BSN-to-DNP Programs in Nevada – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Graduates of BSN-to-DNP programs in Nevada have career advancement opportunities open to them that aren't available to other nurses. Their employment opportunities are expected to expand by 51 percent within the next 10 years, and the average annual salary for a DNP in the Silver State is $160,150 annually. Whether your interests lie in clinical practice, nursing education, or executive healthcare leadership, the education you receive while earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will put you on top of your game. Is a DNP the right professional option for you? Peruse this guide to the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Nevada and find out.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN NEVADA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) for 2026.
1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthetist
The type of specialty that interests you most, where you live, and where you plan to practice will determine where you should go to school. For example, UNLV offers three pathways for RNs seeking BSN-to-DNP programs in Nevada. The program admits students once each year in the fall semester.
The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways are offered fully online. Each of these programs features a 70-credit curriculum plan. These pathways include classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology & Genetics, Organizational Management for the Advanced Practice Nurse, and Diagnostic Reasoning & Clinical Decision-Making for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Each specialty includes concentration-relevant coursework and 1,155 hours of clinical practicum.
The Nurse Anesthesia program is offered in a blended learning format, with some online and some in-person classes, and requires completion of 91 credits. The curriculum features classes such as Advanced Anatomy & Physiology for the CRNA, Chemistry & Physics for the CRNA, Epidemiology & Biostatistics for Population Health & Anesthesia, and Advanced Anesthesia. Nurse Anesthesia students complete a minimum of 2,040 clinical hours.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a written statement of professional and career goals, a detailed professional resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All applicants must participate in one to two interviews with DNP Admissions committee members and/or other School of Nursing faculty. Interviews may be conducted by phone or video conference. Additionally, applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia concentration must download and complete a Critical Care and Skills Assessment form and return it with their completed application.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is well-regarded for its exceptional nursing instruction. The DNP is ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News, making it an excellent choice for prospective students seeking a BSN-to-DNP program in Nevada.• If you are passionate about making a difference outside the traditional clinic or healthcare setting, UNLV is a great place to learn. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, partners with more than 180 organizations every semester to promote community nursing efforts. These partnerships allow students to combine evidence-based education with diverse community partnerships, meeting the health needs of local communities.
• The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is taught by faculty with decades of combined experience who are committed to nursing excellence both in clinical practice and education. As a program graduate, you will be prepared to be a true leader in healthcare.
• The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has offered graduate nursing programs since 1984, when the school enrolled its first graduate nursing students. The school's over 40 years of graduate nursing education are a testament to the university's dedication to advancing the science of health and healthcare through transformative, interdisciplinary education, practice, scholarship, and community engagement. No wonder it is an excellent choice for prospective students seeking the top BSN-to-DNP programs in Nevada!
2. University of Nevada, Reno - Reno
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive & Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The post-baccalaureate DNP programs vary in length, requiring 68 to 72 credits. Students in the nurse practitioner tracks, except Psychiatric Mental Health NP students, are required to attend a four- to five-day campus immersion during the first week of the summer semester before beginning clinical rotations. All DNP students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, including direct patient care hours and indirect hours, which are earned through a DNP Scholarly Project. The DNP Project Proposal defense and final defense of the Project are typically conducted via ZOOM meetings. However, you may come to campus for the defense if you prefer.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the post-baccalaureate DNP program at the University of Nevada, Reno, you must meet the University's Graduate School and the Orvis School of Nursing's BSN-to-DNP admission requirements. Admission is open to Registered Nurses with a current, unrestricted RN license who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. You are required to submit a Statement of Intent, which includes graduate-study goals, and provide three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Your transcripts should show an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of a graduate-level applied statistics course. An interview with program faculty may be required.
Why Choose This Program
• Success is measured in many ways. When it comes to nursing programs, one way to tell if the program is truly high quality and designed to help you achieve success is to find out how well graduates perform on credentialing exams. For example, graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing consistently exceed national first-attempt pass rates on national nurse practitioner certification exams. In fact, most cohorts achieve a 100% pass rate!• The University of Nevada, Reno, has several clinical sites and vetted preceptors throughout the state. Program faculty assign students within the state to preceptors and sites for clinical practicum purposes. If you live outside of Nevada, you will assist with identifying a preceptor/mentor and clinical sites for your residency and clinical placements. All practicum placements are collaborative arrangements, which means you have unlimited support from faculty and staff, ensuring you receive the clinical training and experiences you need to prepare for success in clinical practice.
• The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics DNP Job Outlook predicts that NP jobs will grow by 46% by 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles in the United States. Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP program at UNLV have excellent job placement rates, which aligns not only with the BLS predictions of job growth, but also demonstrates the confidence prospective employers have in the program's preparation of students for these important advanced-practice roles.
• The Orvis School of Nursing fully coordinates clinical placements and assigns preceptors for all DNP students. Their insight and skill in identifying clinical contracts and preceptors, and securing clinical contracts, mean you can focus on skills development without the burden of having to secure your own placements and contracts independently.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP 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 Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In Nevada?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Nevada?
| Hourly | $77.00 |
| Weekly | $3,080 |
| Monthly | $13,350 |
| Annual | $160,150 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Nevada?
| Hourly | $56.64 |
| Weekly | $2,266 |
| Monthly | $9,820 |
| Annual | $117,820 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Nevada?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $64.09 | $2,564 | $11,110 | $133,310 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $75.66 | $3,026 | $13,110 | $157,370 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $84.26 | $3,370 | $14,610 | $175,260 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $100.69 | $4,028 | $17,450 | $209,430 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Nevada By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Carson City | $80.13 | $13,890 | $3,205 | $166,670 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | $77.66 | $13,460 | $3,107 | $161,540 |
| Reno | $76.00 | $13,170 | $3,040 | $158,070 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Nevada VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Nevada
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $160,150 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $154,800 | +$5,350 | +3.46% |
| Dentist | $144,420 | +$15,730 | +10.89% |
| Pharmacist | $131,820 | +$28,330 | +21.49% |
| Optometrist | $122,610 | +$37,540 | +30.62% |
| Physical Therapist | $111,460 | +$48,690 | +43.68% |
| Chiropractor | $107,920 | +$52,230 | +48.40% |
| Occupational Therapist | $107,070 | +$53,080 | +49.58% |
| Veterinarian | $104,830 | +$55,320 | +52.77% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,620 | +$59,530 | +59.16% |
| Radiation Therapist | $90,980 | +$69,170 | +76.03% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,320 | +$69,830 | +77.31% |
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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in Education. Darby has worked as a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare environments, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student mentoring across nursing and allied health programs.
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