Nevada offers one in-state ACNP program through University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing ($11,705-$48,195) alongside national online alternatives ranging from $23,940 to $65,350.
Program completion timelines vary between 1.3 to 4 years depending on full time, part time, degree level etc.
High Level Comparison Table
| School | Est. Cost Range | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | Postgrad Cert: ~$23.9K | Fully online AGACNP certificate |
| South College | BSN–MSN: ~$51.5K–$53.7K Postgrad Cert: ~$34.5K–$35.9K | – Online asynchronous format – 21-month BSN–MSN option |
| University of Nevada, Reno (Orvis School of Nursing) | MSN: ~$33K BSN–DNP: ~$48K MSN–DNP: ~$21K Post-Master’s Cert: ~$11.7K–$17.9K | – 100% online didactic courses; – OSN-coordinated clinical placements |
| Walden University | BSN–MSN: ~$44.9K RN–MSN: ~$65.1K BSN–DNP: ~$65.3K MSN–DNP: ~$58.0K Post-Master’s Cert: ~$31.2K | – Fully online with virtual skills labs – Practicum Pledge® support |
| West Coast University | MSN: ~$47.3K–$48.8K RN–MSN: ~$55.7K–$57.7K Post-Master’s Cert: Varies | – Online 8-week terms – clinical placement help |
List of ACNP Options for NV Nurses
Purdue Global ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate
Purdue Global’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate offers Nevada nurses online coursework paired with virtual reality acute care skills training. Students complete 57 credits in about 1.5 years with a focus on diagnosis, pharmacology, and critical care management. Graduates in Nevada develop the skills to manage acutely ill adult and older adult patients and prepare for AGACNP certification exams.
South College ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Nevada registered nurses can advance to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role through South College's online programs, which offer both entry-level BSN-MSN and advanced Post-Graduate Certificate options. The 21-month BSN-MSN program includes 40 core nursing credits and 39 AGACNP specialty credits, with tuition estimated at $51,450-$53,695 plus quarterly nursing and technology fees. Nevada graduates complete extensive clinical training in acute care settings and are prepared to provide advanced nursing care to critically ill patients in the state's hospitals, trauma centers, and specialty care facilities.
University of Nevada, Reno ACNP Programs
Reno | 353.50 cpc | Certificate / BSN to DNP / MSN / DNP
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Orvis School of Nursing offers four fully online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways, including MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and a Post-Master’s Certificate. Estimated tuition ranges from about $11,700 for the APRN certificate track up to roughly $48,000 for the BSN-to-DNP option, with typical completion times spanning 2 to 4 years depending on degree level and pace. All tracks feature Orvis-coordinated clinical placements in acute and critical care settings and boast certification pass rates that consistently meet or exceed national AGACNP benchmarks...read more.
Walden University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP
Nevada nurses seeking acute care expertise can choose Walden University’s primarily online MSN, DNP, or Post-Master’s Certificate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs, featuring Practicum Pledge® assistance to secure clinical sites in high-volume Las Vegas and Reno trauma centers as well as rural hospitals from Ely to Elko. Students complete 640–1,000 faculty-supported practicum hours managing critically ill patients while accessing cutting-edge virtual skills labs and Grand Rounds tailored to fast-paced, high-acuity environments. Graduates emerge ready to fill Nevada’s critical shortage of AGACNPs in Level I and II trauma centers, burn units, and rapidly expanding specialty intensive care services.
West Coast University ACNP Programs
Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Nevada BSN-prepared nurses with prior ICU experience can choose the Accelerated MSN – AGACNP track to become an acute care NP in as little as 1.7 years (20 months) on a full-time basis. This 50-credit program, estimated at $\$47,280$ (effective Summer II 2025), is structured around a rigorous 8-week term schedule that prepares students for practice in acute or intensive care settings. Key admission requirements include a BSN, an unencumbered RN license, and one year of ICU experience within the last five years.
Comparing ACNP Programs for Nevada Nurses
Below is a full comparison of UNR vs national programs to help you find the best program.
TLDR: Quick Selection Guide
Choose University of Nevada, Reno if you want the most affordable in-state option with MSN at $33,048, BSN-DNP at $48,195, MSN-DNP at $20,655, and certificate programs from $11,705-$17,901.
