Alternate Entry Nursing Programs In Texas

How Long Does It Take To Earn A Msn In A Direct Entry Program

Typically, BSN to MSN programs range from three to four years, but the specific length may depend on the school. It may also take longer if you enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

Keep in mind that some programs are only available to full-time students because of the accelerated nature of the degree, at least for the first portion.

For instance, some direct entry MSN programs may confer a BSN when you complete that portion of the program, which usually takes about four semesters, or 16 months full time. This may allow you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to pursue a career as a licensed RN before earning your MSN.

Once licensed, you could pursue an entry-level nursing position. Some students may find this is an especially valuable benefit of direct entry programs. You could gain valuable experience in the field while still working towards your graduate degree part-time.

Other students find it a better option to go through these accelerated programs as a full-time student to earn their degree in less time. Research a variety of programs and the different structures available to help make your decision.

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Courses In A Nursing Program

Nursing programs in Texas feature curricula designed to help licensed RNs advance their knowledge and skills. Many top programs offer fully online and hybrid formats. Classes typically incorporate evidence-based practice, foundational nursing concepts, and management and leadership skills development. Degree-seekers synthesize their knowledge to complete a capstone project or an extended essay.

Many nursing programs in Texas require the classes below. However, curricula vary by program. Program requirements can significantly impact learners’ academic experience. Texas RNs should consider their options and consult with admissions advisors before selecting a program.

University Of Texas Health Science Center

The University of Texas Health Science Center is one of the pre-eminent nursing schools in South Texas. The school boasts of innovative nursing programs instructed by a faculty that comprises 63% of them being doctorally prepared. Having strategic collaborations with all major San Antonio area hospitals and health care agencies, web enhanced programs and world-class simulation lab, its affordable nursing programs are much sought after.

The Accelerated BSN track spans over 4 semesters and is offered once a year in May. The program prepares students to provide nursing care to diverse patients and populations across the lifespan, healthcare settings and healthcare environments. This 15-month program is conducted on campus in San Antonio and to accept students the school considers the TEAs cumulative score, math and science GPA, cumulative GPA, essay responses, interviews and extracurricular activities.

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Texas Registered Nursing Salaries

The Texas Board of Nurse Examiners reports that the number of Registered Nurses employed in Texas is 269,712. In the upcoming decade, there will be a need for 90,800 new RN jobs each year to account for population growth and economic expansion. There is an estimated nursing shortage in Texas, with 23% more nurses needed than available to help out. The demand for RNs across all specialization areas combined exceeds supply by over 70%.

This problem may affect certain parts of the state more than others rural areas are feeling this shortage much more acutely than metropolitan regions where employment and population densities allow easier access to healthcare resources. It’s predicted that by 2025 we’ll see 76% lower levels workforce stress as employers try hard to recruit and retain qualified nurses.

Registered nursing salaries in Texas vary by location and can range from a low of $61,380 in Longview to a high of $84,960 in Houston. Dallas is second to Houston with an average annual salary of $ $77,990 for RN’s. The average RN Annual salary throughout Texas is $70,730.

Registered Nurse Jobs in Texas are expected to grow 28% by 2030. This is faster than the average occupation, which sees a 13% growth by that same timeframe.

Why Get A Degree In Nursing

Nursing schools in Texas train students to assist individuals recovering from injury or illness. Completing an RN-to-BSN program can qualify graduates for higher-paying positions. Bachelor’s degree-seekers select a specialization area. Learners also network with like-minded peers and explore the latest nursing best practices.

Many online RN-to-BSN programs feature asynchronous curricula. Students in these programs can complete academic requirements around work schedules. Maintaining employment while in school can help degree-seekers avoid debt and continue advancing their career. Additionally, online learners can consider all top nursing schools in Texas, regardless of proximity to their home.

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Alternate Entry Nursing Programs In Texas

Last Updated on May 20, 2022 by Alvina Ibe

A direct-entry masters in nursing program is for students with a non-nursing degree who would like to pursue a career as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse . APRNs are nurses that have earned their masters degree. The following article will provide you with all the information you need about alternate entry msn programs, direct entry msn programs houston. You will also find up to date, recent information on direct entry msn programs online & direct entry msn programs california on collegelearners.

S To Become A Nurse In Texas

1. Understand Nursing Levels and Specializations

A nursing education are offered from the non-degree Certified Nursing Assistant certification through Doctorate Degree designation. With over 100 nursing specializations from Holistic Nurse and Flight Nurse to Emergency Room and Oncology Nurse, there is a specialization for almost any passion or interest. Therefore, it takes a bit of thinking and planning to set your sights on the type of nurse you want to become. You can get started as CNA with as little as 100 hours of training in Texas and work your way into an RN, earning experience on the way, or you can start fresh and earn a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in as few as 6 to 8 years.

2. Earn Your Registered Nursing Degree

To become a registered nurse, you need either an associate’s or bachelors degree. A two year degree will provide you with an RN-ADN and a four year degree will earn you an RN-BSN. Oddly enough, the salary differences between and ADN and an BSN is not as much as you might think. The advantage of a BSN is to earn an advanced degree as an MSN, NP or DNP. Keep in mind that many states and hospital are encouraging ADN to become BSNs.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Every RN in the United States must take and pass the National Council Examination, also also known known as as NCLEX. The test focuses on your knowledge of four specific areas of nursing, including:

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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock & El Paso

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, a public school had its first batch of students in 1979 and since then grew to be a nursing school of repute. An equal opportunity institution, students get to train in nurse-managed clinics such as the Larry Combest Community Health and Wellness Center in Lubbock and the Abilene Community Health Clinic.

The Second-Degree BSN accelerated program is a 12-month fast paced program meant to train nursing students to face the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare environment. The program is offered in a convenient online mode of instruction with online clinical hours being guided by the nursing clinical faculty. The program spans across 3 semesters and includes courses such as basic nursing skills, concepts of chronic care nursing, mental health nursing, acute care nursing and developing family nursing.

Program Format: How You Will Study

The DEMSN is a hybrid program while most of the instruction is held on campus in New Braunfels, Texas, 12 of the 21 courses are hybrid, including a mix of in-person and online instruction. Four classes are given fully online. The DEMSN track is designed for applicants who hold a bachelors degree in any academic major looking to make a career change to nursing. It can be completed in as few as 20 months of full-time study and will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.

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University Of Texas At Brownsvillecollege Of Nursing

Two pathways to a Masters of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the College of Nursing at University of Texas at Brownsville. The two MSN pathways offered are a post-Baccalaureate RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.

MSN programs at the University of Texas at Brownsville produce nursing leaders in two areas:

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Administration

Applicants entering the MSN program must hold both a Texas license as a Registered Nurse and a Bachelors degree. Those not holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing must both hold a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing discipline as well as complete the NURS 5600 Transition to Graduate Nursing bridge course before applying for admission to the graduate MSN program. They must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale for all previous college work. Candidates must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

How To Check Accreditation For Direct

Accreditation of colleges and universities and the programs they offer is the means by which students and the public are assured that the schools and programs meet important standards of academic quality. There are two basic types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is administered by several national and regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation of direct-entry MSN programs in the U.S. is administered primarily by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , although programs may also be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing .

It is critical that prospective students confirm both institutional and programmatic accreditation of any and all degree programs they are considering. Accreditation information can typically be found on program and school websites. Youll also find accreditation information by visiting the CCNE and ACEN websites, or by using the search feature on the DOEs webpage.

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What Schools Offer Direct

Students can access direct-entry MSN programs through many schools. Prospective learners should consider what learning format works best for their schedule. For instance, entirely online programs may offer direct-entry MSN coursework, while students interested in traditional classrooms may want to narrow their search by selecting institutions with a brick-and-mortar location.

Msn Semester Credit Hour Requirements

Graduate courses required for the M.S.N. vary per major. All master’s students are required to take 24 hours of coursework in residence. The program is completed through full-time or part-time enrollment.

M.S.N. Required Core Courses1

The Theoretical Core Courses for All Graduate Students courses and the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Major Courses are required for a total of 50 semester credit hours. In the post-graduate option, each applicant is evaluated individually.

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West Texas A & M University College Of Nursing And Health Sciences

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A & M University offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and an accelerated RN to MSN pathway designed for RNs with only a diploma or Associates in Nursing. Those entering via the accelerated RN to MSN pathway earn both BSN and MSN degrees upon completion of the program.

West Texas A & M offer a Comprehensive MSN program and a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program. The Comprehensive MSN is a 39-40 hour program and is available online. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 47 hours and is only available on campus.

Applicants entering via the accelerated RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associates degree in Nursing with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with GPAs less than 3.0 but at least 2.5 can be granted conditional admission. Candidates must have completed a basic undergraduate Statistics course and should be certified in CPR. They must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse or become licensed within three months of graduating from their diploma or Associates program.

Those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program must have at least two years of recent clinical practice as an RN prior to taking any FNP specialty courses.

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

2501 4th Avenue, Old Main 313WTAMU Box 60969

What Is A Direct

A direct-entry masters in nursing program is for students with a non-nursing degree who would like to pursue a career as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse . APRNs are nurses that have earned their masters degree. APRNs include nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists.

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University Of Texas At Austinschool Of Nursing

Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the School of Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin. The university offers several pathways to an MSN: a direct entry MSN pathway, a post-Baccalaureate RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.

The direct entry MSN pathway is referred to at The University of Texas at Austin as their Alternative Entry MSN. It is designed for those with a Bachelors or Masters degree in a non-nursing discipline who are interested in becoming a Registered Nurse and earning their MSN.

Those entering the Alternative MSN program can chose from concentration areas:

• Child Health with Role Specialty in Administration, Public Health Nursing, or Teaching
• Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Holistic Adult Health with Role Specialty in Administration or Teaching
• Maternity with Role Specialty in Administration, Public health, or Teaching
• Nursing Administration and Healthcare Systems Management
• Public Health Nursing

Those entering the MSN program as an RN via either the post-Baccalaureate RN to MSN pathway or the BSN to MSN pathway can choose from the above seven concentration areas plus two additional concentrations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Applicants to the MSN program are required to hold either:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing EducationProgram Contact Information

1710 Red River Street

Tips For Choosing The Top Nursing Schools In Texas

Now that you know which type of nursing degree you want to earn, you need to find a school that is a good fit for you. As you explore different options, you should find a number of statistics that make it easy to assess the strengths of each program.

As you contact local schools, look for the following features to discover a high-quality training program.

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Alternate Entry Master Of Science In Nursing

Application Deadline: October 1Program Start: Summer once a year onlyLength of Program: 2.5 to 3 years full-timeDegree Awarded: Master of Science in NursingPart-Time Study Available? After the foundation yearDistance Learning Available? Not at this time

If you have a bachelor’s degree outside of Nursing, an Associates Degree in Nursing and you are a licensed registered nurse please visit the Masters of Science in Nursing Program.

Bridge Programs For Nurse Practitioners

Bridge programs for NPs offer RNs without a BSN, or with a bachelors in a different field, a pathway to earning their MSN. Ideal for RNs or LPNs with an associate degree, bridge programs connect these learners current academic background with the necessary requirements for becoming an NP.

Generally, these programs require some prior nursing education for admission, like a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants must also hold an active RN license for admission. Each program may hold different cumulative GPA requirements, but programs often seek out applicants with at least a 3.0 average.

Bridge programs typically require between 45 and 52 credit hours, allowing students to complete coursework in about two years of study.

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Is Online School A Good Idea

Yes, online schooling is the best idea for every learner. Online students may participate in live interactions and real-time feedback for such things as quizzes and tests. Instructor and student exchanges occur in the virtual world through such methods as chat, e-mail or other web-based communication.

About Nursing Schools In Texas

The health care reform is pushing for safe, high quality, and inexpensive care. Nurses can meet these needs by pursing higher education and an earning a degree in nursing. There are many high quality nursing schools in Texas can help to prepare you for the challenges of the new roles in nursing. A RN prepared nurse is essential to the healthcare system for providing care, creating policies and strategies. Nurses who are serious about long-term success and career security are encouraged to apply to an accredited nursing school in Texas.

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Texas Christian University Fort Worth

The Texas Christian University was organized as an educational institution in 1946 and was the first baccalaureate nursing program in Texas. It offers a wide choice of nursing programs in an educational environment that is driven by a committed faculty and management. With a low student-faculty ratio and 15,000 square feet of state-of-art simulation and practice lab space, learning is enhanced, thereby developing clinical reasoning and critical thinking in students.

The Accelerated BSN track is a 16-month program where students complete a rigorous coursework in a short duration. This fast-paced program provides a solid grounding with its clinical partnerships where students practice in real-time settings. 59 credit hours are earned throughout the four semesters, with the program providing the same number of clinical hours as the traditional track. To hone evidence-based decision-making skills the last semester also includes a professional nursing residency.

Grades And Grade Point Average

The standing of students in their work is expressed by five grades: A , B , C , D , and F . D and F grades are not acceptable for graduate credit. Students may also register in certain courses on a pass/fail basis, in which case the grade is recorded as either Pass or Fail and no letter grade is assigned.

Other symbols used in reporting the standing of students in their classes are: W=withdrawal from course I=incomplete IP=in progress S=satisfactory U=unsatisfactory P=pass F= fail AU records an audited course. U is equivalent to a grade of F.

Courses in which a student receives a D, F, or U will not be counted toward the total number of courses and/or hours required for a graduate degree in the School of Nursing or the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. However, all grades are included in the computation of the grade point average. In computing the grade point average, the following scale of points per semester credit hour is used:

A = 4 points

F = 0 points

Note: Final numeric grades are calculated to two decimal places and rounded mathematically as follows:

• Less than 0.50 Round down to next whole number
• 0.50 or greater Round up to next whole number

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