every two years based on their birthday and pay a $100 fee. The Nevada Nurse Practice Act requires all RNs to complete 30 continuing education credits per renewal cycle. In addition to completing a cultural competency course every cycle, first-time licensees must also complete a four-hour course on bioterrorism.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Once you’ve gained some experience as a nurse generalist, you may reflect on a favorite clinical rotation or area of particular interest. This may also be a good time to assess work/life balance and whether certain areas of nursing are a better fit for your lifestyle. Take our quiz to learn more about different specialty certifications, and consider adding a specialty to your toolbox of nursing skills.
Salary and Career Info for RNs in Nevada
Nevada stands out as an excellent state for Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking high salaries and rapid job growth. The statewide median salary for RNs is $96,210, with top earners making up to $132,010 annually. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise leads the way with a median of $96,500, while Carson City offers a slightly lower median at $91,000. Reno follows closely, with a median salary of $93,530 and top pay nearing $130,350. These figures highlight the state’s strong demand for skilled nurses across both urban and regional areas.
Nevada’s job outlook for RNs is even more impressive. The state is projected to grow RN positions by 18.6% through 2030, adding 4,520 new roles for a total of 28,810 jobs. With around 1,880 annual openings due to growth and turnover, Nevada offers one of the fastest-growing markets for nursing professionals in the country. Whether you’re looking to launch your career or take the next step, Nevada’s healthcare sector provides ample opportunities. Explore the data below to learn more.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $77,160 | $96,210 | $132,010 |
| Carson City, NV | $79,390 | $91,000 | $110,960 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | $78,460 | $96,500 | $132,010 |
| Reno, NV | $74,340 | $93,530 | $130,350 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Nevada’s Best Online Nursing Programs
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Why We Selected University of Nevada-Las Vegas:
- UNLV's nursing program offers a unique Nurse Camp for high school students to explore nursing careers.
- The program provides accelerated completion options through its 16-month traditional BSN program.
- UNLV's nursing degrees are nationally recognized, offering specialized tracks like psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$7,949
- Average Institutional Aid$3,724
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Henderson, Nevada
Why We Selected Roseman University of Health Sciences:
- Roseman University's DNPNA program offers a unique hybrid-online learning model, enhancing flexibility and accessibility.
- The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, ensuring high standards.
- Roseman's Six-Point Mastery Learning Model fosters collaboration and competency-based education, promoting student success.
Program Details
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Average In-State Tuition$36,297
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course72%
- % of Students Receiving an AwardN/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
