Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees (DNPs) are high-level degrees that prepare students for clinical nursing education and advanced practice nursing. Registered nurses seeking DNP degrees are able to focus their studies on either advanced practice nursing and systems or organizational/educational leadership.
The number of unit hours required to complete a program will vary from program to program and depend on the specialty being pursued. The post-master's DNP programs in the state of Nevada will requires completion of didactic and practicum nursing courses that comprise around 31 semester credit—depending on the track. BSN-DNP programs normally require 60 credits for the Nurse Executive tracks, and 68 credits to complete the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.
Upon successful completion of the DNP, graduates will be able to:
- Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population health care outcomes in various direct and indirect settings
- Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research
- Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery, and management of nursing care and health care systems.
- Act as a change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession
- Collaborate in inter-professional teams to meet the health care needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations
2025 Best DNP Programs in Nevada
Navigating the landscape of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in Nevada can be challenging. RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the top DNP programs in the Silver State, focusing on academic quality, clinical opportunities, and student success. Our comprehensive analysis helps aspiring nurse leaders find the best educational paths to advance their careers. These programs offer cutting-edge curriculum, experienced faculty, and robust clinical training that prepares nurses for high-level healthcare roles. Whether you're seeking to specialize in family practice, leadership, or healthcare systems, Nevada's top DNP programs provide exceptional preparation. View our ranking methodology.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to mold advanced practice nurses into leaders capable of initiating transformative healthcare changes. This online program, suitable for both post-master's and post-bachelor's students, emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a curriculum that prepares graduates for clinical leadership roles, the program stands out for its flexibility and focus on improving patient outcomes across various healthcare settings.
- Terminal professional nursing practice degree
- Online and flexible program options
- Advanced leadership preparation
- Multiple track options available
- Prepares nurses for clinical leadership
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's tracks
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, the DNP program at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is tailored for nurses seeking to advance their clinical and leadership skills. This online program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates to address complex healthcare challenges, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary teamwork. It's an ideal choice for those aiming to specialize in family healthcare delivery and make a significant impact in patient care.
- Online DNP program available
- Post-Master's and Post-Bachelor's tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Track of the DNP program at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is designed for advanced practice nurses looking to elevate their expertise. This online program focuses on enhancing clinical skills, leadership, and research capabilities, preparing graduates to lead healthcare innovations. With a curriculum that emphasizes healthcare systems analysis and patient outcome improvement, it's perfect for nurses aspiring to take on executive leadership or educational roles.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Available fully online
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice specialization
- Prepares nurses for diverse roles
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNLV's Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner Track within the DNP program is an online offering that prepares nurses for advanced clinical practice in family healthcare. The program equips students with the skills necessary for leadership, evidence-based practice, and health policy analysis, making it an excellent pathway for those looking to specialize in family nurse practitioning and contribute to healthcare transformation.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Available fully online
- Multiple specialized tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nevada, Reno's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides advanced nursing professionals with specialized training to deliver comprehensive patient care. This rigorous curriculum emphasizes clinical expertise in family healthcare, preparing graduates to address complex medical challenges across diverse populations. Students develop advanced diagnostic, treatment, and management skills through intensive coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. The program cultivates leadership capabilities, enabling nurses to transform healthcare delivery, implement evidence-based practices, and serve critical community health needs with exceptional professional competence.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Multiple specialization options
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Leadership and practice-focused curriculum
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Serves Nevada and national healthcare needs
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nevada's DNP in Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership equips nursing professionals with advanced strategic skills to drive organizational transformation. This innovative program prepares graduates to navigate complex healthcare environments, develop systemic improvements, and implement cutting-edge leadership strategies. Through comprehensive coursework, students learn to analyze healthcare delivery models, manage interdisciplinary teams, and implement evidence-based administrative practices. The curriculum bridges clinical expertise with executive management, positioning nurses as pivotal change agents in modern healthcare systems.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple enrollment options
- Prepare for executive roles
- Hybrid program structure
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at University of Nevada, Reno provides specialized advanced practice training for nurses seeking expertise in high-intensity medical environments. Designed for professionals committed to delivering comprehensive care for critically ill adult and geriatric patients, the curriculum emphasizes sophisticated clinical reasoning, complex diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based interventions. With extensive practicum hours and rigorous academic preparation, graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners ready to excel in acute care settings like intensive care units and specialized hospital departments.
- 72 total program credits
- 780 specialty practicum hours
- National certification eligibility
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Education Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Clinical Education Leadership DNP track at University of Nevada, Reno empowers nurses to become transformative educators and healthcare innovators. This comprehensive program blends advanced clinical knowledge with sophisticated leadership and teaching methodologies, preparing professionals to shape future nursing education and practice. Students develop expertise in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and educational assessment while maintaining a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical practice. Graduates are uniquely positioned to influence nursing education, develop training programs, and drive continuous improvement in healthcare professional development.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Multiple specialization options
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Leadership role preparation
- Hybrid program format
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Clinical practice emphasis
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Henderson, NV - Private 4-year - roseman.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Roseman University of Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner (DNPFNP) program, a 36-month online curriculum tailored for nurses aiming to excel as Family Nurse Practitioners. This program emphasizes advanced clinical training and leadership development, preparing graduates to enhance healthcare quality. With a focus on comprehensive patient care, students complete 1,000 clinical hours. The program, pursuing CCNE accreditation, features flexible clinical placements and a total tuition of $60,400. Graduates are equipped to tackle healthcare challenges, potentially earning a mean annual wage of $124,680.
