Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees (DNPs) are high-level degrees that prepare students for clinical nursing education and advanced practice nursing. Registered nurses seeking DNP degrees are able to focus their studies on either advanced practice nursing and systems or organizational/educational leadership.

The number of unit hours required to complete a program will vary from program to program and depend on the specialty being pursued.  The post-master's DNP programs in the state of Nevada will requires completion of didactic and practicum nursing courses that comprise around 31 semester credit—depending on the track. BSN-DNP programs normally require 60 credits for the Nurse Executive tracks, and 68 credits to complete the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner tracks.

Upon successful completion of the DNP, graduates will be able to:

  • Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population health care outcomes in various direct and indirect settings
  • Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research
  • Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery, and management of nursing care and health care systems.
  • Act as a change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health care policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession
  • Collaborate in inter-professional teams to meet the health care needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations

2026 Best DNP Programs in Nevada

Registered Nursing.org proudly presents the definitive guide to the Best DNP Programs in Nevada, offering aspiring nurse practitioners a comprehensive resource for advancing their healthcare careers. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked doctoral nursing programs across the Silver State, considering factors like academic reputation, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student success rates. Nevada's top DNP programs provide cutting-edge education that prepares nurses to become transformative leaders in complex healthcare environments. Whether you're seeking to specialize in family practice, healthcare administration, or clinical leadership, these programs offer rigorous academic pathways to elevate your nursing profession. Our rankings represent an unbiased, thorough assessment designed to help you make an informed decision about your advanced nursing education. View our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

UNLV's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a comprehensive online program transforming nursing leadership through advanced clinical training. Designed for post-master's and post-bachelor's students, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare policy development. Students gain expertise in addressing complex healthcare challenges, preparing to drive meaningful improvements across diverse clinical settings. The flexible online format enables working professionals to advance their careers while developing critical leadership skills essential for modern healthcare environments.

  • Terminal professional nursing practice degree
  • Online and flexible program options
  • Advanced leadership preparation
  • Multiple track options available
  • Prepares nurses for clinical leadership
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • Post-master's and post-bachelor's tracks

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNLV's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides specialized online education for aspiring advanced practice nurses. This comprehensive program cultivates sophisticated clinical skills and leadership competencies specifically tailored to family healthcare delivery. Graduates develop advanced assessment, diagnostic, and intervention strategies across patient lifespan populations. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, healthcare policy analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in increasingly complex medical landscapes.

  • Online DNP program available
  • Post-Master's and Post-Bachelor's tracks
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Advanced clinical practice preparation
  • Evidence-based healthcare approach

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Track - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNLV's Post-Master's Advanced Practice DNP track offers a rigorous online program for experienced nursing professionals seeking terminal degree preparation. This innovative curriculum develops advanced leadership capabilities, research proficiency, and strategic healthcare systems analysis. Designed for post-master's nurses, the program prepares graduates for diverse roles in clinical practice, education, and executive leadership. Students gain comprehensive skills in evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transformative healthcare solutions.

  • Terminal professional practice degree
  • Available fully online
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Advanced practice specialization
  • Prepares nurses for diverse roles

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNLV's Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. This program develops sophisticated healthcare competencies, emphasizing evidence-based practice, health policy analysis, and inter-professional collaboration. Students receive targeted training in family healthcare delivery, preparing them for high-impact roles in clinical settings, education, and healthcare administration. The curriculum integrates cutting-edge research, leadership development, and advanced clinical skills essential for modern nursing practice.

  • Terminal professional practice degree
  • Available fully online
  • Multiple specialized tracks
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
  • Advanced clinical practice preparation
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV - Public 4-Year - unr.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Nevada-Reno's DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This rigorous program targets professional development through innovative healthcare strategies, preparing graduates to address complex patient needs across diverse populations. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, students gain critical skills in diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care delivery. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, and specialized knowledge to empower nurses to transform healthcare environments. No specific entrance exam requirements are prominently noted for this program.

  • Terminal professional practice degree
  • Advanced clinical practice preparation
  • Multiple specialization options
  • Full-time and part-time tracks
  • Leadership and practice-focused curriculum
  • Prepares for advanced nursing roles
  • Serves Nevada and national healthcare needs

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's DNP in Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership provides a transformative educational experience for nurses aspiring to high-level leadership roles. This hybrid program cultivates advanced clinical competencies and strategic healthcare management skills. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum focuses on systemic improvements, best practice implementation, and comprehensive healthcare innovation. Students develop sophisticated leadership capabilities, learning to navigate complex healthcare challenges and drive organizational excellence. The flexible program structure accommodates diverse professional schedules while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

  • Terminal professional practice degree
  • Advanced clinical leadership focus
  • Multiple enrollment options
  • Prepare for executive roles
  • Hybrid program structure

Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Nevada-Reno's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track delivers intensive preparation for advanced practice nurses specializing in acute and critical care settings. Spanning 72 credits with 780 clinical practicum hours, the program equips students with comprehensive skills to diagnose, treat, and manage critically ill adult and geriatric patients. Graduates receive comprehensive training in interdisciplinary healthcare approaches, advanced health assessment, and clinical reasoning. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, positioning students for national certification and leadership roles in high-intensity medical environments like intensive care units and specialized hospital departments.

  • 72 total program credits
  • 780 specialty practicum hours
  • National certification eligibility
  • Advanced clinical practice focus
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Clinical Education Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Nevada-Reno's DNP in Clinical Education Leadership represents an innovative approach to advanced nursing education. This hybrid program empowers nurses to excel in multifaceted healthcare roles, bridging academic knowledge with practical application. Focused on transformative leadership, the curriculum prepares professionals to implement best practices, evaluate care delivery models, and make meaningful impacts in patient care systems. Students develop sophisticated skills in clinical practice, administration, teaching, and research, positioning themselves as influential healthcare innovators capable of driving systemic improvements across diverse medical environments.

  • Terminal professional practice degree
  • Multiple specialization options
  • Advanced clinical practice focus
  • Leadership role preparation
  • Hybrid program format
  • Full-time and part-time tracks
  • Clinical practice emphasis
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#3

Roseman University of Health Sciences

Henderson, NV - Private 4-year - roseman.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Roseman University's Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner represents an innovative online program empowering nurses to elevate their clinical expertise. This 36-month curriculum strategically prepares Family Nurse Practitioners through comprehensive didactic coursework and robust clinical practicum experiences. Students complete 1,000 patient-care hours, developing advanced intervention skills across diverse healthcare environments. With a total tuition of $60,400, the program emphasizes leadership development and quality patient care improvement. Participants gain specialized training in family-focused healthcare delivery, positioning graduates to address complex medical challenges and potentially earn substantial annual salaries approaching $124,680. The program is pursuing CCNE accreditation and offers flexible clinical placement options.

  • 36-month online program
  • 1,000 total clinical hours
  • $60,400 total tuition
  • CCNE accreditation pursuing
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Leadership skill development
  • Comprehensive patient care focus
  • Flexible clinical placement options

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia

Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Roseman University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia provides an intensive hybrid pathway for critical care nurses transitioning into specialized anesthesia roles. This 36-month program demands rigorous academic standards, including a minimum 3.2 overall GPA and 3.5 science GPA. Designed for nurses with substantial critical care experience, students undergo comprehensive training to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). With 90% of clinical sites located locally in Nevada, participants benefit from targeted regional healthcare immersion. The curriculum combines online learning with hands-on clinical experiences, preparing graduates for an anticipated 38% job growth sector with potential annual earnings around $205,770.

  • 36-month hybrid-online program
  • Requires 1-2 years critical care experience
  • 118 total credit hours
  • 90% local clinical sites
  • First DNPNA in Nevada
  • Science GPA minimum 3.5
  • CCRN certification required
  • Multiple intensive care specialties accepted
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#4

Touro University Nevada

Henderson, NV - Private 4-year - tun.touro.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Touro University Nevada's DNP Leadership program provides an innovative pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to elevate their healthcare leadership capabilities. Offering flexible one-year accelerated and two-year part-time tracks, the program uniquely prepares nurses to drive systemic improvements through evidence-based practices. CCNE-accredited and fully online, students develop critical strategic leadership skills while completing a scholarly project. Designed for MSN-prepared RNs with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the curriculum emphasizes transformative approaches to patient care, organizational management, and healthcare innovation.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Two Program Length Options
  • Multiple Annual Start Dates
  • MSN Degree Required
  • 3.0 GPA Minimum
  • RN Licensure Needed
  • Scholarly Project Component

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Touro University Nevada's Doctor of Nursing Practice Leadership concentration empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. The program's comprehensive curriculum blends advanced theoretical knowledge with practical leadership strategies, enabling students to redesign complex healthcare systems. With multiple annual start dates and 100% online coursework, the program accommodates working professionals seeking career advancement. Requiring an active RN license and MSN degree, students engage in a rigorous scholarly project that demonstrates their ability to implement evidence-based improvements in clinical and organizational settings.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • Leadership Concentration Options
  • 3 Annual Start Dates
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • MSN Degree Prerequisite
  • Active RN Licensure Required
  • Scholarly Project Component
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

Choosing a DNP Program

Selecting the right DNP program and school takes a little legwork. To ensure that you choose the right school for you, there are a few important things that should be carefully considered.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

