Top 20 Nursing Schools in Nevada: Where Should I Secure My Nursing Degree in Nevada?

Are you having difficulty choosing the ideal Nevada nursing school for your career goals? We’re going to help you by showing you our list of the best Top 20 Nursing Schools in Nevada. The Silver State houses many exceptional nursing colleges, so settling for one often poses a challenge. Fortunately, we’re here to help. This guide breaks down Nevada’s most reputable nursing schools to find you the perfect fit for your career, budget, and program, among other preferences. If you’re looking for more online options, check our list of the best online programs for Nurses. Ready? Ride along!

Best Nursing Schools in Nevada: First Look

1. Best overall — University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
2. Niche undergraduate programs — Nevada State College
3. Longest standing reputation — University of Nevada, Reno
4. Impressive collaborative education — Touro University Nevada
5. Best nursing programs for entry-level nurses — College of Southern Nevada
6. College of Southern Nevada alternative — Great Basin College
7. Impressively affordable tuition — Truckee Meadows Community College
8. Unique rigorous programs — Roseman University of Health Sciences
9. Top transition nursing college — Western Nevada College
10. Remarkable graduation rate — Carrington College, Reno
11. Standalone nursing school — Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas
12. Excellent 3-Year regular BSN degree program — Chamberlain University, Las Vegas
13. Resourceful career assistance programs — Las Vegas College
14. Most flexible CNA course — Nevada Career Institute, Las Vegas
15. Impressive digital nursing school — University of Phoenix, Las Vegas
16. 1-year RN bridge program — Missouri State University, Nevada
17. Best hybrid BSN degree — Unitek College, Reno
18. Leading short term college — Milan Institute, Las Vegas
19. Milan institute Las Vegas’ best alternative — Milan Institute, Sparks
20. Very convenient career programs — Northwest Career College

Requirements for Admission in Nevada Nursing Schools

Most Nevada nursing schools require standard criteria for admission, although more competitive universities may demand higher. These basic requirements include:

• A GPA of at least 2.7 and 3.0 for an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program respectively

• Pre-requisite courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and English

• A good score on the SATs or TEAS entry exams

How Much Do Nevada Nurses Make?

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that Registered Nurses (RNs) in Nevada make an average of $89,750 annually ($43.15 per hour). This figure significantly beats the national average registered nurse salary, currently at $80,010 ($34.47 per hour).

Job Outlook for Nurses in Nevada

Currently, Nevada employs only 23,420 registered nurses. However, a rapidly aging and retiring population has recently resulted in nurse scarcity. The stats suggest that 1 in 6 Nevadians is 65 years old, demonstrating the need for RNs and other entry-level nurses in Nevada’s health care system. Subsequently, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projected that the job outlook for nurses in Nevada may grow by 15% between 2016–2026.

Best Nursing Schools and Nursing Programs in Nevada

1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Best Nursing School Overall

Estimated Tuition: $8,893 – Local / $24,984 Domestic Acceptance Rate: 81% Graduation Rate: 41% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.2% Available Programs

• Traditional BSN / RN-BSN / Available Online – Accelerated Second Degree BSN / MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner / Available Online Nursing Education / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner / Advanced Graduate Certificates

• DNP (Available Online – Post  Master’s Advanced Practice / Available Online – BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner / Available Online Post Master’s Nurse Executive / BSN-DNP Nurse Executive / Post Master’s Nurse Practitioner / Post Master’s Academic Leadership / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Online Ph.D. (Nursing Education / Post MSN Accelerated Ph.D. / Post DNP Ph.D.

UNLV’s School of Nursing checks every box that makes a phenomenal nursing school — ranging from widely accredited, nationally recognized programs to a dynamic, diverse academic environment. That’s not all, as the college boasts state-of-the-art clinical facilities and a cutting-edge simulation center. What’s better? The college is a one-stop for all. New students, continuing nurses, and career-switchers are all welcome! In addition, most courses at the university are accessible online, so advancing nurses can balance their lives outside school. Rest assured, the digital programs are comprehensive enough, with referential recorded lectures, video conferencing, and virtual campus tools for materials. Are you impressed? It gets even better; but how? Students can access nursing research benefit from active grants all the time. Not to mention the relatively affordable costs, making the University of Nevada, LV, the best value nursing institute.

