Best Nursing Schools in Nevada

Best RN Programs in Nevada

Nevada Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

To start your nursing career in Nevada, you’ll need to earn a degree to qualify for licensure. The common entry-level options are an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To understand the differences between these pathways and how they might fit your goals, read on.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re seeking the fastest path to RN licensure, an ADN or nursing diploma is your best option. These programs provide the essential training needed to become licensed and typically take one to two years to complete. If you’re already working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), you may be eligible for an LPN to RN bridge program, which can help you earn either an ADN or BSN more quickly than enrolling in a traditional ADN or BSN program.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Nevada include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Nevada.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

ADN and nursing diploma programs are excellent choices for students who want to enter the nursing field quickly. However, if you’re looking for more in-depth training before launching your career, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program might be the better fit. A BSN is often more appealing to employers, which can help you secure job opportunities more quickly compared to an ADN or nursing diploma. While a traditional BSN takes about four years to complete, there are faster options for those who are already licensed as RNs, such as RN to BSN programs. Additionally, if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, an Accelerated BSN program may be a great option to consider.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Nevada typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

Working nurses who want to pursue a BSN have a straightforward option through the Nevada RN to BSN. This pathway is available to nurses with an RN license, an ADN, and at least one year of nursing experience. Most nurses can complete an RN to BSN program in as little as two years, allowing them to advance their education while continuing to work.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Lastly, if your goal is to practice independently as a nurse practitioner or in another advanced practice role, you will need to pursue further education after earning your BSN. To do so, you'll need to graduate from a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced nursing programs typically range from 2 to 6 years of study, depending on the specific program and whether you are attending full-time or part-time. These degrees not only open doors to specialized roles in healthcare but also provide the advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and in-depth knowledge needed to work independently or in high-level positions within the healthcare system.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Nevada:

• Nevada Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Nevada MSN Program
• Nevada RN to MSN Programs
• Nevada Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Nevada DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Nevada

The final step in becoming a licensed RN in Nevada is to complete the licensing process. To obtain your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit a completed application to the Nevada Board of Nursing, and pay the required application fee. Once the board has reviewed and processed your application, you can expect to receive your license within a few weeks to a couple of months. Keep in mind that maintaining your license will require ongoing continuing education courses to meet the state’s renewal requirements.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Nevada

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Nevada Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Before applying to nursing programs in Nevada, it's crucial to verify that each program meets the necessary RN program accreditation standards. In the U.S., nursing programs are accredited by two main organizations: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If the program you choose is not accredited by either of these organizations, you will not be eligible to meet the licensing requirements set by the Nevada Board of Nursing. Ensure that the program you select is properly accredited to avoid delays in your path to licensure.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Nevada

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