University of Nevada Las Vegas Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Public research university on Maryland Parkway with the School of Nursing housed in the Bigelow Health Sciences complex: a 16-month Traditional BSN after prerequisites, a Direct Entry MSN (DEMSN) for career changers, and graduate APRN and DNP pathways including nurse anesthesia. This guide cites NSHE tuition tables, UNLV’s nursing differential fee, and first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes from the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 report—confirm every figure before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UNLV’s School of Nursing runs a high-volume pre-licensure pipeline (72 seats × three cohorts per year for the Traditional BSN) plus a DEMSN track for second-degree students, alongside MSN APRN specialties, DNP—including CRNA—and a research PhD. Clinical education taps the Las Vegas Valley’s major health systems; expect intensive scheduling and the HESI A2 gateway before the 16-month nursing sequence.
Overview & Why Students Choose UNLV
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Nursing sits on the university’s urban Maryland Parkway corridor, with nursing offices and classrooms in the Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences Building. As Nevada’s largest public research university, UNLV pairs broad undergraduate access with graduate depth: pre-licensure students move from a Pre-Nursing major into a 16-month Traditional BSN track after prerequisites, while second-degree students can pursue the Direct Entry MSN (DEMSN) pathway that still leads to NCLEX-RN.
Graduate offerings published on UNLV’s site include MSN tracks (Certified Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health NP), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (including CRNA), a PhD in Nursing, and several post-master’s certificates. UNLV explicitly states it does not offer an RN-to-BSN completion program.
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing NCSBN Report 4 (first-time candidates, calendar year 2025), University of Nevada Las Vegas – BS (Traditional BSN) had 248 first-time NCLEX-RN candidates with 211 passing—85.08%. University of Nevada Las Vegas – DEMSN had 75 first-time candidates with 60 passing—80.00%. See the Board’s Education Programs page and 2025 RN/LPN Pass Rates PDF. Confirm the latest cohort data with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and UNLV.
Reasons students choose UNLV
Public NSHE tuition + defined nursing differential
Undergraduate tuition follows Board of Regents schedules published on UNLV’s College Costs page, with an additional per-credit School of Nursing differential on upper-division nursing courses—useful to model total nursing program cost alongside federal aid.
Large Las Vegas clinical market
Students train in a major desert metro with multiple Level II trauma centers, academic medical centers, and community hospitals—supporting diverse med-surg, specialty, and community rotations.
Breadth of graduate pathways
UNLV lists midwifery, FNP, PMHNP, nurse educator, DNP, PhD, CRNA, and post-master’s certificates—allowing progression from the same institution where many students complete the BSN.
Research and community footprint
The school highlights urban-health and community-engaged research, podcasts, and partnerships—check UNLV’s research and community nursing pages for current initiatives.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects pathways described on UNLV’s undergraduate studies, graduate studies, and about pages. degree_level and program_type are separated so you can see which options lead to NCLEX-RN versus advanced practice certification.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
After prerequisites, the nursing sequence runs 16 months full time across three consecutive 15-week semesters (year-round), including summer, per UNLV undergraduate studies. Students apply as Pre-Nursing majors, then compete for seats in the Traditional track. Awards a BSN and prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN)
For applicants who already hold a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field: builds RN competencies at the master’s level and prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN while conferring a generalist MSN, per UNLV graduate studies.
Post-licensure & graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Tracks listed by UNLV include Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Delivery blends online and in-person elements depending on track—confirm start terms and campus requirements with gradnursingadmissions@unlv.edu.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) & PhD
The DNP is UNLV’s practice doctorate; it includes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) concentration accredited by COA per UNLV. The PhD in Nursing prepares nurse scientists for research and academic roles.
Advanced graduate certificates
UNLV lists certificates such as Nurse Education (post-master’s), PMHNP for existing FNPs, and standalone PMHNP certificates—some tracks note “on hold” or contingent class sizes, so verify availability with graduate admissions.
