Master of Science in Nursing – Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Certified nurse-midwives provide holistic, empowering, evidence-based care to people from adolescence through menopause. While most CNMs work in offices and hospitals, some serve their communities in birth centers, homes, military settings, prisons, schools… wherever there is a need for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, gynecologic, or newborn care. CNMs lead interprofessional teams providing care to healthy people, and we strengthen interdisciplinary teams providing care to people with health challenges and complications. This program prepares students for the American Midwifery Certification Board national certification exam. We have opportunities for full- and part-time study.

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The role of the FNP is that of direct care provider. FNPs practice in clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, physician officers, managed care corporations, and private industries. FNPs collect health histories and perform physical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose and manage acute and chronic diseases, prescribe medications and treatments, refer to specialists as necessary, provide patient and family counseling and education regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors and self-care skills, and participate in research projects and integrate research findings. The FNP blends some aspects of medicine with nursing, using a holistic nursing perspective. Credentialing examinations, designed by specialty area, are available and required prior. To practice in most states. Our FNP track offers courses with the option for full-time and part-time study.

Master of Science - Direct Entry Generalist (DEMSN)

UNLV School of Nursing's Direct Entry - Generalist (DEMSN) program is ideal for non-traditional students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are looking for a fast route to licensure as an RN. This program prepares students for entry-level nursing practice at the master’s level of education, with advanced skills in selected areas. Graduates of the DEMSN program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and will hold a generalist MSN degree.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The School of Nursing’s Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing prepares scholars to advance nursing science and practice through rigorous research, evidence-based education, and dynamic leadership. According to the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN) statement: “The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) represents the highest level of formal education for a career in research and the scholarship of discovery. It prepares scholars for the expression and communication of the knowledge base in the profession. The Ph.D. graduate develops the science, stewards the profession, educates the next generation of nurses, defines its uniqueness, and maintains its professional integrity. Nurse scholars are found in academic institutions or in health care agencies in research and educational roles.

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for the FNP

This three semester, 21-credit post-master's advanced certificate program prepares family nurse practitioners to expand their practice specialty to include management of patients with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. Building upon the existing skill set of the primary care clinician, the three semester sequence provides assessment, pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management skills. Successful completion of the program meets the national certification board eligibility requirements. Program start is contingent upon class size.

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nurse Practitioner - On Hold

Individuals who already have a master's degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and meet the admissions qualifications will be allowed to take courses as a non-degree student. No degree will be awarded but a certificate documenting completion of the coursework will be provided and transcripts showing completion of the courses will be available. Program start is contingent upon class size.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Pending approval from the Council on Accreditation (COA ), the UNLV School of Nursing will be starting a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program in the Fall of 2025. A decision will be made by the COA at their October 2024 meeting, with program notification coming the first of November, 2024. UNLV will begin accepting applications as soon as accreditation is achieved, and a program start date will commence the following semester, possibly two semesters.

Minimum application requirements will include:

• At least one year of full-time ICU work as an RN within the last three years (by the time you would start the program). NICU & PICU do qualify, but they are not recommended over adult ICU experience. ED experience is not sufficient to count as critical care, but it will count as one year of work as an RN.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2. Applicants graduating from pass/fail programs will be given a GPA of 3.0, therefore additional undergraduate or graduate science courses will be required to raise the GPA to 3.2. In the case of a lower GPA (less than 3.5), the GRE is recommended.
• CCRN certification
• No restrictions on your RN license (any State will suffice). When clinicals start, all students will need to obtain a Nevada RN license. Out-of-state clinical rotations may also require students to obtain an RN license in each State they do clinical practicum in.
• Negative drug screen and background check upon time of admission into the program. You do not need these in order to apply.
• There are no prerequisite courses
• The program will be 36-months of full-time study

Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL  60018-5603

Phone: 224-275-9130