FIND NURSING SCHOOLS
If you are considering making the switch from your current career into the nursing field and you already have a baccalaureate degree, you may want to consider one of several accelerated nursing programs in Texas. These programs give you credit for what you’ve already learned and allow you to earn your BSN or MSN degree much more quickly as a result. Completing these programs gives you a solid foundation for a career as an RN or nurse practitioner, including leadership, management, and research positions.
How Many Schools are Currently Offering Texas Board of Nursing Approved and CCNE Accredited Accelerated Nursing Programs in Texas?
Accelerated BSN | 8 |
Accelerated MSN/Entry Level Masters/Direct Entry MSN | 1 |
Total | 9 |
Typical Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas Information
An accelerated BSN program in Texas is designed to allow you to enter the workforce more quickly by giving you credit for courses you’ve already taken. The programs are typically fast-paced and full-time, though some may allow you to progress part-time, as well. You’ll participate in classroom instruction, simulations and labs, and clinical experiences at various Texas facilities throughout the program. After completing the program, you will be qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, which is required for licensure in the state.
Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the school you choose. All schools will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field, and per Texas laws, you will need to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to participating in clinical experiences. To give you an idea of the requirements, let us look at Baylor University. To attend, you will need:
•A bachelor’ degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
•Official transcripts from all schools you have attended;
•HESI A2 scores of 80 or better in Math and English Composite;
•A passing TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score if English is not your native language; and
•Proof of liability insurance, a drug screen, and a background check.
Tuition Costs: Tuition associated with accelerated BSN programs in TX can vary a great deal depending on the program you choose. You can expect to pay between $24,380 and $66,978.
Examples | |
College Name | Tuition |
Baylor University | $66,978 |
Texas A&M University College of Nursing | $24,380 |
University of Texas-Tyler | $43,047 |
Length: The program length varies depending on the Texas nursing school you select. You may be able to complete the program in as little as one year, but some programs may take up to 16 months.
Examples | |
College Name | Program Length |
Baylor University | 12-Months |
Concordia University Texas | 16-Months |
Texas A&M University College of Nursing | 15-Months |
Classes: The classes you will take on your path to becoming an RN will build upon your previous knowledge and teach you how to care for patients of various ages, both individually and in communities.
Coursework Example - Texas A&M University College of Nursing |
Adult Nursing, Care of Community Health Clients, Care of Mental Health clients, Case Studies: Patient Safety & Quality, Evidence-Based Practice, Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Health Assessment, Introduction to Pathophysiology, Nursing and the Aged, Nursing Care of Children/Families, Nursing Care of Women, Families, & Newborns, Nursing Dimensions & Informatics, Pharmacology Principles, Professional Issues, and Transition to Professional Nursing Practice |
Clinical Training: Clinical training is a requirement in the state of Texas. During your training, you will put the information you learn to practice by working with patients in various settings under the direct supervision of an experienced RN. Your school may require you to complete a specific number of hours to complete your program. As an example, if you attend Baylor University, you will be required to complete a 60-hour residency requirement
Following is the List of 8 Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas for 2022
1.Baylor University, Dallas
Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing has been around for 109 years and continuously strives to provide nursing education that is faith based and relevant to match the needs of modern-day nursing. Living up to their motto of Learn.Lead.Serve, the school of nursing has been highly ranked by top publications like the U.S. News for its professional nursing programs. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, its central location can be an advantage for many of its students.
The FastBacc BSN Track program is 12 months of intensive classroom and lab training including clinical experiences. The program offered each summer, has some courses offered in a hybrid and online format. Students put the newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice at its state-of-art simulation lab, getting a better understanding of their actions without jeopardizing the health of patients. Some of the courses taught are Professional Nursing Practice of Childbearing family, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing of the Patients with Medical Surgical Needs.
2.Concordia University Texas, Austin & Dallas
Concordia University, located in the music capital of Austin is a private, non-profit higher learning institution offering Christ centered education. The nursing programs it offers foster students to provide professional nursing with compassion and care. Concordia is ideal for those seeking out for faith-based education that is nestled in the vibrant metropolis of Austin.
The Accelerated BSN Track is a 16 month fast paced program combining teaching methodologies that include online coursework, lab training and real-world clinical practice. The program is offered thrice a year, in January, May and August. Little wonder that this program is a popular option for a career switchover with all the flexibility it offers. The coursework is broken into four semesters and includes courses such as Child and Family Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Adult, Community and Global Health Nursing. To be eligible for this program a minimum of 60 credits is required either through prior education or completion of required prerequisites online at Concordia.
