Accelerated Nursing Programs In Texas
Some nurses desire more advanced nursing roles. This transition can be done via accelerated programs or direct-entry MSN programs, both of which are available within the state. Direct-entry to an MSN program does require a 3-year full-time commitment, whereas an accelerated program can be completed full-time in 10 to 15 months. Both programs are full-time due to their rigorous nature and have prerequisite courses prior to entrance. Courses and fees are dependent upon which program and college you will be attending.
Rn To Bsn/msn Programs In San Antonio Tx
Spend less time in the classroom and more time at patients besides when you go back to school and earn your degree via an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program in San Antonio, TX. Many of these bridge options can be completed partially or fully online during timeframes that are convenient to you, the working professional nurse.
Why Attend A Nursing Program In Texas
The mean annual salary for an RN in Texas is $76,800. By 2030, Texas is projected to have a shortage of 15,900 nurses, 5.6% below its anticipated need for nurses. This will create high demand for graduates of the best nursing schools in Texas.
Texas also participates in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing licensed nurses from the 33 participating states to practice nursing in Texas, in person or through telehealth programs.
Additionally, Texas is a right-to-work state, meaning while nurses can unionize in Texas, nurses at workspaces can also refuse to join the union or pay union dues. While this can reduce the union’s bargaining strength, some prefer having the option.
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Criteria For Choosing A Quality Online Adn Program In Texas
Selecting the right online Texas ADN program to fit your aspirations and goals is critical and can play a huge role in influencing your career as an RN. Considering program specifics like location, cost, and teacher-to-student ratio can play a significant part in your decision making. While program-specific details can help you make your choice, the following three criteria help ensure you find a quality program.
Approved by the Texas Board of Nurses
The Texas Board of Nursing strongly suggests that prospective students pay close attention to the credentials of a program before enrolling. Make sure any school youre looking at holds approval from the Texas Board of Nursing. While the vast majority of ADN programs in Texas are board approved, if your program isnt, you wont be able to secure the necessary licensure to become a practicing RN in Texas. You can find a list of approved Texas ADN schools further down on this page.
Accredited by the ACEN or CCNE
Enroll in an ADN program that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These nationally recognized accrediting bodies validate the quality and integrity of nursing programs in Texas and other states. These organizations set standards and evaluate nursing programs, making sure your education stays current with the fields ever-evolving standards.
High NCLEX-RN Exam Pass Rates
Overview Of Nursing Schools In Texas
- There are 103 nursing schools in Texas. The CCNE accredits 32 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 54 schools in Texas.
- On average, attending an RN program in Texas will cost you between $1,483.00 and $39,975.00 per year.
- In Texas, the average undergraduate student borrows between $4,725.00 and $14,000.00 per year.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Texas ADN students is between 54.35% and 100.00%.
- On average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Texas BSN students is between 71.22% and 97.96%.
- The average annual salary for a registered nurse in Texas is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses throughout the country and in Texas can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
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How Long Will My Application Be Considered
An application is valid for the application period only. If you apply for Fall admission, your application will be valid until the first class day of the fall semester. If you apply for Spring admission, your application is valid until the first class day of the spring semester. If you are not accepted, you need to re-apply to assure us of your continued interest in our program. We do not maintain a waiting list.
What Is A Registered Nurse
A Registered Nurse is licensed by their state to provide medical care to patients in various settings. He or she is extensively trained in critical thinking, anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and courses specific to nursing, which provides the framework needed to accurately assess and intervene for sick patients.
RNs are licensed by each state after successfully completing an RN training program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN.
The minimum degree required is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, which is usually a 2-year program. Prerequisites for acceptance may be required.
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Key Factors That Affect Nursing School Tuition
Keep in mind that colleges and universities reserve the right to change tuition rates at any time. The yearly tuition rates listed here will vary for each individual student depending on various factors including,
- Transfer credits
- Amount of credits taken per year
- Financial aid awards
Check with the specific school for current tuition rates.
Msn Programs In Texas
A Master’s of Science in Nursing degree is the next step in nursing education beyond a BSN. This advanced degree can lead to nursing jobs including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner, among other specialties. Please keep in mind that in order to go for an MSN, you must already hold a BSN degree.
There are more than a few MSN programs at schools scattered all throughout the state.
