Great Basin College Nursing Program Review (2026): Rural ADN & Online RN-BSN
Great Basin College (GBC) is an NSHE community college headquartered in Elko, with nursing theory delivered by interactive video to Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca. This guide uses GBC’s AAS Nursing and RN-to-BSN pages, the official tuition & fees and cost of attendance tables, and the Nevada State Board of Nursing annual NCLEX-RN program reports—confirm every detail before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
GBC uses synchronized distance education for AAS Nursing theory so students in Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca can train close to home, with TEAS-based admission and a separate Paramedic/LPN bridge pathway—confirm cohort capacity and site assignments with the School of Health Sciences.
Overview & Why Students Choose Great Basin College
Great Basin College (GBC) is a public Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institution based in Elko, serving a vast rural service area with additional centers in Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing uses interactive video for theory and local simulation labs and clinicals so students can prepare for NCLEX-RN without relocating to a single urban campus.
GBC also offers a fully online RN-to-BSN for licensed RNs. The AAS and RN-to-BSN programs list ACEN continuing accreditation on gbcnv.edu; nursing programs operate under Nevada State Board of Nursing approval—confirm current status with ACEN, the Board, and GBC before enrolling.
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 RN/LPN NCLEX report (PDF), Great Basin College – ADN had a reported 100% first-time pass rate (27 first-time candidates tested, 2025). The 2024 report shows 100% (26 first-time candidates). Confirm the next annual update on the Board’s Education page.
Reasons students choose Great Basin College
Rural multi-site delivery
GBC’s AAS Nursing page describes synchronized distance theory with local labs and clinicals in Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca—a structure aimed at growing the RN workforce across rural Nevada.
Official NCLEX outcomes
The Nevada State Board of Nursing publishes program-level first-time NCLEX-RN tables by year so you can compare GBC–ADN to other Nevada schools using the same source.
TEAS & bridge pathways
Traditional applicants compete via a point system including the TEAS and prerequisites; paramedics and LPNs can apply to a separate bridge sequence—see GBC’s bridge curriculum page.
RN-to-BSN at the same institution
Licensed RNs can continue to a fully online RN-to-BSN at GBC with ACEN disclosures on the RN-to-BSN program page.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program listings below match GBC’s AAS Nursing and RN-to-BSN pages. GBC awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing; we use ADN as the standard label for this pre-licensure RN degree (same credential family as other associate RN programs).
Pre-licensure (ADN)
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS; ADN)
Four-semester traditional sequence for fall entry; theory via interactive video among Elko, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca; selection uses prerequisites, grades, and the TEAS. Prerequisite coursework includes a CNA certificate with state licensure per GBC’s curriculum materials.
Paramedic / LPN bridge pathway
Separate admission for licensed paramedics and LPNs into a two-semester nursing sequence after bridge credits; see the bridge curriculum and bridge admission PDF.
Post-licensure (BSN)
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
100% online completion program for RNs with an active license; 3.0 GPA and graduate of an ACEN-accredited associate program required per GBC; fall admission with an August 1 application deadline (2026 cycle posted on the program page).
GBC publishes Continuing Accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for both the AAS Nursing and RN-to-BSN programs. Candidacy is not full accreditation—confirm the current decision letter on the ACEN site and the Nevada State Board of Nursing approved program list.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 RN/LPN NCLEX report (PDF), Great Basin College – ADN had a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate with 27 first-time candidates tested in 2025. The 2024 report shows 100% with 26 first-time candidates. GBC’s AAS outcomes page also publishes cohort pass rates (school-reported; confirm against the Board).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (GBC–ADN, NV BON 2025 PDF) | 100% (27 first-time candidates, 2025) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (GBC–ADN, NV BON 2024 PDF) | 100% (26 first-time candidates, 2024) |
| School-reported NCLEX table (GBC AAS outcomes) | GBC lists 100% for 2025 and 2024 and 95% for 2021 on its outcomes page—confirm methodology and cohort year with GBC. |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2025 RN/LPN NCLEX (PDF) · Education (annual reports) |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and GBC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Great Basin College and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Nevada State Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Contact GBC admissions and the School of Health Sciences for program-specific policies. Requirements change frequently—verify with GBC and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the AAS Nursing program is separate from general college admission and is limited. GBC uses a point system based on prerequisite and general-education grades and the TEAS exam; preference is given to students in GBC’s service area and to veterans per the program overview. Fall traditional cohorts begin a four-semester nursing sequence; the Paramedic/LPN bridge uses a different application. For Fall 2026, the landing page advertised applications due May 1, 2026—confirm on the current PDF and application portal.
