Nevada’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), Nevada has continued to see an increase in nursing licenses issued for the state, showing an increase of 24% in endorsement applications. There are currently 56,911 nursing licenses issued for the state of Nevada.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing reported an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.5% for the fiscal year 2021/2022, which is above the national NCLEX pass rate of 74.13% for 2022 in first-time testers. With a center of advanced health and medical research and leading clinical treatment and education institutions, Nevada is a desirable place to work as an RN.
This guide highlights some of the best nursing programs Nevada has to offer. In addition to this, it will help you determine how to choose the best nursing program for you by showing the cost and NCLEX pass rates for some of the top-ranked Nevada schools. Read on to learn more about how to become a nurse in Nevada.
The Best Nursing Schools in Nevada
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Nevada based on the NCLEX pass rate as posted on the NCSBN. The schools are separated into two categories: Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science Nursing programs (BSN).
ADN Programs:
#1 Nevada ADN Nursing Program
Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers an Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree (AAS Nursing). They provide an accessible, student-centered, postsecondary nursing education that prepares graduates for entry-level nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
Classes are offered in-person or online in addition to clinical opportunities and simulations.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,593 per semester
Out-of-State: $12,809 per semester
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,593 per semester |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$12,809 per semester |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
84% completion in 4 semesters |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,836 |
| Institution Type |
Public |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
85% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Nevada ADN Nursing Program
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing that helps prepare students to practice as registered nurses.
Students are selected to enter the program after completing the pre-admission testing that tests their current knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary. Placement goes to residents of Nevada and Veterans first, and then non-resident applicants are considered.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,840 per semester
Out-of-State: $11,740 per semester
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,840 per semester |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,740 per semester |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
92.54% |
| Program Completion Rate |
71% in 4-semesters |
| Job Placement |
94% |
| Students Enrolled |
11,603 |
| Institution Type |
Public |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
42% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#3 Nevada ADN Nursing Program
Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Nursing. Its mission is to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college and provide them with the knowledge they need for their careers.
Students will complete their learning in the classroom, in skills and simulation labs, and in clinical opportunities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,748 per semester
Out-of-State: $11,434 per semester
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,748 per semester |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,434 per semester |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.58% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
96% within 6 months |
| Job Placement |
98% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,277 |
| Institution Type |
Public |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
46% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 Nevada BSN Nursing Program
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Nevada, Reno offers a BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Advanced Graduate (post-Master’s) certification program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program that are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These programs are offered through the Orvis School of Nursing.
Students are given access to resources, including pre-nursing group advising and a robust student nurses association.
Once you are in the program, you can choose from three bachelor’s degree options that can be completed in 12-16 months.
Average Tuition
In-State: $7,680
Out-of-State: $24,222
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$7,680 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,222 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
94.56% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
20,194 |
| Institution Type |
Public |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
24% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Nevada BSN Nursing Program
Nevada State College
Nevada State College offers a BSN program based on the work of nurse theorist Dr. Jean Watson. You can earn your degree through three different tracks: the pre-licensure BSN full-time track, the pre-licensure BSN part-time track, or the post-licensure BSN RN-BSN online track.
The nursing curriculum gives students opportunities to learn nursing concepts in class and then practice them in skills labs, simulation labs, and clinical practice experiences. At the end of the program, students will complete a preceptorship at a clinical location. Nevada State College has engaging coursework in holistic health assessments, bioethics and health informatics, evidence-based practice and research in nursing, medical terminology, pharmacology, and nursing care of children.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,075
Out-of-State: $19,440
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,075 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,440 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
90.36% |
| Admission Rate |
79% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
7,289 |
| Institution Type |
Public |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
38% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 Nevada BSN Nursing Program
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences offers a BSN program in Henderson, NV. Roseman University provides real-world training to help prepare students for their careers in nursing. Their accelerated BSN program can be taken on campus or through a hybrid-online program. They also offer a Veteran to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VSBN) pathway for those who have served in the military and an RN to BSN program pathway.
Roseman University’s mission is to educate current and future generations of nurses to serve local, national, and globally diverse communities. It encourages innovation through evidence-based practice and research.
With a program completion rate of 92% and a job placement rate of 93%, Roseman University exceeds national standards to prepare the future generation of nurses.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,000 for the RN to BSN program
Out-of-State: $8,000 for the RN to BSN program.
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$58,200 for the Accelerated BSN on campus, hybrid, & online.
$8,000 for the RN to BSN program. |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$58,200 for the Accelerated BSN on campus, hybrid, & online.
$8,000 for the RN to BSN program. |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
89.44% |
| Admission Rate |
41% |
| Retention Rate |
Not provided |
| Students Enrolled |
1,000 |
| Institution Type |
Private |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
41% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Nevada
When choosing a nursing program to attend, there are many things you want to consider. One important factor is choosing a program that is an accredited nursing program.
Other factors you want to consider are the cost of the program, length of the program, and scholarships or financial aid available to students. To determine how successful the program is at preparing its students to become nurses, you should check the NCLEX pass and graduation rates.
Why Become a Nurse in Nevada
Nevada has a lot in common with other states when it comes to healthcare needs. Patients are predominantly older and have one or more chronic health conditions. While a large population of Nevada’s nurses are close to retirement age, the growth of the patient and resident population makes it a good state for nursing jobs that pay well.
In 2021/2022, Nevada had an NCLEX pass rate for first-time test takers of 87.5%, which is above the national average for first-time testers in the United States.
Nevada is the center of advanced health and medical research and is leading in clinical treatment and education institutions.
In addition to robust nursing schools and healthcare facilities, Nevada offers one of the most dramatic natural sceneries in the country, perfect for taking outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and rock climbing. Nevada is known for its desert landscapes, large casinos, and vibrant nightlife. It is a state rich with natural wonders, rich history, and diverse culture.
The cost of living in Nevada is 2% lower than the national average. This means that you will usually find lower prices for food, housing, and transportation when compared to other states.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nevada
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of registered nurses is between $59,450-$124,250, which is higher than the national average. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) make between $79,470-$163,350 per year.
The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. About 203,200 openings for registered nurses are projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Nevada Cities for RNs |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise |
$90,230 |
| Carson City |
$86,410 |
| Reno |
$84,590 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Nevada
There are multiple steps and paths candidates can take to become an RN and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Nevada Board of Nursing. There are currently 12 fully approved nursing programs in Nevada, which includes both ADN and BSN programs. Upon successfully completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to go back to school to obtain their APRN. After you have successfully completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Nevada, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program.
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Nevada:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes 2 years to complete, while a BSN program usually takes 4 years to complete. Courses can be taken in-person or online. Both programs may offer a part-time track which will take longer to complete.
- After successfully completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN Exam. You will need to submit your transcripts and proof of graduation and complete a criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Nevada, you will need to complete 30 hours of continuing education credits related to nursing to maintain your license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Nevada:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Nevada.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles: Nurse Practitioner, Certified Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Certified Registered Anesthetist.
- The Nevada licensing board accepts certifications from the following:
– National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
– American Nurses Credentialing Center
– Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
– American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
– National Certification Corporation
– American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
– American Midwifery Certification Board
- APRNs are required to complete 45 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their license. This may include the required 30 hours of continuing education for renewal of your RN license, which is required to maintain your APRN license.
Nevada State Board of Nursing
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Nevada
Is Nevada a good place for nurses to work?
Nevada is ranked the 15th best state to work as a nurse in the United States. The average salary of an RN in Nevada is about $90,000, which is higher than the national average. With the growth of the aging population of baby boomers, many of whom have one or more chronic conditions, this state has plenty of employment opportunities for nurses. The state anticipates a growth of 540 nurses each year for the next ten years.
Is Nevada a compact state for nursing?
Nevada is not a member of the compact nursing license. You must have an active Nevada RN license to practice nursing in Nevada.
What are the requirements for RNs in Nevada?
RNs in Nevada must have completed a nursing program, passed their NCLEX-RN exam, and have an active and unrestricted RN license.
To renew your license, you must have completed your 30 hours of nursing-related continuing education, including two hours of instruction related to cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Nurse Practice Act requires a one-time 4-hour bioterrorism course to also be completed. To be eligible for license renewal, you need to have practiced as a nurse within the previous five years.
If you have not practiced nursing in the last five years, you will be required to complete a refresher program or retake the NCLEX-RN exam before your license is renewed.
How much does a Nevada RN license cost?
You can complete your application for your nursing license on the Nevada Nurse Portal. The fee to complete this is $105. You will need to submit evidence of graduation from a nursing education program that shows the degree and graduation date. You will also need official verification from your original state licensure.
If you are renewing your current Nevada RN license, the fee for this is $100. There is an additional fee of $100 if this is submitted after your RN license expiration date.
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