Nevada NP Programs at a Glance
| State practice authority | Full Practice Authority – NPs evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe independently |
| Nevada Board of Nursing | Nevada Board of Nursing |
| Nevada median NP wage | ~$135,000 (Payscale/BLS, 2024). See Nevada state OES tables for current detail. |
| National median NP wage | $129,210/year (BLS, May 2024) |
| Projected NP job growth | 46% (2023–2033) nationally – one of the fastest-growing professions |
| Primary accreditors | CCNE · ACEN |
| Common NP specialty tracks | FNP, AGNP (Primary/Acute), PMHNP, PNP, WHNP, NNP |
| Typical program length | 2–3 years (MSN-NP) or 3–4 years (BSN-to-DNP), full-time post-BSN |
Our Editorial Process
This guide is written by a credentialed nurse and reviewed against source-of-truth references at least annually. Program accreditation is verified against the CCNE program directory and ACEN directory. Nevada licensure information is verified against the Nevada Board of Nursing. Salary and growth figures come directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Nevada data. Read our full editorial standards.
2026 Updates for Nevada NP Programs
- Nevada practice authority. Nevada is a Full Practice Authority state. Licensed nurse practitioners can evaluate, diagnose, order tests, and prescribe medications independently of physician supervision. Nevada is one of 27 states + DC granting full NP autonomy under state law.
- BLS data refresh (May 2024 OES). National median NP wage is now $129,210; Nevada-specific data is published in the Nevada state OES tables.
- Projected NP job growth. 46% projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033 nationally – one of the fastest-growing occupations the BLS tracks.
- AACN 2025 Position Statement. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reaffirmed the DNP as the preferred terminal degree for advanced practice. BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP pathways continue to be the dominant educational routes for new NPs in Nevada.
- Telehealth permanence. Federal and state telehealth flexibilities introduced during 2020 have largely been made permanent, expanding remote NP roles across primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management.
- PMHNP demand surge. Mental health workforce shortages are particularly acute nationwide; PMHNP-specific job postings have outpaced general NP postings consistently. See our PMHNP career guide.
The projected growth for nurse practitioners in Nevada is at a whopping 61%, which is faster than the national average of 48%. From 1,330 employees in 2020, it is anticipated that about 2,140 NPs will be employed in 2030.
On top of filling the demand, Nevada NPs are rewarded with an average salary of $69/hour or $143,967 a year.
With the constant job openings and adequate financial compensation, an NP career in Nevada is perfect for nurses who are looking for a rewarding career. Here are some schools that offer such programs:
National University-Henderson Campus
- Henderson, Nevada
Program Overview:
NU is a private institution based in San Diego, CA. Its Henderson-based campus is designed to cater to Nevadans who wish to pursue careers such as that of nurse practitioners. Its BSN-MSN program has two tracks, namely FNP and PMHNP. Both Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited specializations may be done online or in person.
A certificate program is also offered to graduate-level nurses who wish to specialize in family or psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Due to the year-round enrollment, students may start their NP schooling at the term that suits their schedules. With its four-week courses, students may take their courses at their most suitable time.
Students of both the MSN and post-graduate certificate programs must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and above in order to complete the course.
Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Henderson, Nevada
Program Overview:
RUHS provides Nevadans with flexible opportunities to pursue an online graduate-level degree in Nursing. This is done so through the 36-month DNP-FNP track, which follows a six-point mastery learning model. This unique approach provides students with the competence they need to become ardent nurse practitioners, industry leaders, and capable researchers.
The first year focuses on online didactics, essential coursework, and other foundational science courses. The second year, meanwhile, features a blend of online and clinical didactics with experiential learning blocks focused on family, pediatric, and women’s health nursing.
RUHS is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by the Nevada Board of Nursing.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Program Overview:
The UNLV School of Nursing is driven by the mission of advancing healthcare by molding nurses who promote equity and wellness, wherever they may be employed.
UNLV offers a variety of educational options for aspiring NPs. There’s a BSN-MSN track for nurses who wish to become family or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners.