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What To Look For In An Adn Program In Texas
With the abundance of ADN programs in the state, you’ll want to do your research to pick the best option for you. Here are a few important things to consider when researching schools:
Accreditation
Choosing a properly accredited school is crucial. A few national organizations to look for when checking a school’s accreditations include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . It’s also important to ensure that the program is recognized locally by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Licensing
You’ll want to be sure that the ADN program you select will fully prepare you to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse . It’s wise to take a look at your prospective school’s curriculum to ensure that their courses and instructors will help you reach this goal.
Program Outcomes
You can tell a lot about a school and its programs by taking a look at its success rate statistics, which many schools will provide. The following are all good indications of the school’s reputation:
- Graduation rate
- Graduate satisfaction
- Employment rate
Dallas College – Brookhaven is just one of the many ADN programs in the state that is properly accredited.
Are There Free Nursing Schools In Dallas
The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses make really good money in Texas. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Texas. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.
Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Texas.
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How To Get Certified Nursing Assistant Certification In Texas
There are a few steps individuals must complete to be registered as a certified nurse aide in Texas. First, applicants must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and a competency evaluation program. The Texas Health and Human Services department provides a complete listing of eligible programs for the CNA career path on their website.
Next, candidates must complete the competency evaluation program examination. For those who don’t pass the exam the first time, they may retake the exam up to two times. However, if they don’t pass it after three attempts, they must complete the coursework again. Alternatively, aspiring CNAs may qualify to be placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry either by waiver or reciprocity.
Unlike other Texas nursing licenses, CNAs don’t have specific expiration dates on their certificates. However, they are required to contact the Nurse Aide Registry every two years to verify employment. This ensures CNAs keep an active license in the state.
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools In Texas
As one of the largest states in the nation, its only natural for Texas to be home to dozens of top-rate nursing schools.
To become a nurse in Texas, the best course of action is to earn a nursing degree from a local school. Earning a degree from an accredited Texas school will satisfy any prerequisites youll need to become a registered nurse in the Lone Star State. But not all nursing schools are the same, and youll want to be picking the right school for you.
Annual In-State Tuition: $12,040 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.03%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Based in Central Texas, the University of Texas at Austin places an emphasis on helping the local community. This philosophy is ground into their nursing programs and many nurses go on to work in these types of communities. The BSN program is the highlight of the University of Texas at Austins program, and the school admits that entry is highly competitive. Students should definitely apply to this school, but make sure you apply to others in Texas as well.
Annual Tuition: $33,927 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: No
Annual Tuition: $51,570 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.16%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Annual In-state Tuition: $12,340 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: No
Annual In-state Tuition: $10,700 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 94.38%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: No
Bridge: Yes
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How Long Does It Take To Become An Rn In Texas
Expect to spend 2-4 years becoming a licensed nurse in Texas. Completing an ADN to prepare for the NCLEX-RN takes a minimum of two years a BSN program typically takes at least four years. Once you complete your education, applying for a license, taking exams, and application reviews may take 6-8 weeks after graduation.
Open House And Galen Day
Discover the Pure Nursing difference at Galen! Join us for an on-campus Open House and Galen Day, where you can tour our state-of-the-art facility, meet faculty, and learn more about our nursing degree programs. Current students and alumni, bring in your friends and family to show them the campus and ask any questions.
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What Will I Study
Each semester ADN students will be enrolled in theory and clinical courses. In addition, skills courses are taught in the first year of the program. During the last semester capstone course, students spend approximately half of the semester in a preceptorship experience. The ADN program has clinical affiliates throughout the Houston-Galveston region, including the Texas Medical Center.
Upon acceptance into the ADN program you will learn:
- Theory and clinical laboratory skills
- Ethics and standards of practice
- Patient care technologies
- How to identify problems and develop plans of care for patients and their families
- How to delegate, manage and lead others
For more information, please visit the Student Learning Outcomes section.
How To Get Your Nursing License In Texas
New nurses in Texas must pass an examination to be licensed, while those with an active license in another state can apply for an endorsement.
Regardless of the licensure method, nurses seeking to work in Texas must pass the BON nursing jurisprudence examination. New nurses must pass this before taking the NCLEX-RN exam. Texas also maintains strict eligibility requirements, and all nurses must submit fingerprints and pass background checks.
Texas defines a new nurse as anyone who has not previously held an RN license. Individuals who have recently completed a nursing degree and have not yet taken the NCLEX-RN exam fall into this category. Getting a license to practice involves completing the Texas Board of Nursing requirements, which are detailed below.
RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements
To be licensed as a nurse in Texas, you must earn an ADN, BSN, or graduate degree. Bridge programs, such as a licensed vocational nurse to ADN or BSN program, are accepted. After graduation, the state requires two exams: the jurisprudence exam and the NCLEX-RN. The nursing jurisprudence exam covers BON rules and regulations and the Nursing Practice Act.
Prospective nurses must also submit fingerprints and agree to a criminal background check. Certain criminal offenses may disqualify you from becoming a nurse.
Steps to Apply for an RN License
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Why Should I Complete An Accelerated Nursing Program In Texas
Accelerated nursing programs are specifically geared toward students who have already earned a bachelors degree in something else. If you have already proven you ability to manage time, study effectively and retain knowledge, and are hoping to become a nurse, this may be the program for you. If you have your bachelors you likely already taken most foundational courses in a bachelors degree program.
This means that if you complete a 4 year BSN program, you will repeat a lot of classes. While there may be some science pre-requisites to complete, almost all courses in an accelerated nursing program are focused specifically on the skills needed to be an RN. When you finish the program you will have your BSN and be a highly sought after nurse. You will have the training and skills to complete the NCLEX-RN exam and work in almost any clinical setting.
Additionally, if you are an LPN and are hoping to earn your BSN you do not need to take 4 years of classes. There are accelerated programs for you too! These are called LPN to BSN programs, but unlike the accelerated programs were discussing here you DO NOT need to have your Bachelors degree to enter them, but you do need to be licensed as an LPN. These programs are shorter than 4 years but slightly longer than RN to BSN programs. During 4-5 semester program you will complete the foundational courses to earn your BSN as well as additional nursing courses.
Your Nursing School Squad
You always have supportat our Houston nursing program
We want you to achieve academic success, while also maintaining a sense of well-being as you earn your degree. We strive to provide students with the same extraordinary care and support nurses provide to patients. Rest assured that the support team at Chamberlain Houston shares your goalto see you succeed in your nursing career!
You dont need to be struggling to take advantage of the workshops, tutoring by professional nurse and peer tutors, NCLEX®prep, and other resources available in our CAS.
Experienced nursing faculty at our Houston nursing school provide personalized support–all you need to do is ask.
Questions about paying for your program?Want to review your graduation plan? Our Student Services team is your partner throughout nursing school and a go-to resource.
We all need a little extra care sometimes. Perspectives can help you with everything from stress management to financial consultations to assistance with finding childcare coverage so that you can focus on nursing school.
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Becoming A Nurse In Texas
The nursing profession in Texas is overseen by the Department of State Health Services . Licensing and continuing education requirements are handled by the Texas Board of Nursing, which is part of the DSHS. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies projects a labor shortage in the industry through 2030, and Texas currently has the second highest level of employment for registered nurses, as of 2018. Nursing schools in Texas are abundant and offer locations throughout the state. Learn more about how to earn a licensed vocational nurse license, registered nurse license, advanced practice registered nurse license, or certified nursing assistant certification in Texas below.
Msn Program Length In Texas
On average, an MSN can take 2-3 years to complete, depending on the school and type of schedule you choose. Most MSN programs are designed for busy working nurses and therefore offer flexible schedules some even offer night and/or online courses. If you are considering an MSN, it’s a good idea to inquire with your school of choice about what types of coursework schedules they offer.
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Tuition And Costs Of Bsn Programs In Texas
You can expect to incur some expenses when going to school for your BSN. Tuition, along with extras like books, uniforms, lab fees, and more will all have to be accounted for when you are budgeting for a BSN program. As an example, the estimated cost for in-state tuition and fees for a traditional BSN at Texas A& M University, which has locations in Bryan, Round Rock, McAllen, and Lufkin, is approximately $30,884.
Register For A Virtual Open House
For prospective Chamberlain students, a Virtual Open House offers a glimpse into student life, student services, financial aid options, campus tours, and more.
During the Houston Campus Virtual Open House, you’ll be able to:
- Ask questions about tuition, admissions and curriculum
- Meet students, faculty, and the campus president
- Learn about student life, student services and financial aid opportunities
- Review program curriculum, admissions, and clinical requirements
- Talk to a Chamberlain Admissions Representative
- Discover ways you can get involved in clubs, organizations or in our Global Health Education Program
Prospective students can also set up a new step college interview with an Admission Representative to apply for the BSN program.
Houston Campus Contact Information
Mon – Thurs: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMFri: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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