University of Nevada Reno Nursing School Review

Initially located in Elko, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) was founded in 1874. Owing to the small population at that time in Elko, the legislature voted to re-locate the campus at the more populated Reno- Carson City area 10 years later. With the University’s strive to reach more residents in Nevada, it established an extension campus in Las Vegas in 1951. The extension campus grew and was later separated from the main campus to become University of Nevada Las Vegas.

University of Nevada Reno-Nursing Programs

The nursing programs at the college are offered at the Orvis School of Nursing. The school has about 7 nursing programs ranging from bachelors to doctorate degrees in nursing. Besides the usual master tracks, the nursing school also has a dual degree program in nursing and public health. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN curriculum prepares fresh entry-level students to become registered nurses (RN) by giving them educational capacity to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires 128 credit hours for eligibility to graduate and take the licensure exam. Students must first complete all the general education courses offered exclusively in the 1st and 2nd year before taking nursing courses are offered in the 3rd and 4th years.

Out of the 128 credits, 57 are nursing major requirements and can be completed in 4 semesters of full time study. Admissions occur in both fall and spring semesters for both high school graduates and pre-nursing programs transfer students.

RN to BSN Program

The program is meant for registered nurses who wish to advance their knowledge by earning a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Candidates for this program must have current RN licensure in Nevada and must have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate in nursing program.

The nursing major coursework for this completion program is offered fully online and students complete their clinical experience at their local communities.  After portfolio evaluation, RNs receive 29 upper division credits in recognition of their earlier education. Those who have not completed pre-requisite courses may take them at the university Extended Study Program or from any community college at their locality. Admission to the RN to BSN occurs once annually for classes commencing fall semester.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN program is designed for BSN-Prepared registered nurse candidates. Interested candidates must be willing to take specialty roles in:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator
  • Clinical Nurse Leader

All tracks require between 35-39 credit hours to complete with options of full time and part time study plans being offered. In addition, students who already have a MSN degree may seek certification in all the above tracks by taking the Post-Master’s Certificate programs. 

The Orvis School of nursing also offers a unique Master of Science in nursing/ Master of Science in Public Health dual degree program. The MSN/MPH dual degree program is a good choice for highly motivated students who wish to earn two master-level degrees hand-in-hand.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program at University of Nevada, Reno is offered as joint degree program with University of Nevada Las Vegas. The University of Nevada DNP (UNDNP) program admits students on cohorts of up-to 15 students in each university’s school of nursing.  Although most of the courses are offered online, students must go to their respective campus for purposes of presenting and defending their DNP projects. It takes 5 semesters including a summer session to complete the 39 credits curriculum.

Contact:
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno,
NV 89557