MSN Programs in Nevada – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Are you an RN in Nevada looking for a more meaningful nursing career? Graduating from one of the MSN programs in Nevada is a comparatively quick way to become a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, or a clinical nurse leader in the Silver State, qualifications that will lead to a higher salary and better job security. On average, MSN-educated nurses in Nevada make $144,890 annually, and their employment opportunities are projected to rise by 51 percent over the next decade. Is a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree right for you? Learn more by reading this guide to the best MSN programs in Nevada.
WHAT ARE THE MSN PROGRAMS IN NEVADA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Las Vegas
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwifery
MSN Program Details: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers an academically rigorous, highly respected Master of Science in Nursing program that is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice, educational, and leadership roles. UNLV’s MSN program in Nevada is offered fully online and has three admission dates each year, making it accessible to working nurses. The program utilizes a variety of teaching strategies designed to engage students.
The Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathways require the completion of 46 credits. The Certified Nurse Midwifery program requires 53 credits. The Nurse Educator program is a 33-credit pathway.
Each MSN pathway includes core classes such as Advanced Pathophysiology and Genetics, Informatics & Quality Improvement, and Advanced Pharmacology & Genetics. After completing core courses, you will advance to specialty-relevant coursework and complete a Scholarly Project, which serves as the culminating experience of the Master of Science in Nursing program.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program, you must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited nursing program, have a current, unrestricted RN license, and a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You are required to provide three letters of recommendation from former instructors or employers who can speak to your potential for success in the program, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Professional Goals Statement, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended. One full year of work experience as a Registered Nurse is required before the program begins.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The MSN program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has an excellent reputation for providing a high-quality nursing education. The school is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several categories, including Best Nursing Schools: Master’s.• In your search for a top MSN program in Nevada, I recommend looking for schools with experienced faculty. For instance, UNLV’s School of Nursing employs 48 full-time faculty members. Faculty members are experts in research, nursing education, and advanced practice, which means they bring valuable insight and experience to the classroom. With their guidance, you will be prepared to transition to the role of a master’s prepared nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse educator after completing the program.
• The University of Nevada at Las Vegas has outstanding student satisfaction scores. According to satisfaction surveys submitted by current students and program graduates, most report they would recommend the school to prospective students, citing satisfaction in categories such as faculty expertise, clinical experiences, and academic preparation.
2. University of Nevada-Reno - Reno
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: You can advance your nursing career by earning an MSN at the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno. The program is one of the top MSN programs in Nevada and is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses who wish to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize as nurse practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, or Nurse Educator. Admission occurs twice each year in the fall and spring semesters.
Each nurse practitioner pathway requires a minimum of 31 credits and 780 clinical hours. The Clinical Nurse Leader program is a 40-credit path that includes 540 practicum hours. Students who pursue the Nurse Educator program complete 35 units of credit and 540 clinical hours. Clinical experiences are secured by the Orvis School of Nursing, ensuring you gain hands-on experiences in real-world settings designed to prepare you for success in your chosen role.
MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at the University of Nevada, Reno, is a two-step process. You must first meet the university’s Graduate School admission requirements, then the requirements for the Orvis School of Nursing MSN requirements. Candidates must have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited nursing school or completed both an associate's degree in nursing from a regionally and ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited nursing school and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of clinical nursing experience.
You must submit a Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent, three professional letters of recommendation, and verification of a current, unrestricted RN license with eligibility to practice as a Registered Nurse in Nevada. You are also required to provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended reflecting a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and showing completion of a graduate-level Statistics course. You may be asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty before receiving an admission offer.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Nevada, Reno, Orvis School of Nursing has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality nursing education. Graduates are known to consistently exceed national first-attempt pass rates on certification exams, with most cohorts achieving a 100% pass rate. This excellent record of success reflects UN-R’s commitment to maintaining high standards in nursing education.• The Orvis School of Nursing is part of the University of Nevada, Reno, a Carnegie R1 research institution with a Community Engaged classification. What this means for you is that you can expect exceptionally high-quality education at an affordable rate. The school’s commitment to excellence in education and affordability means you will have a greater return on investment when you earn your MSN degree.
• Graduates of the University of Nevada, Reno, MSN program have outstanding job placement rates. Many students receive job offers while still enrolled in the program, and others report finding placement within three to six months of graduation.
3. Touro University Nevada - Henderson
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, Touro University offers an excellent MSN program in Nevada that could help you reach your goals. The program offers three start dates each year and can be completed in as little as 20 months.
Coursework is primarily online. However, three campus visits are required during the program to complete clinical intensives, which are a crucial component of the program. The curriculum requires the completion of 52 credits of coursework and 585 clinical hours. The study plan features classes, including Primary Care for Disease Prevention & Wellness, Primary Care & Differential Diagnosis, Primary Care of Childbearing Families & Children, and Primary Care of the Aging Adult. Each clinical course is paired with a corresponding clinical practicum. You will have opportunities to care for patients from newborns to geriatrics in a variety of healthcare settings across the health and wellness spectrum.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Touro University Nevada, you must hold a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program and have an active RN license. You are required to submit a Touro admission application, a curriculum vitae or resume, a Personal Statement, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• While the majority of MSN classes are offered online, you will experience hands-on education through campus-based intensive labs and simulations. These experiences allow you to work with faculty and peers to enhance clinical knowledge and skills as you prepare for practicums and to embark on your journey to independent practice following the program’s completion.• Touro University Nevada’s MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program has an impressive 95% graduation rate. This high rate of program completers is a testament to the dedication of faculty and staff to ensuring students receive the support and guidance they need to succeed.
• Clinical practicums are an essential part of any nursing program. While you may collaborate with program faculty to identify preferred clinical sites and preceptors, Touro University offers practicum placement assistance for all your clinical practicum experiences. Clinical placement coordinators will work with you to help ensure proper documentation is completed for clinical contracts and preceptors are thoroughly vetted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits MSN 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 MSN Programs In Nevada?
| 3 |
3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Nevada?
| Hourly | $69.66 |
| Weekly | $2,786 |
| Monthly | $12,070 |
| Annual | $144,890 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Nevada?
| Hourly | $51.25 |
| Weekly | $2,050 |
| Monthly | $8,880 |
| Annual | $106,600 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Nevada?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $57.99 | $2,319 | $10,050 | $120,610 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $68.45 | $2,738 | $11,870 | $142,380 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $76.23 | $3,049 | $13,210 | $158,560 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $91.10 | $3,644 | $15,790 | $189,480 |
6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Nevada By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Carson City | $72.49 | $2,900 | $12,570 | $150,780 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | $70.26 | $2,810 | $12,180 | $146,140 |
| Reno | $68.75 | $2,750 | $11,920 | $143,010 |
7. Average MSN Salary In Nevada VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Nevada
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Physician Assistant | $154,800 | -$9,910 | -6.40% |
| Nurse With MSN | $144,890 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Dentist | $144,420 | +$470 | +0.33% |
| Pharmacist | $131,820 | +$13,070 | +9.92% |
| Optometrist | $122,610 | +$22,280 | +18.17% |
| Physical Therapist | $111,460 | +$33,430 | +29.99% |
| Chiropractor | $107,920 | +$36,970 | +34.26% |
| Occupational Therapist | $107,070 | +$37,820 | +35.32% |
| Veterinarian | $104,830 | +$40,060 | +38.21% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $100,620 | +$44,270 | +44.00% |
| Radiation Therapist | $90,980 | +$53,910 | +59.25% |
| Dental Hygienist | $90,320 | +$54,570 | +60.42% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.
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