Best LPN Programs in Reno 2026
Find Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Reno, Nevada with information on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the Reno area.
2026 Best LPN Programs in Reno, NV
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 designed for rapid entry into healthcare. It emphasizes hands-on training in patient care and medication administration, equipping students with practical nursing skills. Financial aid may be available for eligible candidates, and admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent. This program is military-friendly, offering a focused path to a vocational nursing career in Reno without requiring entrance exams.
- Campus-based program
- Vocational Nursing Certificate
- Hands-on training
- Patient care focus
- Medication administration training
- Financial aid options
- High school diploma required
Reno LPN Program Overview
Licensed Practical Nurses play a vital role in Reno’s healthcare system by delivering hands-on nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. In Nevada, LPN practice includes core responsibilities such as monitoring patients, administering medications within scope, supporting chronic disease management, and coordinating care with interprofessional teams. These skills are especially important across northern Nevada’s blend of acute, post-acute, and community-based care settings.
Reno’s healthcare landscape features major hospitals and systems, including large acute-care centers, the regional VA medical center, numerous primary and specialty clinics, and a significant number of skilled nursing, rehabilitation, assisted living, and home health agencies serving the Reno-Sparks area. This mix supports strong, steady demand for practical nursing skills, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses to grow over the 2022–2032 period, reflecting ongoing needs related to aging populations and chronic care.
Prospective students in Reno can access practical nursing education through accredited programs that combine classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations at local healthcare sites. Full-time pathways commonly take about 12 months to complete, while part-time or evening formats, when offered, may extend to approximately 18 to 24 months depending on the college’s schedule and curriculum.
- Typical curriculum: nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, gerontology, mental health, maternal-child concepts, and clinical practicums in hospitals, long-term care, and community settings.
- Common admissions and clinical requirements: prerequisites set by the college, immunizations, CPR certification, drug screening, and background checks consistent with Nevada licensure requirements.
- NCLEX-PN preparation: programs in Reno integrate NCLEX-PN readiness through standardized exams, simulation, and targeted review aligned with current test plans.
Licensure and practice are regulated by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. To become licensed in Nevada, graduates must complete a board-approved practical nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and fulfill application, fingerprinting, and background check requirements. The Board also sets ongoing standards for professional conduct and continuing competency. LPN programs in Reno are designed to meet these regulatory expectations so graduates are prepared to transition into safe, entry-level practice across the region’s hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and clinics.
Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Reno
The healthcare employment landscape in Reno, Nevada, offers diverse and robust opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). LPNs in Reno can expect an average hourly pay of approximately $33.92, with many positions also available on a per diem (PRN) basis, providing flexibility for professionals. The demand for skilled LPNs spans across various healthcare settings, from major hospital networks to specialized clinics and home health agencies.
LPNs play a crucial role in providing direct patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses or physicians in a variety of facilities:
- Hospitals:Large medical centers are significant employers. Key institutions like Renown Health, which includes Renown Regional Medical Center and Renown South Meadows Medical Center, consistently seek LPNs. Additionally, facilities such as PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Reno also provide opportunities for LPNs in acute and long-term acute care settings.
- Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Centers:These facilities are a primary source of employment for LPNs, who provide essential bedside care, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring. Examples include Life Care Center of Reno, Alta Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Lakeside Health and Wellness Suites.
- Rehabilitation Centers:LPNs assist patients recovering from injuries or illnesses at dedicated rehabilitation facilities. Opportunities exist at places like Rosewood Rehabilitation Center, Neurorestorative, and Willow Springs Center, which specializes in residential treatment for youth.
- Senior Living Facilities:Assisted living and senior communities, such as Brookdale Reno and Five Star Premier Residences of Reno, hire LPNs to oversee resident health and wellness, manage medications, and provide direct care.
- Home Health Agencies:This growing sector offers LPNs the chance to provide one-on-one care to patients in their homes. Major employers in this area include Aveanna Healthcare, Maxim Healthcare Services, CenterWell Home Health, Eden Home Health, Renown Home Health, and Mission Healthcare.
- Private Practices and Specialty Clinics:LPNs can find roles in physicians’ offices, performing patient interviews, recording medical histories, and assisting with clinical tasks. Additionally, specialized outpatient centers like the Sierra Vista Surgery Center, Eye Surgery Center of Northern Nevada, and various dialysis centers also utilize LPN skills.
- Correctional and Behavioral Health Facilities:Opportunities for LPNs extend to correctional healthcare, with employers like NaphCare, Inc. managing inmate health. In behavioral health, organizations such as Behavioral Health Group and Willow Springs Center (mentioned above) hire LPNs for specialized care.
- Government and Community Health:The Veterans Health Administration also lists positions for Practical Nurses, providing care to veterans. Community health initiatives, including corporate wellness screenings and vaccination events with companies like TotalWellness, may also offer LPN roles.
This comprehensive demand underscores the vital role LPNs play across the diverse and expanding healthcare landscape of Reno, Nevada.
List of LPN Programs in Reno, NV
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