Registered nurses (RNs) comprise two-thirds of the 5,000-person nursing workforce in Reno, Nevada. Feeding this workforce are local schools such as University of Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Carrington College. Through these schools, aspiring RNs may pursue either a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Other nursing roles and training programs
Two other nursing roles, though not as common as the RN, are just as important. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide daily bedside care with basic patient tasks like eating, dressing, and using the restroom. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can complete more complex medical tasks like changing catheters, dressing wounds, and monitoring equipment. Both roles typically work under the supervision of an RN, and both require the completion of a corresponding certificate program.
Nursing education is a wise investment with attractive returns. The entire sector will experience above-average job growth for the next decade. Reno has many established healthcare employers, including Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Renown Regional Medical Center, and Northern Nevada Medical Center. Local nursing salaries are very competitive. Reno’s CNAs earn a median annual salary of $27,800, while LPNs are paid close to $52,000 per year. Local RNs earn around $72,000 annually; those with a BSN degree frequently receive top-quartile pay of $84,000 or more. The highest-paid nurses, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), often earn upwards of $100,000 per year in their chosen field of specialization.
To help prospective nurses explore the education options in Reno, Nevada, we have compiled below a detailed list of the city’s nursing schools and programs.