Nevada is home to two universities that offer online degree programs in the family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. Touro University administers a master science in nursing (MSN) in the FNP specialty area for RNs with bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) degrees as well as a post-master’s certificate for advanced practice nurses seeking to add the FNP specialization to their credentials.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas also offers an MSN, a post-master’s certificate, and a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with both BSN and MSN points of entry. The University of Nevada, Reno offers a BSN to DNP as well; however, it is a hybrid program and requires more campus visits than a distance-learning program.
The online FNP programs at Touro University and the University of Nevada Las Vegas are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Notably, nurse practitioners in the state of Nevada enjoy full practice authority. In other words, they administer care independently with prescriptive authority once they have obtained state certification and completed two years of professional experience.
Featured Online Programs (RN License Required)
A description of Nevada’s online FNP programs is provided below in addition to information on FNP licensing requirements in the state.
Program Information: Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nevada
The online FNP-MSN at Touro University is described as a learner-centered program that focuses on evidence-based practice. The master’s degree includes 630 hours of precepted clinical practice and 53 credits of coursework in primary care and differential diagnosis, primary care for disease prevention and wellness, primary care of childbearing families and children, the aging adult, mental health across the lifespan, and much more. The post-master’s certificate involves 35 credits and 580 hours of clinical practice. Both the MSN and certificate programs require three (two- or three-day) campus visits. These campus intensives take place during semesters that FNP students are engaged in clinical coursework and practice. No GRE scores are required for admission.
The FNP programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas prepare nurses to fulfill leadership roles in administration, as well as clinical practice, teaching, and research positions. The MSN requires 46 credits, while the post-master’s certificate includes 36. Course topics include family theory and health promotion, advanced health assessment, FNP adult and women’s health, advanced pathophysiology, genetics, and advanced pharmacology. Five campus visits are required for both the MSN and certificate program participants.
The BSN to DNP in the family nurse practitioner specialty area involves 68 credits of coursework and the post-master’s pathway is 31 credits. DNP topics include FNP adult and women’s health, FNP geriatric and chronic illness, business management for nurse practitioners, population health: analysis and evaluation, and strategies for management of healthcare systems and performance improvement. The DNP culminating project is completed over three semesters, drawing from the guidelines set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials. A minimum of 500 clinical hours is required to be eligible for national certification upon program completion. Three campus visits are required of DNP candidates.
The University of Nevada, Reno also offers a doctor of nursing practice degree in the family nurse practitioner specialization. As mentioned above, this program is hybrid. The BSN to DNP track delivers coursework primarily through a distance-learning format, with required campus visits each semester. Students also participate in a two-day orientation and a defense of their final projects, also on the Reno campus. Due to the high number of campus visits, this program does not meet our requirements for fully online programs; however, the format may be a viable option for nursing professionals with more flexible schedules or those who live in the area. Full-time DNP students may complete the program in eight semesters including summer terms. No GRE scores are required for admission.
FNP Licensing Requirements in Nevada
Those who wish to apply for licensure as an advanced practice nurse in the state of Nevada can visit the Nevada State Board of Nursing website. All applicants and current Nevada licensed nursing professionals can manage their applications for licensure and renewal through the portal. Applicants must submit the following to become eligible to practice as an FNP in Nevada:
- A completed application, along with a nonrefundable $200 fee
- Completed fingerprint cards (instructions and forms available on the NSBN website)
- Copies of RN licenses from all states where authorized to practice
- Official transcripts sent directly from the graduate nursing programs to the board
- Documentation of graduate program accreditation by one of the certifying bodies
- Documentation of national certification by a recognized certifying agency
- A copy of collaborative protocol if 2,000 hours of clinical practice have not been completed by the date of application
A note on prescriptive authority: contact the Nevada Board of Pharmacy for an application and instructions for gaining prescriptive authority. Applicants need to provide documentation of 1,000 hours of active practice prescribing medication as an APRN to qualify.