UNR is a Carnegie R1 research institution with Community Engaged classification offering 100% OSN-coordinated clinical placements—students never search for sites independently.
Graduates regularly exceed national first-attempt certification pass rates with most cohorts achieving 100% ANCC/AACN success.
The MSN program provides comprehensive 780 clinical hours, requires Nevada RN licensure eligibility, and accepts applications March 1 (fall) or October 1 (spring).
Choose Purdue Global if you want the absolute lowest-cost certificate nationwide at $23,940 for 57 quarter credits with innovative VR acute care training using Oculus headset technology. Guam.
Choose South College if you want the fastest BSN-to-MSN completion at just 21 months full-time with fully asynchronous online coursework accommodating demanding work schedules.
Choose Walden University if you want the most entry pathway variety including BSN-MSN, RN-MSN, BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, standard certificate, and fast-track certificate options.
Choose West Coast University if you want the fastest MSN completion at 1.7 years via the accelerated track with 8-week terms offering multiple start dates throughout the year.
MSN ACNP Program Comparison for Nevada
University of Nevada, Reno offers the most affordable in-state MSN option at $33,048 with comprehensive 780 OSN-coordinated clinical hours and 100% certification pass rates.
| UNR | MSN AGACNP | ~$34K | 2 years full-time | 780 hours | Lowest cost; Carnegie R1 institution; 100% OSN-coordinated placements; 100% certification pass rates; Nevada licensure eligibility required |
| South College | BSN-MSN AGACNP | $52K-$54K | 21 months | 700 hours | Fastest completion; fully asynchronous; practicum placement support; 800 acute care RN hours required pre-admission |
| Walden | BSN-MSN AGACNP | ~$45K | 2 years full-time | 640 hours | Nation’s #1 MSN-AGACNP choice; Practicum Pledge®; virtual skills labs; Walden Grand Rounds |
| Walden | RN-MSN AGACNP | ~$66K | 2.5-3 years full-time | 640 hours | Bridge for ADN/diploma RNs; 26 foundation credits; same clinical requirements as BSN entry |
| West Coast | MSN Accelerated | ~$48K | 1.7 years | Varies | Fastest MSN track; 8-week terms; 2 mandatory on-site weekends; mobile-accessible; telehealth training |
| West Coast | MSN Working Professional | ~$49K | 2.7 years | Varies | Extended timeline for working nurses; 1 course per term typically; same curriculum as accelerated |
| West Coast | RN-MSN Accelerated | ~$56K | 2.3 years | Varies | 48 transfer credits; 51 credits for RN license; 65 WCU credits; ICU experience required |
| West Coast | RN-MSN Working Professional | ~$58K | 3.7 years | Varies | Longest timeline accommodates full-time employment; same credit requirements as accelerated |
UNR’s In-State MSN Advantages:
- Significant Cost Savings: At $33,048, UNR costs $11,902-$24,657 less than national online MSN alternatives
- Clinical Excellence: 780 clinical hours exceeds most competitors (80-140 more hours than Walden’s 640)
- 100% Placement Coordination: OSN secures all clinical sites—students never search independently
- Exceptional Pass Rates: Most cohorts achieve 100% first-attempt ANCC/AACN certification success
- Regional Recognition: Carnegie R1 research institution status with Community Engaged classification
When National MSN Programs Excel:
- Speed: West Coast’s 1.7-year accelerated track and South College’s 21-month completion beat UNR’s 2-year timeline
- Flexibility: West Coast’s 8-week terms with multiple annual start dates vs. UNR’s single March 1 fall deadline
- Bridge Pathways: Walden and West Coast serve ADN/diploma RNs directly without requiring BSN completion first
- Work-Life Balance: West Coast’s working professional tracks accommodate full-time employment with extended timelines
- National Access: No state residency restrictions (UNR requires Nevada RN licensure eligibility)
Nevada DNP ACNP Program Comparisons
University of Nevada, Reno provides the most affordable DNP pathways with BSN-to-DNP at $48,195 (3-4 years) and MSN-to-DNP at just $20,655 (2 years).
