Nursing in Nevada

Nevada’s nursing education options are concentrated mainly in the state’s urban centers. Of the 15 nursing schools spread across 8 cities, most are located in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and Reno. 

The state’s NCLEX pass rates for both RN and PN candidates have remained steady, averaging about 90.4% between 2025 and 2026, which closely matches the national average. However, the range across programs varies from about 86% to 93.2%. Public and community college programs tend to have higher pass rates compared to some private or for-profit schools, which have struggled to maintain consistent outcomes. These differences highlight the importance of carefully reviewing program quality when choosing where to study.

Nevada is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which complicates nursing practice across state lines. Nurses licensed in Nevada cannot automatically practice in most neighboring states without obtaining additional licenses. This affects mobility, especially given that surrounding states like California and Arizona are members of the Compact. Nurses planning to work regionally will need to navigate separate licensing processes.

In terms of employment, the state supports nearly 26,000 registered nurses, primarily employed by major hospital systems such as Renown Health in Reno and the University Medical Center and Valley Health System in Las Vegas. The nursing job market is generally stable with steady demand driven by Nevada’s growing population and expanding healthcare services, especially in urban hospitals and outpatient facilities. Salary levels average about $97,700 for RNs, with a broad range reflecting differences between urban and rural areas, specialties, and experience levels. Licensed practical nurses earn around $66,500 annually. However, Nevada’s higher cost of living; especially in Las Vegas and Reno, offsets some income gains. Nurses may find costs like housing and transportation challenging compared to their salaries.

Tuition costs in Nevada vary widely by program type and school. LPN programs typically fall between $5,000 and $12,000, often offered at community colleges. ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs average $8,000 to $16,000 at public institutions but climb higher at private schools. BSN programs can cost from $20,000 at state colleges up to $40,000 or more for private universities. Community colleges help keep many programs affordable, but for-profit programs typically charge premium rates and may not deliver commensurate quality or employment outcomes. Students should weigh tuition alongside living expenses when planning their education.

This mix of clustered educational access, steady but varied program quality, licensure restrictions, and economic realities shapes the Nevada nursing education environment. Prospective students need to consider location, program reputation, cost, and long-term career options when choosing their pathway into nursing in this state.