Key Takeaways
- Graduate from a nursing program the Nevada State Board of Nursing recognizes.
- Apply to the Board, submit fingerprints, and register with NCSBN for the NCLEX-RN.
- Nevada is not a compact state, so out-of-state nurses license by endorsement.
- RNs renew every two years and complete continuing education, including cultural-competency hours.
The Steps
- Finish an approved nursing program. Complete an ADN or BSN that prepares you for RN licensure and meets the Board's standards.
- Apply to the Nevada State Board of Nursing. File your application for licensure by examination and pay the required fees.
- Submit a background check. Complete the fingerprint and criminal-history check the Board requires.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN. Register with NCSBN, receive your Authorization to Test, and sit the exam at a Pearson VUE center.
- Receive and renew your license. After you pass, the Board issues your RN license. Renew every two years and meet continuing-education requirements, including cultural-competency hours.
Pay and Outlook
Nationally, the median registered-nurse wage was $93,600 in May 2024, and RN employment is projected to grow 5% through 2034 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Nevada's growing Las Vegas and Reno metros keep hospital and clinic demand strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada a compact nursing state? No. Nevada has not enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a Nevada license is single-state. Nurses from other states apply for a Nevada license by endorsement.
Which exam do I need to become an RN in Nevada? The NCLEX-RN, administered through NCSBN and Pearson VUE.
How do I get a Nevada license if I am already licensed elsewhere? Apply to the Nevada State Board of Nursing by endorsement, providing license verification, a background check, and the required fees.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Nevada? An ADN takes about two years and a BSN about four, plus a few weeks to a few months for licensing after you graduate and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Does Nevada require continuing education to renew? Yes. RNs renew on a two-year cycle and must complete continuing-education hours, including a cultural-competency requirement set by the Board.
Who regulates nursing in Nevada? The Nevada State Board of Nursing approves programs, issues licenses, and enforces practice standards statewide.