Best LPN Programs in Nevada 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Nevada with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review state licensing requirements and the career outlook for practical nurses across Nevada.
Cities in Nevada That Have LPN Programs
2026 Best LPN Programs in Nevada
Carrington College-Reno
Reno, NV - Private 2-year - carrington.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement
Campus Based - Visit Website
Carrington College-Reno's Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement is a campus-based program that provides comprehensive hands-on training for aspiring vocational nurses in Reno. Students develop essential skills in patient care and medication administration through practical experiences. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast-track entry into healthcare, requiring only a high school diploma or equivalent for admission. Financial aid may be available for eligible candidates, and the military-friendly institution focuses on preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry in Nevada's healthcare sector.
- Campus-based program
- Vocational Nursing Certificate
- Hands-on training
- Patient care focus
- Medication administration training
- Financial aid options
- High school diploma required
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - csn.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Southern Nevada's Practical Nursing Program offers a robust pathway into healthcare, featuring state-of-the-art labs and extensive clinical rotations across hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. Approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing, it emphasizes NCLEX-PN exam readiness, with a 100% first-time pass rate. Unique aspects include a Military Medic Bridge Option and flexible tracks at multiple campuses, ensuring hands-on training without entrance exams. This program equips graduates for diverse medical roles, blending innovation with accessibility for aspiring licensed practical nurses.
- State Board of Nursing Approved
- NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Hands-on Clinical Rotations
- Innovative Healthcare Curriculum
- Military Medic Bridge Option
- 100% NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV - Private 2-year - pmi.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas offers a 12-month Practical Nursing Certificate Program on campus, focusing on essential patient care skills like vital signs monitoring and medication administration. Students gain hands-on experience with electronic health records, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid is available for eligible individuals, supporting access to this career-focused education.
- 12-month program length.
- On-campus delivery method.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Financial aid available.
Nevada LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in Nevada, applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED. Most programs require prospective students to take and pass an entrance exam, like the ATI TEAS test, which evaluates academic readiness in subjects like reading, math, science, and English. Additionally, candidates may need to undergo a background check, submit immunization records, and provide CPR certification. Some programs also require prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology or medical terminology.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Nevada are designed to prepare students for practical nursing roles through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical practice. Coursework commonly includes fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and geriatric care. These programs also emphasize patient safety, communication, and ethical practice in healthcare settings.
Accreditation is an essential factor when choosing a program. Accredited programs in Nevada are typically approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing and may also be accredited by national agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Completing an accredited program ensures eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and increases employment opportunities with healthcare employers that require graduation from approved programs.
LPN Schools and Classes
Nevada offers LPN programs through community colleges, vocational schools, and private institutions located throughout the state. These programs combine theoretical and hands-on training, typically including both general nursing classes and specialized instruction in areas such as maternal-child nursing, psychiatric nursing, and infection control.
Students can expect to take courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nutrition, nursing ethics, and human development. Clinical rotations are also integral to the curriculum, giving students supervised real-world experience at hospitals, long-term care facilities, or clinics.
Career Outlook
The demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Nevada is strong, driven by an aging population and expanded healthcare services. LPNs in Nevada commonly work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health settings. The profession offers opportunities for a stable income, advancement into registered nursing positions, and flexible scheduling that supports work/life balance. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth for LPNs nationally to be about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, the demand in Nevada is strong, with a projected above-average growth rate locally, supported by the state’s healthcare initiatives and population growth.
LPN Program Length
LPN programs in Nevada typically range from 12 to 18 months for full-time students.
2026 Shortest LPN Programs in Nevada
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Carrington College-Reno |
|
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| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas |
|
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| College of Southern Nevada |
|
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Tuition and Costs
LPN program tuition and fees in Nevada generally range from $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the institution and program length. Community colleges tend to offer lower tuition rates than private vocational schools. In addition to tuition, students should budget for textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, background checks, and licensing exam fees. Housing costs vary by location, with urban centers like Las Vegas and Reno typically having higher rent. Students relocating for school may need to factor in monthly housing expenses ranging from $800 to $1,500.
2026 Low-Cost LPN Programs in Nevada
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carrington College-Reno |
| - |
| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas |
| - |
| College of Southern Nevada |
|
|
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
LPN programs in Nevada cannot be completed fully online due to the hands-on nature of nursing education. While some theoretical coursework may be offered in a hybrid format, all students must complete in-person clinical training as mandated by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. Practical nursing requires direct patient care skills, which can only be developed through supervised practice in healthcare settings. Therefore, in-person attendance is required for clinical labs and rotations throughout the program.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Nevada
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Nevada, applicants must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and evaluates the knowledge and skills necessary to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level LPN. In Nevada, candidates must first graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program and apply for licensure through the Nevada State Board of Nursing before they are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Nevada offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who are already licensed in another state. Applicants must provide verification of their current license, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, a completed application, and undergo a criminal background check. While Nevada recognizes licensure from other states under endorsement, it is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means LPNs from compact-member states must apply for a Nevada license if they wish to practice in the state.
