Nursing Schools in Las Vegas: Top Online & Campus Programs
Explore the best accredited Las Vegas nursing schools that can help you take advantage of the area’s high demand for nurses.
With job growth for registered nurses in Las Vegas expected to be over double the national average from 2018 to 2028, the need for nurses in Vegas is extremely high right now. And demand for nurse practitioners in the area is even stronger. Fortunately, nursing schools in and around Las Vegas are ready to meet those demands through an array of programs for beginning and experienced nurses alike. Explore the best Las Vegas nursing schools in this comprehensive guidebook, and find accredited online and campus programs that can help you take the first or next step in your RN nursing career.
Best Nursing Schools and Programs in Las Vegas
The best Las Vegas nursing schools provide an accredited education approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Formats include traditional in-person education, hybrid learning, and online options. The schools highlighted below stand out because of their high NCLEX-RN pass rates, learning flexibility, and affordability.
Best Overall Nursing Schools in Las Vegas
Best Online Nursing Programs in Las Vegas
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Las Vegas
Working as a registered nurse can begin with an associate degree, but those who want to expand their career horizons and potential income need more education. Las Vegas has nursing programs at all levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as PhD, DNP, and graduate certificate programs. The various options are overviewed below along with links to schools offering them.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Las Vegas
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Usually found at community colleges, an ADN is the minimum requirement for becoming an RN. AND programs focus on the hands-on and didactic training needed to provide the best patient care. Given their hands-on nature, most require in-person courses, though some are hybrid. ADNs take two years or less to complete.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
These four-year programs combine general education courses with clinical training and are either in-person or hybrid with lectures online and hands-on training in person. Some programs take three years if courses are also taken during the summer.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSNs are for those who have bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields, so they target the patient-care courses and hands-on skills needed to work as nurses. Since general education courses are already completed, these programs can take 18 months or less.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Those with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing can earn an MSN through direct-entry programs where they complete the hands-on clinicals and classroom training in 2-3 years depending on if they’re studying full time or part time. These programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX and a particular specialty and are often hybrid.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Las Vegas for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Those currently working as LVNs or LPNs can earn a BSN by pulling from their past training, experience, and education. These bridge programs can be completed in about two years and lead to RN licensure.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Registered nurses who hold associate degrees can take an RN to BSN program and use transfer credits to earn their BSNs quickly. Most students graduate from these programs in 18 months or less and are prepared for work in higher-level nursing positions in management and administration.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Current registered nurses can earn their master’s degrees through an RN to MSN program. Past clinical work experience often counts for the hands-on portion of the degree with any additional training completed where they currently work. Many RN to MSN programs are fully online and take about two years to complete.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Las Vegas
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Traditional MSN programs are for nurses who want to move into advanced areas like nursing education, leadership, and informatics. Expect a fully-online program that takes two to three years, depending upon whether you’re part-time or full-time.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
The PhD is focused on research and theory and is for those wanting to become nurse educators. The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on clinical work and improving the nursing practice. These programs are usually entirely online and take up to seven years to complete.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Those with MSNs can pursue graduate nursing certificates to prepare them for specialized areas like pediatrics, oncology, gerontology, and administration. Working professionals can take the courses at their own pace, almost always online, and complete their certificates in one to two years.
Examples of Las Vegas Nursing Schools with this Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Las Vegas
Nursing schools in Las Vegas can be expensive. Scholarships and grants, like those provided by the Nevada Nurses Foundation, don’t need to be paid back and can help offset the cost. Loans can also offer advantageous ways to erase the debt, especially those with forgiveness when working in low-income or high-need areas. Also look to schools offering fellowships or work-study opportunities. To learn more about financial aid options, visit our nursing scholarship guide, financial aid guide, and nursing student loan forgiveness guide.
How to Become an RN in Las Vegas: Licensing Requirements
The licensing requirements for becoming an RN in Las Vegas and surrounding areas are determined by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. These requirements include obtaining licensure by examination. To sit for the NCLEX-RN, students must fill out an application, provide their official transcripts, pay a fee to the state board of nursing, pay to take the test through Pearson VUE, and present their fingerprints for a background check. Visit our guide to nursing schools in Nevada, where you can find more information on licensing requirements.
Salaries for RNs and APRNs in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a prime destination for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) seeking high earning potential and dynamic career opportunities. The median RN salary in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metro area is $96,500, edging out the statewide median of $96,210. Newer nurses can expect starting salaries around $78,460, while experienced professionals in the top 10% can earn as much as $132,010. These numbers reflect the city’s strong demand for skilled healthcare workers across its many hospitals and clinics.
With its competitive pay and diverse healthcare landscape, Las Vegas offers opportunities for growth at every stage of a nursing career. Whether you’re providing critical patient care or pursuing advanced roles as an APRN, this vibrant city provides a solid foundation for professional success. Check out the data below to see why Las Vegas continues to attract top talent in the nursing field.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $77,160 | $96,210 | $132,010 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | $78,460 | $96,500 | $132,010 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