3.Texas A&M University College of Nursing, Bryan-College Station & Round Rock
The Texas A & M University College of Nursing, started in 2008, is amongst the top ranked nursing colleges of the nation. The college has earned a reputation of 99 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX. The small student to faculty ratio of 1:10 it maintains, enhances mentorship and learning. The college’s initiative in providing real-time interdisciplinary learning to its students has led to the creation of Disaster Day where students learn the knowledge and skills required to respond in an emergency.
The Second-Degree BSN track is a 15-month program that is offered every spring. The program is a combination of face-to-face lectures, lab experiences, simulations and video conferencing. This four- semester program starts with fundamentals of nursing care in the first semester and moves on to nursing care of adults, the aged and women, families and newborns. Students are required to complete 61 credit hours in order to graduate. The Round Rock campus offers more lectures delivered by video conferences, allowing students to experience learning that is engaging, interactive and convenient.
4.Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a unique combination of thrill and adventure along with world class education. The beautiful campus located on its 240-acre semi-tropical island, provides students a coastal destination that is also close to major Texas cities. Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s nursing students enjoy hi-tech infrastructure such as state-of-art simulation labs, innovative use of technology, WebEX, and Skype, striving to bridge the educational gap by providing a strong foundation especially to the Latin American population.
Its Accelerated BSN track spans over four semesters and is offered each year in fall. Students are required to hold a baccalaureate degree in any field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. In pursuing their pre-nursing curriculum freshman and sophomore students can avail faculty mentorship that is provided by the college. Despite the program being intensive, the experienced faculty and conducive learning environment thoroughly prepares students for a flourishing nursing career.
5.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.
6.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.
7.University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio, San Antonio
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.
8.University of Texas-Tyler, Tyler & Longview
The Nursing School is one of the seven colleges which form a part of the University of Texas-Tyler. Nestled along a lake, the campus location is beautiful and provides a picturesque and serene environment for students to thrive. The School of Nursing places emphasis on critical thinking, lifelong learning and competence and ensures students get ample practice opportunities in a variety of roles and settings.
The 16-month full-time, Accelerated Nursing BSN degree is offered at the Tyler and Longview campuses every spring semester. The program boasts of an impressive 93% graduates passing the NCLEX-RN on the very first attempt. Graduates are given an opportunity to work in different clinical settings for a full 224 hours of clinical experience each semester. Additionally, students can learn by networking through American Nurses Association, National Student Nurse Association and Nursing Christian Fellowship groups.
Following is the List of 1 Accelerated MSN/Entry-level Masters Programs in Texas for 2022
1. University of Texas-Austin, Austin
To fill the gap of nurses in the state’s healthcare system, University of Texas School of Nursing started offering nursing programs in 1960. It has been at the forefront of transformative nursing education, path breaking research, community service and collaborative partnerships. Its Wellness Centers at two sites provide healthcare to the undeserved population in Central Texas. This leads to better health outcomes and rich learning experiences for nursing students.
The Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing is an intensive direct entry MSN in Texas for non-nursing graduates. The three-year program is divided into two segments, the foundation and master’s coursework. The first year is full-time and covers foundation courses that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN, after which you can work as a Registered Nurse in Texas. During the next two years you will complete Master’s coursework in any of the three specialization areas you choose, namely; Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult – Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist or Leadership in Diverse Settings. During this period part-time study option is available. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in your first degree and completion of pre-requisite coursework is required to be eligible for this program.
What Next After Completing My Accelerated Nursing Program in TX?
Get My RN License: After completing your accelerated nursing program in TX, you will need to obtain your nursing license before you can enter the workforce. To do this, you will first apply for your license through the Texas Board of Nursing, then register for your NCLEX-RN exam through the Pearson Vue website. After you pass this exam, you will receive your license.
Where Will I Work: Most RNs in TX work in hospitals, including in emergency rooms and general patient care. Because hospitals never close, you may work overnight hours, even on holidays and weekends. You might also choose to work in a doctor’s office or clinic, where hours are far more predictable. Some nurses in Texas work in home health care, which can offer some flexibility, too.
Is the Career Change to Nursing Worth It in Texas?
Salary: Registered nurses with BSN degrees earn an average of $72,070, and nurse practitioners with MSN degrees earn an average of $111,330. This makes the salary highly lucrative and the career change worth it.
