RN-to-MSN Programs in Nevada – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
If you’re an RN in the Silver State without a BSN, RN-to-MSN programs in Nevada are the quickest route to advanced nursing practice and nursing leadership roles. These combined degree programs are typically one to two years shorter than it would take you to complete a BSN and an MSN separately, which means your tuition costs will be considerably less. Once you complete your RN-to-MSN program, you can count on making an average salary of $144,890 annually, and your job prospects will increase by 51 percent in only 10 years. Learn how a fast-track nursing master’s program can enhance your career with this list of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Nevada.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN NEVADA(ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Nevada (Online & Campus) for 20261. University of Nevada-Reno - Reno
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Generalist, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: The University of Nevada-Reno offers several options for registered nurses who wish to advance their education and scope of practice by earning a master’s degree. The RN-to-MSN program features three nurse practitioner specialties, a generalist pathway, and a nurse educator pathway. Each MSN pathway offers a full-time and part-time enrollment option. Admission occurs in the fall semester each year.
The program features online coursework and only one campus visit for a five-day immersion experience in the summer semester before beginning clinicals. This distance-learning format makes the program an excellent option for those seeking RN-to-MSN programs in Nevada that do not require frequent travel to campus. The curriculum plans require between 35 and 48 credits, depending on the specialty you choose. Upon admission, you will meet with an academic advisor who will review your transcripts to verify completion of all required prerequisites for the MSN program. If you lack required courses, they will be added to your plan of study.
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care and Family Nurse Practitioner pathways each require 780 direct patient care clinical hours. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP program includes 720 clinical hours. The Generalist and Nurse Educator options require at least 420 practicum hours.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Nevada-Reno, candidates must have an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline, and a current license to practice as a registered nurse in Nevada (or eligibility to practice in the state). Candidates for the nurse practitioner specialties and nurse educator specialty must have two years of relevant work experience as a registered nurse.
You must submit a Statement of Intent describing graduate-study goals, three letters of reference, a resume that includes professional, community service, and educational experience, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Your previous degree curriculum must include coursework in statistics, growth and development across the lifespan, basic research, and health assessment.
An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required. Some candidates may be asked to interview with program faculty before receiving an official admission offer.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Nevada-Reno RN-to-MSN Students
• As a nurse educator, I encourage all nurses to find ways to increase their knowledge and gain new skills. Because healthcare is such a diverse, ever-changing field, you have plenty of options to earn certifications and micro-credentials. One of the things I find attractive about the Orvis School of Nursing at UN-R is that it offers students opportunities to build specialized skills by earning micro-credentials. The micro-credential options currently include Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist, Introduction to Clinical Research, and Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatry.• At the University of Nevada, Reno, all clinical placements are a collaborative arrangement between the School of Nursing and students. The School of Nursing coordinates and supervises graduate clinical placements with student input. Because the school helps identify clinical sites and preceptors, you can be confident you will have adequate learning opportunities focused on your primary specialty.
• U.S. News & World Report ranked UNR #5 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Nursing programs for 2026.
• The Orvis School of Nursing was founded in 1956 and is Nevada’s oldest nursing school, reflecting its dedication to nursing education and the students it serves.
• The school emphasizes rigorous academics, clinical excellence, and research and is a designated Carnegie R1 research institution.
2. Nevada State University - Henderson
Specialties Offered: Leadership
Program Details: Are you a registered nurse interested in pursuing a leadership role in nursing? Do you have an associate degree in nursing and wish you could earn a master’s degree without first earning a BSN? If so, Nevada State University has a program that could be the perfect fit for you.
The MSN Leadership program offers 100% online coursework with no campus visits required. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 12 months. However, if you prefer a lighter academic load, you can enroll part-time and complete the program in 24 months.
This RN-to-MSN program in Nevada is designed for RNs with an associate degree to take four RN-to-BSN-level courses that bridge the path into the Master of Science in Nursing program. After completing the bridge coursework, you must earn 36 MSN graduate-level credits. The curriculum includes classes such as Healthcare Informatics & Technologies, Understanding the Role of a Mindful Nursing Educator, Financial & Resource Management for Nurse Managers, and Interprofessional Practice & Systems-Based Decision Making.
The curriculum distributes practice experiences through several courses. Clinical hours consist of both direct and indirect experiences. The final nursing course, Integration of Nursing Administration Concepts, includes 135 clinical hours and culminates in a clinically based project.
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at Nevada State University, you must have earned an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and an active, unencumbered RN license.
Candidates are required to submit a Goals Statement outlining academic and professional objectives and the impact you hope to make by earning an MSN degree, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all colleges or universities. Candidates with at least one year of professional nursing experience are preferred. Additionally, although a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher is preferred, you may be considered for conditional admission if your GPA is lower and you meet other admission criteria.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Nevada State University RN-to-MSN Students
• At Nevada State University, online doesn’t mean you are on your own. The school offers a broad array of student support services designed to promote your success. Academic advisors, counselors, faculty, and experienced preceptors will work with you from day one to ensure you have the support and resources you need to complete the program and step into a nursing leadership role with confidence.• Graduates of the RN-to-MSN Leadership program at Nevada State University have excellent job placement rates. Many graduates go on to work in roles such as Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing Services, Healthcare Case Manager, Population Health Specialist, and Healthcare Quality Improvement Coordinator.
• Asynchronous coursework lets you study when and where it is most convenient, so you can keep your job and manage other responsibilities while earning your degree.
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