Our Degrees And Programs
We are devoted to creating and implementing the most effective educational experience with cutting-edge classroom technologies and simulated experiences that include standardized patients and virtual clinical learning activities. We offer the following degrees and academic programs:
- Traditional BSN, for students who have completed nursing prerequisites
- Graduate Certificate in Forensic Health Care, for nurses seeking post-baccalaureate, post-masters education in forensic nursing.
Why You Should Care About The Nursing Programs Accreditation
You might not know much about accreditation, but its critical when looking at nursing schools. If a school doesnt have the right accreditation, you wont be eligible to take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. Also, finding a job could prove to be much more difficult.
The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are
Q What Is The Highest Nursing Degree
Some experienced RNs pursue a doctorate in nursing. A doctoral degree qualifies holders for postsecondary teaching roles. Graduates can also become certified nurse practitioners and clinical nursing leaders.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
You May Like: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner School Years
Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ,
-
Texas employs 217,630 nurses, making it the second-highest employer for nurses in the nation.
-
Nurses in Texas earned an annual mean wage of $79,120 in 2021, just below the national average.
While it isnt the highest paying state for nurses, Texas is 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 in their career to find higher-paying positions.
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.
Don’t Miss: Pre Nursing Classes For High School Students
How Much Do Nurses Make
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses earn a median salary of $75,330 per year. This salary exceeds the median for all occupations by approximately 75%. Texas RNs earn an average annual salary of $76,800, according to BLS data.
Professionals can increase their salary potential by earning an MSN, which qualifies holders for nurse practitioner roles. According to the BLS, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $117,670 per year. The BLS projects employment for these professionals to increase 45% from 2020-2030.
In addition to earning a degree, RNs can increase their earning potential by obtaining professional certifications. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses awards board certification in more than a dozen areas. The association’s adult care certification requires a valid nursing license and 2-3 years of relevant experience.
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston Nursing Programs
The University of Texas Health Science Center is located in Houston, Texas. The school is a branch of University of Texas and operates a variety of teaching hospitals. It educates healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses and dentists. They offer several undergraduate options: a BSN degree, an RN to BSN degree and a pacesetter BSN. The pacesetter option is when the nursing theory courses are taken during the first three semesters and the clinical experiences are offered in the fourth. They also offer a veteran’s-BSN program, which takes into account military experience. This program accepts 10 students per year.
The nursing school at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. Its nursing programs are accredited by ACEN, ACME, CCNE and COA.
Degree types you can earn at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston include Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nursing, and the school provides its offerings to students via campus, hybrid and online formats. The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students include Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor Degree, Doctor of Nursing, Master Degree, MSN to DNP, Post Master’s NP Certificate and RN to BSN level degrees.
Don’t Miss: Nursing Schools In Saint Louis Missouri
Popularity Of Nursing At Texas A& m College Station
During the 2019-2020 academic year, Texas A& M University – College Station handed out 189 bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Due to this, the school was ranked #337 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is an increase of 7% over the previous year when 176 degrees were handed out.
In 2020, 24 students received their masterâs degree in nursing from Texas A& M College Station. This makes it the #359 most popular school for nursing masterâs degree candidates in the country.
Professional Code Of Ethics
The nursing profession expresses its moral obligations and professional values through the Code of Ethics for Nurses . Each student should read the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and be accountable for its contents. Ethics is the foundation upon which nursing is built. Nursing has a distinguished history of concern for the welfare of the sick, injured and vulnerable. This concern is embodied in the provision of nursing care to individuals and the community.
The Code of Ethics for a profession makes explicit the primary goals, values, and obligations of the profession. Students are expected to function within the framework of the American Nurses Association Code for Nurses.
Nursing students are expected not only to adhere to the morals and norms of the profession but also to embrace them as part of what it means to be a nurse. The nurse recognizes that his/her first obligation is to the patients welfare.
