Compare accredited Nevada LPN programs side by side — tuition, NCLEX pass rates, clinical hours, and career outcomes for every approved school.
Nevada's booming senior population fuels a steady need for licensed practical nurses, especially in long-term care facilities and home health settings across Las Vegas, Reno, and rural communities. LPNs handle medication administration, wound care, and patient monitoring, freeing up RNs for more complex cases.
In Nevada, the title is LPN, not LVN (a common point of confusion for applicants researching programs in neighboring California or Texas). Ranked programs, side-by-side cost comparisons, and NCLEX pass rate data help cut through the noise, but the real decision hinges on accreditation, clinical hour requirements, and your own financial limits.
Choosing the right LPN program in Nevada means balancing cost, location, and clinical training quality. Our 2026 rankings highlight three standout schools in Reno and Las Vegas, each offering approved practical nursing pathways with distinct strengths for different student goals.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | $4,000 – $13,000/yr | Military medic to LPN bridge | |
College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas offers a limited-entry Practical Nursing Program with a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, preparing students for Southern Nevada’s growing healthcare sector. A standout Military Medic to LPN bridge helps veterans and corpsmen transition into nursing. With an institutional net price around $6,600 and median graduate debt of $8,000, it delivers strong value even though the school-wide graduation rate is modest at 19%.
| |||||
| #2 | Carrington College-Reno | Reno, NV | $52,000/yr (net price) | Northern Nevada healthcare placements | |
Carrington College-Reno provides a campus-based Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement, with clinical placements in local Reno-area facilities. Its net price is approximately $51,800, reflecting a private school cost structure, but median graduate debt is $15,188 and school-wide earnings for former students reach $43,731. The campus is part of a larger nursing education ecosystem, with recent ACEN oversight updates in 2026.
| |||||
| #3 | Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $20,000 – $25,000/yr | Quick 12-month Las Vegas certificate | |
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas offers a 12-month Practical Nursing Certificate program approved by the Nevada Board of Nursing, with hands-on clinical experiences in Las Vegas Valley healthcare settings. Its school-wide graduation rate is 57.4%, and the median debt for graduates is $9,500. The school’s career services team supports job placement in the local market.
| |||||
Net price represents the average cost after grants and scholarships are applied, based on institution-wide data from the College Scorecard; your actual out-of-pocket expense will differ depending on your financial aid package. Among ranked programs, College of Southern Nevada offers the lowest in-state tuition at $4,358, with an estimated additional $1,282 for books and supplies. Private options like Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas and Carrington College-Reno report higher net prices, and prospective students should contact those schools directly for a complete breakdown of costs beyond tuition.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Est. Books & Supplies* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | $4,358 | $13,024 | $6,615 | $1,282 |
| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas | N/A | N/A | $23,188 | Not reported |
| Carrington College-Reno | N/A | N/A | $51,823 | Not reported |
A high NCLEX-PN pass rate signals a program that prioritizes exam preparation; a persistently low rate may hint at gaps in curriculum or student support. Before enrolling in any LPN program, checking first-time pass rates is one of the quickest ways to gauge how well a school prepares its graduates for licensure.
The NCLEX-PN is the sole licensing exam for practical nurses. A program's first-time pass rate reflects the percentage of graduates who passed the exam on their initial attempt within a given year. This number matters for two reasons. First, it measures how effectively the curriculum, clinical training, and faculty support align with the test. Second, a strong pass rate often correlates with shorter time-to-employment, since failing means waiting weeks to retake the exam. For students investing time and money, a program's track record on the NCLEX-PN is a reliable indicator of return on investment.
Each year, the Nevada State Board of Nursing publishes pass rates for all approved PN programs in the state, typically as part of an annual education report.1 The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) also releases national pass rate averages. For example, the national first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 79.9% in 2024.2 Nevada's schools often post results close to or above that benchmark, but performance varies by campus and cohort size.
Because state-level data is published in aggregate PDF reports rather than a searchable database, prospective students may need to compare a school's own published rates against the state board's official figures. Some programs, particularly those with strong clinical partnerships in Las Vegas or Reno, have consistently demonstrated pass rates above 90%. Smaller or newer programs may show more fluctuation.
Pass rates can swing year to year, especially when cohort sizes are small. A program graduating 12 students could drop from 100% to 75% with just three failures, while a program of 60 might see only a minor shift. Look for multi-year trends rather than a single year's result. Also keep in mind that the NCSBN retained the passing standard in April 20232, so recent pass rates should not be affected by a sudden change in exam difficulty.
Additionally, some schools may report only their most favorable year or omit graduates who test out of state. When possible, confirm that rates reflect all first-time testers from the program, not a filtered subset.
