Nevada licensed practical nursing roles are currently seeing a massive boom thanks to expanded healthcare services and a longer average lifespan. Between 2012 and 2022, Projections Central predicts employment of LPNs in Nevada will grow by about 18 percent in the Silver State, with an average of 100 new openings being added each year. In addition to new positions, another 55 jobs will become available every year as older LPNs retire or move into more advanced roles.
In this guide, find out more about the various LPN programs in Nevada, what it takes to obtain a valid licensure, and how the state's average LPN salary compares nationally.
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Finding a LPN Program in Nevada
The first step to becoming a licensed practical nurse is earning a diploma, certificate, or associate degree from a state-approved school. Prospective practical nursing students can choose from several LPN programs at schools throughout the state. Use the search tool below to sift through academic options by tuition, acceptance rate, student population, school type, and the number of nursing programs offered.
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University of Nevada-Las VegasLocation
Las Vegas, NV
Tuition$6710
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College of Southern NevadaLocation
Las Vegas, NV
Tuition$2700
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Truckee Meadows Community CollegeLocation
Reno, NV
Tuition$2700
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Western Nevada CollegeLocation
Carson City, NV
Tuition$2700
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Great Basin CollegeLocation
Elko, NV
Tuition$2700
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Licensure Requirements for Nevada LPNs
In order to maintain a skilled and knowledgeable workforce of LPNs, the Board of Nursing in Nevada has created a list of requirements and mandates to ensure only the best candidates become licensed to serve patients. The following section highlights these requirements and provides relevant information about the steps LPNs-in-training must go through to receive their first license.
Basic Eligibility
Before enrolling in a practical nursing certificate program, prospective students should ensure they meet these baseline requirements for eligibility:
- Possess a social security card
- Are at least 17 years of age or older
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
Education & Training Requirements
The state of Nevada mandates that all candidates for LPN licensure attend a practical nursing certificate program that has been approved by the Board of Nursing. Those who attend an unapproved institution will be ineligible for licensure, so it's important to select a school that meets this criterion. Once a student has successfully completed the program, they are able to apply for an interim permit allowing them to work for up to three months while their official license application is being processed.
In order to receive full licensure, candidates must submit an application for licensure by examination to the board, alongside official transcripts sent directly by their institution. Students must then submit a paper copy of the application alongside a $100 application fee before contacting their local Pearson Vue testing center regarding the NCLEX-PN examination. The Board will then send an Authorization to Test, at which point candidates have 90 days to sit the examination. Candidates are limited to four attempts at passing the examination.
After a student receives word that they've passed the examination, most licenses are disbursed within one week.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
Once candidates have completed the requirements outlined above, they're only a couple steps away from being fully licensed and starting their careers. Other requirements LPNs will need to address before receiving their license include:
- Submitting to fingerprinting for a background check, plus $50 processing fee
- Obtaining a CPR card
Renewal
LPN licenses in Nevada must be renewed biannually be completing an online or paper form and submitting a $100 renewal fee. At the time of renewal, LPNs must also affirm that they completed 30 hours of continuing education since their last renewal.
Salary for LPNs in Nevada
Individuals looking to combine their passion for helping people while also earning a substantial salary are often drawn to licensed practical nursing as the occupation combines both seamlessly. While individuals who are further along in their careers typically make higher wages, even those just starting out receive a more-than-livable salary. Individuals open to working in metropolitan areas stand to receive even higher salaries. Use the following tables to see the range of salaries based on experience and location.
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Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
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Nevada LPN Employment Trends
LPNs who elect to begin their careers in Nevada have a vast selection of locales available to them, ranging from the bright lights of Las Vegas to countless rural areas. While the state as a whole is set to continue seeing high numbers of LPN positions being created and coming available, some areas will see higher percentages of growth than others. Interested individuals are encouraged to use the tables below when researching prospective areas of Nevada.
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Paradise | 1,800 |
| Reno-Sparks | 290 |
| Carson City | 110 |
| Western Central Nevada nonmetropolitan area | Estimate not released |
| Other Nevada nonmetropolitan area | Estimate not released |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Employment of LPNs in Nevada
2012 - 2,250
2022 - 2,670
Average Annual Openings 100
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in Nevada
Application for Licensure by Examination
Recent graduates who have never been licensed in Nevada or elsewhere must complete the application for licensure by examination in order to become an LPN and start their first job.
Application for Licensure FAQs
The NSBN provides a comprehensive list of common questions licensees may have on this helpful website.
NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
Students can use this information, which dates back to 2009, to see which certificate programs are best preparing their students to successfully sit for the NCLEX-PN exam upon graduation.
Nevada's Annual Report on Nursing, 2014-15
This comprehensive report details the changes and shifts within the nursing industry in Nevada for the previous fiscal year.
Nevada Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
The NALPN serves as the only official voice of LPNs in Nevada, with a range of services and benefits available to its members.
Nevada Health Care Association
This overarching member-based organization serves the needs and interests of a variety of healthcare professionals, including LPNs. Information about education initiatives and career opportunities are of special relevance to prospective and new LPNs.
Nevada Nurses Association
Whether working as an RN or LPN, the NNA works on the behalf of nurses across the state to ensure they have access to legislative updates, continuing education opportunities, job listings, regular meetings, and helpful resources.
Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders
This member-based association works to develop leaders within nursing professionals, providing mentorship programs, education opportunities and events to help them become dynamic change agents.
Nevada's Response to the Nursing Shortage
This article, which first appeared in the Nursing Leadership Forum, shows how Nevada has worked to address the nursing shortage crisis on a statewide level.
Verify Licenses and Certificates
Whether looking to validate an LPN license or a completed educational program, the NSBN provides a handy tool to look up all current information for nurses throughout the state.