Top LPN Programs in Nevada

Top LPN Programs in Nevada
Thomas Reed, RN

Thomas Reed, RN

June 4, 2025

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) function as crucial healthcare professionals who work in hospitals and long-term care facilities and clinics across Nevada. Basic patient care together with vital sign monitoring and comfort maintenance responsibilities fall under LPN duties which they perform while being supervised by registered nurses and physicians. The healthcare workforce in Nevada requires more LPNs because the state experiences population growth combined with wide-reaching healthcare worker shortages. LPNs serve as the main care providers in rural communities and underserved areas throughout Nevada because these regions depend on them for consistent healthcare services. 

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2026 Top LPN Programs in Nevada

Nursing professionals looking to start their career as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Nevada have several outstanding educational paths to explore. TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best LPN programs across the Silver State, considering factors like student success rates, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and overall program quality. Our comprehensive analysis helps aspiring nurses identify top-tier educational institutions that provide robust training and preparation for the nursing licensure exam. These selected programs not only meet rigorous academic standards but also offer students comprehensive practical experience in diverse healthcare settings. Whether you're in Las Vegas, Reno, or smaller Nevada communities, these programs can launch your nursing career with confidence and skill. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Carrington College-Reno

Reno, NV - Private 2-year - carrington.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Vocational Nursing Certificate of Achievement at Carrington College-Reno prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This campus-based program equips learners with essential nursing skills through hands-on training. Ideal for those seeking a fast-track to the nursing field, it covers patient care, medication administration, and more. Financial aid options may be available for eligible students. Admissions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Start your journey to becoming a vocational nurse in Reno, NV, with this focused program.

  • Campus-based program
  • Vocational Nursing Certificate
  • Hands-on training
  • Patient care focus
  • Medication administration training
  • Financial aid options
  • High school diploma required
#2

College of Southern Nevada

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

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Discover an innovative Practical Nursing Program designed to launch your healthcare career. Students gain comprehensive training through state-of-the-art laboratories and hands-on clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings. Fully approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing, this program prepares graduates to excel in various medical environments like hospitals, clinics, and home health care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination, opening doors to meaningful nursing careers. With flexible tracks and multiple campus locations, this program offers an accessible pathway to becoming a licensed practical nurse.

  • 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
#3

Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV - Private 2-year - pmi.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Practical Nursing Certificate Program at Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. This 12-month, on-campus program equips students with essential skills for patient care, including vital signs monitoring, medication administration, and working with electronic health records. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid options are available for those who qualify.

  • 12-month program length.
  • On-campus delivery method.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Hands-on patient care training.
  • Financial aid available.
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Anatomy & Physiology
Nursing Fundamentals
Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical
Maternal Health
Mental Health

Clinical Rotations

Are Online LPN Programs Available in Nevada

Nevada does not provide complete online LPN programs because of the necessity for direct patient contact in clinical training. The educational institutions deliver theoretical coursework through online platforms alongside in-person laboratory training and clinical work at healthcare facilities. Through this educational format students can learn remotely while participating in crucial practical training sessions. Students who want to study in flexible schedules that include evening and weekend classes can find suitable programs at institutions that provide hybrid learning options. The hybrid approach combines effective nursing education standards with enhanced accessibility features. 

2026 Fastest LPN Program Options in Nevada

Nevada offers practical nursing students several efficient pathways to launch their healthcare careers quickly. With shorter programs designed to get students into the workforce faster, aspiring nurses can complete their licensed practical nursing (LPN) training in condensed timeframes. These programs, located in key regions like Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, focus on providing comprehensive medical training with accelerated curriculums. The fastest LPN options prioritize hands-on clinical experiences and streamlined coursework, allowing students to complete their certificates or associate degrees in less time compared to traditional programs. By reducing overall training duration, these programs help address Nevada's growing healthcare workforce needs while giving students a quicker route to professional employment.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Carrington College-Reno
  • Campus-based program
  • Vocational Nursing Certificate
  • Hands-on training
  • Patient care focus
  • Medication administration training
  • Financial aid options
  • High school diploma required
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 53%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
  • 12-month program length.
  • On-campus delivery method.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Hands-on patient care training.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 25:1
College of Southern Nevada
  • 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
  • Graduation Rate: 18%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Admission Requirements

High School Graduate
GPA of 2.5 or higher
Prerequisite Courses
Including: Biology, Medical Terminology
TEAS
Test of Essential Academic Skills Entrance Exam
Background Checks
Screening for patient safety.
CPR Certification
Preparedness to serve patients.
Immunization records
TB test results, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and other required vaccines

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardNevada State Board of Nursing
CertificationNCLEX-PN via Pearson VUE
Educational PrerequisiteGraduation from an accredited, board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript or affidavit
Application & Fees$90 LPN application fee via the Nevada Nurse Portal, $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, fees non-refundable
Application Processing TimeApplication and documents processed in about one week, Authorization to Test issued in about one week, permanent license granted 1–2 weeks after official exam results and fingerprint clearance
License RenewalBiennial renewal on the nurse’s birthday, $100 renewal fee, $100 late fee for renewals submitted after expiration, renew within 60 days before expiration
Continuing Education30 contact hours per renewal cycle, including 4 hours of cultural competency and a one-time 4-hour bioterrorism requirement, first renewal exemption for new graduates
Licensure by EndorsementOut-of-state LPNs apply via the Nurse Portal with a $90 endorsement fee, must verify current unrestricted license, submit official transcripts, complete fingerprint/background check, and provide proof of recent practice or a board-approved refresher if inactive.

Salary and Job Outlook

LPNs in Nevada can expect fair compensation while enjoying promising job opportunities. Nevada LPNs earn salaries above the national median which creates a fulfilling career opportunity for nursing practice. The healthcare service needs in Las Vegas and Reno and other urban areas generate numerous job opportunities for LPNs. The shortage of nurses in rural and underserved parts of Nevada leads to additional positions for qualified nursing professionals. LPN employment will grow steadily because of population aging and rising requirements for long-term care. The present job market conditions establish practical nursing as an enduring career path for new workers. Nursing professionals who exhibit both professional abilities and caring behavior and reliability tend to receive high levels of employment demand. 

Salary & Career OutlookNevadaUSA
Avg Annual LVN Salary$71,968$62,340
Avg Hourly Wage$34.60$29.97
90th Percentile Salary>$88,140$80,510
Median Salary$62,340$62,340
10th Percentile Salary<$52,000$47,960
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032)3%3%
Annual Job Openings~350~54,000

2026 Affordable LPN Program Options in Nevada

Aspiring nurses in Nevada can find practical and affordable nursing education options across the state. With several programs available in key regions like Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City, students have opportunities to pursue Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training without breaking the bank. Low-cost certificate and associate degree programs provide accessible pathways into the healthcare field, helping students minimize educational expenses while gaining critical medical skills. These programs understand the financial challenges students face and offer tuition ranges designed to support diverse economic backgrounds. By focusing on quality education at reasonable prices, these Nevada LPN programs help students transform their career goals into achievable realities.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
  • 12-month program length.
  • On-campus delivery method.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Hands-on patient care training.
  • Financial aid available.
-
Carrington College-Reno
  • 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
  • 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
  • $3,300 - $4,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Higher education data sourced from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

Advancement Pathways

The path to becoming an LPN in Nevada leads to an extended nursing career. Experienced LPNs usually develop their career by studying further to enhance their nursing capabilities. The LPN-to-RN bridge program stands as a typical educational route which enables practical nurses to earn their associate degree in nursing while becoming RN-eligible. The programs accept credits from previous learning and clinical work which shortens the time needed to become an RN compared to traditional RN programs. The completion of bachelor’s or master’s degrees in nursing by LPNs enables them to pursue leadership roles as well as educational positions and advanced practice specialties. LPNs obtain specialized certifications through training in IV therapy and wound care and geriatric nursing. Additional credentials help nurses become more marketable while simultaneously raising their potential earnings. Skilled professionals in Nevada’s healthcare industry find expanded career options when they advance their careers while enjoying long-term professional fulfillment.

List of LPN Programs in Nevada

Jump to City:

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
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.