The Nevada State Board of Nursing website hosts the most current pass rate documents under its education section. The NCSBN website provides national statistics and research briefs. For school-specific rates, contact the program directly or visit its nursing department webpage. Official numbers are usually released annually, so check for the most recent year. The 2024 and 2025 data should be available by early 2026.
The path to an LPN license in Nevada involves completing an approved practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and applying for licensure with the Nevada State Board of Nursing. While full-time programs typically take 12-18 months, part-time options and potential waitlists can extend the overall timeline.
Choosing an LPN program often comes down to two paths: the highly structured, competitive track offered by public community colleges or the more accessible, open-enrollment approach of private career schools. The right fit depends on your academic record, timeline, and willingness to tackle a set of LPN prerequisites.
Almost every LPN training program requires a high school diploma or GED. Beyond that, a minimum GPA , typically 2.5 , is standard, though some schools set the bar higher or lower. Entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI are widely used to gauge readiness for nursing coursework. You'll also need up-to-date immunization records, a criminal background check, and a drug screening. These health and safety requirements are non-negotiable and must be completed before clinical rotations.
The largest public option in the state, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) runs a practical nursing program that admits once a year in the summer. Entry is not guaranteed. You'll need: - TEAS exam: A minimum score of 60% (valid for six years).1 - Prerequisite certification: Active Nevada CNA certification , completing a CNA program and passing the state exam is required before applying. - GPA: A 2.5 or higher in any completed college coursework, with no grade below a C in required classes. - Orientation: A Health Programs Orientation session must be attended. The application deadline for summer 2026 was March 1, 2026.1 Because CSN is a limited-entry program, missing the deadline means waiting a full year for the next cycle.
If the CSN track feels like a tall order, private LPN schools in Las Vegas often lower the barriers. Many do not require a prior CNA license or a minimum TEAS score, and some operate on a rolling admissions basis, so you can start faster. When researching the “easiest” program to get into, look for: - No entrance exam or a lower passing threshold. - No CNA prerequisite , though earning one can still strengthen your application. - Multiple start dates throughout the year. Always verify that the program holds full Nevada Board of Nursing approval and that its NCLEX-PN pass rates are solid. Lower barriers shouldn't mean a weaker education.
For students balancing work or family, flexible scheduling matters. CSN's practical nursing program runs primarily in a full-time, daytime format. By contrast, several private schools in the Las Vegas area offer evening or weekend LPN tracks. These programs are designed to let you keep a job while completing clinical hours on weekends or later shifts. Contact admissions offices at the schools you're considering to confirm current schedule options and whether they fit your availability.
- Apply early. For limited-entry programs like CSN's, submitting well before the deadline gives you time to fix any missing documents. - Retake the TEAS if needed. A disappointing first attempt isn't final; use study resources and schedule a retest. - Check prerequisite course requirements. Some schools expect college-level anatomy, physiology, or medical terminology before you start nursing classes. Plan to complete these at a community college if you're missing them. - Get health requirements in order now. Immunization records, physical exams, background checks, and drug screens can take weeks , don't wait until the last minute. No two LPN programs are identical, so review each school's admission packet carefully. A little extra planning can make the difference between a fast “yes” and a long delay.
Your salary as an LPN in Nevada is shaped by your location, experience, and the type of employer. In 2024, the median annual wage for LPNs across the state reached $73,820, which translates to about $35.49 per hour.1 Pay differs significantly between the urban hubs and rural communities, so it’s worth examining the numbers by region.
The Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metropolitan area, where the largest number of LPNs are employed, reported a median annual wage of $73,650.1 Wages in the region ranged from $59,190 at the 10th percentile (often representing entry-level roles) to $85,120 at the 90th percentile for highly experienced professionals. The top quarter of earners made above $76,440, showing that significant upward movement is possible without leaving bedside care.
Nonmetropolitan Nevada presents a slightly different picture. LPNs in rural and small-town settings earned a median of $74,500 annually.1 While the median is comparable, the spread is wider: the best-paid 10% earned over $90,280, a figure driven by the need to attract talent to less-populated areas. However, the 10th percentile wage of $59,820 indicates that entry-level pay in rural regions closely mirrors that of Las Vegas.
Nevada’s LPN wages clearly exceed the national median, reflecting the state’s high cost of living and intense competition for skilled nursing staff. The statewide mean hourly wage of $35.49 is well above the national average, making Nevada an attractive destination for practical nurses.
Hiring activity for LPNs in Nevada remains robust. The state employed several thousand practical nurses in 2024, with employment concentrated in Las Vegas-area hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Long-term projections from Projections Central anticipate growth that outpaces the national rate, fueled by Nevada’s expanding retiree population and increased need for long-term care services. This means new graduates entering the field can expect a favorable job market, especially if they are willing to work in nursing homes or rehabilitation centers where demand is acute.
While the median figures are encouraging, new LPNs typically start closer to the lower end of the wage scale. The 10th percentile wages described above, around $59,000 in both metro and nonmetro areas, give a realistic benchmark for first-year earnings. With a few years of experience, many LPNs see their pay move into the 25th to 50th percentile range. Advanced certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology can accelerate wage growth. For those considering an LPN-to-RN bridge, the earning potential jumps substantially.
LPN pay varies sharply across the Silver State. In the Las Vegas metro, median annual wages run about $69,260, compared to $66,700 in Reno and $62,170 in rural areas. For context, the national median is $59,730.
You cannot earn an LPN diploma entirely online in Nevada, and that is a regulatory requirement, not a program shortcoming. Every state-approved practical nursing program must include supervised, in-person clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. This hands-on training is non-negotiable: it builds the patient-care skills and clinical judgment that textbooks and virtual simulations cannot replicate.
Hybrid LPN programs split the curriculum into two parts. Didactic coursework, such as nursing theory, anatomy, and pharmacology, is completed online through recorded lectures, discussion boards, and digital assignments. Lab skills and clinical rotations, however, take place in person on campus or at affiliated hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This format reduces the number of days you spend commuting to a classroom while still meeting every clinical hour required by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. It is an appealing option if you need scheduling flexibility or live farther from campus.
As of 2026, just one Nevada LPN program operates in a hybrid format: Northwest Career College in Las Vegas. Their 12-month practical nursing program delivers much of the theory online, with scheduled lab and clinical components completed locally. All other major programs, including the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, and Unitek College in Henderson, currently require full-time, in-person attendance for all courses. If you are looking for a hybrid path, Northwest Career College is currently your only in-state choice.
You may see out-of-state schools advertising "online LPN programs" that accept Nevada students. Proceed with caution. The Nevada State Board of Nursing does not maintain a list of out-of-state programs with pre-approved clinical placements in Nevada. To sit for the NCLEX-PN and become licensed here, your clinical hours must be performed in Nevada under approved supervision. Unless a program has an existing contract with a Nevada facility, you would have to arrange your own clinical site, a nearly impossible task for an individual student. In practice, the only reliable pathway is through an in-state, board-approved program, whether hybrid or traditional.
Finally, a word on titles. In Nevada, the license is called Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Neighboring states like California and Texas use the term Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) for the same role. The education, exam (NCLEX-PN), and scope of practice are nearly identical. If you plan to work in Nevada, you will be licensed as an LPN. Understanding this distinction can save confusion when researching programs or applying for jobs across state lines.
Across the United States, about 54,400 new LPN job openings are projected each year through 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of these positions are outside hospitals, with a large share in long-term care and home health settings.
RNs in Nevada typically earn about 40% more per year than LPNs, a gap that can exceed $30,000 annually depending on location and experience. Bridging to an RN license is one of the highest-return moves a practical nurse can make, and Nevada has direct pathways to get you there.
The most common next step is an LPN-to-RN bridge leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). College of Southern Nevada offers an LPN to RN Bridge program that awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. It is delivered in-person and uses an open-entry application process. Mohave Community College (with locations serving Nevada border communities) runs an LPN to RN Track, also an AAS, requiring a TEAS exam and at least one year of LPN work experience. UNLV and Great Basin College do not currently offer LPN-specific bridge programs, so if you are in northern or southern Nevada, plan around the available options.
Direct LPN-to-BSN programs are rare in the state, but an ADN earned through a bridge program opens the door to RN-to-BSN completion. Nevada State University delivers a fully online Post-Licensure BSN for RNs who already hold an associate degree. For LPNs who want to jump directly to a bachelor’s, several accredited online LPN-to-BSN programs outside Nevada accept state-approved LPN credentials and can be finished in 24–36 months.
If you come from a CNA, paramedic, or military medic background, ask admissions offices whether your experience can reduce prerequisites or count toward clinical hours. While no Nevada LPN program currently publishes a formal CNA-to-LPN or paramedic-to-LPN fast track, some schools evaluate prior healthcare training on a case-by-case basis during the application review.
National BLS data puts the median salary for RNs at roughly $86,000 and LPNs near $61,000. In Nevada, both figures tend to run above the national norm, with experienced RNs often earning well into the $90,000–$100,000 range, while LPNs commonly earn in the mid-$60,000s. Over a career, that differential compounds into hundreds of thousands of dollars, making the bridge program a sound long-term investment.
Nevada LPN licenses renew every two years. The state does not mandate continuing education units for renewal, but if your license has been inactive for five years or more, you must complete a Board-approved refresher course before you can return to practice. Staying active simplifies any future move into an RN program.
Choosing the right practical nursing program can feel overwhelming. Below are clear, concise answers to common questions about LPN training in Nevada, drawing on the data and comparisons covered throughout this guide.
