Becoming an RN in Nevada

Professional nursing is a field for students who have a unique skill set: a caring, people-centered attitude and an aptitude for the sciences. There are certainly opportunities for advancement within the field! You may complete a professional nursing program at either the associate’s level or the bachelor’s level. BSN programs typically include more coursework in areas like health management and leadership.

The website for the Nevada Board of Nursing currently lists thirteen approved programs for registered nurses. Although the admission process takes some time, you can get a head start by enrolling in composition and science courses. You can generally expect to complete some of your prerequisites and general studies courses before formal admission to the program. During this initial phase, you will be classified as a pre-nursing student. Class work in prerequisites like microbiology, psychology, and math is a part of what will earn you admission.

Although the general process is similar across borders, there are some differences. In general, a Nevada candidate can’t expect to do his/her practicum work in his/her home state if he/she enrolls in an out-of-state program. The Board has approved one Arizona school and one Utah school, however.

The Many RN Education Pathways

People often think of a baccalaureate program as a four year degree and an associate’s as a two year degree. This isn’t necessarily the case. The course of study can be longer, but in some cases, it is much shorter. Professionals who are already practicing as licensed practical nurses have a shortened track at some Nevada institutions. They may enroll in LPN to ADN bridge programs, or in some cases, enroll in the regular program, but receive advanced standing. Policies vary. The College of Southern Nevada currently award eight units to licensed LPNs.

Some schools also accept credits earned through a testing process (CLEP, Dantes, or AP). This can shorten the time spent as a pre-nursing student.

Students who have a degree in another field may opt for a second degree BSN. Accelerated second degree, or ASBN, programs are intensive year-round experiences. Students select them so they won’t have to be out of the job market for an extensive period of time. Program length varies from institution to institution; Nevada State College notes that their students do two years’ of coursework in one calendar year.

Registered Nursing Career Outlook in Nevada

Nevada should have an ongoing need for new nurses. According to a 2010 report prepared by the University of Nevada School of Medicine, the state ranks 49th in terms of its nursing workforce. Of particular concern is the situation in rural and frontier counties. The number of nurses per 100,000 residents is closer to the national average in Carson and Washoe Counties. In the rural and frontier counties, the number drops by approximately 400 — to a startling 449.

The workforce report describes nursing as recession-resistant though not recession-proof. Despite high need, it is harder for new graduates to get hired during recessions. Some nursing graduates may consider relocating — there are placers in the state where their services are sorely needed. The AACN and ANA have also posted job seeking tips. Networking is a key part of the process. ANA suggests online discussion groups as well as professional organizations.

The Application Process to Nevada Nursing Schools

Academic aptitude is crucial for gaining admission to a nursing program. In Nevada, both BSN and ADN students can expect to take the TEAS, a test of general academic skills. It is an important part of the admission process, but scarcely the only consideration. The University of Southern Nevada bases admissions primarily on academic factors, including grades, TEAS scores, and writing samples, but also awards points for interview performance.

Nevada’s community colleges often give preference to students within their own service region. If there are too many applicants, there will be a competitive process.

Nevada State Board of Nursing Approved ADN Programs

BSN Programs Approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing