Maria Delgado, RN
June 23, 2025
Nevada allows individuals to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) so they can deliver basic patient care in different healthcare settings throughout the state. The nursing field depends on CNAs who help nurses provide patient care support while maintaining comfort levels for patients. The healthcare sector depends on them to provide essential support in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings.
Elko, NV - Public 4-Year - gbcnv.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Great Basin College's Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program offers a campus-based entry into healthcare, emphasizing practical, hands-on training across multiple Nevada locations. Students gain essential skills through a comprehensive curriculum focused on patient care, preparing them for certification with the Nevada State Board of Nursing. This program serves as a solid pathway to becoming competent and compassionate nursing assistants, with no entrance exams required for this certification-level course.
Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - unlv.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers a 4-week hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program, combining online and in-person learning over 96 hours. With a total cost of $2,650, it prepares students for the Nevada State Board of Nursing exam, covering essential skills in patient care and clinical procedures. Open to those 18 or older with a high school diploma, background check, and CPR/BLS certification, this program features multiple start dates annually and is military-friendly, making it ideal for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Las Vegas, NV - Public 4-Year - csn.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Southern Nevada's Nursing Assistant program provides a swift entry into healthcare, focusing on essential skills for patient support. With options like NURS 40 and NURS 130, students can complete the program in as few as 3-6 credits, emphasizing hands-on training in the School of Health Sciences. This open-entry, campus-based program prepares learners for immediate roles in various medical settings, offering flexibility and rapid career preparation without concentration specifics or entrance exams.
Las Vegas, NV - Private 2-year - pmi.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas offers a 6-week Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Certificate Program on campus, providing intensive hands-on training for entry-level patient care roles. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills such as infection control, emergency procedures, and basic nursing techniques, alongside soft skills like communication and patient dignity. Students gain practical experience through a clinical externship, preparing them for the Certified Nursing Assistant examination. Graduates are equipped for diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare agencies.
Students enrolled in CNA programs can finish their classroom work online but must attend clinical training in person according to Nevada state regulations. The hybrid learning approach uses virtual technology to deliver theory lessons while students complete skills training in laboratory environments or healthcare facilities. The flexible education approach works best for students who need to balance school with work commitments or family duties. Students need to maintain availability during scheduled on-site clinical sessions.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas |
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| Great Basin College |
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| Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas |
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| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16, good moral character and physical/mental health, cleared state & federal fingerprint background checks, and required immunizations/health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Nevada State Board of Nursing – Nurse Aide Registry |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a state-approved 75-hour program with a minimum of 60 hours of classroom/lab instruction and supervised clinical practice at an approved site |
| Exam and Application Fees | $50 state application fee, competency exam fees vary by testing vendor |
| Certification Exam | Pass both the written knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation |
| Registry Activation Time | Application processed in about one week, certification recorded once exam results and fingerprint clearance are received |
| Renewal Requirements | Every two years complete 24 hours of in-service training and at least 40 hours of paid CNA work under RN/LPN supervision in the preceding 24 months |
| License by Endorsement | Submit a CNA-by-endorsement application through the Nevada Nurse Portal with a $50 fee and an endorsed form from your original state registry |
The job market for Certified Nursing Assistants in Nevada is strong while their wages remain competitive. The average compensation for CNA workers in Nevada exceeds the national average with pay rates between $18 to $22 per hour based on location and experience. Healthcare facilities located in urban areas such as Las Vegas and Reno tend to provide higher wages because they operate in areas with high demand and extensive healthcare systems. Nursing assistants find employment opportunities in multiple healthcare settings which include hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Nevada | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $36,800 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $17.70 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$44,200 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $36,800 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$29,900 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,300 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas |
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| Great Basin College |
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| College of Southern Nevada |
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A CNA certification serves as the starting point for building a permanent career in healthcare. CNA professionals in Nevada can progress to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) through their experience in patient care. CNAs can transition to advanced nursing positions through bridge programs which utilize their existing training to gain more education. Certain educational institutions provide fast-track programs and transferable credits for CNA students who want to pursue advanced nursing credentials. The employers typically support career development by providing tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements for employees who pursue further education. Long-term care facility CNAs have the option to focus on particular care specialties or move into positions of supervision. A career as a CNA creates multiple professional opportunities while proper planning enables the development of a rewarding healthcare career.
Additional Nursing Programs in Nevada
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