ACNP Programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Enrolling in one of the ACNP programs in Nevada can expand your scope of practice in ways that will benefit you both personally and professionally if you're one of those people who thrives in high-pressure environments. Acute care nurse practitioners work with patients who are critically ill from life-threatening injuries or illnesses. The high respect in which ACNPs are held helps them command salaries that average $152,290 annually. The need for their services is expected to rise: In 10 years, it will be 51 percent higher than it is today. There's a lot to learn about this exciting career track, and we've compiled it all for you in our list of the best ACNP programs in Nevada.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Nevada.)
1. University of Nevada-Reno - Reno
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The program, which is one of the best ACNP programs in Nevada, offers 100% online coursework, making it an excellent choice for nurses who need to balance work and personal commitments with their studies. Students attend campus once before beginning clinicals to complete a four- to five-day immersion experience.
The Adult Gerontology ACNP program prepares students to deliver care to physiologically unstable adolescents, adults, and older adults. The Pediatric Acute Care NP program prepares students to provide comprehensive care to high-acuity pediatric patients from infancy through young adulthood. The AGACNP pathway features a 48-50-credit curriculum. The Pediatric ACNP pathway requires 44 to 46 credits. Both MSN ACNP tracks require the completion of at least 780 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Nevada-Reno, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited nursing school and have a current, unencumbered RN license. Along with an application, candidates are required to submit a Statement of Intent outlining graduate study goals, three letters of reference, a resume, and a Letter of Intent/Personal Statement explaining why they have chosen the University of Nevada for graduate studies. Applicants must also provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended and have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Baccalaureate transcripts should also reflect completion of specific coursework, including Statistics, Growth & Development, and Basic Research.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nevada- Reno is designed to prepare students for a terminal practice degree. Students interested in a role as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner may choose to specialize in either Pediatric or Adult Gerontology acute care. The program admits new cohorts in the fall each year and can be completed in eight to 12 semesters, including summers, depending on whether you enroll in part-time or full-time study.
While coursework is delivered in an online format, you are required to attend a four- to five-day on-campus immersion session before beginning clinicals. The curriculum plans for both the Adult Gerontology and Pediatric ACNP programs require 68-72 credits. Both pathways begin with core classes, including Healthcare Policy & Social Justice, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Ambulatory Pharmacology. Additionally, each pathway includes coursework specific to the chosen population. All BSN-to-DNP students in this ACNP program in Nevada complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S. with eligibility to practice in Nevada. Applicants are required to provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume, a Statement of Intent, and official college transcripts. Transcripts should reflect a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of courses in Statistics, Basic Research, Health Assessment, and Growth & Development Across the Lifespan.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: The Post-Master's Certificate program is available to nurses who have previously earned a master's degree in nursing and who wish to pursue academic preparation leading to certification as an Adult Gerontology or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The Adult Gerontology PMC program admits students once each year in the fall, and the Pediatric PMC program offers admission in the fall and summer semesters.
The Pediatric and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Post-Master's Certificate pathways feature 15- and 30-credit curriculum plans, respectively. However, a GAP analysis is conducted for each student based on their previous master's degree transcripts, and a personalized study plan is developed based on that analysis. All students in the Post-Master's Certificate program are required to complete a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students for the Post-Master's Certificate program are required to have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited program and must hold a current, unencumbered license as an RN in the United States and be eligible for licensure in Nevada. Candidates must provide official transcripts showing a cumulative college grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and submit a curriculum vitae or resume, a Letter of Intent, and three letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• At the University of Nevada-Reno, clinical placement support is a priority. The school has clinical partnerships with numerous healthcare facilities and preceptors across the state. Program faculty collaborate with you to ensure you have appropriate clinical placements and qualified preceptors.• The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada-Reno was the first school of nursing in Nevada. The nursing school was founded in 1856. Since its establishment, the school has demonstrated a commitment to nursing students and the profession by educating and empowering them to become strong leaders capable of being change agents in the field.
• The University of Nevada-Reno has a history of preparing highly qualified professionals ready to take on roles in advanced patient care, as evidenced by excellent pass rates on national certification exams. Both the Pediatric and Adult Gerontology ACNP programs report a 100% pass rate among first-time testers on their respective certification examinations.