2. Nevada State College — Best Programs for Undergraduate Students

Estimated Tuition: $6,075 – Local / $19,076 – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 90% Graduation Rate: 25% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.5% Available Programs

• Traditional BSN / Part-time BSN / Online RN-BSN

Students will quickly realize that Nevada State College offers far more than its status as the first college in the state. How so? The college’s School of Nursing measures up to other traditional universities and even beats many with its evidence-based practice. Even better, there’s an option for everyone. For starters, students with no prior education can access the traditional option. Part-time is available, too, for more flexibility, while professionals can select the digital program to maintain a healthy school-work balance. Note Nevada State College is a small campus, so big pro-small classes are the norm. Heads up: expect personalized attention from the faculty throughout your program. What’s better? Nevada State College partners with various hospitals, clinics, and health organizations to provide learners with real-life experiences in fast-paced clinical environments. Such a development offers an opportunity to improve and solidify your hard clinical expertise.

3. University of Nevada, Reno — First Nevada Nursing School

Estimated Tuition: $8,366 – Local / $16,091  – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 87% Graduation Rate: 54% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.3% Available Programs

• BSN / Accelerated BSN / Online RN-BSN

• Online MSN (Adult-Gerontology Acute and Primary Care NP / Clinical Nurse Leader / Family NP / Nurse Educator / Pediatric Care NP / Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

• Online DNP (BSN-DNP / MSN-DNP) / Advanced Graduate (Post Master’s) Certificates

Many have earmarked UNR’s Orvis School of Nursing as the Silver State’s flagship public nursing institution, and for good reasons. Start with the depth and range of options available to nursing students. The school’s programs cover teaching, research, and service, so undergraduates, graduates, doctorate aspirants, and post-master students can apply. Similarly, there’s a unique entry BSN program for aspirants with no previous knowledge in the field to become nurses without the traditional 4-year hassles. Better still, the adult-oriented programs are available online, so schooling doesn’t hinder other living aspects. What else? The University of Nevada, Reno, offers an encouragingly inclusive academic society — thanks to ethnically and culturally diverse students and faculties to set you at ease as soon as possible. Lastly, you’ll find various scholarship schemes to minimize your schooling debts if you have to incur them.

4. Touro University Nevada — Leading Collaborative Collegiate Nursing Education

Estimated Tuition: $706 Per Credit Acceptance Rate: 76% Graduation Rate: 81% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.49% Available Programs

• Online RN-BSN

• Online MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner)

• Post MSN Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner

Did you know that the quinquagenarian Touro University Nevada is home to one of Nevada’s most intensive nursing schools? An impressive feat, considering the school is privately owned. Touro University Nevada’s School of Nursing emphasizes major areas to facilitate an excellent nursing education; innovation, collaboration, dedication, and a tight-knit academic society. Innovative students can access numerous research opportunities, including collaborations with research institutions and grants for potential breakthroughs in health services. Note the college engages in volunteering and community service, so students can actively interact with the community while also gaining a clinical practice edge. Additionally, Touro University Nevada enrolls about 1,000 students per year. The class size is typically small, and you can appreciate the open-door faculty policy when you need expert advice. What’s better? Students can complete the RN to BSN and DNP programs within a year, presenting an incredibly timesaving alternative.

5. College of Southern Nevada — Excellent Nursing Programs for Entry-level Nurses

Estimated Tuition: $3,878 – Local / $11,355 – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 100% Graduation Rate: 16% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.6% Available Programs

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS/ADN)

• LPN-RN (AAS)

• Online RN-BSN

The College of Southern Nevada joins an exclusive list of colleges giving established universities a run for their money. Doubtful? For a start, you may consider that it’s the largest and most ethnically diverse college in the state. What’s more? The school’s Nursing Department offers associate degrees and an online RN to BSN program to help entry-level nurses transition faster into steadfast registered nurses. In addition, you can individualize the digital RN to BSN program such that you can take nursing practice wherever you live. Few nursing schools offer this much convenience! On-campus students receive an outstanding education, too. CSN supports your education with state-of-the-art educational, library, and clinical facilities to ensure you acquire every relevant skill you might need.

6. Great Basin College — Outstanding for Its Entry-level Offerings

Estimated Tuition: $3,248 – Local / $10,603 – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 100% Graduation Rate: 5.2% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.74% Available Programs

• Online RN-BSN

• AAS

The Great Basin College is a conducive hub to kick-start your nursing journey with an Associate’s degree or a BSN as a licensed registered nurse in just one year. Impressive, isn’t it? It gets better! Learning is student-intuitive at the Great Basin College, so you are assured of smaller class sizes, excellent faculty, and success support programs like online tutoring and supervised exams. Speaking of online, note the RN to BSN bridge program is 100% remote so that you can have nursing practice anywhere you live. Plenty of time to keep your life outside classes going! The Great Basin College belongs to the Nevada System of Higher Education, and it recently proved its merit with a first-time National Council Licensure Examination-RN pass rate of 94.74%.

7. Truckee Meadows Community College — Most Affordable Collegiate Nursing Education

Estimated Tuition: $2,862 – Local / $10,339 – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 100% Graduation Rate: 27.6% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95% Available Programs

• Online RN-BSN

• ADN

Truckee Meadows Community College is an ideal launchpad to start or advance a nursing career. Why? New students of TMCC’s Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing program can complete their first nursing degree within two years. Similarly, licensed RNs can secure their BSN via a fully digital program flexible enough to complement their schedules snugly. What’s better? The college offers additional academic support measures to ensure you optimize your stay at the school. Testing assurance and tutoring services are at your reach whenever you deem fit. Not to mention the average class size of 21 students only, facilitating personalized, improved learning sessions. In addition, you can become one of the 89% of full-time students with access to financial aid for the lesser inconvenience.

8. Roseman University of Health Sciences — Top Competency-based Nursing Programs

Estimated Tuition: $34,000 Acceptance Rate: 37% Graduation Rate: 78% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.17% Available Programs

• Online RN-BSN / Accelerated BSN

• Online/Hybrid or On-Campus Accelerated BSN

• Online MSN (Family NP)

RUHS’ inclusion in this list isn’t a fluke, as the college is technically a home for health professionals. But that’s not the best thing about this college. Instead, it’s the unique learning techniques to help students achieve proficient clinical skills. For a start, RUHS introduces you to experiential learning faster than most schools, courtesy of your unrestricted access to cutting-edge clinical facilities and real-time healthcare settings. The result? A solid foundation that remains unrivaled among nursing students today! What’s better? Students can stimulate interest through collaborative learning activities, such as workshops, case presentations, group projects, and role-playing. It’s also noteworthy that students focus on a subject at a time and must demonstrate at least 90% competence before proceeding to another area. Lastly, working professionals can enjoy optimal convenience as they learn. You can choose to learn online, on-campus, or do both under the accelerated program.

9. Western Nevada College — Excellent Transition Nursing College

Estimated Tuition: $3,548 – Local / $11,025 – Domestic Acceptance Rate: 100% Graduation Rate: 20% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.49% Available Programs

• Applied Science Degree in Nursing (AAS)

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Western Nevada College establishes itself as a launchpad for new students and a progression school for old students looking to maintain relevance in the dynamic Nevada state. The college offers transfer degrees to help students complete the first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree,  while career-switchers can set up their new career in as little as eight weeks through the professional programs. WNC maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, so tailorable learning is available here. In addition, students who require extra help can access academic coaching services whenever they ask. What’s better? The school offers affordable education, and, besides, students have access to numerous aid schemes to ease their financial responsibilities.

10. Carrington College, Reno — Highest Graduation Rate Nursing College

Estimated Tuition: $49,930 Acceptance Rate: 95.5% Graduation Rate: 84% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.0% Available Programs

• LVN

• ADN

• LVN-ADN

Tuition fees can seem relatively expensive at Carrington College, Reno, but trust the institution to compensate with excellent aid programs. Consider the graduation rate for a start. However, it gets much better at this school. CCR boasts a revolutionary learning approach, with an advanced skills lab, high fidelity simulators, and multimedia wired classrooms for wholesome education. What’s better? You can complete your degree within record time! RNs and LVNs (licensed vocational nurses) have access to 2-year entry-level programs. Not to forget the fast-track LVN-ADN brigade course to upgrade your degree within eight months.

11. Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas — Niche Nursing School

Estimated Tuition: $20,170 Acceptance Rate: 89.5% Graduation Rate: 17.6% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97% Available Programs

• Traditional BSN

The Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas, exists independently to stand out from the crowd with its single nursing program: the BSN. Interested students can complete the course within three years or less with qualified transfer credits. What’s better? The General Education courses primarily taken in the first year are offered in the evening so that students can settle in better. Additionally, the college provides a supportive community, including scholarships, faculty mentorship, tutoring, and other academic support, to make students’ time more pleasant on campus.

