Getting a degree from one of the DNP programs in Nevada is one of the best ways to boost your earning potential as a nurse in the Silver State. DNP-educated RNs in Nevada can count on averaging $160,150 annually. A Doctor of Nursing Practice diploma opens many employment options in the Silver State, too, ranging from advanced practice patient care and nursing education to executive management at the organizational level and electronic data harvesting. These employment options are anticipated to increase by 51 percent over the next decade. Could a DNP be the right career move for you? This list of the 4 best DNP programs in Nevada will help you decide.
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 4 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) for 2025.
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Advanced Practice
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the post-baccalaureate DNP program at The University of Nevada Las Vegas must have a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited school. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of school or the most recent 60 semester credits is required. Official college/university transcripts, a goals statement, three letters of recommendation, and a professional resume or curriculum vitae must be provided.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-master's DNP program is offered exclusively online. With three start dates per year, it is easy to choose a time to begin your studies that works best for you.
The plan features a 38-credit curriculum with classes, including Health Systems Science & Quality Improvement, Nursing Informatics for Advanced Practice, and Analysis & Economics of Healthcare System & Delivery. This DNP pathway with a focus on Advanced Practice will equip you with interprofessional and nurse executive competencies. You will learn the skills needed to assess and evaluate health information systems and technology, improve population health, and inform leadership on patient care issues.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants for the post-master's DNP in Advanced Practice must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned at a regionally accredited school of nursing. You must provide official transcripts from any post-secondary school you have attended reflecting a minimum 3.0 grade point average for the last two years or the last 60 semester credits. Additionally, all candidates must submit proof of an unencumbered RN license, a curriculum vitae or professional resume, a written statement of professional and career goals, and three letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Upon admission to the DNP programs in Nevada at UNLV, all students are assigned an advisor. You will work in collaboration with your advisor and the DNP Coordinator to develop a personalized plan of study. Your advisor will monitor your progress throughout the program and be a source of guidance to ensure you have the best experience.Programs Offered: MSN-to-DNP
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Leadership
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates desiring admission to the DNP program at Touro University must hold a master’s degree in nursing earned at a regionally or nationally accredited nursing school (ACEN, CCNE, CNEA, or NLNAC). You must possess an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the state where you reside and where you will complete your practicum requirements.
All applicants must complete an application through NursingCAS and/or a Touro Nevada application. You must provide transcripts from any college or university you have attended and have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, you must provide a curriculum vitae or professional resume, a DNP Essay, one letter of recommendation from a healthcare or nursing supervisor or professional, and documentation of any academic practicum you have completed, if applicable.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The DNP program at Touro University has many strengths and accolades. From offering a comprehensive curriculum combined with practical real-world experiences to having engaged faculty who support you all throughout the program, you will be well-prepared to advance your career with a DNP in nursing leadership. The knowledge and skills you gain in the program will equip you to engage in improving healthcare outcomes, promoting the nursing profession, and impacting your communities and the people you serve.Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership, and Clinical Education Leadership
MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Nurse Executive, Advanced Practice, Clinical Education Leadership, and Health Policy
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nevada- Reno, you must have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC- accredited nursing school and have an undergraduate overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must provide verification of having a current, unrestricted RN license and be eligible to practice as an RN in Nevada. Additionally, all applicants must provide a Statement of Intent, including graduate-study goals, three letters of recommendation, and a current resume, and complete a graduate-level Statistics course.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nevada- Reno admits students twice per year in the fall and spring semesters. The program offers four specialty options, each designed to be completed in two years.
Each post-master's curriculum plan requires students to complete 30 credits to earn the DNP. The first year of the program includes a general DNP program of study with classes, including Economics of Healthcare Delivery, Analysis of Healthcare Organizations, and Economics of Healthcare Delivery. In the second year of the program, you will complete coursework relevant to your specialization in the fall and end the program with an Executive/Advanced Practice DNP Residency and a DNP Project.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Nevada- Reno, you must possess a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned at an NLN- or CCNE-accredited institution. All candidates must be licensed at a level consistent with the focus of their DNP study and hold a national certification in an advanced practice role (or be eligible for certification). You must provide documentation of clinical and executive excellence, complete graduate-level prerequisites with a grade of "B" or better and have a cumulative graduate grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe it is crucial to consider certification pass rates, as they reflect the preparation of the program and the quality of the education you will receive as a student. Graduates of the DNP programs at the University of Nevada- Reno have exceptionally high pass rates on national certification exams!Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Applicants seeking admission to either BSN-to-DNP pathway at Roseman University of Health Sciences must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned from an approved regionally or nationally accredited college or university, an unencumbered RN license. FNP candidates must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate nursing GPA and show proof of a completed undergraduate Statistics course completed within the previous 10 years with a grade of "B" or higher. FNP candidates must have a minimum of one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse and must provide a current curriculum vitae, a Personal Statement, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
Nurse anesthesia candidates with two years of work experience in surgical, medical, cardiac, neuro, pediatric, Level III, or trauma intensive care are preferred. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, with a minimum science GPA of 3.5. Candidates must also show proof of completing Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and Statistics within the previous 10 years with a grade of "B" or better.
Candidates for both programs may be asked to participate in a personal interview with the admissions interview committee. Interviews are by invitation only.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Roseman University of Health Sciences utilizes the Six-Point Mastery Learning Model. This learning model combines Block Curriculum, Competency-Based Education, Active & Collaborative Learning, Early Experiential Learning, Assessment Learning, and Inclusive Classroom Design. The combined benefits of this learning model have been proven to create excellent success rates for students.S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
4 |
Hourly | $77.00 |
Weekly | $3,080 |
Monthly | $13,350 |
Annual | $160,150 |
Hourly | $56.64 |
Weekly | $2,266 |
Monthly | $9,820 |
Annual | $117,820 |
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 |
Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Carson City | $80.13 | $3,205 | $13,890 | $166,670 |
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | $77.66 | $3,107 | $13,460 | $161,540 |
Reno | $76.00 | $3,040 | $13,170 | $158,070 |
Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
Number | % | ||
Nurse With 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% |