University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Nevada’s first university nursing school (est. 1956) offers an Accelerated BSN in Reno, an online RN-BSN, and online MSN/DNP pathways. This guide summarizes programs, official NCLEX data, tuition, and admissions—always confirm the latest details with UNR and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Orvis is housed in the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building with simulation and skills labs, and emphasizes clinical placement support for graduate students (DNP residency components may differ—see UNR). As part of a Carnegie R1, community-engaged university, Orvis ties education to northern Nevada’s health workforce needs and broader online reach for RN-BSN and graduate programs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Orvis
Reno anchors northern Nevada’s healthcare corridor with proximity to Lake Tahoe and a growing clinical network. The Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno is the state’s first university-level nursing program (founded 1956) and today blends an intensive Accelerated BSN on campus with fully online RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP options that serve students statewide and nationally.
Orvis emphasizes inclusive, research-informed education and community engagement—aligned with UNR’s R1 and Community Engaged designations—and highlights faculty-guided clinical placement support for graduate students.
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 annual NCLEX RN/LPN report (NCSBN Report 4), the University of Nevada–Reno BS nursing program (NCSBN code US89505900) posted a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96.30% (156 passed of 162 first-time candidates in the program row’s calendar year 2025 Total). Confirm cohort-level results for future years with the Nevada State Board of Nursing Education page and the school.
Reasons students choose University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing
Official NCLEX reporting
Board-published first-time pass rates let you compare Orvis’s pre-licensure BSN outcomes with other Nevada programs using the same NCSBN program summary.
Accelerated + online stack
One school offers a 16-month Accelerated BSN in Reno alongside online RN-BSN and graduate nursing, useful if you want flexible progression after licensure.
Graduate placement support
Orvis emphasizes that it coordinates clinical placements for MSN/DNP students so learners focus on coursework—see the DNP page for residency nuances.
Simulation & skills infrastructure
Nursing skills and simulation facilities are located in the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building (third floor), supporting hands-on learning before clinicals.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following reflects UNR’s public Orvis School of Nursing program list as of 2026. Use the Academics hub for the catalog-level detail.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate
Pre-Nursing pathway
Advising track for students completing prerequisites before applying to the BSN program.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at UNR the program is branded Accelerated BSN: a 16-month, in-person intensive for students who completed prerequisites (often after two years of college or a prior bachelor’s degree). Applications run through NursingCAS.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN
Fully online BSN completion for licensed RNs; concurrent enrollment with an ADN is available under UNR’s published rules.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
100% online MSN with concentrations including AGPCNP, AGACNP, CNL, FNP, Nurse Educator, PACNP, and PMHNP tracks per Orvis.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways with multiple specialties; clinical placements coordinated by the school—DNP residency steps may differ by track.
Advanced Graduate (Post-Master’s) Certificate
Post-master’s APRN and leadership certificates for MSN/DNP-prepared nurses.
Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist
Micro-credential focused on simulation technology operations; see UNR catalog for current availability.
UNR does not list a separate “traditional” four-year generic BSN for freshmen on its public BSN overview—students typically enter the Accelerated BSN after prerequisites or complete RN-BSN post-licensure. Always confirm current pathways, tracks, and cohort locations with Orvis.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 annual NCLEX RN/LPN pass-rate publication (NCSBN Report 4 – Jurisdiction Program Summary of all First-Time Candidates Licensed in All Jurisdictions), the NV – University of Nevada – Reno – BS program (code US89505900) reported a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96.30% in the program row’s calendar year 2025 Total (156 passed of 162 first-time candidates; 6 did not pass). For the same PDF report and quarterly updates, see the Nevada State Board of Nursing Education page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (UNR BS program) | 96.30% (156 of 162 first-time candidates, calendar year 2025 Total row), per Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 annual NCLEX report (NCSBN Report 4), program US89505900. |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing — Education & NCLEX pass rates (annual PDF linked for 2025). Confirm current cohort data with the Board and UNR. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and program line. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and the Orvis School of Nursing.
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 the UNR Office of International Students and Scholars 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 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.
Policies change frequently. Verify with UNR’s international office and the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Orvis programs are selective and requirements vary by pathway. The Accelerated BSN uses a minimum 3.00 GPA on asterisk-marked prerequisite courses, a minimum 65% ATI TEAS score, and NursingCAS submission during defined windows. RN-BSN applicants must hold (or be on track for) an accredited ADN and meet UNR admission standards. Graduate applicants follow UNR Graduate School and Orvis-specific instructions.
Application timeline (Accelerated BSN examples)
| Entry Term | Application window (Orvis) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 cohort | Opens Jan 19, 2026 · closes Feb 9, 2026 (5 p.m.) | TEAS window Dec 1, 2024–Jan 18, 2026; results due by Jan 18, 2026, per UNR Accelerated BSN page. |
| Spring 2027 cohort | Opens Aug 1, 2026 · closes Sep 7, 2026 (5 p.m.) | TEAS window Jul 1, 2025–Jul 31, 2026; confirm updates on UNR. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (Accelerated BSN) | 3.00 on prerequisite GPA used for admissions (asterisk courses), per UNR. |
| TEAS / HESI | ATI TEAS required for Accelerated BSN—minimum 65%, within one year of application; up to two attempts per cycle (most recent score used). |
| Prerequisite progress | Up to 16 credits in progress at application, with no more than four science credits pending, per UNR. |
Honest tip: Build your prerequisite plan early (including chemistry, biology, nutrition, statistics, and core curriculum), schedule TEAS early in the window, and budget the NursingCAS fee. If you are an RN, map RN-BSN core requirements against your prior transcript before applying.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UNR publishes 2026–2027 estimated tuition and mandatory fees for full-time undergraduates (30 credits per academic year: fall + spring). Nursing program fees, differential tuition, or graduate rates may differ—use the Tuition & fees rates tables and the graduate tuition page for your pathway.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & mandatory fees (2026–2027, full-time) | Nevada resident: ~$11,079 per year (includes ~$9,383 base tuition + ~$1,696 mandatory fees). Non-resident: ~$31,268 (includes ~$9,383 base + ~$20,189 non-resident tuition + ~$1,696 fees). WUE: ~$15,770; PEP: ~$20,462—per UNR’s published estimates. |
| Graduate registration (2026–2027) | UNR lists $383.25 per credit graduate tuition (registration) fee for 2026–2027 before assistantships; net cost varies by program. |
| Online programs | UNR notes online tuition varies by program—use Nevada Online cost calculator for RN-BSN/MSN/DNP estimates. |
| Source | University of Nevada, Reno — Tuition and Fees; Cost of attendance. Confirm current amounts with the Bursar/Financial Aid. |
Financial aid: File the FAFSA and review UNR scholarships and grants via the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Outcome metrics should be read with the source and cohort year. Below are board-reported NCLEX figures; for employment or salary claims, rely on UNR consumer disclosures when available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (UNR BS program) | 96.30% (156 of 162 first-time candidates, calendar year 2025 Total row), per Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 annual NCLEX report (NCSBN Report 4), program US89505900. |
| Source | Nevada State Board of Nursing — Education. Confirm current rates with the Board and UNR. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page in a single audited percentage. Use UNR career outcomes or program disclosures if published; confirm methodology with the school. |
Is UNR Orvis the Right Fit for You?
Choose Orvis if you want a public university nursing school with a board-documented NCLEX snapshot, an Accelerated BSN on campus, and online graduate options. Look elsewhere if you need a different pre-licensure model (for example, a traditional four-year generic BSN) that UNR does not publicly emphasize as a standalone BSN track.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an intensive 16-month Accelerated BSN in northern Nevada after prerequisites.
- Need online RN-BSN, MSN, or DNP flexibility while working.
- Value CCNE-accredited programs at an R1 research university.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a non-accelerated pre-licensure BSN path that UNR does not publicly list as a separate BSN option.
- Need the lowest absolute tuition outside of aid—compare NSHE institutions and aid packages carefully.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Reno–Sparks supports a mix of tertiary hospitals, community hospitals, ambulatory networks, rural health, and tribal health partners across northern Nevada and the eastern Sierra. Orvis states it coordinates clinical placements for BSN and graduate students; exact affiliates rotate by course and term—confirm current contracts with the school.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Renown Health | Large regional system headquartered in Reno—common touchpoint for northern Nevada care delivery and specialty services. |
| Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center (Prime Healthcare) | Major Reno hospital serving diverse inpatient and emergency volumes—useful context for clinical variety. |
| Northern Nevada Medical Center (NNMC) | Sparks-area acute care hospital; part of the broader Reno–Sparks hospital market. |
| VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System | Federal healthcare system presence offering unique veteran-centered learning opportunities when assigned. |
Regional demand: Nevada continues to recruit nurses across acute, ambulatory, and community settings; northern Nevada’s growth and tourism economy can support diverse clinical experiences—verify hiring trends with employers and workforce reports.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Orvis is based in the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building, with nursing offices, skills lab, and simulation spaces on the third floor per UNR’s building directory. UNR’s campus sits near downtown Reno with access to outdoor recreation (Lake Tahoe is a short drive) and a growing mid-sized city environment.
Student life: Nursing students can participate in broader campus organizations; Orvis communications occasionally highlight showcases and commencement events—check the Orvis events feed for current activities.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Reno, NV
- Address
- 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, US
- Telephone
- (775) 682-7180
- Contact email
- mwilson2@unr.edu
- Website
- unr.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Orvis School of Nursing website and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If applying to the Accelerated BSN, register for the ATI TEAS within the published window and send scores to UNR.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNR Orvis School of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
Yes for the programs Orvis lists publicly: baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by CCNE, per UNR’s site footer. Confirm current status on the school’s accreditation page.
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for UNR’s pre-licensure BSN program?
According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing 2025 annual NCLEX report (NCSBN Report 4), the University of Nevada–Reno BS program (US89505900) reported a first-time pass rate of 96.30% (156 of 162 first-time candidates in the calendar year 2025 Total row). Confirm the latest cohort with the Nevada State Board of Nursing and UNR.
What TEAS score does UNR Orvis require for the Accelerated BSN?
UNR lists a minimum ATI TEAS score of 65%, taken within one year prior to application, with a defined test window each cycle. Confirm current rules on the official Accelerated BSN admissions page.
Does UNR offer a traditional four-year BSN for freshmen?
Orvis’s public BSN pathways are Accelerated BSN and RN to BSN. Students can use the Pre-Nursing pathway to prepare prerequisites, then apply to the Accelerated BSN when eligible. Verify current entry pathways on unr.edu/nursing.
What minimum GPA does UNR use for Accelerated BSN admissions?
The Accelerated BSN prerequisite GPA used for admissions must be at least 3.00 on the courses marked with an asterisk on UNR’s prerequisite list, per the official Accelerated BSN page.
What is UNR undergraduate tuition for 2026–2027?
UNR publishes estimated full-time undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for 2026–2027 (30 credits per academic year): about $11,079 for Nevada residents and about $31,268 for non-residents before aid. Graduate nursing credit rates differ. Use the official Tuition and Fees page for your program.
How do I apply to the UNR Accelerated BSN?
UNR uses NursingCAS for the Orvis program application, requires university admission for the term, official transcripts, prerequisites, and TEAS per the published window. Follow the Accelerated BSN steps on unr.edu/nursing.
Is the UNR MSN program online?
Yes. Orvis describes the MSN as fully online, with clinical placement support. Delivery and specialty details are on the MSN program pages.
Where is the Orvis School of Nursing located on campus?
Nursing offices, skills lab, and administrative offices are in the William N. Pennington Health Sciences Building (third floor), per UNR’s building directory. The university’s main mailing address is 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557.
References
- University of Nevada, Reno — Orvis School of Nursingunr.edu/nursing
- Orvis — Accelerated BSN (admissions, TEAS, NursingCAS)unr.edu/nursing/academics/bsn/accelerated
- University of Nevada, Reno — Tuition and Fees (2026–2027 estimates)unr.edu/tuition-and-fees
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — Education & NCLEX pass ratesnevadanursingboard.org/education
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — 2025 RN/LPN annual NCLEX PDF (used for UNR BS line)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 sourcing alignment with Nevada State Board of Nursing publications, tuition figures against UNR’s published 2026–2027 schedule, and program scope against Orvis public 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