12. Chamberlain University, Las Vegas — 3-Year BSN Nursing Program

Estimated Tuition: $675 Per Credit Acceptance Rate: 83% Graduation Rate: 70.6% NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.56% Available Programs

• Traditional BSN

Chamberlain University at Las Vegas presents nursing students with the opportunity to complete their degree in three years. The courses start as early as the end of the first year, unlike many schools where students have to wait until sometime in the second year. Also, the experiential learning here is top-notch. Learners can hone their hard clinical skills to the apex with an on-site clinical setting and a SIMCARE CENTER with high-tech patient mannikins. Above all, 90% of the students at Chamberlain University receive some financial aid, which you could explore too for more affordability.

13. Las Vegas College — Best Career Assistance for Healthcare Professionals

Estimated Tuition: $14,903 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96% Available Programs

• LPN

• ADN

• RN-BSN

Las Vegas College provides courses for people interested in providing hands-on care as Licensed Practical Nurses and lower level RNs, with a flexible, online RN to BSN option for licensed RNs that want to step up their careers. Coming to the best part, Las Vegas College partners with Nevada employers to design a career assistance program to help qualified students quickly obtain excellent jobs following graduation.

14. Nevada Career Institute, Las Vegas — Flexible Career Nursing Institution

Estimated Tuition: $24,975 Available Programs

• CNA

Nevada Career Institute, Las Vegas, is a career college for a short-term nursing program for nursing assistants. The program takes about nine months, and students can alternate between morning or evening classes, so other responsibilities are effectively handled.

15. University of Phoenix, Las Vegas — Online Nevada Nursing School

Estimated Tuition: $9,552 Available Programs

• RN-BSN

• MSN (Nursing Administration / Nursing Education / Nursing Informatics / Family NP)

• Post-Master’s Certificates

• DNP

The University of Phoenix operates on the motto ‘faster for less.’ The nursing courses are available entirely online for a start. Plus, you’re allowed to transfer eligible credits as an RN, helping complete your studies much faster, with a promise of fixed and competitive tuition.

16. Missouri State University, Nevada — One-year BSN Program for RNS

Estimated Tuition: $257 per credit hour Available Programs

• RN-BSN

Missouri State College currently has a fully online RN-BSN program for working nurses. Essentially, you can rest assured of absolutely convenient studying wherever you live.  Plus, you can finish the course within 12 months!

17. Unitek College, Reno — Great Hybrid Traditional BSN

Estimated Tuition: $35,284 Available Programs

• BSN

• LPN

• CNA

Unitek College offers future RNs, Practical Nurses, and Nurse Assistants programs. However, their BSN offering stands out for its hybrid nature, with classes a mix of online and in-class courses. RNs with an Associate degree can join the nursing program as advanced placement students and transfer earned relevant credits.

18. Milan Institute, Las Vegas — Short-term Nursing College

Estimated Tuition: $14,251 Available Programs

• CNA

Milan Institute makes its bones providing short-term career programs that mostly take a few months. In nursing, they offer a CNA course for anyone who wants to take a quick nursing course. Although short, the program is quite extensive, covering medical information, demonstration, and administrative, clinical, and lab skills.

19. Milan Institute, Sparks — Milan Institute, Las Vegas Alternative Campus

Estimated Tuition: $14,712 Available Programs

• CNA

The campus at Sparks seeks to develop entry-level nursing assistants qualified to work in various health settings under other healthcare professionals. Note the CNA program only takes about nine month.

20. Northwest Career College — Most Convenient Nursing Career College

Estimated Tuition: $7,437 Available Programs

• CNA

Northwest Career College earns its stripes by offering the flexibility of online theory classes and on-site, hands-on training. Additionally, you can choose what works for you between morning and evening classes.

Best Nursing Schools in Nevada: Conclusion

Kick-starting a nursing career is best done in an excellent institution where you can access numerous study programs, convenient schedules, and world-class facilities. The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, takes the top spot for its wide nursing program selection, cutting-edge clinical facilities, and competitive tuition, making it a more balanced option for any nursing student. Note the Nevada State College and the University of Nevada, Reno, are viable alternatives with similarly affordable structures. Notwithstanding, other mentions in this list may make excellent choices, too. So, it’s advisable to keep an eye out to determine which makes the ideal fit for your preferences. Good luck!