| School | Program | Est. Cost | Duration | Clinical Hours | Key Distinctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNR | BSN-DNP AGACNP | ~$49K | 3 years full-time; 4 years part-time | 1,000 (780 direct) | Most affordable BSN-DNP; Carnegie R1; 100% OSN-coordinated clinical placements; Nevada licensure required; DNP residency self-placed |
| UNR | MSN-DNP AGACNP | ~$21K | 2 years | Self-placed residency (6 credits) | Most affordable MSN-DNP; 30 credits total; annual 2-3 day on-campus meetings; 3.5 GPA required; APRN certification required |
| Walden | BSN-DNP AGACNP | ~$66K | 3 years full-time | 1,000 minimum | Practicum Pledge®; virtual skills labs; 2 on-campus intensives; nationwide access; no state restrictions |
| Walden | MSN-DNP AGACNP | ~$58K | 2.5 years full-time | 1,000 minimum (500 for licensed APRNs) | Prior APRN credit available; reduced hours for certified practitioners; no geographic limitations |
UNR’s In-State DNP Advantages:
- Dramatic Cost Savings: UNR’s BSN-DNP costs $17,155 less than Walden; MSN-DNP costs $37,345 less
- Fastest MSN-to-DNP: UNR’s 2-year completion beats Walden’s 2.5-year timeline
- Part-Time BSN-DNP Option: 4-year pathway accommodates working professionals (Walden offers full-time only)
- Clinical Coordination: OSN coordinates 780 direct AGACNP clinical hours for BSN-DNP students
- Regional Network Building: All clinical hours within Nevada healthcare systems for local career development
When Walden DNP Excels:
- Geographic Freedom: No state residency restrictions; accessible to nurses nationwide
- Prior Learning Credit: Licensed APRNs entering MSN-to-DNP complete minimum 500 hours instead of full 1,000
- Support Infrastructure: Practicum Pledge® provides dedicated field placement assistance throughout program
- Virtual Resources: Skills labs and Walden Grand Rounds enhance online learning experience
- Flexible Entry: Accepts students with broader range of prior credentials and experiences
Nevada ACNP Certificate Program Comparison
University of Nevada, Reno offers the most affordable in-state certificate options ranging from $11,705 (APRN Track) to $17,901 (MSN Track) with 500-780 OSN-coordinated clinical hours and dual-track flexibility.
| School | Program | Est. Cost | Duration | Key Distinctions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNR | Certificate MSN Track | $18K | Varies | Most affordable overall; 100% OSN-coordinated placements; March 1/Oct 1 deadlines; Nevada licensure required |
| UNR | Certificate APRN Track | $12K | Varies | Lowest cost option; for licensed/certified APRNs; reduced hours; 17 credits vs. 26; not eligible for federal aid |
| Purdue Global | Postgraduate Certificate | $24K | 1.5 years full-time | Lowest national cost; VR Oculus training; fully online; ACLS required; not available in 10 states/territories |
| South College | Post-Graduate Certificate | $35K-$36K | Varies by pace | 53 credits; fully asynchronous; 3.0 GPA + 80% minimum required; practicum placement support |
| Walden | Certificate Standard | $32K | 1.5 years full-time | Practicum Pledge®; transfer credit for Walden MSN alumni; virtual skills labs |
| Walden | Certificate Fast-Track | $32K | 1 year | For licensed FNP/AGPCNP only; 20 transfer credits; reduced practicum; fastest certified NP pathway |
| West Coast | Post-Master’s Certificate | Varies | 1.3 years | Fastest certificate; 2 mandatory on-site weekends; 8-week terms; ICU experience required; mobile-accessible |
UNR’s In-State Certificate Advantages:
- Unbeatable Affordability: APRN Track at $11,705 saves $12,235-$23,225 compared to national options
- Flexible Track Options: Choose MSN Track (26 credits, 780 hours) or APRN Track (17 credits, 500 hours) based on credentials
- Complete Placement Support: OSN coordinates all clinical sites—zero student burden for placement logistics
- Dual Admission Cycles: March 1 fall and October 1 spring deadlines provide twice-yearly entry opportunities