Licensure Requirements
The Nevada State Board of Nursing oversees licensure for all practical and registered nurses in the state. To obtain initial LPN licensure, candidates must:
- Graduate from a Board-approved practical nursing program
- Submit an application with the associated fee
- Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pass the NCLEX-PN examination
The Board also requires official transcripts indicating the degree/certificate conferred date.
License Renewal
LPN licenses in Nevada must be renewed every two years. To maintain licensure, LPNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education and complete a one-time four-hour bioterrorism course, if not previously completed. Renewal is available via the Board’s online system, and nurses must attest to having completed all requirements at the time of renewal. No clinical practice hours are currently mandated, but proof of continuing education may be audited.
Nevada LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
Licensed Practical Nurses in Nevada earn an average annual salary of $71,460, which is significantly higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage premium is influenced by several state-specific market dynamics, including a higher cost of living and sustained population growth that increases demand for healthcare services. Furthermore, the state’s large retirement communities and robust tourism sector create a consistent need for LPNs in long-term care and acute care settings. These combined factors contribute to more competitive compensation levels to attract and retain qualified nurses in Nevada's labor market.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nevada LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
10 to 12 months.
Credential Awarded:
Certificate of Achievement or Diploma.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Concentrated training on fundamental nursing tasks, hands-on clinical skills, and direct patient care under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Average In-State Tuition in Nevada:
Varies significantly by school type. Public community colleges range from $7,000-$12,000. Private vocational colleges can be $25,000-$35,000+.
Best For:
Individuals seeking the quickest and most direct path to enter the nursing profession and start working as a licensed nurse.
School Types:
Community colleges (e.g., College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College) and private career/vocational colleges.
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
12 to 18 months of study *after* completing an LPN program and obtaining licensure. Total time from start to finish is 2-3 years.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-**RN** to become a Registered Nurse.
Program Focus:
Builds on LPN experience to cover advanced nursing theory, patient assessment, leadership, and critical thinking required for the RN scope of practice.
Average In-State Tuition in Nevada:
The cost of the initial LPN program plus an additional $8,000-$15,000 for the associate degree bridge portion at a public college.
Best For:
Licensed Practical Nurses who want to advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain more professional autonomy by becoming a Registered Nurse.
School Types:
Community colleges and state colleges.
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Entry into Workforce: You can be licensed and earning an income in about one year, which is significantly faster than any RN pathway.
- Lower Initial Cost: The upfront educational investment is considerably less than a full associate or bachelor's degree program.
- Focused, Hands-On Training: The curriculum is built for immediate job-readiness, emphasizing the practical skills needed for entry-level nursing roles.
- Provides a Career Foundation: It serves as an excellent entry point to the nursing field, allowing you to work and gain experience while deciding on future education, such as an LPN-to-RN bridge program.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Significant Career Advancement: This is the direct pathway for an LPN to become a Registered Nurse (RN), which holds a higher level of responsibility and respect.
- Increased Earning Potential: RNs in Nevada earn substantially more than LPNs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a significant salary gap between the two roles.
- Broader Job Opportunities: An RN license opens doors to positions in a wider variety of settings, including critical care, specialized hospital units, and management roles often inaccessible to LPNs.
- Educational Stepping Stone: An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the standard foundation for pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in the future.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Nevada
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $60,940 - $75,930 | 11-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 500-600 hours | $10,000 - $20,000 |
| MA | $37,700 - $46,550 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-200 hours | $4,000 - $18,000 |
| CNA | $37,840 - $46,780 | 4-12 weeks | NNAAP Exam | 15-50 hours | $800 - $2,000 |
| DA | $38,580 - $52,220 | 9-12 months | DANB's CDA Exam | 200-300 hours | $5,000 - $17,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $38,820 - $52,040 | 9-12 months | PTCE (PTCB) or ExCPT (NHA) | 210-300 hours | $4,000 - $17,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,200 - $49,150 | 3-6 months | PBT (ASCP), CPT (NHA), or RPT (AMT) | 100-120 hours | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| OTA | $63,600 - $81,990 | 18-24 months | NBCOT's COTA Exam | 640+ hours | $35,000 - $50,000 |
List of LPN Programs in Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
College of Southern Nevada
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- State Board of Nursing Approved
- NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Hands-on Clinical Rotations
- Innovative Healthcare Curriculum
- Military Medic Bridge Option
- 100% NCLEX First-Time Pass Rate
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program length.
- On-campus delivery method.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Financial aid available.
Reno, NV
Carrington College-Reno
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Vocational Nursing Certificate
- Hands-on training
- Patient care focus
- Medication administration training
- Financial aid options
- High school diploma required