Southern Nevada is on track to gain dozens of highly-skilled health care professionals thanks to a new state grant that will provide $3 million in scholarships for UNLV Nursing students pursuing Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) coursework.

The grant — awarded to UNLV Nursing dean Angela Amar via the State of Nevada Health & Human Services Department — will provide a financial boost for 75 current and incoming graduate nursing students who enroll in UNLV’s nationally accredited APRN program through December 2024. APRNs are skilled health professionals who provide a range of services including primary and preventive care, mental health, anesthesia, and birthing.

The scholarships are open to current nursing master’s students pursuing a nurse practitioner emphasis, or working nurses interested in advancing their careers. Scholarship recipients must commit to working for Nevada for three years, an important distinction given the Silver State is among U.S. regions facing a health professional shortage.

“Research shows that APRNs provide extremely effective care to underinsured and uninsured populations, as well as reduce the cost of patient care by up to 33 percent,” said Imelda Reyes, UNLV Nursing professor and associate dean of advanced education. “We are so excited to be able to offer a scholarship that will help expand access to care for Nevada residents.” 

Interested applicants must register for the scholarship online by Apr. 15, or contact Prof. Reyes at imelda.reyes@unlv.edu with questions.