• If impacting global health is important to you, the University of Nevada-Reno is an excellent choice! The Orvis School of Nursing's Office of Global Engagement promotes international partnerships and immersive learning opportunities designed to empower students and faculty. The school has global partnerships with the Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital in Cambodia and the Bwindi Community Hospital in Uganda.
• The University of Nevada- Reno is classified as a Carnegie R1 research institution. This classification ranks the school among the nation's leading research institutions. The school is committed to cultivating a culture of collaboration and excellence in nursing by offering unparalleled research funding and institutional support.
• The University of Nevada-Reno's Orvis School of Nursing boasts a faculty comprised of doctorally prepared professionals. Each faculty member brings individual insight and experience to the classroom and passes their knowledge from first-hand experience on to you, ensuring you are well-prepared to transition to the role of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with confidence.
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NEVADA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $53.87 |
| Weekly | $2,155 |
| Monthly | $9,340 |
| Annual | $112,040 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $53.87 | $2,155 | $9,340 | $112,040 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $60.95 | $2,438 | $10,560 | $126,770 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $71.95 | $2,878 | $12,470 | $149,650 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $80.12 | $3,205 | $13,890 | $166,650 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $95.75 | $3,830 | $16,600 | $199,150 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA?
| Hourly | $73.22 |
| Weekly | $2,929 |
| Monthly | $12,690 |
| Annual | $152,290 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NEVADA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Carson City | $76.20 | $3,048 | $13,210 | $158,490 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | $73.85 | $2,954 | $12,800 | $153,610 |
| Reno | $72.26 | $2,891 | $12,530 | $150,310 |
ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Nevada ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $152,290 | $131,620 | +$20,670 | +15.70% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$13,190 | -7.97% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Washington | $148,940 | +$3,350 | +2.25% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | +$3,730 | +2.51% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | +$3,810 | +2.57% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | +$4,770 | +3.23% |
| New York | $146,310 | +$5,980 | +4.09% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | +$11,970 | +8.53% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | +$12,190 | +8.70% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | +$13,990 | +10.12% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | +$14,160 | +10.25% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | +$15,580 | +11.40% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | +$16,450 | +12.11% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$16,500 | +12.15% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$17,990 | +13.40% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$18,280 | +13.64% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$18,370 | +13.72% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$19,110 | +14.35% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$20,830 | +15.85% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$21,180 | +16.15% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$21,360 | +16.31% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$21,420 | +16.37% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$21,740 | +16.65% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$22,300 | +17.16% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$23,050 | +17.84% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$23,120 | +17.90% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$24,610 | +19.27% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$24,710 | +19.37% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$24,930 | +19.57% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$25,720 | +20.32% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$25,970 | +20.56% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$26,360 | +20.93% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$26,430 | +21.00% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$27,330 | +21.87% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$27,650 | +22.18% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$27,740 | +22.27% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$28,190 | +22.72% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$28,360 | +22.88% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$28,480 | +23.00% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$28,670 | +23.19% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$29,660 | +24.19% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$30,110 | +24.64% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$30,730 | +25.28% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$31,940 | +26.54% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$32,500 | +27.13% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$32,770 | +27.42% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$36,080 | +31.05% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$36,120 | +31.09% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$39,230 | +34.70% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$39,590 | +35.13% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$46,040 | +43.33% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NEVADA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $152,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $99,320 | +$52,970 | +53.33% |
| Registered Nurse | $97,700 | +$54,590 | +55.88% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $66,580 | +$85,710 | +128.73% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,420 | +$108,870 | +250.74% |
ACNP SALARY IN NEVADA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NEVADA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Physician Assistant | $154,800 | -$2,510 | -1.62% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $152,290 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Dentist | $144,420 | +$7,870 | +5.45% |
| Pharmacist | $131,820 | +$20,470 | +15.53% |
| Optometrist | $122,610 | +$29,680 | +24.21% |
| Physical Therapist | $111,460 | +$40,830 | +36.63% |
| Chiropractor | $107,920 | +$44,370 | +41.11% |
| Occupational Therapist | $107,070 | +$45,220 | +42.23% |
| Veterinarian | $104,830 | +$47,460 | +45.27% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,620 | +$51,670 | +51.35% |
| Radiation Therapist | $90,980 | +$61,310 | +67.39% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,320 | +$61,970 | +68.61% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Nevada?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Nevada?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Nevada?
| $73.22 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Nevada?
| $2,929 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Nevada?
| $12,690 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Nevada?
| $152,290 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Nevada?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +51.09% |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
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