Occupation | Hourly Wage | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary | ||
Registered Nurse with Accelerated BSN | $24.94 - $47.28 | $4,320 - $8,200 | $51,890 - $98,340 | ||
Nurse Practitioner with Accelerated MSN / Entry Level Masters | $38.60 - $73.35 | $6,690 - $12,710 | $80,290 - $152,560 | ||
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Salary Compared to All Other Occupations in Texas: The average salary in Texas across all other occupations is $48,700. When compared to all other occupations across Texas, it is very clear that both registered nurses and nurse practitioners enjoy a much higher salary.
Occupation | Average Annual Salary | ||||
Registered Nurse | $72,070 | ||||
Nurse Practitioner | $111,330 | ||||
All Other Occupations | $48,700 | ||||
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Job Prospects & Security: Another important consideration when it comes to making a career change is your job security. Thanks to the aging population across Texas and wider-reaching, more affordable health insurance, it is expected that some 61,500 new RN positions will open between 2017 and 2027, which is a growth of 28.98%. Nurse practitioners will be in even higher demand; in that same timeframe, some 4,700 new jobs will open, representing an astonishing 43.80% growth.
Occupation | Employment | 10 Year New Job Growth Projection (2017-2027) | Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) | ||
2017 | 2027 | Number | % | ||
Registered Nurse | 212,230 | 273,730 | 61,500 | 28.98% | 14,630 |
Nurse Practitioner | 10,730 | 15,430 | 4,700 | 43.80% | 1,100 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Accelerated Nursing Programs in Nearby States
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FAQs
Is a 3.0 good enough for nursing school? ›
Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search. So, what if you already have a bachelor's degree or non-nursing college credits, but your GPA isn't high enough?
How do I survive the ABSN program? ›- Time management. ...
- Create a study technique that works for YOU. ...
- Self-care. ...
- Don't compare yourself with others. ...
- Remember your big picture goal(s).
School | # of Nursing Students | BSN NCLEX 1st Time Pass Rate |
---|---|---|
Cox College | 236 | 90% |
D'Youville College | 259 | 85% |
Herzing University – Madison | 248 | 53% |
The University of Texas at El Paso | 445 | 98% |
- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
To be honest I don't see RN school any harder than LPN school. RN school does go more in depth about certain concepts and medications. I actually went more in depth about some things in LPN school than RN school, for example the heart. Being a LPN has made RN school a little easier.
Is nursing the hardest degree? ›There's a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor's degrees to obtain. There's no truth to this claim.
Is ABSN difficult? ›Accelerated nature of ABSN program
While nursing school course material is challenging because it involves complex concepts, it can also be difficult because there is so much to study, understand and apply.
- Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day.
- Have set times for studying your online coursework.
- Study frequently on most days of the week instead of cramming.
- Set aside specific time on the weekends to study.
- Get to know your professors early in the semester. ...
- Review every single test you get back. ...
- READ YOUR BOOKS! ...
- Get your assignments done early. ...
- Get organized!!!! ...
- Find good study habits. ...
- Study during your breaks. ...
- Self-care is so important for nursing students.
Name of Institution | Acceptance Rates | Minimum GPA |
---|---|---|
University of Toledo College of Nursing | 81% | 3.6 |
Curry College School of Nursing | 87% | 2.9 (3.0 preferred) |
MCPHS University Accelerated BS Nursing | 85% | 3.0 |
North Dakota State University-Main Campus | 94% | 3.5 or higher |
What is the quickest RN program? ›
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
What state is the easiest to become a nurse? ›- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
- Apply to other programs. I'd recommend applying to at least 2-4 programs in your area. ...
- Build Experience. You can use this time to volunteer (which looks great on a nursing school or job application). ...
- Take Prerequisite Courses. ...
- Make Sure You're Ready.
If you're looking to become a nurse but have bad grades or a low grade point average (GPA), you may be concerned about getting into nursing school. For an Associate Degree the minimum GPA ranges from 2.0 to 2.8.
What is the hardest semester in nursing school? ›Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Many students struggle with the hands-on nature of this course, given that it is so different from many other typical college courses.
There are benefits to receiving your LPN credentials before moving forward including: Quick entrance into the workforce: A practical nursing program takes approximately half the time that a complete RN program does. This means you can enter the workforce quickly, building experience in the field early in your career.
Is an LPN really a nurse? ›LPN, or Licensed Practical Nurse, is a nurse who provides primary nursing care and works under the supervision of more advanced nurses, like RNs. It's similar to LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) as they have similarities in their work settings.
Why do nursing students drop out? ›The most recurrent themes regarding the reasons behind BSN drop-out were: understanding that they were not suited to be nurses, perception of missing/lack of psychological, physical and practical resources needed to successfully cope with both nursing school and the nursing profession, inconsistencies between the image ...