UNLV’s Pre-Nursing FAQ states the university does not offer an RN-to-BSN bridge. Licensed RNs seeking a bachelor’s completion should compare NSHE RN-BSN options at other Nevada institutions.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing NCSBN Report 4 (first-time NCLEX-RN candidates, calendar year 2025, report dated January 5, 2026), two UNLV programs that lead to RN licensure appear as separate education program codes:
- University of Nevada Las Vegas – BS (Traditional BSN): 248 first-time candidates, 211 passed, 85.08% first-time pass rate.
- University of Nevada Las Vegas – DEMSN: 75 first-time candidates, 60 passed, 80.00% first-time pass rate.
These figures are jurisdiction-level aggregates from NCSBN’s database as published by the Nevada Board; they are not identical to a single cohort brochure. For context on how this compares to other Nevada programs in the same report, open the full PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (BSN, NV BON NCSBN R4, CY 2025) | 85.08% (211 of 248), University of Nevada Las Vegas – BS |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (DEMSN, same report) | 80.00% (60 of 75), University of Nevada Las Vegas – DEMSN |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2025 RN/LPN Pass Rates (PDF); Education Programs hub. Confirm current rates with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and UNLV. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort and reporting method. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates and candidate counts with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and UNLV.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UNLV enrolls international students university-wide; nursing-specific requirements (English proficiency, transcript evaluation, clinical clearance, and visa-compatible enrollment) must be confirmed with UNLV’s International Admissions office and the School of Nursing. The checklist below is general guidance—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: UNLV publishes minimum TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores for general admission—confirm whether nursing or clinical agencies require higher thresholds.
- Credential evaluation: Have non-U.S. transcripts evaluated through a Board-approved or university-recognized service if required by UNLV Admissions.
- Clinical compliance: Background checks, immunizations, and health requirements for clinical agencies often mirror U.S. students but may have added documentation steps for international trainees.
- Nevada Board of Nursing: For NCLEX eligibility, endorsement, or internationally educated nurse pathways, consult the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
- Visa & enrollment: Course delivery (in-person labs vs online) can affect F-1 status—confirm with UNLV’s international office before accepting an offer.
Policies change; verify with UNLV International Admissions, the School of Nursing, and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UNLV admits students to the university as Pre-Nursing majors before they apply to the competitive Traditional BSN track. The Division of Health Sciences Advising outlines prerequisites, GPA, and the HESI A2 exam—UNLV does not accept TEAS for BSN admission. Graduate applicants work with gradnursingadmissions@unlv.edu for MSN/DNP/PhD programs.
Traditional BSN application deadlines (Pre-Nursing FAQ)
| Cohort entry | Application due | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | March 1 | Three cohorts per year; 72 seats per cohort when requirements are met. |
| Fall | July 1 | Confirm current dates on the School of Nursing future students page. |
| Spring | November 1 | Applicants must attend a BSN signing session to apply. |
Admissions snapshot (Traditional BSN)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite GPA | Minimum 3.00 cumulative with required grades on prerequisite courses (per Pre-Nursing FAQ) |
| HESI A2 | Required for admission to the Traditional BSN; minimum 75% on Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology (per Pre-Nursing FAQ). TEAS is not accepted. |
| CNA requirement | Not required for BSN application (per Pre-Nursing FAQ) |
| Cohort size | 72 students per term, three times per year (per Pre-Nursing FAQ) |
| SAT/ACT | University admission may require SAT/ACT or equivalent for freshmen—see UNLV Admissions |
Application tip
Because UNLV accepts only the HESI A2 (not TEAS), schedule the correct exam early and budget for retakes if needed. Align prerequisite sequencing with Health Sciences Advising so you meet the 3.0 GPA and HESI thresholds before your target BSN application deadline.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UNLV tuition is set by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents. The Tuition and College Costs page publishes estimated tuition and fees for a 15-credit undergraduate semester and 9-credit graduate semester, plus full cost-of-attendance budgets for housing, food, and other expenses. Nursing majors also pay a School of Nursing differential of $156.75 per credit on nursing courses numbered 300–400 (per UNLV BSN FAQ).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & fees (2025–26 academic year) | Nevada resident: $10,196 estimated year; Nonresident: $28,828 (15 credits/semester basis; includes one-time new student fee per UNLV College Costs) |
| Graduate tuition & fees (2025–26) | Nevada resident: $7,736 year; Nonresident: $26,368 (9 credits/semester basis)—plus mandatory health insurance estimate $3,600 not included in table |
| Nursing differential (BSN FAQ) | $156.75 per credit on nursing courses 300–400 (in addition to base per-credit tuition) |
| Source | UNLV Tuition and College Costs; Cashiering and Student Accounts; BSN Program FAQ. Confirm current amounts with UNLV. |
For aid planning, contact UNLV’s Financial Aid & Scholarships office at 702-895-1353 or toll-free 833-318-1228.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The most authoritative public NCLEX-RN figures for UNLV are the Nevada State Board of Nursing annual NCSBN reports. Job placement or salary percentages are not listed on this page unless sourced from a specific UNLV survey with methodology—confirm employment outcomes with UNLV career services or program disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass — BSN (NV BON, CY 2025) | 85.08% (211 of 248), University of Nevada Las Vegas – BS—per Nevada State Board of Nursing NCSBN Report 4 PDF |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass — DEMSN (same report) | 80.00% (60 of 75), University of Nevada Las Vegas – DEMSN |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing; 2025 RN/LPN Pass Rates PDF. Confirm current NCLEX data with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and UNLV. |
For context on how UNLV compares to other Nevada programs in the same calendar year, review the full PDF tables rather than relying on a single headline percentage.
Is UNLV the Right Fit for You?
UNLV fits students who want a public NSHE tuition structure, can meet the HESI A2 and GPA thresholds, and are willing to commit to a year-round 16-month nursing sequence after prerequisites. It may be less ideal if you need an RN-to-BSN completion program (not offered), a fully online pre-licensure track, or a very small cohort experience.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want Nevada resident tuition and a large research-university campus in Las Vegas.
- Can complete prerequisites with a 3.0+ GPA and strong HESI A2 scores.
- Seek diverse clinical exposure across a major metropolitan healthcare market.
- Plan to continue at UNLV for MSN, DNP, PhD, or certificate programs after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an RN-to-BSN online completion program (UNLV does not offer RN-to-BSN, per Pre-Nursing FAQ).
- Prefer a fully online pre-licensure program without in-person labs and clinicals.
- Want guaranteed admission without competitive progression from Pre-Nursing to the Traditional BSN track.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Las Vegas Valley anchors Clark County’s healthcare economy: multiple nonprofit and for-profit hospital systems, specialty institutes, federally qualified health centers, and growing suburban networks in Henderson and North Las Vegas. Demand for registered nurses remains structurally high in fast-growing Sun Belt metros—your exact clinical sites rotate by semester and agency availability; confirm current contracts with UNLV’s clinical placement office.
| Facility / system | Context |
|---|---|
| University Medical Center of Southern Nevada (UMC) | County-backed safety-net and Level II trauma hospital serving the urban core—common destination for complex acute care exposure. |
| Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center (HCA) | Large private acute-care campus; part of the broad Las Vegas hospital landscape used for med-surg and specialty rotations. |
| Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican | Multi-campus Catholic health system in Southern Nevada—examples of community hospital networks students may encounter. |
| VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System | Federal healthcare system sites can provide veteran-focused primary and specialty experiences when included in cohort placement. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and advising connect to UNLV’s health sciences precinct: the School of Nursing lists offices in the Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences (BHS) building near the Maryland Parkway academic core. Students access skills labs, simulation, and interprofessional learning alongside other health programs. UNLV promotes student organizations, wellness resources, and the Vital Views nursing podcast—see the School of Nursing student resources pages for current groups.
