Alexa Curtis

Alexa Curtis is an Endowed Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at the University of Nevada, Reno's Orvis School of Nursing. She holds advanced degrees in Nursing, Public Health, and a PhD from UCSF. Her career focuses on improving healthcare access for underserved populations, particularly through integrated behavioral health in rural areas and substance use disorder management. She has led multiple funded initiatives, including the Granite Wellness Youth Resiliency Project ($1M) and the NPCT program ($2.4M), advancing nurse practitioner training and community health.

Education: PhD Nursing (UCSF), MSN (University of San Diego), MPH (USF), BSN (University of Pennsylvania). Certifications include dual ANCC Nurse Practitioner credentials and ANCB Addictions RN-AP certification.

Research interests span rural healthcare innovation, addiction care, and interprofessional education. She co-edited Nurse Practitioner Clinical Education and designed the American Journal of Nursing's Research Step by Step series. As California ACNP Health Policy co-chair, she co-authored landmark AB 890 legislation removing NP practice barriers.

Award highlights include 2024 American Academy of Nursing Fellowship and 2020 Bridging Healthcare Needs Award. Her clinical practice focuses on rural FQHC integrated behavioral health. She has directed major nursing programs at USF and CSU Sacramento, emphasizing workforce development for underserved communities.