- Regional Clinical Excellence: All placements in Nevada acute care settings including cardiology, surgery, nephrology, infectious disease, gastroenterology
When National Certificates Excel:
- Innovative Technology: Purdue Global’s mandatory VR immersive Oculus training provides cutting-edge acute care skills practice
- Speed Champions: West Coast’s 1.3 years and Walden’s 1-year fast-track beat UNR’s variable timeline
- Specialty Transitions: Walden’s fast-track exclusively serves licensed FNPs/AGPCNPs changing to acute care with reduced 500-hour requirement
- Support Systems: Walden’s Practicum Pledge® and South College’s placement coordination assist students throughout clinical experiences
- Schedule Flexibility: West Coast’s 8-week terms with multiple annual start dates vs. UNR’s semi-annual admission cycles
- Federal Aid Eligibility: National programs qualify for federal financial aid (UNR certificate students ineligible)
Admissions Requirements for Nevada ACNP Schools
| School | Program | Minimum GPA | Application Deadlines | Critical Care Experience | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNR | MSN AGACNP | 3.0 minimum | March 1 (fall) | Not specified | Nevada RN licensure eligibility; graduate statistics course required; NLNAC/CCNE-accredited BSN |
| UNR | BSN-DNP AGACNP | 3.0 minimum | March 1 (fall) | Not specified | Nevada RN licensure eligibility; graduate statistics course (EDRS 640 recommended); NLNAC/CCNE BSN |
| UNR | MSN-DNP AGACNP | 3.5 minimum | March 1 (fall); Oct 1 (spring) | Not specified | APRN national certification; licensed at DNP study level; graduate coursework in pathophys/pharm/assessment/research/theory |
| UNR | Certificate MSN/APRN | 3.0 minimum | March 1 (fall); Oct 1 (spring) | Not specified | Nevada RN licensure eligibility; APRN track requires national certification as NP/CNS/CNM/CRNA |
| Purdue Global | Postgraduate Certificate | 2.5 minimum | Rolling admissions | 1 year full-time (2,000 hours) acute care RN | ACLS certification required; not available in DC, HI, LA, MA, NY, OR, TN, UT, WA, Guam |
| South College | BSN-MSN | 3.0 minimum | Rolling admissions | 800 hours in ICU/step-down/trauma/ER before first practicum | $50 application fee; maintain 3.0 + 80% minimum in all nursing courses |
| South College | Post-Graduate Certificate | 3.0 minimum | Rolling admissions | Not specified | Max 3 transfer credits; dismissed from 2 nursing programs = ineligible |
| Walden | All MSN/DNP | Not specified | Rolling admissions | Not specified | No application fee; no GRE; Technical Standards Policy Form |
| Walden | Certificate Standard | Not specified | Rolling admissions | Not specified | MSN or NP MSN degree required |
| Walden | Certificate Fast-Track | Not specified | Rolling admissions | Licensed/certified FNP or AGPCNP | Up to 20 transfer credits; reduced to 500 hours |
| West Coast | All MSN/RN-MSN | 3.0 minimum | Multiple starts (8-week terms) | 1 year ICU within past 5 years | Gap Analysis review; ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited only |
| West Coast | Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.0 minimum | Multiple starts (8-week terms) | 1 year ICU within past 5 years | Pathophys/pharm/assessment within 5 years (B or better); dismissed from WCU NP program = ineligible |
Key Admissions Distinctions:
- Lowest GPA Minimum: Purdue Global (2.5) most accessible; UNR MSN-DNP highest requirement (3.5)
- Most Flexible Deadlines: Walden and South College offer rolling admissions year-round
- Most Specific Experience: Purdue Global requires quantified 2,000 hours; South College requires 800 ICU/trauma hours; West Coast requires 1 year ICU within 5 years
- Strictest Timeline Requirements: West Coast’s pathophys/pharm/assessment must be within 5 years (not 7-10 years like some programs)
- Geographic Restrictions: Only UNR requires Nevada licensure eligibility; Purdue Global excludes 10 states/territories
- Certification Prerequisites: UNR MSN-DNP and APRN certificate track require APRN certification; Walden fast-track requires FNP/AGPCNP license