What is the hardest type of nursing? ›- Intensive Care Unit nurses (ICU) ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
- Emergency Department nurses. ...
- Neonatal ICU. ...
- OR nursing. ...
- Oncology Nursing. ...
- Psychiatric Nursing.
Law Harder than Nursing School? Law School is harder than Nursing school. Law is exhausting just by the sheer volume of coursework. Nursing can also have an exhausting course load, although, as an undergraduate degree, it's more manageable than law.
Do you have to be smart to be a nurse? ›
Yes, you do need to be smart enough to be a Nurse with the ability to learn subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, Math, and English. This can be gruelling for some, whilst others will find it fairly easy.
Why is nursing school so hard? ›The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
Why is the first year of nursing so hard? ›“The most difficult part of the first year is taking critical thinking from a theoretical/hypothetical situation to a real person in a real bed in front of you,” states Bice. As a student, the first-year nurse is not exposed to all of the internal policies and systems of a clinical facility.
How many hours a day should you study in nursing school? ›How many hours a day should I study for nursing school? Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better!
Is RN school Hard? ›Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
What should I read before nursing school? ›- I Wasn't Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind. ...
- Tending Lives: Nurses on the Medical Front by Echo Heron. ...
- Test Success: Test-taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students by Patricia M.
It's okay to cry, but know that you're going to look back one day and be so thankful that you stuck with it. You're doing something great. You're going to help so many people as a nurse and potentially save lives. I know nursing school is hard at times because I've done it myself.
How do I pass my first semester of nursing school? ›- Learn to Juggle. Keep overwhelming feelings at bay by organizing and prioritizing your time. ...
- Develop Efficient Habits. ...
- Focus on Comprehension. ...
- Calm Test Anxiety. ...
- Find Relatable Resources. ...
- Practice Continuous Self-Care.
Nursing school will have semesters that are easier than others. The good news is that the longer you are in nursing school, the easier it gets. The coursework may remain about the same, but it will get easier due to: The fact that you'll be used to it after a semester or two and you'll know what it takes to succeed.
Can I get into nursing school with 3.1 GPA? ›GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.
Is 3.3 A good GPA for nursing? ›
Your GPA of 3.3 is great and yes I definitely think you can handle nursing school. I know people say “oh nursing is so hard” but really it isn 't that bad. If you are serious about it and put the time and effort into it you should have no problem.
Is a 3.5 competitive for nursing school? ›It's not uncommon for students with GPAs far above 3.5 to be turned away from BSN programs. Still, nursing admission is like college admission: Different programs put weight on different things. Exceptional students are sometimes admitted to bachelor's programs with less than a 3.0.
Is a 3.5 GPA good enough for nursing school? ›Generally, GPA requirements are different from one school to another, but on average, BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. At the same time, for an ADN program, the average GPA for admission ranges from 2.0. to 2.8.
What GPA do you need to be a NICU nurse? ›Unofficial transcript(s) for all undergraduate and graduate coursework (uploaded). A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required.
How can I get into nursing without grades? ›If you do not have traditional educational qualifications, an access course can help you meet the entry requirements for a university application. They are subject-specific, however nursing and social care access courses are widely available.
Is RN school Hard? ›Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
Do grades in nursing school matter? ›Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything
The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.
A GPA is an accomplishment if it's a high one, just like your nursing degree. You can share this information in a cover letter and/or on your resume. Too, in some nursing schools, a higher GPA gets you a better clinical rotation. For example, the highest GPAs make it into the ICU or operating room.
Is nursing school harder than med school? ›Medical school is significantly more difficult than nursing school. Admission to Medical School is not only much more difficult, but the volume of study at Medical School is also much greater than at Nursing School. While there are some similarities in what is taught, Medical School goes into much greater detail.
What is the hardest part of nursing school? ›Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. "It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed," says Megan Lynch, instructor at Pima Community College.
Why is nursing school so hard? ›
The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
How can I get into nursing school with a low GPA? ›- Research What's an Acceptable GPA in Nursing School. ...
- Apply to Multiple Schools.
- Also Apply to ADN or LPN Programs.
- Re-Take Classes at a Community College.
- Apply to a Private University.
- Consider Online Nursing Programs.
- Meet with an Admissions Advisor.
They are fast-paced and cover a great deal of information quickly. Because of this time restriction, some individuals find the RN to BSN program challenging. However, the courses and material within the program are in line with other nursing programs and will evoke similar difficulties as others.
Can I get into NP school with a 3.2 GPA? ›Most schools require at least a 3.2 prerequisite GPA and an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale for an application to be considered.