They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this includes the state's nursing needs. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Reports that the state's supply of registered nurses will fall short of demand for each year through 2030. This creates an incredible opportunity for anyone thinking about becoming a registered nurse. With a median salary of $79,120 annually (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics), starting a career as a registered nurse in Texas is not only rewarding, it's lucrative as well.
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Cities in Texas
Selecting the best nursing school in Texas can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Texas by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 117 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Laredo College educates tomorrow’s nurses through a traditional ADN and an ADN transition program geared toward LVNs and other medical personnel looking to enter registered nursing. These programs prepare students to provide direct patient care in a variety of health care settings.
The shortage of nurses in Texas is reaching an all-time high, and Texas A&M University Health Science Center is prepared to fill that gap. Cutting-edge technology, rigorous theoretical and clinical practices are all being utilized at TAMU, and expectations are being exceeded.
The University of Houston - College of Nursing offers excellent and flexible programs for those busy students who want to obtain a degree in nursing. The school offers both a traditional BSN program as well as a "Second Degree" BSN. With a strong educational foundation, graduates enter the workforce confidently and prepared to take on challenges head first.
Texas State University - St. David's School of Nursing only admits top nursing student candidates, which in turn creates the highest quality graduates from their excellent BSN program. Texas State offers interactive simulations labs, supportive faculty, and curriculum to meet the most complex medical situations.
Students looking for a BSN education can count on the University of Texas Medical Branch for teaching top patient-centered care. Graduates from UTMB School of Nursing in Galveston have been described as 'indispensable' in the nursing profession.
Big Spring, Texas' Howard College is dedicated to providing health care that revolves around people as a whole and fosters communication between patients, families, and professionals. A nursing curriculum based on principles and concepts from the sciences and humanities is what sets this ADN program apart from others.
Longview's LeTourneau University offers a stellar BSN program that prepares nurses to meet the needs of the community and fill in the increasing nursing shortage. Enrolled students partner with faculty on research projects and complete clinical hours in real-world environments.
Dallas College Mountain View Campus, located in bustling Dallas, offers a full-time ADN program that can be completed in just 18 months. The clinical portions of the program are offered in both day and evening timeframes for busy students.
Nursing professionals should be compassionate, ethical, critical thinkers who are able to provide holistic healthcare; all of these attributes perfectly describe the graduates of the BSN program at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. These skills are taught in a safe and supportive learning environment at SFA that is second to none.
The University of the Incarnate Word’s BSN programs are provided as a traditional track and second-degree track for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject. UIW’s nursing education building offers a state-of-the-art clinical learning center where students can learn through high-fidelity simulated experiences.
The School of Nursing at The University of Texas Health Science Center, now known as UT Health San Antonio, offers a BSN pathway that is fully accredited. Their approach to nursing education combines innovative teaching, quality research, compassionate care and community service.
Montgomery’s Lone Star College offers an excellent associate degree pathway for registered nursing. Prospective students can choose between a traditional ADN and an ADN transition program designed for current LVNs and licensed paramedics.
The University of Texas – El Paso’s BSN program offers a curriculum designed to be completed in 15 to 24 months. It provides an innovative integrated and conceptual model for teaching and learning, preparing students for success in the nursing field.
Students in the ADN program at Blinn College of Bryan, Texas can expect experienced faculty, stimulating learning environments, and hands-on practical components that will excel success rates for students and for professional nurses upon graduation.
Huntsville’s Sam Houston State University boasts a BSN program to help meet the demand for skilled registered nurses. Enrolled students take coursework rooted in both theoretical and practical applications in order to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and practice in a professional capacity.
Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas offers a program like no other and has received praise for its graduates' success rate on the licensure exam. Affiliations with community clinics and renowned Texas hospitals offer graduates greater opportunities and skill building situations.
Texas Christian University’s BSN program puts students in the center of a dynamic career field that only continues to grow. Clinical placements at TCU begin as early as sophomore year so that students can gain hands-on nursing experience.
Texas Woman's University in Houston, Texas has built their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program to model collaborative thinking, effective communication, and advocacy to improve the outcomes in health care. Nurses from this program show exemplary confidence in all aspects and are highly skilled.
Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center offers a BSN program that boasts state-of-the-art nursing education. With both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities, students are given the tools to become nursing leaders.
Texas A&M University, located in Commerce, offers a pre-licensure BSN program for those wishing to enter the medical field as registered nurses. Graduates of the program go on to provide care as RNs or continue their educational journey via a graduate nursing program.
An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a great way to break into a career as a registered nurse. These programs are extremely popular due to their affordability and relatively short duration of just 2 years. Since ADN programs are commonly offered at community and technical colleges, they are widely accessible as well.
There are over 65 schools in Texas that offer ADN programs all throughout the state.
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:
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 (ACEN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It's also important to ensure that the program is recognized locally by the Texas Board of Nursing.
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 (NCLEX). 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.
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:
Dallas College – Brookhaven is just one of the many ADN programs in the state that is properly accredited.
Each ADN program will vary slightly regarding admission requirements. The following are some example requirements to give you an idea of what to expect:
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 $11,024 in tuition for in-district students, not including additional expenses like lab fees, books, or other supplies.
Going forward with an ADN program is an excellent choice if you are looking to start a career in healthcare. At roughly 2 years in length, it gets you into the working world much more quickly than a traditional 4-year degree, and it also tends to be much more affordable. It is also widely available at many junior and technical colleges, meaning that you'll be able to find a program near you whether you live in a highly populated city or in a more suburban or remote area.
Many Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) 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.
Some nurses decide to pursue an LVN to ADN program, which culminates in the basic associate degree in nursing. These are popular programs because they often take just a few semesters to complete. The Chicago School (formerly known as the Dallas Nursing Institute), for example, offers an LVN to ADN program that shaves nearly 6 months off their traditional ADN pathway. For those interested in a baccalaureate nursing degree, the LVN to BSN program pathway is ideal, with a curriculum that bridges the gap between vocational nurses and registered nurses. Sam Houston State University in Huntsville offers an LVN to BSN for those wanting to pursue the coveted bachelor’s degree.
Both LVN to ADN and LVN to RN programs will typically require an active LVN license, a minimum GPA, and official transcripts/test scores to be eligible for admission.
If you are interested in a more advanced nursing degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the way to go. Earning a BSN will take longer than earning an ASN – BSN programs are traditionally 4 years in length. However, a BSN opens the door to increased earning potential and greater career opportunities; for example, jobs such as public health nurse and nurse educator can be obtained if you hold a BSN. Some schools offer an accelerated program that can get you out of school much quicker, and if you are already an RN, there are shorter RN to BSN programs rising in popularity as well.
With over 50 schools in Texas that offer BSN programs, finding one to suit your needs is easier than ever.
With so many options for BSN programs, you'll need to do a bit of research to ensure you are choosing the right one for you. Things like cost, accreditation, program outcomes and location are all important factors to consider. You may also want to inquire with prospective schools about whether they offer online courses. If you are already an RN looking to complete a BSN, or if you'd prefer an accelerated BSN program, you'll need to be on the lookout for these program options as well.
Midwestern State University, located in Wichita Falls, TX, is just one example of a school that offers a properly accredited BSN program in the state.
A traditional BSN program lasts 4 years. Some schools also offer accelerated BSN programs which can dramatically shorten the length to as little as 16 months. If you are already an RN, you can look into RN to BSN programs, which are typically shorter at roughly 1-2 years in length.
BSN program admission requirements can vary widely. Here is a sampling of requirements that you can expect to see for this type of program:
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 $32,472.
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.
A Master's of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) 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.
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.
Admission requirements may vary from school to school, but here's what you can expect for an MSN program:
Tuition and fees for schools that offer MSN programs can vary widely. For example, the estimated tuition for an MSN at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is around $1,417 per credit hour, including fees.
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Texas has clear regulatory conditions for licensure by either examination or endorsement that include graduating from a state-approved School of Nursing and passing the NCLEX exam.
For licensure by examination candidates are to submit the following information with their application:
For licensure by endorsement, candidates are required to submit further documentation with their application, such as:
Learn more about TX RN license requirements at the Texas Board of Nursing.
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.
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| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21. | West Texas A&M University |
