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
2025 Best DNP Programs in Nevada
Looking for the best DNP programs in Nevada? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Find the right program to advance your nursing career. Check out our detailed rankings and see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNLV's DNP program offers a transformative pathway for nurses seeking advanced professional development through an entirely online curriculum. This comprehensive doctoral program strategically prepares nurses to navigate complex healthcare landscapes by emphasizing evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative leadership strategies. Students develop advanced clinical expertise and policy development skills, enabling them to drive meaningful healthcare improvements across diverse clinical environments. The flexible program accommodates both post-master's and post-bachelor's students, ensuring accessibility and comprehensive professional preparation.
- 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 concentration provides an intensive online educational pathway for nurses committed to advanced family healthcare delivery. This specialized track emphasizes comprehensive patient-centered care, advanced clinical assessment, and nuanced family health management strategies. Students gain sophisticated skills in diagnostics, treatment planning, and holistic healthcare interventions, preparing them to address complex familial health challenges across developmental stages. The curriculum integrates rigorous evidence-based practice with leadership training, positioning graduates as expert family healthcare providers.
- 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 seasoned nursing professionals an opportunity to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership capabilities through a dynamic online program. This advanced track focuses on sophisticated healthcare systems analysis, cutting-edge research methodologies, and strategic leadership development. Participants enhance their professional toolkit by exploring complex healthcare challenges, interdisciplinary collaboration techniques, and innovative practice models. The curriculum prepares nurses for high-impact roles in clinical practice, executive leadership, and transformative healthcare innovation.
- 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 represents a comprehensive educational pathway for aspiring advanced practice nurses. This intensive online program provides a structured approach to developing sophisticated family healthcare competencies, integrating advanced clinical skills with evidence-based research and healthcare policy understanding. Students explore comprehensive family health management strategies, diagnostic reasoning, and interdisciplinary care coordination. The curriculum emphasizes transformative learning experiences that prepare graduates to deliver exceptional, patient-centered family healthcare across diverse clinical settings.
- Terminal professional practice degree
- Available fully online
- Multiple specialized tracks
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
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 represents an advanced educational pathway for nurses seeking transformative clinical expertise. This comprehensive program strategically prepares practitioners to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. Students develop sophisticated skills in diagnostic reasoning, complex patient management, and holistic healthcare intervention. With a robust curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, graduates emerge as expert clinicians capable of addressing intricate health challenges. The program's concentrated focus on family practice equips nurses to provide comprehensive care across patient lifespan, promoting preventative health strategies and advanced medical interventions.
- 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 DNP in Nurse Executive/Clinical Nurse Leadership at University of Nevada-Reno represents an innovative approach to advanced nursing education. This program cultivates sophisticated leadership competencies, preparing nurses to navigate complex healthcare environments with strategic insight. Students develop advanced skills in organizational management, healthcare policy development, and transformative leadership principles. The curriculum emphasizes systemic healthcare improvement, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. Graduates are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change, implementing evidence-based practices and leading interdisciplinary healthcare teams toward enhanced patient outcomes.
- 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 program offers a specialized pathway for advanced practice nurses targeting complex critical care environments. This comprehensive track prepares practitioners to manage intricate health challenges among adult and geriatric populations experiencing acute medical conditions. Students develop sophisticated clinical reasoning skills, mastering advanced diagnostic techniques, pharmacological interventions, and comprehensive patient management strategies. With extensive clinical practicum experiences, graduates emerge as highly skilled professionals capable of delivering nuanced, evidence-based care in high-intensity medical settings 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 Clinical Education Leadership DNP at University of Nevada-Reno represents an advanced educational model bridging clinical expertise with transformative leadership capabilities. This innovative program prepares nurses to excel across multifaceted healthcare roles, emphasizing comprehensive educational strategies and systemic improvement approaches. Students develop sophisticated skills in curriculum design, educational technology integration, and healthcare training methodologies. The program uniquely positions graduates to drive meaningful educational innovations, facilitating knowledge transfer and professional development within complex healthcare environments. Participants learn to evaluate, design, and implement cutting-edge educational interventions that enhance nursing practice and patient care quality.
- 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
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 of Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice—Family Nurse Practitioner (DNPFNP) program, a 36-month online course tailored for nurses aiming to excel as Family Nurse Practitioners. This program stands out for its focus on advanced clinical training and leadership development, preparing graduates for high-level patient care roles. With a tuition of $60,400, it includes 1,000 clinical hours, offering flexible placement options. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills to improve healthcare outcomes, supported by a pursuit of CCNE accreditation. Graduates can look forward to a rewarding career with a mean annual wage of $124,680.
- 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
The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNPNA) at Roseman University is a pioneering 36-month hybrid program in Nevada, designed for critical care nurses aspiring to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). It combines online coursework with practical clinical experiences, requiring a BSN, a 3.2 GPA, and 1-2 years of critical care experience. The program boasts 90% local clinical sites and a curriculum that covers 118 credit hours, emphasizing a science GPA minimum of 3.5. With a projected job growth of 38% and a mean salary of $205,770, it's an excellent pathway for nurses seeking specialization in anesthesia.
- 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
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 offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Leadership concentration, designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to lead in complex healthcare settings. This hybrid program provides flexibility with both accelerated one-year full-time and standard two-year part-time options. Focused on evidence-based practice and leadership, the curriculum prepares graduates to enhance patient care and healthcare systems through innovative leadership and collaborative strategies. Highlights include CCNE accreditation, online coursework, and a scholarly project component, catering to MSN-prepared nurses with a 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure.
- 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
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Touro University Nevada, with a Leadership concentration, is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to advance their leadership in healthcare. Offering both accelerated and standard tracks, this hybrid program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and system improvement. It's designed for working professionals, featuring 100% online coursework, CCNE accreditation, and multiple start dates annually. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and includes a scholarly project to culminate the learning experience, preparing graduates to drive change in healthcare delivery.
- 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
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
- Nevada Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Nevada Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Nevada FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nevada
- Nevada Nurses Association
- The Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association
- Nevada Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- Nevada State Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Nevada
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