Best Online MSN Programs in Nevada

With its growing population and a mix of urban and rural communities, the Southwestern State of Nevada offers exciting opportunities for nurses ready to take the next step in their careers. Enrolling in a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) program is an excellent way to secure advanced roles, from becoming a nurse practitioner to leading healthcare teams in administrative positions. Whether you're in the bustling lights of Las Vegas or the quieter charm of Reno, Nevada's MSN programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and tailored to meet diverse healthcare needs. Explore below for an overview of the MSN options throughout the Silver State.

2027 Best Online MSN Programs in Nevada

We rank the best online MSN programs in Nevada, and registerednursing.org is the source for these rankings. Online education is vital for nurses who need flexibility while advancing their careers. Many Nevada schools offer fully online or hybrid formats, allowing you to complete coursework through distance learning and participate in virtual classes, while still getting hands-on clinical experience locally. We consider hybrid and partially online programs as online, so you have more options to balance work and study. These programs can lead to roles in leadership, education, or advanced practice. To see how we evaluate each school, check our methodology here: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science - Nursing (Nursing Education)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education concentration at University of Nevada-Las Vegas is offered in a hybrid format, blending online coursework with on-campus sessions. Students can pursue part-time or full-time study, with asynchronous learning supported by a mandatory two-day orientation each fall and occasional skills labs. The curriculum follows AACN's Essentials of Master's Education, incorporating 45 clinical hours. Nevada-licensed RNs are guaranteed clinical placements in the Las Vegas area, while out-of-state students must arrange approved preceptors. This track, one of five specialty options, readies graduates for advanced nursing practice, emphasizing holistic assessment, diagnosis, and care planning.

• 5 concentration options
• Full-time and part-time options
• Asynchronous online classes
• 45 clinical hours
• Financial aid available
• Guaranteed clinical placements in Nevada
• Two-day on-campus orientation sessions
• Curriculum meets AACN Essentials
• Mandatory on-campus skills sessions

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN track uses a hybrid online model, requiring mandatory on-campus sessions each semester—seven visits in total, including skills labs and OSCE pass-offs. Students may enroll full-time or part-time, and the curriculum meets AACN essentials while concentrating on health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Clinical placements are guaranteed for Nevada RNs in the Las Vegas area; out-of-state learners must secure preceptors approved in their state. The program integrates research and culminates in a scholarship presentation, preparing graduates for nurse practitioner roles with patient counseling and education competencies.

• Family Nurse Practitioner track
• Part-time or full-time enrollment
• Mandatory on-campus sessions
• Meets AACN Essentials
• Clinical placements guaranteed in Nevada
• Out-of-state preceptor requirements
• Online MSN program
• Two-day orientation on campus
• Seven campus visits required
• Prepares for nurse practitioner roles

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN at University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a hybrid online program with mandatory on-campus sessions for skills development. Offering both part-time and full-time paths, it delivers training in holistic care, diagnostic interpretation, medication prescribing, and therapy. The curriculum aligns with AACN essentials, emphasizing research, ethics, and cultural sensitivity. Clinical placements are arranged for Nevada RNs, while out-of-state applicants may need to meet additional state requirements. Applicants must hold a valid RN license. This track builds leadership and patient counseling abilities, preparing graduates for advanced practice in mental health settings.

• Online program available.
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
• Mandatory on-campus sessions.
• Part-time or full-time enrollment.
• Requires valid RN license.
• Clinical placements in Nevada.
• Out-of-state student options.
• Meets AACN essentials.
• Advanced practice nursing focus.
• Skills labs included.

Master's - Master of Science - Direct Entry Generalist

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UNLV's Direct Entry Generalist MSN provides a fast track to RN licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus experiences, delivering a master's-level education that prepares graduates for entry-level nursing practice. Students gain advanced skills and knowledge, with eligibility to take the NCLEX exam upon completion. The generalist MSN degree is designed for career changers seeking an efficient and comprehensive route into nursing, combining rigorous academics with practical clinical training.

• Fast track to RN licensure.
• For non-traditional students.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Hybrid program format.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• Master's level education.
• Entry-level nursing practice.
• Advanced skills focus.

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#2

Touro University Nevada

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

BSN to MSN - MSN-FNP Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Touro University Nevada's MSN-FNP program is a hybrid offering that combines online coursework with three on-campus clinical intensives, designed to prepare registered nurses for family nurse practitioner certification in just 20 months. This CCNE-accredited program provides clinical practicum placement assistance and prepares students for both AANP and ANCC national certification exams. Admission requires an active RN license, a BSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, a resume, a personal statement, and a $75 application fee; no entrance exam is mentioned. With three start dates per year and a 95% graduation rate, this flexible program offers multiple entry points for working nurses.

• 20-month program duration
• Hybrid online and on-campus format
• Three on-campus clinical intensives
• Three start dates per year
• 95% graduation rate
• Active RN license required
• BSN degree required
• 3.0 cumulative GPA required
• $75 application fee
• Clinical practicum placement assistance

*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2025 institutional data.

RN to MSN Programs in Nevada

For working nurses in Nevada aiming to elevate their careers, an RN to MSN program is a perfect choice. These innovative bridge programs enable nurses with an active RN license and an ADN to pursue an MSN without first completing a traditional 4-year BSN. By leveraging their existing knowledge and skills, nurses can fast-track their education, earning their MSN in a shorter, more cost-effective timeframe—sometimes in as little as two years.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• Nevada RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

Unfortunately, as of now, there are no RN to MSN programs located in Nevada. However, you can find them located in states nearby. California has many schools offering RN to MSN programs worth checking out, such as the University of San Francisco (USF) and West Coast University (WCU). Before applying, consider any licensure or certification you may need in your future career and the process for transferring these back to Nevada.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Nevada

If you’re unsure about enrolling in graduate school, concerns about tuition costs or time commitment are likely at the forefront. Fortunately, MSN programs in Nevada are among the most accessible options for advancing your nursing career. Many programs offer a balance of affordability and efficiency, making it easier for working nurses to achieve their goals. However, some options stand out as faster and more cost-effective than others. Below, explore key factors that influence the length and cost of MSN programs, along with examples of Nevada’s most affordable and quickest options.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

Most MSN programs in Nevada can be completed in under four years of full-time study, but it's possible to finish in as little as two years—or even sooner. Nurses looking to fast-track their education can take advantage of online options, summer courses, or programs designed for accelerated study. Below are a few examples of MSN programs in Nevada that offer a streamlined path to graduation.

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

In Nevada, finding affordable education can sometimes feel like a roll of the dice, but many MSN programs offer surprisingly reasonable tuition rates compared to other graduate programs. Nevada residents can further reduce costs by taking advantage of in-state tuition rates. Below are a few examples of cost-effective MSN programs available across the Silver State.

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

If you're looking to transition into nursing after earning a bachelor's degree in another field, Nevada offers an exciting pathway through Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs. These innovative programs allow you to skip the traditional BSN and enroll directly in an MSN program, combining foundational nursing education with advanced practice training. Typically completed in about four years, this route is faster and more cost-effective than the traditional BSN-to-MSN pathway, which can take six years or longer. Below are the common requirements for enrolling in a MENP program in Nevada.

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

As of now, there is currently one MENP program offered in the state. You can find this program located at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLS).

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

In addition to being efficient and cost-effective, Nevada provides various specialized MSN programs tailored to meet diverse career aspirations. These programs allow students to concentrate on specific areas of interest, whether it’s becoming a nurse practitioner, an educator, or pursuing roles in leadership or informatics. Specializing not only enhances career prospects but can also lead to higher salaries and increased autonomy in the nursing field. Below are a few examples of schools in Nevada that offer specialized MSN programs.

What is MSN Accreditation?

MSN accreditation is essential to guarantee that a program meets rigorous quality standards. Accrediting organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) evaluate programs to ensure their curriculum, faculty, and outcomes equip students for advanced nursing roles, licensure, and certification. Accreditation bolsters a program’s credibility with employers and qualifies students for financial aid, giving them confidence in the value of their education in Nevada.

2026 List of MSN Programs in Nevada

Looking for more options? Take a look at the full list of Nevada MSN programs below:

MSN Programs By City:

• Las Vegas MSN Programs