Both NP programs are available on a part-time or full-time basis. While mostly offered online, both specializations require on-campus sessions for the orientation, laboratory classes, workshops, and student presentations.
There’s also a BSN-DNP option for aspiring FNPs. This terminal professional practice degree focuses on advanced clinical practice and leadership.
The university also offers certificate programs for graduate nurses or FNPs who wish to become PMHNPs. Like the MSN course, it is delivered online. However, students need to attend on-campus sessions for the orientation and other activities.
Currently, the DNP track for PMHNPs is on hold. The post-graduate certificate program for Emergency NPs is also on hold until further notice.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) passing rate for UNLV FNP students is 94%.
UNLV’s MSN program has been named the 63rd best Masters in Nursing program in the country by the US News & World Report. Its DNP program, on the other hand, has been recognized as the top 81 DNP program in the country by US News & World Report.
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
Program Overview:
For over 60 years, the University of Nevada-Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing has been committed to serving the healthcare needs of Nevadans. As the oldest school of nursing in the state, it is regarded for training and research excellence.
UN-R offers five FNP specializations through its BSN-MSN track, namely adult-gerontology (acute and primary care), family, psychiatric-mental health, and pediatric acute care. All programs are designed to help nurses improve their clinical competence in their chosen fields.
UN-R also has a BSN-DNP program for the said tracks, which are offered primarily online. The goal of the program is to prepare nurses for challenging roles in advanced practice, education, and research.
The university also offers a post-graduate certificate program for APRNs and MSN degree holders who wish to broaden their scope of practice.
In 2023, UN-R’s MSN program has been named the 45th best online Masters in Nursing program by the US News & World Report.
- BSN-MSN: AGACNP
- BSN-MSN: AGPCNP
- BSN-MSN: FNP
- BSN-MSN: PMHNP
- BSN-MSN: PNP (Acute Care)
- BSN-DNP: AGACNP
- BSN-DNP: AGPCNP
- BSN-DNP: FNP
- BSN-DNP: PMHNP
- BSN-DNP: PNP (Acute Care)
- Post-graduate certificate: AGACNP
- Post-graduate certificate: FNP
- Post-graduate certificate: PNP (Acute Care)
- Post-graduate certificate: PMHNP
University of Phoenix-Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Program Overview:
Nevadans may get their NP degree through the Arizona-based university’s online MSN programs.
The 29-month FNP program, which requires five in-person residency days, provides students with the competencies they need to be certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or AANP.
As for the PMHNP track, the 52-credit curriculum is designed to prepare students for a career that focuses on mental health assessment, management, and prevention.
The University of Phoenix offers an easy admission process as it does not require a GMAT/GRE score or essays for applicants.
Touro University Nevada
- Henderson, Nevada
Program Overview:
Touro University Nevada offers CCNE-accredited programs for aspiring family nurse practitioners. BSN graduates may do so by getting their MSN-FNP, which is mostly held online. Working students may choose from three available start dates. Those who are enrolled on a full-time basis may finish the program in 20 months and sit in for the AANP or ANCC certification exam.
MSN graduates, meanwhile, may build on their existing knowledge and skills through Touro’s post-graduate certificate program. Similarly, classes are mostly offered online for flexibility and convenience.
Touro University graduates have scored a 100% first-time pass rate in the 2023 national certification exams.
Nursing Schools Almanac has named Touro University as one of the best 100 nursing schools in the Western US.
Educational Routes to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Nevada
Five distinct routes appear across the NP schools listed on this page. Each suits a different starting credential and timeline. All five satisfy the Nevada State Board of Nursing APRN-certification requirements when paired with national NP certification.
1. MSN-NP (Most Common Route)
The traditional Master of Science in Nursing with an NP specialty track. Designed for working RNs who already hold a BSN. Typical length: 2 to 3 years full-time or 3 to 4 years part-time, with 500 to 750 clinical hours. Nevada MSN-NP options are anchored by the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR). Touro University Nevada, Roseman, National-Henderson, and University of Phoenix-Las Vegas serve the Las Vegas-Henderson metro with hybrid and online-forward delivery.
