Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in healthcare and want to get into the field quickly, you may want to consider becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
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Practical nursing programs in Nevada take about half the time of traditional nursing programs, and they provide the technical and hands-on skills you’ll need to care for patients as an LPN.
- The job outlook for LPNs is projected to grow 9% by 2029, which is faster than the average growth projected for all occupations.
- The average base wage for LPNs in Nevada is $29.03 per hour.
- Nevada LPNs make an average of $9,319 in additional overtime pay each year.
- LPN base pay in Nevada is 6% higher than the national average.
- According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average salary in Nevada is $59,700, which is higher than the national average of $48,820.
Nevada has a small but growing number of LPN programs to choose from. Programs are most concentrated within the Southern areas of the state, including the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise area as well the northern part of the state in cities such as Reno.
Overview of LPN Schools in Nevada
You’ll find LPN programs in a variety of educational institutions throughout the state of Nevada. State universities, community colleges, vocational training organizations, and online private schools are among the choices available in the state.
Coursework for practical nursing programs in Nevada will vary by institution. However, some subjects are common among LPN programs. Some typical topics you’ll study as an LPN student in Nevada include the following:
- Practical Patient Care
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Nursing Management Concepts
- Pharmacology for Practical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- General Psychology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- General Nutrition
LPN Accreditation
Completion of all coursework through a Nevada State Board of Nursing approved LPN program is mandatory for licensure eligibility. Graduates of these programs can apply for an interim permit immediately. This three-month permit allows new LPNs to work while the official license is processed. You can find the full list of state-approved programs on the Nevada State Board of Nursing website. Additionally, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) provides a list of accredited schools in Nevada as well. Make sure your chosen LPN program is on one of these lists!
LPN Admissions Requirements
In Nevada, some general admission requirements must be met to enroll in an LPN program. Each institution has a set of admission criteria, so it is important to speak with someone from your desired program to become familiar with specific requirements. In general, LPN programs will ask for the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent GED.
- Pass the ACT or TEAS exams.
- Complete all prerequisite college courses.
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Pass a background check.
- Pass a drug test.
- Provide proof of required immunizations.
LPN Tuition & Costs
As cost can be a major factor in determining which program to choose, it is important to note the tuition and fees associated with attending each school. Tuition and fees vary by program, so it is wise to speak with the admissions department of your chosen school to get all of the details.
Don’t forget about additional costs for school supplies, textbooks, laptops, uniforms, and other expenses that may not be included in the price. The good news is many programs offer financial aid, scholarships, and grants to those students who qualify. Financial assistance can help offset these costs.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Nevada
To obtain a Nevada LPN license, you must first complete a state-approved practical nursing program and provide proof of completion by having your official transcripts sent to the Board directly from the school. You will only be eligible for licensure if you have completed a program through an accredited school and received a degree or diploma. Next, complete an application and submit it to the state through the Nevada Nurses Portal along with the $90 application fee. Finally, register for the mandatory proficiency exam, the NCLEX-PN, through Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue will notify the Board directly and update your account as soon as you’ve paid the $200 exam fee.
Checklist to become a Nevada LPN:
- Complete all coursework through a Nevada State Board of Nursing approved pre-licensure nursing education program.
- Set up your account through the nursing portal on the Board’s website (application will not be accepted without this step).
- Submit application and fees through the Nevada Nurses Portal.
- Submit a completed fingerprint card or electronic submission to the Board.
- Register, sit for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
NCLEX-PN Exam
In Nevada, prospective LPNs must take the NCLEX-PN to obtain licensure. Candidates are eligible to take the exam upon completing all required coursework through a state-approved practical nursing program. To take the exam, candidates will need to be provided an Authorization to Test (ATT). This authorization will be sent to candidates after successful submission of license application and registration for the exam. NCLEX-PN tests graduates on nursing skills on subjects covered in the pre-licensure programs. If you do not pass the first time, you can apply to retake the exam.
LPN Reciprocity
Nevada is NOT currently an eNLC (Enhanced Nursing License Compact) state. However, candidates with LPN licenses from other states may apply for licensure in Nevada by reciprocity using the endorsement application form provided by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. The endorsement application and $95 application fee must be submitted through the Nevada Nurse Portal. As with in-state candidates, out of staters will need to have official transcripts sent directly from the school to the Board as well as proof of a passing score on the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, fingerprint cards will need to be submitted.
LPN Salaries in Nevada
In Nevada, LPNs earn an average base salary of $29.03 per hour. On average, an additional $9,319 is earned in overtime pay. This amounts to base pay that is 6% higher than the national average. Benefit types and amounts vary from one employer to another. However, common benefits include a referral program, tuition reimbursement, license reimbursement, 401(k), and paid time off.
LPNs make an average annual salary of $48,820 nationwide. In Nevada, annual LPN salaries (annual mean wages) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are as follows:
- Carson City ($59,160)
- Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise ($59,270)
- Nevada nonmetropolitan area ($58,550)
- Reno ($62,870)
LPN Salaries in Nevada are higher in all of the above locations than the national average, with Reno being the highest. LPN Salaries in Nevada vary by location, level of experience, as well as the particular field of nursing. Typically, LPNs with more experience will earn more than those new to the field. Additionally, LPNs working night and weekend shifts may be able to earn more in some locations.
Job Outlook for LPNs in Nevada
The job outlook for LPNs in Nevada is promising, with a national overall 9% growth rate predicted by 2029. In recent years, the state has dealt with a shortage of nurses to fill the needs of the growing population. For this reason, LPNs are in high demand, with plenty of open positions waiting to be filled.
Throughout the state, the most concentrated area of employed nurses is in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metropolitan area, with a total of 2,040 nurses employed. This is not surprising, as this is the most populated portion of the state.
Top LPN Schools in Nevada
Las Vegas College
170 N. Stephanie St.,
Henderson, NV 89014
702-745-8750
Las Vegas College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing. The practical nursing program provides students with hands-on training in preparation for real-world situations. This LPN program is designed to be as rigorous as the R.N. program, so students will be prepared to transfer to the registered nurse program if desired. Las Vegas College provides financial aid to those students who qualify.
Western Nevada College
2201 West College Parkway
Carson City, NV 89703
775-445-3000
Western Nevada College offers an Associate Degree of Nursing through their fully ACEN accredited program. Western Nevada College’s NCLEX current pass rate is 98% and the job placement rate is 92%.
Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, Nevada 89801
775-738-8493
Great Basin College offers students associate-level and baccalaureate-level courses in career preparation, technical training, and academics. The school enrolls around 4,000 students each year. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree, with programs available on its Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca campuses.
College of Southern Nevada
700 College Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
702-651-3000
The College of Southern Nevada is one of the top nursing schools in the state. With three campus locations in the Las Vegas area, the school offers 160 degrees and over 70 academic certificate programs. The College of Southern Nevada is fully accredited. For aspiring LPNs, the College of Southern Nevada offers a certificate program. The school has an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 72.36%.
Additional Resources
Nevada’s State Board of Nursing is geared toward protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare through effective regulation of nursing practices.
Reno Office
5011 Meadowood Mall Way Ste 300
Reno, NV 89502
Las Vegas Office
4220 South Maryland Pkwy., Building B, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89119
The Nevada Nurses Association has been in existence for more than 90 years to represent the voice of registered nurses across the state. The association represents all of Nevada’s nurses, including staff nurses, public health nurses, nurse educators, nurse practitioners, and school nurses.
P.O. Box 34660
Reno, Nevada 89533
775-747-2333