Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator

The NE track prepares the graduate for a faculty position within a program of nursing or NE position in a clinical setting. The student will increase mastery related to teaching and learning and evaluation strategies, curriculum design, and the use of educational technologies. Via directed study and mentorship with experienced faculty, students will enhance clinical expertise in a selected specialty area. Graduate students will have the opportunity to supervise basic nursing students in clinical practice areas and/or work with NEs in clinical settings in the preparation, delivery and evaluation of educational programs for nurses. The NE track is a year-round program featuring full-time and part-time options for program completion.

Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The role of the PMHNP is that of direct care provider. PMHNPs practice in clinics, long-term care facilities, hospitals, physician officers, managed care corporations, and private industries. PMHNPs 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 PMHNP 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 PMHNP track offers courses with the option for full-time and part-time study. MSN-PMHNP start is contingent upon class size.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal professional practice degree that prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. Please consult the State Authorization Reciprocity information for online degree programs. The DNP program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and other leadership roles to serve the health care needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community.

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education (Post Master's)

Students who have a master’s in nursing and meet the admission qualifications may take courses leading to a nurse educator post master’s certificate. The online program uses a variety of teaching strategies designed to actively engage students. Two-day orientation sessions are held on campus before the beginning of each fall semester to enhance the connections among students and with the nursing faculty.

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This four-semester, 28-credit post-master's advanced certificate program prepares graduate-degree nurses to become advanced practice nurses in psychiatric mental health. This practice specialty includes management of patients across the lifespan with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. Building upon the existing skill set of the graduate-prepared registered nurse, the four-semester sequence provides family theory, health promotion, nurse practitioner role, and psychiatric-mental health 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.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Pending approval from the Council on Accreditation (COA), the UNLV School of Nursing will start a CRNA program in Fall 2025. The COA will make a decision at its May 2025 meeting, with program notification coming by June 2025. We will begin accepting applications as soon as tentative accreditation is achieved, and a program start date will commence the following Fall semester (August 2025). Currently, we do not anticipate using NursingCAS for applications.

The CRNA program is 36 months of full-time study and tuition is approximately $76,000, fees included, for NV residents. Out-of-state tuition is approximately $138,000.

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 alone, 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 with a combined score greater than 300).
• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• BLS/ACLS certification, PALS is optional.
• CCRN certification is highly recommended.
• An unencumbered active RN/APRN license (any State will suffice). A Nevada RN license will be required by the time clinical practicum begins.
• Negative drug screen and background check upon time of admission into the program. You do not need these to apply.
• Applicants must be able to physically and mentally perform the duties expected of a nurse anesthesia student without accommodation that would affect patient or provider safety (see Program Director for specifics).
• There are no prerequisite courses.

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) can be reached at the following:
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: (224) 275-9130

For more information on this program, please email gradnursingadmissions@unlv.edu.

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