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Your search for the best DNP in Nevada just got a little easier! Our guide & directory contains rankings of the top and most affordable DNP programs in Nevada, details on online & hybrid NV doctorates, and notes on BSN to DNP pathways. Interested in a specific school? Jump ahead to our program listings.
Top Nevada DNP Programs
To find the best DNP programs in NV, we evaluated independent rankings for nursing graduate degrees, prioritizing any Nevada school with a high DNP placement in U.S. News & World Report. But we also considered quality factors such as student reviews and clinical reputations. Take this list with a grain of salt—there are a limited number of schools in Nevada that offer the DNP!
1. University of Nevada-Las Vegas
UNLV’s DNP program stands at #1 for all kinds of reasons. The School of Nursing has solid national rankings for DNP & MSN programs and a superb ranking for online nursing graduate programs (e.g. top 15). It’s an NLN Center of Excellence with excellent NCLEX pass rates, positive independent reviews (especially for NP tracks), and one of the largest clinical simulation centers west of the Mississippi. It’s well-known in Nevada—it has Dedicated Education Units in local hospitals (e.g. University Medical Center and Summerlin Hospital) and a good reputation in the Las Vegas medical community. And its faculty are experienced.
Check the DNP program page to see what’s currently available—BSN to DNP tracks are sometimes “On Hold.” If you’re interested in the MSN to DNP pathway and ideas for capstone projects, have a look at the School’s section on research. Nursing faculty have active grants in a wide range of areas, from chronic illness to acute care. But the School also has a special military cluster, where faculty pursue research studies in issues such as brain injuries, shock, stress, and resilience. Funding ideas can be found in the section on scholarships.
2. University of Nevada-Reno
UNR’s DNP program comes from the oldest nursing school in the state. National rankings and NCLEX pass rates for the Orvis School of Nursing aren’t as high as UNLV, but they’re still very respectable. Nursing faculty have a list of credits after their names. The School runs an annual Mae Orvis Health Care Symposium. And the doctorate is offered in a number of BSN to DNP pathways. Ask the program coordinator for recent NP certification pass rates.
We particularly like the fact that UNR’s BSN to DNP has hybrid elements, with per semester immersion days where you can network and take part in hands-on clinical training. The School is located in the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building, right near the University of Nevada Medical School. Reviewers on independent websites say UNR’s graduate programs are challenging, with knowledgeable instructors, lots of writing, and flexible scheduling. Be prepared to work.
3. Touro University Nevada
One of the key benefits of Touro’s DNP program in Nursing Leadership is convenience. It’s 100% online, with 3 start dates per year, and an accelerated schedule. That’s why this CCNE-accredited, non-profit school made it into our #3 spot, even though its nursing programs often go unranked by U.S. News. Just watch out for distance learning restrictions—the DNP is only available in certain states.
Another bonus? Touro’s DNP is generally well-reviewed on nursing messageboards (e.g. allnurses). Alumni who have been through the doctorate say it’s best for self-starters who don’t need hand-holding and are ready for an intense, high-paced program that focuses heavily on the capstone project. If you need ideas for that capstone, check out Touro’s community health initiatives. You may find inspiration in programs like the Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities (CADD) and Mobile Healthcare Outreach Initiative.
Most Affordable DNP Programs in Nevada
Our ranking of the cheapest DNP programs in Nevada is based on the per credit tuition rate. In the case of public universities (i.e. UNR and UNLV), we went with the in-state rate; the out-of-state rate will be significantly higher.
1. University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Tied)
DNP Tuition & Fees
At UNLV, Nevada residents pay the graduate tuition rate + a per credit “Nursing Differential” rate for the DNP. On top of this, out-of-state residents must pay an extra non-resident surcharge. All students will have additional fees (e.g. graduate student services fee, new student fee, technology fee, distance education course fee, etc.).
1. University of Nevada-Reno (Tied)
DNP Tuition & Fees
UNR has the same resident graduate tuition rate, “Nursing Differential” rate, and non-resident surcharge as UNLV—that’s why it’s tied for #1. As always, there will be extra fees (e.g. online learning fee, technology fee, registration fee, etc.).
3. Touro University Nevada
DNP Tuition & Fees
Touro is a private university, so students in the online DNP pay the same per credit rate, regardless of residency. It’s a relatively affordable program, but be sure to factor in fees, including fees for certain graduate nursing courses.
Online DNP Programs in Nevada
All of the schools in our Nevada listings advertise their DNPs as being online. However, if you dig into the program website, you’ll see that some are more online than others. For example:
- Online/Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in NV: UNR’s program has a fair number of campus visits, including a 2-day orientation at the start of the program, 1-3 days each semester for on-site immersions, one day for a defense of the proposed capstone, and one day for a final defense of the project.
- 100% Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in NV: Touro states that its DNP in Nursing Leadership is 100% online, with no campus visits required.
- Online/Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in NV: UNR and UNLV’s tracks in Advanced Practice or Nurse Executive have the same campus components—a 2-day orientation, one day on campus for the defense of the proposed project, and one day for the final defense of the project.
If you’re coming from out-of-state, check with the DNP program coordinator about state authorization & distance learning restrictions (especially if you’re interested in a BSN to DNP pathway). For instance, you’ll notice that UNLV has a whole section on State Authorization Reciprocity information for online degree programs and Touro can only accept students from specific states.
Note: Considering programs in neighboring areas (e.g. California)? Check out the listings of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.
BSN to DNP Programs in Nevada
To make it easy for you to compare specialties, we’ve included a list of potential DNP tracks in our school listings.
- UNR: UNR has opportunities for aspiring AGACNPs, FNPs, and PMHNPs. The BSN to DNP is primarily online, but you’ll need to make room for campus visits 1-3 days each semester for immersions.
- UNLV: UNLV’s online BSN to DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and Nurse Executive have a similar format to UNR, but they can sometimes be “On Hold.” Ask the DNP program coordinator about current availability.
As of 2020, there were no Nurse Anesthesia programs in Nevada. You may have to expand your search to California and Arizona. Visit our directory of DNAP programs for ideas.
Note: Want more NP options? Our directory of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs contains listings of tracks in every state.
Nevada Nursing Organizations
- Nevada State Board of Nursing
- Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association (NAPNA)
- Nevada Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NVANA)
- Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders (NONL)
Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in Nevada.
Full list of Nevada DNP Programs
3 schools