Off campus, Las Vegas offers major entertainment and outdoor recreation (Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead), but nursing schedules are demanding—plan commute and housing with your clinical rotation geography in mind.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Las Vegas, NV
- Mailing address
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Mail Stop 3018, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154, US
- Physical office
- Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences (BHS), Room 419 (campus map)
- Telephone
- 702-895-3360
- unlv.nursing@unlv.edu
- Graduate nursing admissions
- gradnursingadmissions@unlv.edu
- Website
- unlv.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the UNLV School of Nursing and Future Students pages for deadlines and signing-session requirements.
- Meet with Health Sciences Advising to map prerequisites toward a 3.0+ GPA and HESI A2 readiness.
- Register for the HESI A2 (not TEAS) through UNLV’s testing office or approved provider—confirm procedures with advising.
- Download the current UNLV catalog section for nursing prerequisites and compare your transcripts.
- Review the Nevada Board of Nursing pass-rate PDFs to understand official NCLEX reporting.
- Estimate your budget using the College Costs tables plus the nursing differential in the BSN FAQ.
- Set calendar reminders for BSN application deadlines (March 1 / July 1 / November 1 per Pre-Nursing FAQ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UNLV offer an RN-to-BSN program?
No. UNLV’s Pre-Nursing FAQ explicitly states the university does not offer an RN-to-BSN bridge. Licensed RNs seeking completion programs should compare other Nevada NSHE institutions. Confirm current options with UNLV if policies change.
Does UNLV require TEAS for nursing?
No. UNLV uses the HESI A2 exam for Traditional BSN admission. The TEAS is not equivalent and is not accepted for the BSN program per Pre-Nursing FAQs.
What HESI scores does UNLV require?
Pre-Nursing FAQs list 75% or higher on Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology, alongside a 3.00 prerequisite GPA, to apply to the Traditional BSN. Confirm current minimums with Health Sciences Advising.
What is UNLV’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing NCSBN Report 4 for calendar year 2025, UNLV – BS had an 85.08% first-time pass rate (211 of 248) and UNLV – DEMSN had 80.00% (60 of 75). Confirm the latest cohort data with the Board’s annual PDF and UNLV.
How much is tuition for UNLV nursing undergraduates?
UNLV’s College Costs page lists estimated undergraduate tuition and fees of $10,196 per year for Nevada residents and $28,828 for nonresidents (2025–26, 15-credit semester basis). Nursing majors also pay a $156.75 per-credit differential on 300–400 level nursing courses per the BSN FAQ.
When are UNLV Traditional BSN application deadlines?
Pre-Nursing FAQs list March 1 (summer), July 1 (fall), and November 1 (spring) for the 16-month track, with applications after completing prerequisites and HESI requirements.
Is UNLV School of Nursing accredited?
UNLV states BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by CCNE; midwifery is pre-accredited by ACME; CRNA is accredited by COA—per the About page. Verify with accreditors and the school.
How many students get into each UNLV BSN cohort?
Pre-Nursing FAQs state 72 students are accepted three times per year when eligibility requirements are met—competitive progression from Pre-Nursing.
Is CNA certification required for UNLV BSN?
No. Pre-Nursing FAQs state a CNA is not required for application to the BSN program.
Where is the UNLV School of Nursing office?
Contact information lists the Rod Lee Bigelow Health Sciences Building (BHS), Room 419, with mailing address MS 3018, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154; phone 702-895-3360.
References
- University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Nursingunlv.edu/nursing
- UNLV — About (accreditation disclosure)unlv.edu/nursing/about
- UNLV — Tuition and College Costsunlv.edu/apply/college-costs
- UNLV — Pre-Nursing Advising FAQsunlv.edu/healthsciences/advising/prenursing-faq
- UNLV — Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program FAQsunlv.edu/nursing/academic-programs/bachelors-faq
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — Education Programs (NCLEX reports)nevadanursingboard.org/education
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2025 RN/LPN Pass Rates (PDF)2025-RN.LPN_.pdf
- 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 data alignment with Nevada State Board of Nursing publications, UNLV tuition tables, and HESI/Pre-Nursing admissions criteria.
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: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy