University of Nevada

The Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) at the University of Nevada, Reno, founded in 1956, is the oldest school of nursing in the state and offers the BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP degree programs, as well as APRN specialty programs. Schools Scholarships Student Support

Best ProgramsAccredited Hybrid On-campus Online Public

BSN   DNP   MSN   RN-to-BSN   Entry-Level BSN   MSN-to-DNP   NP   BSN-to-DNP   Post-grad Certificate   Other  

In 1874 the University of Nevada, Reno, was founded as Nevada's first public university.

Undergraduate


Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) is made for students who have recently graduated high school and are ready to obtain their BSN degree. Also, graduates of associate degree and diploma nursing programs are welcome.

Undergraduate Students must have a 3.0 grade point average to become eligible for the program. New freshman, transfer and second bachelor's students are able to apply to an undergraduate degree program. Students who do not achieve the GPA standard can be considered via ACT or SAT test scores.

RN to BSN

The RN-BSN program is designed for those who are working as RNs and are looking to complete their BSN. Students are able to be flexible by participating in a completely online program and complete their clinical experiences in a community in their local area.

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • Graduate of National League of Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited nursing school
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • Current Nevada nursing license
  • 3.00 GPA in selected prerequisite courses

Graduate


Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Specialties

  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Educator
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CCNE or NLN institution - GPA 3.0 or better
  • Current unrestricted Nevada RN license
  • Completed a three-credit graduate-level applied statistics course
  • Minimum 3 years experience within acute care or 2 years experience within critical care (AGACNP track only)
  • Interview may be required

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The University of Nevada, Reno offers a Post-Master's DNP and a BSN to DNP program. The Post-Master's coursework is only presented online. The BSN to DNP coursework is mostly online as well. The Post-Master's program offers two tracks for the learner and the BSN to DNP offers three tracks.

Post-Master's DNP vs. BSN to DNP

The Post-Master's DNP program is designed for those who have a master's degree in nursing. Those who are interested in the BSN to DNP program must have a bachelor's in nursing. There are only 2 instances where the student must come to campus; orientation and the final project. The BSN to DNP coursework is mostly online with low amounts of campus visits required each semester. There are multiple tracks from which to choose.

Post-Master's Tracks

  • Advanced Practice Nurse
  • Nurse Executive

BSN to DNP Tracks

  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Students who attend the Post-Master's programs are required to attend a two-day on-campus meeting the first year for orientation to the program and one day on campus is required for the defense of the proposed project and the final defense of the project.

There are 30 credits required for the program and it takes five semesters to complete (including one Summer) for full-time study and eight semesters for part-time study (including two summers). 

Students who attend the BSN to DNP programs are required to attend a two-day on-campus meeting the first year for orientation to the program and one to three days each semester for onsite immersion days. Additional time on campus is required for the defense of the proposed project and the final defense of the project.

There are 72 to 76 credits, depending on the specialty track chosen, and it takes eight semesters to complete (including summers) for full-time study.

There is no GRE required for admission into the DNP program.

Post-Master's DNP Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • MS degree with a concentration in nursing from an accredited institution
  • Licensed at a level consistent with the focus of DNP study
  • National certification (or be eligible for certification) in an advanced practice role
  • Cumulative GPA 3.5 at the graduate level
  • Graduate-level coursework (with a grade of B or better) in pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, research & nursing theory (clinical track applicants)

BSN to DNP Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN)
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) 3.0 or higher
  • Graduate-level coursework in statistics

There is a capstone project at the end of the program that will apply to advanced practice or role as an administrator. The second semester is the start of the capstone program and the project will conclude with a project defense at the end of the last semester of the program.

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Public Health (MSN/MPH) Dual Degree

Admission requirements are among the ones listed for both programs. There are required undergraduate courses as well in statistics, research, and lifespan growth and development.

For nursing, the student's undergraduate degree must come from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited school and applicants must have completed an undergraduate course in health assessment.

Students who are interested in the dual degree must choose one of two tracks from the MPH section (epidemiology or social and behavioral health) and one of three tracks from the MSN. This dual program is usually around 78-90+ credits.

Master's prepared or doctoral prepared nurses are eligible for the Clinical Nurse Leader Advanced Graduate Certificate and Nursing Education Advanced Graduate Certificate programs.

Master's prepared nurses can also apply to the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program.

Accreditation and Approval

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degree programs.

The University of Nevada, Reno is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The Nevada State Board of Nursing fully approved the baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degree programs.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2020)

  • #201 (tie) in National Universities
  • #109 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #132 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #140 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #128 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • #703 (tie) Best Global Universities

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Big Colleges in America #94 of 131
  • Best College Athletics in America #106 of 1,402
  • Top Public Universities in America #138 of 672
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #274 of 1,542
  • Best College Campuses in America #290 of 1,408
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #381 of 1,592
  • Best Colleges in America #388 of 1,647
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #414 of 1,591
  • Most Liberal Colleges in America #617 of 687
  • Best College Locations in America #626 of 1,553
  • Best Value Colleges in America #651 of 1,590
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Nevada #2 of 6
  • Best College Locations in Nevada #3 of 4

Forbes (2019)

  • #327 Top Colleges
  • #110 in Public Colleges
  • #153 in Research Universities
  • #68 in the West
  • #138 America's Best Value Colleges

College Factual (2018-2019)

  • #1 Best Colleges for the Money in Nevada
  • #667 Best Colleges for the Money nationally

MONEY Magazine ranked the University of Nevada, Reno #465 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018-2019).

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