Nevada is facing an urgent need for nurses. A recent analysis found that Nevada is one of the states hardest hit by the national nursing shortage, requiring the addition of more than 3,000 nurses to the workforce just to meet the national average.
One of the reasons for this shortage is a limited number of nursing instructors, which makes it difficult to train the necessary number of nurses, even if there is an adequate number of people interested in entering the profession.
DNP-prepared nurses are uniquely positioned to help meet the demands of this shortage. Not only are they qualified to educate the next generation of nurses, but those who are prepared as nurse practitioners can deliver much-needed hands-on primary care.
Below, we detail the DNP programs available in Nevada to help you find a program that’s right for you.
Nevada DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Nevada: 4
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 6
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: About $12,800 to $24,000 for public universities; $46,900 to $60,400 for private universities
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Nevada
Four universities in Nevada offer DNP programs: two public universities and two private universities. All of these programs are offered online, but they have varying on-campus, in-person requirements.
Online DNP Programs in Nevada
Three universities (the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and Reno, and Roseman University of Health Sciences) offer online BSN to DNP programs, although the number of available specialties varies significantly from one school to the next. Two of these schools also provide MSN to DNP options, which are also detailed below.
Nevada Online BSN to DNP Programs
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $220 to $335 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Students have two DNP options at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas: a BSN to FNP DNP track and a post-master’s track.
The 70-credit BSN to FNP DNP track is available entirely online and includes 585 hours of hands-on lab and clinical experience. The school guarantees clinical placements in and around Las Vegas for students who are licensed in the state. Those living outside the Las Vegas metro area are encouraged to find their own placement.
The MSN to DNP track is 38 credits and is also available entirely online. This track prepares nurses for leadership roles, but it does not prepare students for any additional certification exams or offer education in any additional specialities.
All DNP students must complete a scholarly project, which accounts for the remaining required clinical hours for those in the DNP program.
Key highlights:
- Programs are offered entirely online, though there are in-person clinical requirements
- Clinical placement guaranteed for students licensed in Nevada in the Las Vegas metro area
Additional considerations:
- DNP programs may not meet requirements for any state other than Nevada
- Verify these programs meet state requirements before applying
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Nevada, Reno
- Reno, Nevada
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with some on-campus immersions
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $344.25 per credit + fees for residents; $723 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Nevada, Reno, offers two pathways for nurses interested in pursuing a DNP.
The BSN to DNP track offers seven specialties. Each takes between eight and 12 semesters to complete, depending on whether the student is full- or part-time, which translates to about 3 to 4 years. Here are some details about each speciality:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): 72 credits, 780 practicum hours
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): 67 credits, 660 practicum hours
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): 76 credits, 780 practicum hours
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP): 69 credits, 780 practicum hours
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): 76 credits, 720 practicum hours
- Clinical Education Leadership: 63 credits, practicum hours not specified
- Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership: 69 credits, practicum hours not specified
Most of the coursework for the BSN programs is online; however, students in all tracks (except PMHNP) are required to attend a four- or five-day on-campus immersion before beginning their clinical rotations. This program also requires a DNP project with a final defense, which students have the option to complete either via Zoom or on campus. This project makes up the remaining clinical hours required to meet the 1,000-hour requirement.
Courses for the MSN to DNP track are entirely online, with the option to defend the DNP project either on campus or via ZOOM. There are four specialties: Advanced Clinical Practice and Leadership (for those who are already APRNs), Clinical Education Leadership (for those with an MSN in nursing education), Health Policy, and Nurse Executive. Each of these post-master’s programs is 30 credits and takes five to eight semesters to complete, depending on whether the student attends full- or part-time.
Key highlights:
- Multiple tracks available for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses
- Students have the option to defend their final project either in person or online
Additional considerations:
- 4 -to 5-day on-campus immersion required for all BSN tracks, except PMHNP
- Some of the post-master’s options are only available for students with certain MSNs
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Henderson, Nevada
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus residencies
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $60,400 + fees for the program
Program Overview:
The full-time BSN to DNPFNP program at Roseman University of Health Sciences is offered online with two short on-campus residency requirements. This track takes 32 months to complete. There are 1,000 total clinical hours, with 750 hours dedicated to direct patient care and 250 hours allocated to the Doctoral Project and Seminar. Hands-on clinical hours and project hours can be completed in the student’s home state.
Key highlights:
- After the second year of the program, students are eligible to earn an MSN FNP
- Residencies take place on the University’s Henderson campus
Additional considerations:
- Clinical hours and project hours can be completed in the student’s state of residence
- Only offers a full-time option
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Nevada Online MSN to DNP Programs
Touro University Nevada also offers an MSN to DNP track that is available entirely online, which allows students to complete their clinical work close to home.
Touro University Nevada
- Henderson, Nevada
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: 528
Tuition: $1,420 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Touro University Nevada offers an MSN to DNP track with a focus on Leadership. This 33-credit program includes 528 practicum hours, which are leadership-based and contribute to the completion of the DNP project. All coursework is completed online, and students can complete all clinical work close to home.
Touro uses 16-week trimesters, with each course lasting either eight or 16 weeks. Students have a choice between the standard pace, which takes two years to complete, and an accelerated pace, which can be completed in one year. The standard pace requires students to take between six and seven credits per trimester, culminating in the final project work, while those in the accelerated track take 10 to 13 credits every trimester.
Key highlights:
- All coursework is completed online with no required campus visits
- Clinical work can be completed close to home
Additional considerations:
- Standard and accelerated programs available
- Trimester structure allows students to complete the program at a faster pace
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Nevada
The lengths of these programs can vary significantly depending on how they’re structured, but if you’re looking to complete your degree in as little time as possible, consider these programs.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP program in Nevada is at the Roseman University of Health Sciences, which can also be completed in 32 months. Some programs at the University of Nevada, Reno, take just under three years, although the exact length of time varies by speciality.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The accelerated MSN to DNP track at Touro University Nevada takes only one year to complete. Most of the other programs take around two years.
Best DNP Programs in Nevada
The best program for you is the one that suits your professional and personal needs; however, there are some programs that stand out from the rest.
The University of Nevada, Reno, has the most diverse DNP program in the state by far. With seven DNP specialities to choose from, including five nurse practitioner tracks, and a post-master’s option, there may be something here for everyone.
Another interesting option is the accelerated post-master’s program at Touro University Nevada. Completing this terminal degree in just a year can be an attractive option for professionals who can manage the accelerated pace.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Nevada
While the costs of these programs vary depending on fees and additional costs, in Nevada, public universities are significantly more affordable than private universities. The most affordable option is the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where some classes are only $220 per credit + fees, for residents. The next affordable option is University of Nevada, Reno, which is $344.26 + fees for residents.
FAQs
How much does a DNP make in Nevada?
Specific salaries for DNPs in Nevada can vary depending on their specialty. According to ZipRecruiter, the average DNP salary in this state is $124,612 per year, while NPs earn an average of $132,680 per year. As this NP average includes MSN-prepared NPs, those with a DNP in a specialty such as pediatrics or mental health may earn closer to the higher end of the range, or approximately $203,662 per year.
Can NPs practice independently in Nevada?
Yes, Nevada is a full-practice state, which means that NPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications without the supervision of a doctor.
What’s the average cost of a DNP program in Nevada?
The average cost of a DNP program in Nevada can vary significantly depending on whether you are looking at a public or private university. Tuition at public universities costs an average of $12,800 to $24,000, depending on whether you’re entering a program for BSN or MSN-prepared nurses. Programs for MSN-prepared nurses are less expensive because they require fewer credits. Comparable programs at private universities can cost anywhere from $46,900 to $60,400.