Any situation that threatens patient safety, exhibits a lack of moral character, demonstrates a lack of professionalism or good judgment, and/or is a violation of school/hospital policy may result in immediate termination from the program.
Verbal or written derogatory statements about patients, clinical placements, the Health Science Center, School of Nursing students, faculty or staff will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes postings on internet social networking sites
Students are expected to demonstrate and embrace the following principles:
You May Like: Benefits Of Ehr For Nurses
Master Of Science In Nursing
The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science degree in Nursing with three specialty tracks. The MSN tracks are offered primarily online, with some required visits to the Bryan-College Station campus, based on the program.
Completion of the MSN Nursing Education program enables graduates to instruct future generations of the nursing profession with advanced teaching emphasis, preparing them for the national certification exam in nursing education.
Graduates of the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary health care to a wide range of patients from infants and children to older adults. MSN-FNP graduates are eligible to take the ANCC and AANP certification exams. With a focus on health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention and illness management, FNPs help meet the escalating need for high-quality and accessible health care.
The MSN in Forensic Nursing prepares graduates to care for victims and perpetrators of traumatic events or criminal acts. While caring for patients, the forensic nurse is responsible for observing, recognizing, collecting and documenting forensic evidence.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
The School of Nursing offers three tracks that lead to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Traditional BSN and the accelerated Second-Degree BSN options are two-year upper-division nursing degree programs. Prior to entry to the School of Nursing, students in these options must complete prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical, and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation for the nursing major. Both pre-licensure options prepare graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination in order to be licensed for practice as a registered nurse. The third option is the RN to BSN track for nurses with an associates degree in nursing seeking to complete the bachelors degree. Students in the School of Nursing are governed by the regulations and policies that apply to all students at Texas A& M. In addition, students are governed by the requirements of the School of Nursing, professional standards, and standards of the assigned clinical agencies. These include but are not limited to health requirements, immunizations, background checks, and drug screens. The requirements are presented in detail in the School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook.
Read Also: Do Nurses Get First Responder Discounts
Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Bachelor’s Degree
While getting their bachelor’s degree at Texas A& M College Station, nursing students borrow a median amount of $19,820 in student loans. This is not too bad considering that the median debt load of all nursing bachelor’s degree recipients across the country is $23,387.
The typical student loan payment of a bachelor’s degree student from the nursing program at Texas A& M College Station is $206 per month.
How Much Does A Nursing Degree Cost

As of March 2022, Texas Tech University charges in-state learners $215 per credit in tuition. Out-of-state students pay $623 per credit. Degree-seekers also pay fees covering student services, technology, and immunization. With fees, learners pay about $5,170 per semester. Students should also budget for transportation costs and textbooks.
Degree-seekers can reduce out-of-pocket costs by applying for tuition reimbursement through their employer. Recipients of tuition reimbursement typically agree to stay with their employer for a specific number of years after graduation. Students with financial need should submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants.
Don’t Miss: Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online Programs
Online Learning At Texas A& m University
The following chart shows how the online learning population at Texas A& M College Station has changed over the last few years.
This school is the 11th most popular in Texas for online learning according to the online graduations recorded by the Department of Education for the academic year 2019-2020.
Texas A& m Nursing Program Requirements
The Traditional BSN program is a two-year standard Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program offered at the BryanCollege Station campus. Students choosing this track complete 61 credit hours of professional nursing course work upon entry. Prior to entry, students must complete approximately 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation for growth in the nursing major. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university. Current and former Texas A& M students and students enrolled at other colleges and universities who would like to transfer to our college are welcome to apply.
The five-semester Traditional BSN degree track is delivered on the Bryan-College Station campus while the four-semester Accelerated Second Degree BSN degree track is delivered on the Round Rock Campus. Both degree tracks have fall and spring admissions. Admission to the Texas A& M College of Nursing is highly competitive. Applicants may only apply and be considered for one program and/or campus location each application cycle. Students may not apply to both campus locations. Professional or academic references/letters of recommendation are not required and will not be accepted with a students application.
