Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Programs in Nevada
Licensed practical nurses measure vital signs, care for patients, and collaborate with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. In homes, hospitals, and residential care facilities across the Silver State, LPNs provide critical nursing care.
By attending a state-approved LPN program, you can earn your LPN license and begin working in this high-demand field. Our guide introduces the LPN programs in Nevada that can help you launch your nursing career.
Quick Facts
- The Nevada Health Workforce Research Center projects strong demand for healthcare professionals in the state.
- More than 3,000 LPNs work across the state of Nevada, with the most jobs in the Las Vegas area.
- Nevada LPNs benefit from much higher demand than the national average.
- The Nevada State Board of Nursing licenses LPNs who attend approved programs.
Featured Online Healthcare Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Compare LPN Schools in Nevada
As of March 2025, there are only three institutions in Nevada offering fully approved practical nursing programs. These institutions are listed alphabetically below and not ranked according to our methodology.
Compare details like program length, format, and cost to determine the best LPN program for you.
College of Southern Nevada
- Certificate (in-person)
- 36 credits
- $124 per credit
✔ Board-approved
✔ ACEN-accredited
A public community college in the greater Las Vegas area, the College of Southern Nevada offers an affordable practical nursing certificate program. You’ll learn how to provide nursing care in a variety of settings, with an emphasis on technical skills and judgment.
The program’s curriculum covers practical nursing fundamentals, family nursing, and pharmacology and includes a course on practical nursing management concepts. Graduates meet the requirements to take the NCLEX-PN to earn their LPN license in Nevada.
Las Vegas College
- Certificate (in-person)
- 55.5 quarter credits
- $400 per credit
✔ Board-approved
– Not ACEN-accredited (candidate)
A private for-profit college with a focus on healthcare programs, Las Vegas College prepares practical nurses in its streamlined program. You’ll gain patient care and basic nursing skills during the program, which can be completed in as little as 15 months.
Through laboratory and clinical courses, practical nursing students develop hands-on knowledge. The curriculum also covers mental health nursing, pharmacology, and adult health nursing, with a course dedicated to NCLEX-PN review. Program graduates who wish to pursue an AAS in nursing to become an RN receive advanced standing and can finish the associate program in just one year.
Unitek College
- Diploma (hybrid)
- 1,620 instructional hours
- $34,903 for the total program
✔ Board-approved
X Not ACEN-accredited
A for-profit private school with a campus in Reno, Unitek College offers a hybrid practical nursing program that incorporates clinical simulations and placements in local healthcare facilities. You’ll take courses in pharmacology, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing while collaborating with classmates and faculty.
You can choose from a daytime or evening course schedule, with a part-time option for those in the night program. Practical nursing students can complete the program in as little as 12 months.
Why Approval and Accreditation Matter
When it comes to nursing careers, choosing an approved and accredited program improves your education, licensure, and job prospects. Nevada only licenses practical nurses who graduate from programs approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. And accreditation helps nursing students avoid diploma mills.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) evaluates practical nursing programs and recognizes programs that follow the best practices in training LPNs. ACEN-accredited programs need to meet high standards for their NCLEX-PN pass rates and licensure rates. As a result, attending an ACEN-accredited practical nursing program can benefit your education and career.
How to Fund a Nevada LPN Program
The cost of LPN programs in Nevada varies widely. While attending a community college program can cost under $5,000, other LPN schools in Nevada can cost over $30,000. How can you pay for your LPN program?
Start by researching the total cost of the program to find an option that fits your budget. Make sure to factor in textbooks, fees, and any other expenses.
Next, consider your financial aid options. By choosing an accredited college, you can submit the FAFSA and qualify for federal grants and loans. You can also research scholarships and grants for nursing students. The Nevada Nurses Foundation offers a number of scholarships for nursing students, for example.
How to Become an LPN in Nevada
Nevada LPNs must meet the state’s educational and examination requirements to earn their license. That means attending a state-approved LPN program, passing a national licensure exam, and completing the licensure process. It’s only after completing these steps that you can start working as an LPN in Nevada.
- 1
Complete a state-approved LPN program.
You’ll need to graduate from an LPN program that holds approval from the Nevada State Board of Nursing. During your LPN program, you’ll develop basic nursing skills through classes and hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences.
Make sure to choose a program that meets Nevada’s licensure requirements. The state board provides a list of approved programs.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
The NCLEX-PN is a national licensure exam for practical nurses. This exam tests your nursing knowledge and clinical skills. You’ll have five hours to pass the test. If you fail, you can retake the exam.
Many LPN programs in Nevada incorporate NCLEX-PN test preparation into their curriculum. You can also consider exam prep courses or books to study for the exam.
- 3
Apply for your LPN license.
After meeting the educational and examination requirements, you can apply for your LPN license from the Nevada State Board of Nursing. You’ll submit an online application, official transcripts, and your fingerprint, along with a $100 application fee. Pearson VUE, the company that administers the NCLEX-PN, will send your exam scores directly to the nursing board.
After receiving an LPN license, you’ll need to meet continuing education requirements and renew your license every two years.
- 4
Gain work experience.
Now that you’re a licensed practical nurse, you can begin working in the field. Nevada LPNs work in many settings, including outpatient care centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They also work in home healthcare.
With experience, you can specialize in an area of practical nursing to increase your earning potential. You can also consider an LPN-to-RN program to become a registered nurse.
Find Other Programs in Nevada
How Much Do LPNs Make in Nevada?
Median Annual Salary for LPNs (May 2023)
Nevada
$64,920
U.S.
$59,730
The median salary for Nevada LPNs reached nearly $65,000 in May 2023, according to BLS data. That’s more than $5,000 higher than the national median LPN salary.
LPN salaries vary widely based on work setting, experience, and location. Nevada’s lowest-paid LPNs earn under $53,000 per year, while the highest-paid earn more than $78,000.
Over 70% of Nevada LPNs work in the greater Las Vegas area, where they earn a median annual salary of $64,380. Reno offers the highest pay for LPNs in the state, with a median salary of $71,880.
Are LPNs in Demand in Nevada?
Projected Job Growth for LPNs
Nevada (2022-2032)
19.3%
U.S. (2023-2033)
3%
LPNs benefit from high demand in Nevada. While nationally, the number of LPN jobs will grow 3% from 2023-2033, Nevada projects 19.3% job growth from 2022-2032.
What does that mean for Nevada LPNs? As of 2022, 3,220 LPNs practiced in the state. By 2032, that number is projected to grow to 3,840. LPNs will see around 330 job openings annually, driving the field’s growth.
LPN schools in Nevada can help the state meet its need for nurses by preparing graduates for licensure.
FAQ About LPN Schools in Nevada
Some LPN programs in Nevada offer online courses, including Unitek College. However, practical nursing students need to complete hands-on training through labs and clinical placements. As a result, programs may offer a hybrid format while still requiring in-person courses and training.