  • Program Cost—Tuition costs for the two DNP programs in the state of Nevada are as follows:
    • Touro University Nevada Tuition Cost: $625 per unit hour
    • UNLV—In-state $615 per unit hour; Out-of-state $1000 per unit hour
  • Online/Campus Options— Nevada has several universities with DNP programs that are delivered to students primarily in an online format:
    • Touro University Nevada—Touro's DNP program is offered completely online with no required on-campus visits. The practicum and scholarly project portions of the program (which are required for graduation) may be completed in the student’s geographical area
    • University of Nevada @ Las Vegas & Reno—although all courses are delivered online, students are required to come to campus for a two-day orientation and one day each during two different semesters for their project proposal and project defense presentation.
  • Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Nevada are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • Residency— Clinical residencies and fellowships for DNP students can typically be arranged through their university. Students are encouraged to ask what kind of partnerships their school has with local hospitals and health centers.

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

To be considered for acceptance in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program, applicants should:

  • Hold a current BSN or MSN degree from a CCNE or ACEN accredited School of Nursing
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) in their undergraduate nursing coursework
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their Master's program
  • Be licensed as a registered nurse with an unencumbered license in the state the practicum will be completed
  • English proficiency (written & spoken) is mandatory
  • Submit all required information to the admissions department by the deadline
  • Pass a Level I criminal background check and drug screen
  • Complete required health immunizations and other requirements identified by the School of Nursing (varies based on practicum experience)
  • Pay any fees
  • Interview with faculty
  • Transcripts of all education institutions attended must be sent to the school of choice

Certification

Accredited DNP programs in the state of Nevada allow successful students to sit for certification upon completion of programs. DNP tracks offered at universities in Nevada allow students to become certified specialty fields including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced Practice
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Executive

Licensing

In the state of Nevada, nursing students who've completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:

  • Completing an application
  • Background checks
  • Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
  • Submit verification of specialty certification
  • Complete fingerprinting

Nevada BSN to DNP Program Options

Some schools offer BSN to DNP program options for students to directly enter a doctorate program from their baccalaureate degree. This option is available in Nevada at:

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas: offers a BSN – DNP program at 60 credits for the Nurse Executive track, and 68 credits to complete the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner track

Related Education Paths

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nevada

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Nevada

Jump to City:

Henderson, NV

Roseman University of Health Sciences

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia

    Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 36-month hybrid-online program
    • Requires 1-2 years critical care experience
    • 118 total credit hours
    • 90% local clinical sites
    • First DNPNA in Nevada
    • Science GPA minimum 3.5
    • CCRN certification required
    • Multiple intensive care specialties accepted
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 36-month online program
    • 1,000 total clinical hours
    • $60,400 total tuition
    • CCNE accreditation pursuing
    • Advanced clinical training
    • Leadership skill development
    • Comprehensive patient care focus
    • Flexible clinical placement options

Touro University Nevada

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • Leadership Concentration Options
    • 3 Annual Start Dates
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Requires 3.0 GPA
    • MSN Degree Prerequisite
    • Active RN Licensure Required
    • Scholarly Project Component

Las Vegas, NV

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Terminal professional nursing practice degree
    • Online and flexible program options
    • Advanced leadership preparation
    • Multiple track options available
    • Prepares nurses for clinical leadership
    • Evidence-based practice focus
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
    • Post-master's and post-bachelor's tracks
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program available
    • Post-Master's and Post-Bachelor's tracks
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Advanced clinical practice preparation
    • Evidence-based healthcare approach
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Post-Bachelor's Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Website

    • Terminal professional practice degree
    • Available fully online
    • Multiple specialized tracks
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Advanced clinical practice preparation
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice Track - Online Learning - Website

    • Terminal professional practice degree
    • Available fully online
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Advanced practice specialization
    • Prepares nurses for diverse roles

Reno, NV

University of Nevada-Reno

  • Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 72 total program credits
    • 780 specialty practicum hours
    • National certification eligibility
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • Terminal professional practice degree
    • Advanced clinical practice preparation
    • Multiple specialization options
    • Full-time and part-time tracks
    • Leadership and practice-focused curriculum
    • Prepares for advanced nursing roles
    • Serves Nevada and national healthcare needs
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Clinical Education Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Terminal professional practice degree
    • Multiple specialization options
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Leadership role preparation
    • Hybrid program format
    • Full-time and part-time tracks
    • Clinical practice emphasis
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Terminal professional practice degree
    • Advanced clinical leadership focus
    • Multiple enrollment options
    • Prepare for executive roles
    • Hybrid program structure
*Information from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 dataset.

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