Nevada’s NP education landscape has grown alongside one of the nation’s fastest-growing populations and healthcare workforces. The state’s mix of rapidly expanding urban centers, rural frontier communities, and ongoing provider shortages creates strong demand for advanced practice nurses across a variety of healthcare settings. This guide explores Nevada NP programs, specialty options, and key considerations to help prospective students identify a pathway that aligns with their professional goals and interests.
Featured NP Programs in Nevada
These featured programs highlight different approaches to advanced nursing education, from research-oriented doctoral preparation and academic health center training to flexible formats designed for working nurses. Comparing these schools can help prospective students better understand differences in specialty availability, clinical training opportunities, delivery formats, and long-term academic pathways
| University of Nevada, Reno | |
| Nursing School | Orvis School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership, Post-Master’s DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates |
| Clinical Placement Support | The Orvis School of Nursing arranges all clinical placements for graduate students, providing faculty-guided clinical experiences aligned with program requirements. |
| Learning Format | Programs are offered through both online and in-person formats, with accessible pathways available for students across the United States. |
| Accreditation | The BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Recognition | Ranked #5 nationally for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report (2026). |
| Focus Areas | NP specialties include primary care, acute care, pediatric acute care, and psychiatric-mental health. Additional pathways support nurse leadership, clinical leadership, and nursing education. |
| Overview | The University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing offers a comprehensive range of graduate nursing pathways, including multiple nurse practitioner specialties, BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP options, leadership-focused programs, and post-master’s certificates. The school emphasizes flexible learning options, graduate clinical placement support, and preparation for advanced practice, leadership, and healthcare innovation roles. |
| About the School | Founded in 1956, the Orvis School of Nursing is Nevada’s first and oldest nursing school. Part of the University of Nevada, Reno, a Carnegie R1 research institution, the school combines nursing education, research, and community engagement with a focus on improving health outcomes across Nevada and beyond. |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN Certified Nurse-Midwife, DNP, CRNA, Advanced Graduate Certificate in PMHNP, Advanced Graduate Certificate in PMHNP for FNPs |
| Program Format | FNP and PMHNP tracks offer full-time and part-time study options. The DNP is an online professional practice degree. |
| Nurse Practitioner Tracks | The MSN includes Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner options. The PMHNP certificate is available both for graduate-prepared nurses and for FNPs expanding into psychiatric mental health care. |
| Other APRN Options | UNLV also offers Certified Nurse-Midwife and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist options. |
| DNP Focus | The DNP prepares nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. |
| Overview | UNLV’s School of Nursing offers graduate nursing pathways that include nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia, DNP, and post-master’s certificate options. NP-focused programs include FNP and PMHNP tracks, with certificate options for nurses seeking psychiatric mental health preparation. The school emphasizes advanced clinical practice, leadership, health equity, and service to Nevada’s healthcare needs. |
| About the School | The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a public research university in Las Vegas. Its School of Nursing focuses on nursing education, research, community engagement, and healthcare needs in an urban environment. |
| Roseman University of Health Sciences | |
| Nursing School | College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSNFNP, DNPFNP, DNPNA |
| Program Length | The MSNFNP can be completed in 19 months, while the DNPFNP can be completed in 31 months. The DNPNA is a 36-month full-time program. |
| Learning Format | The MSNFNP/DNPFNP pathway is primarily online with short residency experiences and in-person clinical or practicum components. |
| FNP Pathway | The DNPFNP includes the 19-month MSNFNP curriculum and awards the MSNFNP after students complete the MSN requirements. |
| Nurse Anesthesia | The DNPNA prepares nurses for CRNA practice through a mix of in-person and online learning based at the Henderson, Nevada campus. |
| Educational Model | Roseman uses its Six-Point Mastery Learning Model, which emphasizes block curriculum, active and collaborative learning, competency-based education, assessment learning, and early experiential learning. |
| Overview | Roseman University’s College of Nursing offers graduate nursing pathways for nurses pursuing family nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesia roles. The MSNFNP/DNPFNP pathway provides an online format with residencies and clinical/practicum experiences, while the DNPNA is a full-time nurse anesthesia program based in Henderson. Programs emphasize mastery learning, clinical preparation, leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. |
| About the School | Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private health sciences university with campuses in Nevada and Utah. Its College of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs focused on accelerated pathways, clinical training, and healthcare workforce preparation. |
| Touro University Nevada | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN-FNP, Post-MSN Graduate Certificate-FNP, Doctor of Nursing Practice |
| Program Format | The MSN-FNP is a 20-month program. The DNP is online and offers accelerated and standard tracks. |
| DNP Focus | The DNP focuses on leadership and prepares nurses to use evidence-based advanced practice, lead teams, and improve patient care. |
| DNP Length | The DNP can be completed in 1 year through the accelerated full-time track or 2 years through the standard part-time track. |
| Start Dates | Nursing programs offer three start dates per year. |
| Accreditation | The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Overview | Touro University Nevada offers nursing pathways for working registered nurses, including an MSN-FNP, post-MSN FNP certificate, and online DNP. The MSN-FNP prepares BSN-prepared RNs for family nurse practitioner certification eligibility, while the DNP focuses on leadership and evidence-based practice in complex healthcare systems. |
| About the School | Touro University Nevada is a private health sciences university located in Henderson, Nevada. The university focuses on healthcare education, community service, and professional preparation in Southern Nevada. |
Nevada NP Program Directory
| Institution | Pathway Options | Selected Specializations | NP Certificates |
| Roseman University of Health Sciences-Nevada Henderson, NV | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | |
| Touro University Henderson, NV | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | Y |
| University of Nevada-Reno Reno, NV | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | Y |
How to Choose an NP Program in Nevada
Nevada’s NP education market is growing, but it remains relatively concentrated compared to larger states. That can make program fit especially important. Students should compare specialization availability, delivery format, clinical placement support, and long-term educational pathways to find the program that best aligns with their career goals.
Match your specialization to your goals
Nevada schools offer a solid range of NP specialties, though options vary significantly by institution. The University of Nevada, Reno offers some of the state’s broadest selection, including Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Pediatric Acute Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways. UNLV focuses on Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner preparation while also offering Nurse-Midwifery education. Roseman University and Touro University Nevada both emphasize Family Nurse Practitioner preparation through MSN and DNP pathways. Students comparing Nevada schools with other nurse practitioner programs should focus on finding the specialty that best matches their intended patient population, practice setting, and long-term professional interests.
Consider how the program is delivered
Flexibility is one of the defining features of Nevada’s NP programs. Roseman’s Family Nurse Practitioner pathway is delivered primarily online with short residency experiences, while Touro University’s DNP is fully online and offers both accelerated and part-time options. UNLV provides full-time and part-time study plans for its NP tracks, and the University of Nevada, Reno offers both online and in-person learning opportunities. Nurses still exploring how to become an NP should compare campus requirements, clinical expectations, and scheduling flexibility before selecting a program.
Think about your geographic context
Nevada’s healthcare workforce is heavily concentrated around Las Vegas and Reno, but much of the state’s land area consists of rural and frontier communities. Students studying in southern Nevada may have access to large urban healthcare systems, specialty providers, and diverse patient populations. Those in northern or rural regions may gain valuable experience addressing healthcare access challenges and serving geographically dispersed communities. Because provider shortages remain a concern across much of Nevada, many students encounter opportunities to work with underserved populations during their clinical education.
Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility
Nevada schools offer MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificate, and advanced practice pathways that accommodate nurses at different stages of their careers. The University of Nevada, Reno offers BSN-to-DNP, post-master’s DNP, and certificate options across several NP specialties. UNLV provides MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate pathways, while Roseman and Touro offer multiple routes into Family Nurse Practitioner practice and doctoral education. Before selecting a pathway, students should review the NP accreditation guide and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Nevada’s nurse practitioner license requirements and national certification standards.
Evaluate clinical placement support
Clinical support structures vary considerably among Nevada programs. The University of Nevada, Reno stands out by arranging all clinical placements for graduate students and providing faculty-guided clinical experiences aligned with program requirements. Other schools may offer varying levels of placement assistance while expecting students to participate in identifying potential preceptors. Before enrolling, students should ask whether clinical placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel may be required for specialty rotations, and how preceptors are secured for students living outside major metropolitan areas.
Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Nevada
Nevada NP students complete clinical training in a mix of academic medical centers, regional hospitals, community health clinics, behavioral health organizations, specialty practices, and rural healthcare settings. Because Nevada faces ongoing provider shortages in many areas, clinical experiences often expose students to populations with significant healthcare access needs.
Major Clinical Training Environments
Several Nevada programs emphasize clinical preparation, healthcare leadership, and service to diverse communities.
- University of Nevada, Reno arranges all clinical placements for graduate students and provides faculty-guided clinical experiences aligned with specialty requirements.
- UNLV School of Nursing emphasizes advanced clinical practice, health equity, leadership, and service to Nevada’s rapidly growing and diverse population.
- Roseman University of Health Sciences combines online coursework, residency experiences, and clinical training through its competency-based educational model.
- Touro University Nevada prepares Family Nurse Practitioners through clinical education focused on evidence-based practice and healthcare delivery in complex systems.
Students in Nevada may encounter clinical opportunities connected to healthcare systems such as:
- Renown Health
- University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
- Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center
- Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican
- Valley Health System
- Northern Nevada Medical Center
- Carson Tahoe Health
- Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center
How Geography Can Affect Placements
Location can significantly influence clinical experiences in Nevada.
Students in:
- Las Vegas
- Henderson
- Reno
- Sparks
- Carson City
may have greater access to:
- specialty providers
- academic health partnerships
- pediatric and women’s health services
- behavioral health clinical sites
- large hospital systems
Students in rural and frontier regions may encounter:
- fewer specialty preceptors nearby
- additional travel requirements for some rotations
- greater exposure to primary care and community health practice
- opportunities to serve medically underserved populations
These experiences often provide valuable preparation for practice in areas facing healthcare workforce shortages.
Online and Hybrid Program Considerations
Many Nevada NP pathways use online or hybrid formats, but clinical education remains an in-person requirement.
Before enrolling, students should ask:
- whether the school coordinates placements
- if students must identify preceptors independently
- whether travel is required for specialty rotations
- how placements are handled for distance learners
- whether clinical hours can be completed near home communities
These questions can be especially important for students living outside Las Vegas or Reno.
Program-Specific Placement Models
Clinical support varies across Nevada schools.
- University of Nevada, Reno arranges all graduate clinical placements and provides faculty-guided oversight throughout clinical training.
- Roseman University combines online learning with required residency and clinical experiences.
- UNLV integrates advanced clinical preparation with specialty-focused graduate education.
- Touro University Nevada emphasizes clinical preparation within its Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum and doctoral pathways.
Before enrolling, students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities, travel expectations, specialty-specific requirements, and preceptor availability.
Professional Networking Resources
Students looking for networking opportunities, continuing education, legislative updates, or potential preceptor connections may find the following organizations helpful:
- Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- Nevada Nurses Association
- Nevada Primary Care Association
- Nevada Rural Hospital Partners
- Nevada Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
NP Programs in Nevada FAQ
Do NP programs in Nevada require the GRE?
GRE requirements vary by school and pathway. Many graduate nursing programs have reduced or eliminated standardized testing requirements for experienced nurses and doctoral applicants, but students should always confirm current admissions policies directly with the university.
Can I complete an NP program online in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada offers several online and hybrid NP pathways. The University of Nevada, Reno offers online and in-person learning options, Roseman University delivers its Family Nurse Practitioner pathway primarily online with short residency experiences, and Touro University Nevada offers an online DNP program. Clinical training and specialty practicums, however, still require in-person participation.
How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Nevada?
Preceptor availability varies by specialty and location. Students in Las Vegas and Reno generally have access to larger healthcare systems and a broader pool of providers, while students in rural and frontier communities may need to travel for certain specialty rotations. Some schools provide substantial placement support. For example, the University of Nevada, Reno arranges all graduate clinical placements for its students.
What NP specialties are available in Nevada?
Nevada schools offer specialties including Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Women’s Health NP, and Certified Nurse-Midwife pathways. Specialty availability varies by institution and degree level.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada is considered a full practice state. Nurse practitioners can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and manage treatment independently under state law. APRNs must still meet Nevada licensing, certification, and prescriptive authority requirements before practicing. Students should review current Nevada regulations and national certification standards before entering practice.