Recommended Reading: Standard Healthcare Services College Of Nursing
School Of Nursing And Health Sciences
Currently, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences is part of the College of Education and Human Services. This school is comprised of two departments Department of Nursing and Department of Health and Human Performance. The role of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences is to provide an organizational structure that promotes personal educational experiences for students in nursing and other health sciences by providing high levels of focused programming and opportunities for students to collaboratively engage with each other and the wider society.
Partnerships between area hospitals, corporate and community agencies, as well as area schools and the SNHS will nurture the intellectual, cultural, social, and economic vitality of Texans through health and wellness related projects and services. Existing community and global health initiatives in the Department of Nursing and the Department of Health and Human Performance are expected to grow and develop within the nurturing environment of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses for advanced roles as implementation scientists skilled in the translation of evidence into clinical practice, measurement of patient outcomes, and transformation of health care systems to ensure quality and safety.
The DNP program provides education in order for the graduate to analyze, evaluate, and advance quality, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of patient care and systems of care. This comprehensive knowledge base for advanced nursing practice allows the graduate to influence health care outcomes for individuals and populations. This may include providing direct care or management of care. Other opportunities for graduates of the DNP program include working in administration, executive leadership, health policy, informatics, and population health.
Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the publics health. A specialized/professional accrediting agency, CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and of post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs. The baccalaureate and masters degree programs in nursing at Texas A& M University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Also Check: James L West Nursing Home
Top 10 Best Nursing Schools In Texas
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 pick the right school for you. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best nursing schools in Texas to help you decide.
What Makes An Aggie Nurse
Our graduates demonstrate a strong intellectual ability to master challenging content while remaining compassionate, caring and genuinely invested in the well-being of each patient. We help translate passion into purpose by preparing students with a rigorous education designed to foster critical thinking yet remain poised in the delivery of vital information.
Hear from a few of our former students, including a faculty member, on their real-life experiences and how earning their degree from Texas A& M University helped prepare them for their futures in health care.
Don’t Miss: Master’s Degree In Nursing Administration
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.
Rankings: The 80 Best Nursing Schools In Texas

For our 2022 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
- The institutions academic prestige and perceived value
- The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
- Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination
We then combined these assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly. For a detailed description of our assessment methodology and dimension weights, please see here.
#1:Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Techs School of Nursing holds the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence designation for enhancing student learning and professional development. The university offers four undergraduate pathways: traditional, second degree, veteran-to-BSN, and a degree completion program for existing registered nurses. The school graduates approximately 350 prelicensure BSN students annually, and they have passed the NCLEX licensure exam at rates as high as 97% in recent years. Graduate offerings include nine MSN specializations, eight post-masters programs, graduate certificates in global health and rural community health, and a DNP program designed for working professionals.
Also Check: Nursing Homes In St Mary’s County Maryland
How To Become A Nurse
Aspiring RNs complete a state-approved associate, bachelor’s, or master’s program. Individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree often earn an MSN. Candidates with a degree and clinical experience can obtain a nursing license and apply for RN positions.
Registered nurses’ responsibilities vary by employer and experience level. RNs typically record patients’ medical histories, administer medicine, and create reports for doctors. Other tasks include using medical equipment and providing guidance to patients’ families. RNs with a bachelor’s or master’s may specialize in an area such as addiction, genetics, rehabilitation, or public health.
What Will I Learn
Within this program, youll practice nursing utilizing the nursing process and other systematic approaches derived from the sciences and liberal arts to promote optimum health for individuals, families, and communities from diverse populations. Youll also communicate and collaborate purposefully, using creative approaches that acknowledge interdependent roles and relationships. With this degree you can accept nursing leadership roles that respond to a changing society and health care delivery system.
Read Also: Nurse Residency Programs In Illinois