[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center, the number of registered nurses (RNs) in the state increased by 24% in the last decade. With some of the country’s highest average salaries for nurses and high National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) pass rates, Nevada has become an attractive place to pursue the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores some of the best nursing programs in Nevada, the salary and job outlook for graduates, and state licensing guidelines. Keep reading to learn more about the best nursing schools in Nevada.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in Nevada and discover which programs provide the best options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Nevada, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many factors to consider as you explore nursing programs in Nevada. For example, you should limit your search to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]accredited nursing schools and programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other features to examine include tuition rates, program length, and any available [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link]. You can find out if a program successfully prepares students for the workforce by checking its [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX pass rate[/hen-ui-link] and graduation rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Nevada enjoy some of the highest average salaries in the United States. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn higher salaries in their respective fields than 80% of their counterparts nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nevada nursing students also demonstrate some of the country’s highest NCLEX-RN pass rates. In 2020, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/2019_NCLEXExamStats.pdf” target=”_blank”]over 93%[/hen-ui-link] of first-time test takers passed the exam, ranking Nevada the 12th most successful state in preparing its students for the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offering high average salaries and strong nursing programs, Nevada is a great place for prospective nurses to begin their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nevada offers RNs some of the highest average annual salaries in the country. At $89,750 per year, Nevada is just ahead of New Jersey ($85,720) and right behind New York ($89,760). Nurse practitioners (NPs) fare even better than their RN counterparts, coming in just outside of the top five states with an average annual salary of $119,890.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Nevada ranks 36th in demand estimates. The state is projected to have a surplus of 8,100 nurses by the year 2030. However, these projections were calculated before the COVID-19 pandemic, when many nurses left the field due to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurse-burnout/”]nurse burnout[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table identifies the highest-paying metropolitan areas in Nevada. Geographically, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno are the top three most populated areas in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With much of the state covered in desert, employment opportunities cluster in the state’s highly populated southernmost (Las Vegas) and westernmost (Carson City) regions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Nevada[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Las Vegas — Henderson — Paradise[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$92,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Carson City[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$81,930[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Reno[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$80,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in Nevada” href=”/state/nevada/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must complete a program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for state licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After becoming licensed and gaining experience, RNs who complete an approved graduate program can apply for APRN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education requirements for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license and work as a nurse in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in Nevada:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must enroll in a nursing program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students may [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]earn their nursing degree online[/hen-ui-link] or in person. ADN programs typically take two years to complete, while BSN programs are generally four years long. Part-time students may take longer to graduate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an ADN or a BSN, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for state licensure. Nurses also undergo a criminal background check and submit their transcripts and proof of graduation to the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must complete 30 continuing education credits every two years to maintain their license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN in Nevada:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Nevada.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”] master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”] doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective APRNs are required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles: [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/”]certified nurse midwife[/hen-ui-link], NP, clinical nurse specialist, or certified registered nurse anesthetist. The Nevada licensing board accepts certifications from the following organizations:

National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Academy of Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Association of Critical-Care Nurses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Midwifery Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

APRNs must complete 45 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. These consist of 30 hours for their RN license and 15 hours directly related to their APRN specialty.

[/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nevada RN to BSN Degree Programs” href=”/state/nevada/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top RN to MSN Programs in Nevada” href=”/state/nevada/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Nevada[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Nevada a good place for nurses to work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who work in [hen-ui-link href=”/state/nevada/rn-salary/”]Nevada benefit[/hen-ui-link] from one of the nation’s higher average annual salaries. The state is ranked 5th for LPNs, who earn $59,700 a year; 9th for RNs, who make $89,750; and 6th for NPs, who draw an average annual salary of $119,890.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the state is not projected to experience a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/why-is-there-a-nursing-shortage//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link] in the coming decade, promising job opportunities make Nevada a good state for LPNs, RNs, and APRNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I transfer my nursing license to Nevada?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To transfer a nursing license to Nevada, out-of-state nurses should apply for licensure by endorsement. Licensed LPNs and RNs must have graduated from an accredited program to get endorsement. The Nevada State Board of Nursing issues qualified nurses a temporary license that is valid for six months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nurse must then undergo a background check before the end of the six months to receive a permanent license. Individuals who do not complete the background check before their temporary license expires cannot reapply for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Nevada a compact state for nursing?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nevada does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]Nursing compact states[/hen-ui-link] agree to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow. The NLC makes it easier for RNs to qualify for a license in other NLC states with minimal paperwork. Nurses with an NLC license do not need to pay license renewal fees and can provide [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]telehealth nursing care[/hen-ui-link] to patients across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I become a nurse in Nevada?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The easiest way to become a nurse in Nevada is to enroll in an ADN or BSN program in the state. Completing an in-state program makes it easier to earn a Nevada nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals who have earned their license in another state can contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing for a temporary license. As long as the nurse completes a background check before the temporary license expires, the state should issue a permanent license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]