2. RN-to-MSN Bridge (No BSN Required)
For ADN-prepared RNs who want to skip a separate BSN program. The bridge adds 12 to 18 months of BSN-level coursework before the master’s component begins. In Nevada, UNLV and UNR both offer RN-to-MSN bridge pathways into NP tracks. Roseman University also runs a separate RN-to-BSN-to-MSN ladder. Total time-to-degree typically lands at 3 to 4 years. See the broader top RN-to-NP programs ranking.
3. BSN-to-DNP (Doctoral-Entry NP)
Aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement. Combines NP-specialty training with terminal-degree coursework over 3 to 4 years and roughly 1,000 clinical hours. 4 Nevada schools offer a DNP program — see the full Nevada DNP programs guide for state-specific detail, or online BSN-to-DNP programs for ranked national options.
4. Post-Master’s Certificate (Existing MSN Holders)
For nurses who already hold a master’s-level NP credential and want to add a second specialty — an FNP adding AGNP, an FNP adding PMHNP, etc. Typical length: 12 to 24 months and ~500 clinical hours. Nevada post-master’s certificate options are concentrated at UNLV, UNR, and Roseman University. The NP Certifications hub covers the certificate landscape in depth.
5. Accelerated & Direct-Entry (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN first (12 to 16 months), then enters an NP master’s or DNP track. Nevada’s flagship direct-entry options include Touro University Nevada’s direct-entry MSN pathway and UNLV’s graduate-entry program. Total time-to-NP-licensure: typically 4 to 5 years from start of accelerated BSN.
Fast & Affordable Nevada NP Programs (Editorial Picks)
These editorial picks balance time-to-degree, total program cost, and accreditation. All programs listed are CCNE or ACEN accredited and confirmed to currently enroll Nevada residents.
Fastest Nevada NP Programs
- University of Phoenix-Las Vegas — Online MSN-FNP: Multiple intakes per year; accelerated track for working Nevada RNs.
- Touro University Nevada — MSN-FNP: Henderson campus with year-round cohorts; 24-month accelerated path.
- National University-Henderson Campus — MSN-FNP: Multiple monthly intakes; accelerated full-time option.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Post-Master’s NP Certificate: 12 to 18 months for current MSN holders adding a Nevada specialty.
Most Affordable Nevada NP Programs (In-State Tuition)
- University of Nevada, Reno — MSN-NP: Public Nevada flagship tuition; strong Northern Nevada clinical-site network.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — MSN-NP: Public Las Vegas tuition with the broadest specialty footprint in the state.
- Roseman University of Health Sciences — DNP: Henderson-based health-sciences university with competitive private tuition.
- National University-Henderson Campus — MSN-FNP: Private nonprofit rate with year-round cohort access.
Nevada Schools Offering Popular NP Specialties
The matrix below maps Nevada NP-track schools to the two most-published specialty paths in the state — FNP and DNP entry. Most Nevada schools lead with FNP at the master’s level; 4 schools offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice option. Each H3 links to the relevant child page.
Family NP (FNP)
The most common specialty in Nevada. All 6 schools listed on this page offer an FNP track in some format — MSN, BSN-to-DNP, or post-master’s certificate.
- National University-Henderson Campus
- Roseman University of Health Sciences
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Phoenix-Las Vegas
- Touro University Nevada
BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s DNP Programs in Nevada
Aligned with the AACN 2025 DNP position statement. The 4 Nevada schools below offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. See the dedicated Nevada DNP programs guide for admissions detail.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Touro University Nevada
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nevada by City & Region
Nevada’s 6 featured NP schools cluster around two regions: the Las Vegas-Henderson metro (5 schools) and Reno/Northern Nevada (UNR). National University also serves the state through its Henderson campus.
Las Vegas-Henderson Metro
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas
- Touro University Nevada — Henderson
- Roseman University of Health Sciences — Henderson
- National University-Henderson Campus — Henderson
- University of Phoenix-Las Vegas — Las Vegas
Reno / Northern Nevada
- University of Nevada, Reno — Reno
