Best Nursing Schools in Texas in 2024

Nicknamed the Lone Star State, Texas spans over 268,000 square miles and is the second most populous state in America after California. With over 217,630 registered nurses currently employed and earning approximately $79,120 annually, Texas needs to produce 16,210 new nurses per year to meet growing industry demands by 2030. Selecting from the top-tier nursing programs offered at various universities across Texas ensures you’ll get superb training to launch a rewarding career in one of the fastest-growing fields.

Ranking second nationally for RN jobs needed by 2030, Texas must add 258,720 registered nurses over the next few years to handle expanding healthcare requirements. That’s why a degree from one of the renowned nursing schools in Texas is essential to fill this increasing shortage in the nursing and health sciences industry. Let’s explore some of the prime nursing programs Texas has to offer.

• There are 121 nursing schools in Texas.
• The CCNE accredits 47 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 61 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Texas is between 72.63% and 97.63%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Texas is between 67.06% and 100.00%.
• RNs currently employed in Texas are 217,630.
• RNs in Texas earn an average of $79,120 per year or $38.04 per hour.
• Texas needs 258,720 new RNs by 2030 or 16,210 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Texas

Texas offers a wide variety of accredited nursing programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the nursing profession. Prospective nursing students can choose from several common program types, including:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

Several factors to weigh when choosing a nursing program include accreditation status, NCLEX-RN licensure exam pass rates, cost, available specializations and flexibility options. Key resources are:

• Texas Board of Nursing oversees nursing regulation including approval of nursing programs.
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit nursing schools.
• NCLEX pass rates indicate exam performance required for RN licensure. The minimum standard set by the state nursing board is 75% but programs should ideally show consistent pass rates above 90%.

Below we’ll expand on the common nursing program options in Texas.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Texas?

Online Nursing Programs for Texas Students

Many nursing programs offer online components, giving Texas students flexibility in completing coursework. From online BSN to online two-year associate degree in nursing options, there are various programs in distance learning format to choose from. However, clinical training requirements must be fulfilled in-person at approved facilities.

Fully online nursing programs based outside of Texas can also be an option but it’s critical to verify the program allows students to complete clinical rotations locally to meet state requirements. The selected online nursing program should be accredited and board-approved for licensure in Texas.

AACN member-schools like UT-Austin, Texas Woman’s University and others now incorporate online learning paired with in-person clinical experiences. Hybrid formats continue gaining popularity for balancing access and hands-on skill development.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, ABSN programs offer the opportunity to make a career change in 12-18 months. These intensive programs prepare graduates to qualify for the same RN licensure exam as traditional BSN graduates.

Here are top schools that offer accelerated BSN programs in Texas:

Best ABSN Schools in Texas

• Best ABSN Programs in Texas

Prerequisites typically include designated undergraduate courses to establish baseline scientific and health knowledge needed to succeed. Once enrolled, the average ABSN curriculum is structured as follows:

• Fundamental nursing courses equivalent to a traditional first year, accelerated into 1-2 semesters
• Medical, surgical, pediatric and mental health nursing coursework
• Women’s health, geriatrics, community health and other specialties
• 500+ hours of supervised clinical rotations
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation and testing

With condensed courses and demanding clinical schedules, ABSN programs require dedication. Supporting students in their transition is also key. 

Competitive admission typically calls for:

• Completed bachelor’s degree 
• 3.0+ GPA
• GRE/ACT scores
• Essays and interviews
• CPR certification
• Immunization and health clearance

In return, ABSN graduates from programs like Texas Tech Health Sciences Center can expect rewarding nursing careers. Most intend to practice at the bedside immediately after graduation as RNs, yet longer-term goals may include additional certifications or advanced nursing degrees.

RN to BSN Programs

Within nursing, RNs holding associate’s degrees (ADNs) are finding growing incentive to continue on to a Bachelor of Science degree (BSN), whether soon after initial licensure or later while working.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Texas

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Texas

The additional BSN coursework focuses less on technical nursing skills and more on professional development in areas like:

• Nursing research
• Health promotion
• Illness prevention
• Leadership
• Healthcare policy

This knowledge supports career advancement into supervisory roles or specialties like oncology, geriatrics and pediatrics.

For current RNs, accredited RN to BSN programs offer the ultimate flexibility, available in online and hybrid formats untethered by geography. With strong transfer credit allowance for prior nursing education, motivated ADN nurses can earn their BSN efficiently in as little as 1 year.

Particularly valuable RN to BSN program elements to look for include:

• Generous transfer credit policy minimizing repeat courses
• Credit for past nursing coursework via challenge exams
• Seasoned nursing faculty able to mentor working RN students
• Advisors tracking student progress from enrollment to graduation

Finances need not be an obstacle either thanks to options like Nurse Corps scholarships which fund BSN or MSN education in return for RN service post-graduation.

Investing 12-24 months now in an RN to BSN program pays dividends across one’s nursing career – in knowledge, leadership pathways and salary potential averaging $10,000 higher than ADN peers according to research.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

From nursing administration and nursing education to becoming a nurse practitioner,  those ready to advance into an MSN have exciting specializations to choose from:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) through NP programs offering scopes like family, pediatric, adult-gerontology, women’s health and more. Includes 500+ clinical hours.
• Nurse Educator – Prepares RNs to teach future nurses through blended curriculum including teaching methodology, curriculum development and evaluation.
• Nursing and Health Care Leadership – Coursework focused on leadership theory, policy analysis, decision-making to advance into managerial roles.

Added benefits of an MSN degree include increased critical thinking and writing skills, nursing research knowledge, autonomy in practice and starting salaries averaging $30,000 higher than BSN graduates.

While intensely rigorous, top Texas MSN programs help students succeed through:

• Access to expert MSN-prepared faculty
• Low student-faculty ratios
• Hands-on clinical capstone initiatives
• Interprofessional education opportunities
• Certification/licensure exam preparation

Applicants are competitively evaluated not just on academics but also:

• BS/BA GPA – 3.0+ recommended
  GRE test scores 
• Relevant work experience 
• Potential research and international experience 
• Community service resume

Financial assistance to lessen the graduate degree burden includes Nursing Scholarships, Nurse Corps scholarships and Faculty Loan Repayment options.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

NP programs prepare registered nurses for APRN licensure building on initial BSN or MSN degrees. NPs serve as primary and specialty healthcare providers, with nursing’s unique lens on holistic care, patient education and disease prevention.

This NP program is offered in top-rated schools such as:

Best NP Schools in Texas

• Best NP Programs in Texas

Those drawn to advanced medical responsibilities may appreciate NP pathways like:

• Family nurse practitioner – Comprehensive training for patients across the lifespan.
• Adult-gerontology NP – Focus on adults and aging well through chronic or complex health issues.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner– Caring for infants through young adults and adolescent health.
• Psych-mental health NP – Assessment and intervention for psychiatric disorders and counseling needs.

Robust NP programs integrate coursework and 500-1,000 supervised clinical practicum hours under experienced NP and physician preceptors. This applied mentorship cultivates the assessment, diagnostic and prescribing skills to practice autonomously or within coordinated care teams.

NP career settings span hospitals, clinics, private practices, colleges, schools, prisons and more. Especially welcomed in rural and underserved communities, BLS projects that NPs will see 38% job growth in Texas from 2022 through 2032. Competitive salaries reach up to $110,000+ for specialized NPs.

Full-time options take around 2 years post-BSN. Part-time pathways allow working nurses to continue gaining valuable experience while enrolled. Post-master’s NP certificates for those who hold MSN degrees already can require just 1 additional year.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

Pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing represents a long-term commitment to high-level practice, research, and mentorship capabilities. Two primary pathways exist:

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is considered the terminal practice-focused degree, preparing experts in specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse midwives and clinical nurse specialists. The curriculum covers evidence-based practice, quality improvement, program evaluation and more. At the culmination, students implement and present capstone projects addressing real clinical problems.

The PhD in Nursing pathway focuses intensely on research and scholarship. This paves the way for nurse scientists and faculty roles conducting original research and driving cutting-edge advancements in nursing science, education and evidence-based practice. Dissertation work tackling new conceptual or theoretical nursing issues is a central requirement.

Top Texas nursing PhD programs like UT-Tyler and Texas Woman’s University immerse candidates into research communities via training institutes, fellowships, publishing and presenting. Supportive funding and scholarships also help offset investment in future nurse experts.

Benefits of earning a DNP or PhD nursing degree include authority as a nurse leader-scholar, competitive salaries among the highest in nursing and ability to influence better systems of care, policy and population health. Advanced competencies also open doors to more autonomous and fulfilling nursing roles.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Texas

What draws so many prospective students to consider nursing school in Texas? For starters – high demand plus robust job growth.

• Texas faces ongoing nursing shortages requiring quality education to build tomorrow’s RN workforce. BSN-prepared nurses will be especially needed.
• The job outlook for RNs is excellent with a continuous projected through 2028 per Texas labor statistics. Projections show that from 2018 up to 2028 alone, over 500000 jobs are available in the nursing and health professions industry.
• Diverse job settings from Houston hospitals to Austin tech firms to remote country clinics across Texas. Practice specialties ranging from cardiology to neurology, pediatrics, oncology, critical care, orthopedics, primary care and beyond.
• RN average salaries are competitive in Texas at $38 per hour, exceeding the average wage. According to Indeed, Specialties like nurse anesthetists can earn over $249,000.

Aided by its centralized location, growing economy and reputation for quality programs, Texas offers exceptional in-state and out-of-state students alike the chance to build nursing expertise and make a difference.

How to Earn Your Texas Nursing License

To legally practice as an RN in the state, candidates must earn nursing licensure in Texas by:

1. Graduating from a nursing diploma, ADN or BSN program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. This prepares you to demonstrate minimum nursing competency.
2. Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and meeting other requirements like fingerprinting and a jurisprudence exam covering Texas nurse practice laws.
3. Maintaining licensure through renewal every 2 years before expiration. RNs must complete 20+ continuing education hours biennially.

Specialized credentials like an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license have added eligibility requirements such as a graduate degree and national certification in your advanced role and population focus.

Numerous rewarding nursing career options stem from foundational RN licensure. As nursing shortages continue, applications for initial RN licensure as well as renewals are trending upwards year to year in Texas.

Finding the Right Nursing School

Earning your degree from one of the best nursing schools in the state puts you at an advantage over other graduates. Identifying your best-fit nursing program depends on personal factors from location to finances, yet several universal indicators of quality hold true:

Accreditation

• Verifying ACEN or CCNE accreditation ensures your prospective nursing school meets strict standards for curricula, faculty, resources and graduate outcomes. Doing so validates program quality and boosts future job prospects.

NCLEX Pass Rates

• A school’s NCLEX-RN exam pass rate measures graduates’ first-time performance. Programs with strong prep and 78%+ passing reassure students of their potential to join the RN workforce.

Tuition Value

• Texas offers affordable ADN degrees under $10,000 like at Alvin Community College, as well as pricier options like a $43,000 accelerated BSN at UT-Austin. Know that significant FASFA assistance, scholarships and nursing loan repayment programs exist to invest in your future.

Clinical Opportunities

• Check for nursing school partnerships allowing students clinical rotations within esteemed Texas Medical Center hospitals, VA centers, rural clinics and more. This exposure and experience in your focus area proves invaluable.

Student Support

• Beyond student-faculty ratios, exceptional nursing schools like Texas A&M International promote student success via tutoring centers, academic coaching, career fairs, nursing scholarships and more. Support transitioning from nursing school into practice.

Identifying standout nursing programs doing their all so tomorrow’s nurses can do theirs is key. Yet applicants able to envision their calling to deliver compassionate, quality care will excel in return.

If you’re driven by this vision, take the next step and request more information from one of Texas’ nursing schools today.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Texas

With the rise of demand in the nursing and health professions, it is no doubt that nursing is one of the most lucrative careers in Texas.

Licensure Steps

The multi-step process involves:

• Graduating from a Texas State Board of Nursing-approved RN diploma, ADN or BSN program
• Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam at minimum required cut score
• Requesting fingerprinting and background checks
• Completing the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam covering state laws and regulations
• Submitting formal application to the Board of Nursing
• Maintaining licensure through renewal every 2 years before expiration

Newly licensed RNs in Texas can then pursue in-demand practice specialties like:

In-Demand Specializations

• ICU/Critical care – Nursing care and advanced life support for fragile patients
• Emergency – Skills to rapidly assess and treat all ages
• Oncology – Compassionate coordination of cancer care
• OB/GYN – Welcoming new lives and supporting mothers

Further education like a RN to MSN pathway allows specialization as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and other advanced roles such as leadership in nursing.

Job Outlook

• Texas will see over 50,000 RN job openings annually with competitive salaries – averaging $$75,000 and rising as shortages continue.

In closing, may your commitment to caring bridge nursing school with a lengthy career touching lives. Reach out anytime for personalized guidance on identifying programs matching your talents, interests and professional aims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Texas

What types of nursing programs can I find at Texas universities and colleges?

The state of Texas provides diverse undergraduate and graduate nursing program options, including Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, traditional BSN programs, accelerated BSN programs, online RN-to-BSN programs, Master’s in Nursing degrees, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Many schools also offer a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) pathway to becoming an advanced practice registered nurse.

For example, the UT Tyler School of Nursing offers an online RN-BSN completion program and graduate tracks in education, administration, and more. Other Texas colleges like Texas A&M and UT Arlington also provide traditional BSN tracks. Take time to research which nursing program best aligns with your location, career interests and goals when finding the best nursing schools in Texas.

What is the job outlook for Texas nurses?

The job outlook for nurses in Texas is very strong. According to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, more nurses will be needed by 2030 to handle the burgeoning demand for healthcare services, especially with large population regions like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. This makes nursing one of the most promising career paths for new graduates of Texas nursing schools.

After earning either an ADN or BSN, nurses can obtain rewarding RN jobs in settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and home health agencies. Committing to a top nursing program in Texas means you will be well prepared to advance your nursing career or pursue graduate nursing education. With so much opportunity ahead, the state’s exceptional nursing schools offer prime pathways to an in-demand, impactful profession.

Where can I complete a BSN degree in Texas?

There are over 20 nursing schools in Texas that offer excellent BSN programs to prepare students for professional registered nursing licensure and practice. Notable schools that offer a BSN program include the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Texas Woman’s University.

These Texas schools offer both traditional 4-year BSN programs as well as accelerated BSN options for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. There are also quality online RN-to-BSN programs available at schools like UT Tyler and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for licensed RNs seeking to further their education.

How can I become a nursing leader or educator in Texas?

Many of the top nursing schools in Texas offer specialized undergraduate and graduate nursing programs focused on administration and nursing education. Schools like the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing, UT Medical Branch in Galveston’s School of Nursing, and Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing provide master’s tracks in these areas.

Pursuing one of these graduate nursing programs is an excellent pathway to nursing leadership roles like nurse manager and high-level administrative positions. Gaining an MSN in Nursing Education also helps prepare you to potentially teach the next generation of nursing students after a few years of hands-on experience.

What is the typical path to becoming an RN in Texas?

The most common path to becoming a registered nurse in Texas is earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (two-year program) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (four-year program) to qualify to take the national nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). Numerous excellent nursing schools across Texas offer ADN or BSN programs to launch your nursing career, including community colleges, universities, and health science centers.

Some nurses first become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) through a 1-year certificate program then pursue an ADN or LVN-to-BSN pathway. Passing the NCLEX allows you to then work as an RN providing bedside patient care in healthcare facilities across the state. Further education like an MSN, DNP or specializations can advance your nursing practice.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Texas

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Texas State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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