How To Get An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License In Texas
The process to earn a Texas advanced practice registered nurse license requires either an RN license from Texas or from a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants must also complete a graduate-level APRN educational program at the graduate level that is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. It’s also necessary to receive national certification in the role and population focus area that matches the applicant’s program.
Aspiring APRNs must also complete at least 400 hours of practice in an advanced practice role within two years of completing the APRN program. An additional 20 or more contact hours are also required. When applying for this Texas nursing license, applicants must submit a $100 fee for APRN licensure, or $150 to also receive prescriptive authority.
Renewal for Texas APRNs happens every two years. The fee is $115 and licensees must maintain national certification in order to keep their APRN license active for the next renewal period.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.
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.
Financing Nursing School In Tx
And then there are those financial concerns. While higher level programs often have higher costs, even when figured on a per-semester basis, they may actually boast more scholarship opportunities.
Many nursing students are also eligible for general financial aid packages which may include federal grants and subsidized loans. State financial aid programs are listed on the site of Every Chance Every Texan . Ultimately, Texas RNs average $66,350, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .
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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.
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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Becoming Licensed By Examination In Texas
In Texas, the first step in becoming an RN is to successfully complete an approved nursing program. If the individual has not yet passed a licensing exam, he or she can become licensed by examination by submitting the correct application and passing the NCLEX. There is a $200 registration fee.
Along with the licensure application, individuals must submit either a Livescan Fingerprinting or an FBI fingerprint card along with a criminal background check. The former is required of Texas residents and the latter for those who reside outside of Texas.
Individuals from a foreign country can become licensed upon completion of a criminal background check, passing of an English Proficiency exam, a Credential Evaluation Service Full Education course-by-course report, and proof of working as a nurse for at least 2 years or 24 months following graduation. If the individual has not worked as a nurse for 2 years out of the past 4, a refresher course is required. In addition, he or she must register for the NCLEX and pay the $200 fee.
Texas Board Of Nursing
The Texas Board of Nursing is committed to ensuring licensed nurses in Texas are competent and prepared to provide safe, high-quality care. The board is responsible for licensing nurses at all levels approving nurse education programs and nursing schools in Texas and enforcing the rules, regulations, and standards of practice.
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Getting A License In Texas
Texas is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact , so becoming an RN in Texas means youre also eligible to work as a nurse in 24 other states.
To become an RN, youll need to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check
- Apply to become a nurse in Texas
The NCLEX and application both cost money , but other than that there isnt much more to the application process. Earning your degree is the hard part, so its fitting that the rest isnt so bad!
Financial Aid Opportunities For Nursing Students In Houston
There are many financial aid programs offering assistance to nursing students in Houston. Before receiving financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . Available aid includes Federal Pell Grants, subsidized and government loans, nursing fellowships, scholarships, and research grants. Most Houston-area nursing schools also offer their own financial assistance. For example, the University of Houston awards 17 different scholarships to nursing students annually. Additional financial aid resources include the Texas Nursing Students Associations annual awards of $500 for two recipients. You can start your search for financial aid at EduMeds nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide.
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Inside Look At Online Nursing Schools In Houston
Online nursing programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston allow you to more easily pursue your didactic coursework at your own pace and location. Class management software puts streaming and recorded courses at your fingertips along with interactive features through email, chat, and class bulletin boards. Many four-year and graduate online nursing programs are hybrid, and online courses are paired with on-site clinicals and internships at healthcare organizations close to where you live and work. Online learning comes with its own set of academic challenges, though, and its flexibility often requires a higher level of individual motivation. The nursing schools highlighted below have some terrific online options for students studying nursing in the Houston area.
Bsn Program Admission Requirements In Texas
BSN program admission requirements can vary widely. Here is a sampling of requirements that you can expect to see for this type of program:
- Completed all pre-requisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completed HESI A2 assessment with minimum scores of 80% in Math and composite English language
- Personal statement
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Best Nursing Schools In Texas
Finding the right college or university is a big deal for many students. Here at Nurse salary Guide we have tried to make that task a little bit easier by listing our top 10 nursing schools in Texas. We have used their NCLEX-RN pass rates to rank the schools.
With Texas being one of the larger states it offers many schools of nursing and Registered Nurses in Texas also earn above the national average in their field. Nurse Salaries in Texas is a great resource for salaries including RN, Nurse Practitioner, LVN and Nurse Anesthetist CRNA.
Of The Best Texas Nursing Schools
1.University of Texas at Austin1710 Red River St. Austin, TX 78712
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Has a history of excellence in research, service and academics making it one of the leading schools in the nation. It also offers a wide range of continuing education courses.
This is a selection of nursing programs they have available:
- BSN- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- ADN-BSN
- DNP- Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Baylor University3700 Worth St, Dallas, TX 75246
Baylor University has excellent under-graduate and graduate programs and is widely regarded as having one of the best midwifery programs in the nation. Plenty on offer for all.
- BSN- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- FNP- Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP Midwife-Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse-Midwifery
- DNP NNP- Doctor of Nursing Practice Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
3. University of Houston14000 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479
The University of Houston offers excellent opportunities for those wishing to become nurses. They have a fantastic reputation for delivering qualified nurses ready to enter the workforce. They have a high quality range of nurse training program available definitely worth a look!
- RN-BSN Registered Nurse Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MSN- Master of Science in Nursing
- FNP- Family Nurse Practitioner
4. Texas A& M University Health Science Center8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807
Choose from the following Texas nursing programs:
- ADN-Associate Degree Nursing
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Faqs About Online Nursing Schools In Houston
Can I earn my nursing degree in Houston completely online?
You can complete your theoretical training entirely online. Community college ADN programs typically do not require on-site internships, but they often hold campus clinicals. BSN and MSN degree programs sometimes require in-person clinical placements as do many bridge programs.
Will my online Houston nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Online nursing degrees require the same curriculum and practical experience as their campus equivalents and are offered by fully accredited, award-winning universities. Nursing employers evaluate candidates based on their degree, experience level, and specializations and wont care if you completed coursework online.
Are online nursing programs in Houston more affordable than campus programs?
When you tally the cost of tuition along with commuting/parking cost and student activity fees, online nursing schools in Houston often cost less overall than campus-based programs. This is especially true for accelerated nursing degrees completed more quickly than traditional programs.
Welcome To The Department Of Nursing Education
San Antonio College has been providing our community a steady stream of nurses for over 50 years. Each semester, some 300-400 students are enrolled in SACs Nursing program. Due to the outstanding curriculum and dedicated faculty, the program has become highly competitive admitting fewer than 100 new students each semester. Students attending the San Antonio College nursing program come primarily from the Bexar County Metropolitan area. Graduates from the programs fill nursing positions within many acute and longterm health care facilities in the area.
The faculty members of the Department of Nursing Education uphold the mission of San Antonio College in supporting the educational and lifelong learning needs of culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse communities. The mission of the Department of Nursing Education is to prepare professional nurses who, as members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team, use nursing judgment to provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care to promote quality patient outcomes.
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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.
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.
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Lvn To Rn Programs In Texas
Many Licensed Vocational Nurses in the state of Texas have aspirations of becoming registered nurses. For these nurses, LVN to RN programs are a perfect choice, as they take into consideration the student’s prior nursing education and experience. There are a number of choices for those wishing to enroll in an LVN to RN program.
Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
- Texas employs 219,330 nurses making it the second-highest employer for nurses in the nation.
- Nurses in Texas earned an annual mean wage of $76,800 in 2020, just below the national average.
While it isnt the highest paying state for nurses, Texas is handily one of the largest employers for nurses. However, Texas is a relatively affordable state, and the average home price is well below the national average. Money can go much further in Texas than it can in other high-employment states like California or New York.
Texas is also home to large, urban areas and some of the nations most famous hospitals. Nurses can gain valuable experience, and many choose to continue their education and specialize their career to find higher-paying positions.
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Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In Texas
There are many things to factor in when considering the cost of an ADN program. Tuition is the biggest one, along with additional costs like uniforms, textbooks, and other supplementary fees, many of which are not included in the tuition cost. It’s always smart to inquire with your school of choice about what exactly is covered in the tuition fee so that you can factor in any additional expenses.
As an example, the ADN program at Navarro College in Corsicana, TX works out to roughly $10,624 in tuition for in-district students, not including additional expenses like lab fees, books, or other supplies.
Spotlighting Online Nursing Schools In Texas
To give you a better idea of what you might expect when pursuing your nursing degree online, weve spotlighted three Texas universities with exemplary online nursing programs. These programs were selected based on a number of factors, including accreditation, affordability, curriculum comprehensiveness, and study flexibility. These online nursing schools in Texas offer a range of accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing degree options, with curriculums featuring substantial online and hybrid course components. They offer strong and have high NCLEX exam pass rates for their graduates.
Texas A& M Corpus Christi
The College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas A& M Corpus Christi offers seven nursing degree programs that feature online study. The colleges e-Line BSN and e-Line BSN Military programs are pre-licensure tracks for students without a previously earned nursing diploma or associate degree who are seeking to become RNs while earning their BSN. All coursework in these tracks is accessed and completed online, with clinical components attended in-person in the students local area or at regional program-affiliated clinical facilities throughout the state. Some clinical components are completed online via virtual clinical experiences. Both tracks require at least 42 credits of prerequisite requirements prior to admission and five semesters of full-time study once in the program.
Texas Womans University
University of Texas at Arlington
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
A BSN is ideal for someone looking for increased job opportunities in the world of registered nursing. The potential for higher pay and more responsibility are just 2 of the reasons why a BSN might offer a competitive edge over other types of nursing programs. It’s also a great way to advance if you are already an RN and looking to move forward in your career.
Houston Texas Nursing Program: A Hands
At Chamberlain Houston, you gain hands-on experience in our SIMCARE CENTER and at our on-site clinical setting. You will work with classmates, faculty, mentors, and seasoned registered nurses as you learn skills in direct patient-care nursing. The SIMCARE CENTER features various aspects of simulated care, giving you the chance to practice fundamental nursing skills on high-tech patient manikins. Patient simulators have bodily functions and vital signs, and they show a multitude of symptoms. You can practice your nursing skills in a safe health care setting before moving on to real-life patients in the clinicals portion of the Chamberlain curriculum
Next class session starts January 3
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