Prerequisites & TEAS (AAS Nursing)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite & GE coursework | Includes human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, college mathematics, general psychology, and a CNA certificate with Nevada licensure—see the curriculum and Fall 2026 admission criteria (PDF). |
| TEAS (ATI) | Required for ranking; official TEAS information and testing dates are linked from the AAS Nursing page (see TEAS document). |
| RN-to-BSN | Separate process: active RN license, 3.0+ GPA, ACEN-accredited associate degree; August 1 application deadline for Fall 2026 per RN-to-BSN page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / HESI | TEAS used for AAS Nursing ranking; confirm minimums with nursing faculty. |
| Cohort timing | Traditional AAS admits for fall start; bridge pathway admits fall per program page. |
Admitted students must meet immunization, background, and clinical compliance requirements in GBC’s nursing handbook.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from GBC’s Cost of Attendance and Cost Per Credit & Other Fees pages (reviewed March 2026). Rates vary by Nevada residency, non-resident, WUE, and online-only non-resident tiers. AAS Nursing students pay an additional $160 per-credit differential on NURS courses (Fall 2026/Spring 2027 row on the fees page).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Resident COA — tuition & fees (lower division, 2025–26, 30 cr/yr) | $4,035 estimated academic-year tuition & fees in the resident off-campus budget table |
| In-state per-credit example (Fall 2026 / Spring 2027) | Lower-division (0–299): $136.25 registration + $11.50 technology = $147.75 per credit before any program differential (fees page) |
| AAS Nursing differential (NURS courses) | +$160.00 per credit (Fall 2026/Spring 2027) in addition to standard registration/technology fees |
| Nursing supplies budget note | GBC’s cost tables note an additional $2,100 per year added to budgets for first-year students accepted into nursing programs (supplies/books)—see Cost of Attendance page |
| Source | GBC Cost of Attendance · GBC Cost Per Credit & Other Fees |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use Nevada State Board of Nursing NCLEX tables for licensure outcomes. GBC’s AAS outcomes page lists job-placement cohort data—rates are school-reported; confirm methodology and year with GBC.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 100% (27 testers, 2025) and 100% (26 testers, 2024) per NV BON 2025 PDF and 2024 PDF |
| Job placement (school-reported, AAS outcomes page) | GBC lists 100% job placement (within 6 months) for the 2022–2024 cohort row—confirm current cohort definitions with GBC. Confirm current rates with the school and the Nevada State Board of Nursing. |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing annual NCLEX PDFs; GBC AAS outcomes page |
Is Great Basin College the Right Fit for You?
GBC fits applicants who want a public, NSHE-priced ADN pathway anchored in rural Nevada with multi-site delivery, and who can meet TEAS and prerequisite expectations.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Live in or can relocate to Elko, Ely, Pahrump, or Winnemucca for labs/clinicals while taking synchronized theory.
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN with transparent Nevada Board NCLEX reporting.
- Plan to continue to RN-to-BSN online at the same institution after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program (AAS Nursing requires local simulation and clinical presence).
- Expect guaranteed admission—GBC uses limited selective admission.
- Prefer a large urban hospital-only clinical model without travel in northern/eastern Nevada communities.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Elko serves as a healthcare hub for much of northeastern Nevada mining and ranching communities. GBC states clinical learning occurs at local hospitals, nursing homes, and community facilities in students’ regions—request the current affiliation list from the School of Health Sciences.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Examples of regional care settings | Community hospitals, skilled nursing, outpatient clinics, and public health organizations across Elko County and neighboring rural counties; assignments vary by cohort. |
| Larger Nevada markets | Graduates may also pursue roles in Reno or Las Vegas over time—verify licensure and employer requirements independently. |
| Workforce context | Rural Nevada continues to recruit RNs; use state workforce and hospital career pages for current vacancy trends. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Elko campus offers student housing, a fitness center, library, and student organizations; GBC highlights nursing among its student clubs. Nursing students use simulation labs at each center location per the AAS Nursing overview. Student life and housing details appear on Student Life and Housing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Elko, NV
- Address
- 1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801, US
- Main telephone
- +1-775-327-5002 (Elko campus)
- School of Health Sciences
- 775-327-2317 · hsbh@gbcnv.edu
- Website
- gbcnv.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Fall 2026 AAS admission criteria (PDF) and compare your transcripts to prerequisites.
- Schedule TEAS testing per GBC’s TEAS document and prepare for the point-based selection process.
- Review Cost of Attendance and fees for your residency category and the NURS differential.
- If you are a paramedic or LPN, review the bridge admission PDF instead of the generic AAS application.
- For RN-to-BSN, confirm 3.0 GPA and RN licensure timing against the RN-to-BSN page.
- Bookmark the Nevada State Board of Nursing NCLEX report archive.
- Email hsbh@gbcnv.edu with cohort-specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Great Basin College’s ADN program?
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 RN/LPN NCLEX report (PDF), Great Basin College – ADN had a 100% first-time pass rate (27 first-time candidates) in 2025. The 2024 report shows 100% (26 candidates). Confirm the next annual report on nevadanursingboard.org.
Does Great Basin College require TEAS for the AAS Nursing program?
Yes. GBC’s AAS Nursing overview states selection uses a point system that includes the TEAS entrance exam along with grades in prerequisite and general-education courses.
What nursing programs does Great Basin College offer?
GBC offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (pre-licensure ADN) with traditional and Paramedic/LPN bridge pathways, and a fully online RN-to-BSN for licensed RNs. See the School of Health Sciences program pages on gbcnv.edu.
How much is tuition at Great Basin College for 2025–2026?
GBC’s Cost of Attendance lists estimated lower-division tuition & fees of $4,035 for a 30-credit academic year in the 2025–2026 resident budget example. The fees page adds a $160 per-credit differential for AAS Nursing (NURS) courses. Confirm your bill at registration.
When are applications due for Great Basin College AAS Nursing?
The AAS Nursing landing page advertised Fall 2026 applications due May 1, 2026. Always confirm the deadline on the current admission criteria PDF and application system.
Is Great Basin College’s nursing program accredited?
GBC publishes ACEN continuing accreditation for the AAS Nursing and RN-to-BSN programs on its nursing pages. Candidacy is not the same as full accreditation—verify status with ACEN and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Where do Great Basin College nursing students complete clinicals?
Clinical experiences are scheduled at local hospitals, nursing homes, and community facilities in students’ regions (Elko, Ely, Pahrump, Winnemucca) per GBC—confirm sites with the School of Health Sciences.
What GPA do I need for Great Basin College RN-to-BSN?
The RN-to-BSN page states applicants need a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and an active RN license by the time coursework begins, plus graduation from an ACEN-accredited associate program.
Who should I contact about Great Basin College nursing admission?
Email hsbh@gbcnv.edu or call 775-327-2317 for the School of Health Sciences & Behavioral Health.
References
- Great Basin College — AAS Nursingprograms/health_sciences/aas_nursing
- Great Basin College — AAS Nursing outcomesaas_outcomes.html
- Great Basin College — RN-to-BSNbsn_nursing/index.html
- Great Basin College — Cost of Attendanceadmissions/cost.html
- Great Basin College — Cost Per Credit & Other Feesadmissions/fees.html
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2025 RN/LPN NCLEX (PDF)2025-RN.LPN_.pdf
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2024 RN/LPN NCLEX (PDF)2024-NCLEX-REport-RN-LPN.pdf
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — Education (NCLEX archives)nevadanursingboard.org/education
- ACENacenursing.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX figures against Nevada State Board of Nursing annual PDFs, tuition against GBC Cost of Attendance and fee tables, and program scope against GBC School of Health Sciences pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-27 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy