How To Become a Nurse in Nevada 2025

There's never been a better time to get a registered nurse (RN) license and enter several rewarding healthcare roles. Many hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and schools throughout the state need nurses. We'll show you how to become a nurse and explore the top nursing programs in Nevada that will help you pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try.

What Does an RN Do?

RNs have numerous patient-care roles, which they can fulfill as nursing aides, nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and more. If this interests you, then familiarize yourself with the requirements to become a certified registered nurse. Then, consider whether you have what it takes to handle important nursing responsibilities, such as:

• bedside care
• emergency care
• surgical nursing
• pediatric care
• prenatal nursing

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Nevada?

Nursing school will take at least two years if you have no prior education or clinical experience. After completing an accredited degree program, you'll have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, submit fingerprints and a background check, and pay for licensing fees. Many students enroll in accelerated nursing programs online to get their nursing degrees in the shortest time possible.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Nevada

Follow these three steps for completing the educational requirements for nurses in Nevada. This covers the key components of nursing education, including passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 1: Start with an Associate Degree

You can begin your nursing education by enrolling in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a similar community college program. This is an entry-level degree program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and licensing.

It features lower-division nursing education at the college level, exposing nursing students to topics such as microbiology, pediatric nursing, anatomy and physiology, and more. You do not have to start with this degree program if you pursue a bachelor's degree, but most nursing schools will not admit you until you've taken the prerequisite coursework you would get from an ADN program.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Many nursing students pursue continuing education opportunities, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) � or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). BSN programs take about two to four years to complete, depending on whether you've earned your RN license in an ADN program. There are ways to expedite this through BSN or MSN programs by enrolling in a fast-track degree, which many universities offer nowadays.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN & Complete Licensing

The last step to becoming a nurse or any other public health professional in Nevada is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and get your nursing license. You should review the specific licensing requirements for whichever license you pursue. RN licenses require background checks, application fees, and at last two hours of continuing education for ''cultural competency.''

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Nevada

Here are some of the best options for motivated nursing students in Nevada. You can fulfill your education requirements by enrolling in one of several online nursing programs in Nevada or throughout the country.

1. Nevada State University

Nevada State University offers different BSN tracks for students who either have an associate's degree or enter the university as freshmen. Each of these is a pre-licensure program and prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt.

You can even enroll in a part-time BSN track and take classes fully online. Graduates can also further their education with an online MSN degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $247.22 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. University of Nevada - Las Vegas

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) has a nursing college devoted to training nurses for careers in research, community nursing, and other specializations. This includes a traditional BSN program where students complete a rigorous curriculum, in just three semesters, featuring 15-week sessions. Nursing students must satisfy UNLV's prerequisite requirements before gaining admission into the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $288.50 per credit hour (in-state); $317.25 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Nevada - Reno

The University of Nevada - Reno offers undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificates for prospective nurses. This includes a traditional BSN path (in-person) along with an RN-to-BSN program (fully online). The traditional path works best for pre-licensure purposes, whereas the latter allows experienced RNs to finish a bachelor's degree and pursue more career options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $288.50 per credit hour (in-state); $909.91 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Touro University Nevada

Touro University Nevada has affordable tuition for its CCNE-accredited nursing degrees. They specialize in several bridge programs, including an RN-to-BSN route, as well as a way to earn a family nurse practitioner (FNP) credential if you hold an MSN. You can complete the MSN-to-FNP program within 20 months, earning valuable practicum experience alongside experienced nursing faculty.

• Estimated tuition cost: $150.50 per credit hour (in-state); $372.50 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada helps LPNs bridge their way to an RN license, preparing them for a variety of nursing careers. You can complete that program while earning an associate degree, whereas current RNs can enter the university's BSN completion program. If you pursue the RN-to-BSN program, you can attend at either an accelerated or extended pace, tailored for full-time or part-time students, respectively.

• Estimated tuition cost: $123.75 to $203.00 per credit hour (in-state); $3,950.50 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Nevada

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a 6% projected growth in new nursing jobs from 2023 to 2033. It also estimates a median annual salary of $93,600 (as of May 2024) or a typical hourly wage of about $45 per hour. The pay figures consider nurses across the country who hold an associate degree or higher.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Nevada

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for nursing careers and education in Nevada. This section explains how to reduce degree costs, prerequisite courses, and ways to finish nursing school quicker.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Nevada?

Nevada is one of the more affordable places to attend nursing school. Most programs cost less than $300 per credit hour for in-state students, but you can discover ways to get financial aid and offset tuition costs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Nevada has multiple online colleges that accept FAFSA.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most nursing degree programs require prospective students to complete prerequisite courses before gaining admission. These usually include topics like microbiology, introductory chemistry, introductory nursing, and other science or non-science courses.

If you'd like a fast and convenient way to take these courses, then research some of the best self-paced nursing prerequisites online where you can enroll any time of year. Just be sure to equip yourself with the best laptop for nursing students if you decide to take your courses online.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to follow our three steps to complete RN licensure in Nevada. It helps to know which nursing jobs you want and then select appropriate degree programs to prepare for them. Nurse's aides, for example, can earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN) credential, whereas other nurses may need to take more time to pursue a BSN.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

The easiest nursing degree is the one with the most basic coursework, normally what you'd encounter in a two-year community college. Most ADN programs provide their students with exposure to introductory courses without requiring them to engage in advanced practicum work, unlike BSN programs, which typically require this. You can make nursing degrees even easier by using our website to find online programs that do not require face-to-face instruction.

Find a Nursing Degree

Learn.org makes it easier for you to find accredited nursing programs anywhere in the country. We welcome you to explore all our other articles covering nursing degree programs, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and more.