- 36-month online program
- 1,000 total clinical hours
- $60,400 total tuition
- CCNE accreditation pursuing
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership skill development
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- Flexible clinical placement options
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA) at Roseman University is a 36-month hybrid program designed for critical care nurses seeking to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). It combines online coursework with clinical experiences, requiring a BSN, 1-2 years of critical care experience, and specific GPA criteria. With 118 credit hours and 90% local clinical sites in Nevada, the program addresses the high demand for CRNAs, offering a pathway to a profession with a 38% job growth projection and a mean salary of $205,770.
- 36-month hybrid-online program
- Requires 1-2 years critical care experience
- 118 total credit hours
- 90% local clinical sites
- First DNPNA in Nevada
- Science GPA minimum 3.5
- CCRN certification required
- Multiple intensive care specialties accepted
Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV - Private 4-year - tun.touro.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Touro University Nevada offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Leadership concentration, designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to lead in complex healthcare settings. This hybrid program provides flexibility with both accelerated one-year and standard two-year tracks, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and improving patient care. Accredited by CCNE, it requires an MSN degree, a 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure, culminating in a scholarly project. Ideal for those seeking to innovate in nursing practice through leadership.
- 100% Online Coursework
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Two Program Length Options
- Multiple Annual Start Dates
- MSN Degree Required
- 3.0 GPA Minimum
- RN Licensure Needed
- Scholarly Project Component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Touro University Nevada, with a Leadership concentration, is tailored for RNs holding an MSN who aspire to influence healthcare delivery. Offering both accelerated and standard completion options, the program emphasizes leadership development, evidence-based practice, and enhancing patient care systems. Fully online and CCNE-accredited, it requires a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and includes a scholarly project, preparing graduates for high-level clinical and organizational roles.
- 100% Online Coursework
- Leadership Concentration Options
- 3 Annual Start Dates
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- MSN Degree Prerequisite
- Active RN Licensure Required
- Scholarly Project Component
Choosing a DNP Program
Selecting the right DNP program and school takes a little legwork. To ensure that you choose the right school for you, there are a few important things that should be carefully considered.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost—Tuition costs for the two DNP programs in the state of Nevada are as follows:
- Touro University Nevada Tuition Cost: $625 per unit hour
- UNLV—In-state $615 per unit hour; Out-of-state $1000 per unit hour
- Online/Campus Options— Nevada has several universities with DNP programs that are delivered to students primarily in an online format:
- Touro University Nevada—Touro's DNP program is offered completely online with no required on-campus visits. The practicum and scholarly project portions of the program (which are required for graduation) may be completed in the student’s geographical area
- University of Nevada @ Las Vegas & Reno—although all courses are delivered online, students are required to come to campus for a two-day orientation and one day each during two different semesters for their project proposal and project defense presentation.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Nevada are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Residency— Clinical residencies and fellowships for DNP students can typically be arranged through their university. Students are encouraged to ask what kind of partnerships their school has with local hospitals and health centers.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
To be considered for acceptance in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program, applicants should:
- Hold a current BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited School of Nursing
- Cumulative GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate nursing coursework
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their Master's program
- Be licensed as a registered nurse with an unencumbered license in the state the practicum will be completed
- English proficiency (written & spoken) is mandatory
- Submit all required information to the admissions department by the deadline
- Pass a Level I criminal background check and drug screen
- Complete required health immunizations and other requirements identified by the School of Nursing (varies based on practicum experience)
- Pay any fees
- Interview with faculty
- Transcripts of all education institutions attended must be sent to the school of choice
Certification
Accredited DNP programs in the state of Nevada allow successful students to sit for certification upon completion of programs. DNP tracks offered at universities in Nevada allow students to become certified specialty fields including, but not limited to, the following:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced Practice
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Executive
Licensing
In the state of Nevada, nursing students who've completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Nevada BSN to DNP Program Options
Some schools offer BSN to DNP program options for students to directly enter a doctorate program from their baccalaureate degree. This option is available in Nevada at:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas: offers a BSN – DNP program at 60 credits for the Nurse Executive track, and 68 credits to complete the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner track
Related Education Paths
- Nevada Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Nevada Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Nevada FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nevada
- Nevada Nurses Association
- The Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- Nevada Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- Nevada State Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Nevada
Henderson, NV
Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 36-month online program
- 1,000 total clinical hours
- $60,400 total tuition
- CCNE accreditation pursuing
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership skill development
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- Flexible clinical placement options
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36-month hybrid-online program
- Requires 1-2 years critical care experience
- 118 total credit hours
- 90% local clinical sites
- First DNPNA in Nevada
- Science GPA minimum 3.5
- CCRN certification required
- Multiple intensive care specialties accepted
Touro University Nevada
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Two Program Length Options
- Multiple Annual Start Dates
- MSN Degree Required
- 3.0 GPA Minimum
- RN Licensure Needed
- Scholarly Project Component
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- Leadership Concentration Options
- 3 Annual Start Dates
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- MSN Degree Prerequisite
- Active RN Licensure Required
- Scholarly Project Component
Las Vegas, NV
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Terminal professional nursing practice degree
- Online and flexible program options
- Advanced leadership preparation
- Multiple track options available
- Prepares nurses for clinical leadership
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's tracks
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program available
- Post-Master's and Post-Bachelor's tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Track - Online Learning - Website
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Available fully online
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice specialization
- Prepares nurses for diverse roles
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Website
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Available fully online
- Multiple specialized tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
Reno, NV
University of Nevada-Reno
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Multiple specialization options
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Leadership and practice-focused curriculum
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Serves Nevada and national healthcare needs
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple enrollment options
- Prepare for executive roles
- Hybrid program structure
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 72 total program credits
- 780 specialty practicum hours
- National certification eligibility
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Education Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Multiple specialization options
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Leadership role preparation
- Hybrid program format
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Clinical practice emphasis