How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Nevada (2026)
Nevada employs about 3,350 licensed vocational nurses earning a median $76,160 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Vocational Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education.
Compare Licensed Vocational Nurse Schools in Nevada
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clovis Adult Education | 74.2 | Contact school for pricing | $43,882 | 78% | — | 163 mi |
| 2 | Dixie Technical College | 58.7 | Contact school for pricing | $46,064 | 80% | — | 200 mi |
| 3 | Madera Community College | 55.8 | Contact school for pricing | Not reported | 34% | — | 175 mi |
| 4 | Merced College | 51.7 | Contact school for pricing | $51,136 | 32% | Yes* | 191 mi |
| 5 | College of Southern Nevada | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $51,080 | 19% | Yes* | 161 mi |
| 6 | Las Vegas College | 45.6 | Contact school for pricing | $42,732 | 57% | Yes* | 163 mi |
| 7 | San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | 45.3 | Contact school for pricing | $42,211 | 35% | Yes* | 168 mi |
| 8 | Porterville College | 44.8 | $1,438 - $20,730 | $36,940 | 32% | Yes* | 170 mi |
| 9 | Institute of Technology | 44.2 | Contact school for pricing | $43,172 | 74% | — | 165 mi |
| 10 | Reedley College | 41.6 | $1,334 - $16,881 | $42,644 | 42% | — | 161 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Nevada employs approximately 3,350 licensed vocational nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $76,160 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Nevada, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (Nevada): $76,160 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Nevada
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Nevada? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education.
Do I need a license in Nevada? Yes. Nevada credentials this role through Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed vocational nurses earn in Nevada? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Nevada is $76,160 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $61,750 and experienced professionals can earn $89,420 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Nevada
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in Nevada typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in Nevada. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Vocational Nurse License Requirements in Nevada
Nevada licenses practical and vocational nurses through Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education before you enroll.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Wages by Metro Area in Nevada
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in Nevada
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in Nevada vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas | 2,600 | $75,920 | $73,850 | $61,200 | $88,580 |
| Reno | 510 | $78,600 | $76,700 | $62,800 | $90,970 |
| Carson City | 110 | $78,790 | $78,670 | $66,840 | $89,400 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed vocational nurses in Nevada? Nevada currently employs approximately 3,350 licensed vocational nurses 1. Nationally, licensed vocational nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed vocational nurse in Nevada with an out-of-state license? Contact the Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Nevada? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Nevada.
How much do licensed vocational nurses earn in Nevada compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses in Nevada is $76,160, which is $13,820 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Nevada State Board of Nursing - Licensure, Certification and Education - Licensing Information: http://www.nevadanursingboard.org ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |