The Best RN to BSN Programs in Texas
Are you an registered nurse (RN) looking to advance your career by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree? There are several factors to take into account before applying to an RN to BSN program, and Texas offers a variety of options. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have provided information about the degree, expected salaries, and have ranked the 13 best programs available.
Struggling to meet your deadline?
Get your assignment on The Best RN to BSN Programs in Texas done by certified MDs and PhDs in the USA. ORDER NOW!
What Is an RN to BSN Program?
Upon completing the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and acquiring a licensed RN status by passing the NCLEX exam, many nurses choose to further their education by pursuing a one to two-year bridge to a BSN degree. The BSN degree focuses on expanding the foundations of nursing care, covering areas such as evidence-based practice, research, and nursing theory. Due to advancements in nursing practice, many healthcare facilities now require a BSN for entry-level positions. Moreover, obtaining a BSN sets the stage for nurses to pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
RN to BSN Coursework
The coursework in an RN to BSN program encompasses a range of subjects, including:
- Pharmacology: In-depth study of medications, their effects on the human body, and their role in patient care.
- Physiology: Exploration of human physiological processes and their relevance to nursing practices.
- Health Assessment: Techniques for comprehensive patient assessments, encompassing physical examinations and health history evaluations.
- Nursing Research: Introduction to research methods and analysis specific to nursing, emphasizing evidence-based practice.
- Community Health Nursing: Examination of public health principles and their application in community settings.
- Leadership and Management in Nursing: Principles of leadership and management within the nursing and healthcare contexts.
- Ethics in Nursing: Exploration of ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in nursing practice.
- Pathophysiology: Study of changes in body systems and functions due to diseases.
Best Dual family nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives Programs 2024 to 2030
RN to BSN Clinical Training
Clinical training in RN to BSN programs includes:
- Hospital Rotations: Practical experience in various hospital departments such as emergency, pediatrics, and surgery.
- Community Health Practicum: Hands-on experience in community health settings, focusing on public health initiatives and preventive care.
- Leadership Practicum: Opportunities to develop leadership skills in clinical settings, often involving project management or team leadership roles.
- Simulation Labs: Use of high-fidelity mannequins and simulations to practice clinical skills in a controlled environment.
- Capstone Project: A culminating project integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, often involving a specific patient population or healthcare issue.
RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
While each school may have specific prerequisites, there are commonalities. Applicants generally need to have completed the ADN program from an accredited school and maintained a specific GPA. Once admitted, students typically complete a core curriculum before advancing to higher-level nursing courses.
These higher-level nursing courses build upon previous experience, skills, and knowledge, focusing on clinical reasoning and the broader factors influencing patient care. Topics covered can build upon essential foundations, including include:
- Systems Leadership, Quality, and Patient Safety
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Information Management and Technology
- Healthcare Policy and Finance
- Population Health
- Interprofessional Collaboration and Communication
RN to BSN programs are available in full-time, part-time, online, on-campus, or hybrid options. Clinical experience is a crucial component, allowing students to work alongside other BSN-prepared nurses and gain hands-on experience in health promotion, evidence-based practice, informatics, and nursing leadership roles.
RN to BSN Programs in Texas: A Comprehensive Overview
In the state of Texas, several institutions offer top-notch RN to BSN programs, each evaluated based on essential criteria such as NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, pricing, mode of study, duration, and admission rates. Let’s explore the leading programs:
1. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) College of Nursing and Health Sciences
At TAMUCC, the RN-BSN degree program entails completing 120-122 semester hours, with up to 30 credit hours transferable from an ADN program. The program is available online, with a flexible duration of 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The admission rate stands at 84%, and the student-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Tuition: $285 per credit hour (in-state); $772 per credit hour (out-of-state).
2. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) College of Nursing and Health Innovation
UTA offers an on-campus traditional or an online accelerated RN-BSN program. The traditional program can be completed in 12 or 24 months, while the accelerated online option takes 9-10 months. The admission rate is 100%, and the student-faculty ratio is 19:1.
Tuition: $291 per credit hour (in-state); $1,096 per credit hour (out-of-state).
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing
TTUHSC’s RN-BSN program boasts articulation agreements with local community colleges, streamlining the transition from ADN to BSN. The online program takes 2 semesters full-time or 3 semesters part-time, with an admission rate of 92% and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1.
Tuition: $215.00 per credit hour (in-state); $635.00 per credit hour (out-of-state).
4. The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing
UTMB’s RN-BSN program offers an accelerated option completing in as little as two semesters. The online program has a duration of 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, with an admission rate of 68% and a student-faculty ratio of 14:1.
Tuition: $361 per credit hour (in-state); $1,096 per credit hour (out-of-state).
5. The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) School of Nursing
UT Austin’s ADN-BSN program integrates ADN-prepared nursing students with the traditional four-year BSN program. The hybrid program, combining online and on-campus components, lasts 2-3 semesters full-time or 3-4 semesters part-time. The admission rate is 31%, and the student-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Tuition: $5,500 per semester (in-state); $15,000 per semester (out-of-state).
6. West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) Department of Nursing
At WTAMU, full-time students can complete the RN-BSN program in as little as three semesters. Online and requiring an unencumbered RN nursing license, the program offers tuition reimbursement opportunities for students working at Northwest Texas Healthcare System.
Tuition: $237 per credit hour (in-state); $571 per credit hour (out-of-state).
7. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Nursing
UTRGV provides full or part-time options for the RN-BSN degree, with a requirement of 30 credit hours and an active RN license from any state for admission. The online program lasts 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, with an admission rate of 80% and a student-faculty ratio of 20:1.
Tuition: $350 per credit hour (in-state).
8. Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing
Lamar University’s RN-BSN program in Beaumont mandates an active, unencumbered RN license from any state. With 120 credit hours needed for completion, the online program spans 13 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The admission rate is 90%, and the student-faculty ratio is 21:1.
Tuition: $9,944 per year (in-state); $23,800 per year (out-of-state).
9. Texas Woman’s University (TWU) College of Nursing
TWU’s online RN-BSN program, available in Denton, Dallas, and Houston, requires an active, unencumbered RN license from any state. The program, lasting 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, involves taking at least 25% of courses at TWU for transfer students. The admission rate is 86%, and the student-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Tuition: $7,798 per year (in-state); $16,340 per year (out-of-state).
10. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) School of Nursing
UTEP’s RN-BSN program, available online, emphasizes that 60% of El Paso nurses are graduates of UTEP. The program offers admission to those with an ADN degree, with or without an active RN license. It can be completed in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, with an admission rate of 100% and a student-faculty ratio of 25:1.
Tuition: $7,790 per year (in-state); $17,850 per year (out-of-state).
11. Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) Wilson School of Nursing
MSU Texas offers three start dates per year for its online RN-BSN program. Requiring 27 credit hours, the program spans 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, with an admission rate of 71% and a student-faculty ratio of 15:1.
Tuition: $4,608 per semester (in-state); $9,888 per semester (out-of-state).
12. Angelo State University Department of Nursing
Angelo State University’s BSN program, offered online, has start dates in the fall and spring. ADN nursing students transferring must complete at least 30 credit hours with Angelo State University. The program, lasting 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, boasts an admission rate of 95% and a student-faculty ratio of 21:1.
Tuition: $8,586 per year (in-state); $20,130 per year (out-of-state).
13. Texas State University St. David’s School of Nursing
Located at the Round Rock campus, Texas State University’s BSN program admits students once a year for the fall semester. Prerequisite coursework is required before admission, and the program, offered in a hybrid format, lasts 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. The admission rate is 65%, and the student-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Tuition: $5,908 per year (in-state); $15,136 per year (out-of-state).
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): Job Description, Salary, and How to Become One
Salary Expectations of the BSN Degree in 2024
The NCSBN National Workforce Survey highlights that 41.8% of nurses embarked on their nursing journey by completing a BSN program as their initial licensure, while 37.7% obtained their first licensure with an ADN degree in 2020. The compensation for nurses holding a BSN is intricately linked to factors such as geographical location, employer policies, and the level of professional experience.
The most recent insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) present a median salary of $89,010 annually for registered nurses (RNs), encompassing those with ADN, BSN, or MSN qualifications. A more granular examination reveals that in Texas, RNs command an annual mean wage of $94,320.
In terms of employment levels, Texas secures the second position, with 231,060 RNs, following closely behind California, which boasts 325,620 RNs. Other states featuring prominently include Florida with 197,630, New York with 190,470, and Pennsylvania with 137,970 RNs.
Analyzing the top-paying states for RNs underscores regional disparities in compensation:
1. California: $133,340
2. Hawaii: $113,220
3. Oregon: $106,610
4. Massachusetts: $104,150
5. Alaska: $103,310
Furthermore, numerous leadership roles within the nursing field, such as nursing director, clinical nurse manager, assistant nurse manager, and clinical educator, frequently mandate a BSN degree. These positions of authority typically come with higher salaries compared to those in direct patient care.
For those contemplating a career in nursing, understanding the variations in RN salaries by state is crucial. Our comprehensive nursing salary guide allows for a thorough comparison of salaries across various specializations, providing valuable insights into the earning potential associated with different roles within the nursing profession.
| State | Total Employed | Hourly Mean | Annual Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 49,370 | $32.17 | $66,910 |
| Alaska | 6,730 | $49.67 | $103,310 |
| Arizona | 56,040 | $41.70 | $86,740 |
| Arkansas | 28,490 | $31.98 | $66,530 |
| California | 325,620 | $64.10 | $133,340 |
| Colorado | 52,390 | $41.63 | $86,590 |
| Connecticut | 34,290 | $45.32 | $94,260 |
| Delaware | 11,490 | $40.88 | $85,020 |
| District of Columbia | 11,820 | $47.23 | $98,230 |
| Florida | 197,630 | $38.42 | $79,910 |
| Georgia | 82,970 | $40.95 | $85,180 |
| Hawaii | 11,800 | $54.43 | $113,220 |
| Idaho | 13,680 | $37.79 | $78,610 |
| Illinois | 129,390 | $39.53 | $82,220 |
| Indiana | 67,350 | $36.34 | $75,580 |
| Iowa | 34,050 | $33.35 | $69,370 |
| Kansas | 30,520 | $34.61 | $71,990 |
| Kentucky | 44,970 | $37.32 | $77,620 |
| Louisiana | 43,790 | $36.50 | $75,920 |
| Maine | 14,610 | $37.22 | $77,410 |
| Maryland | 49,790 | $42.30 | $87,990 |
| Massachusetts | 94,100 | $50.07 | $104,150 |
| Michigan | 101,470 | $38.78 | $80,660 |
| Minnesota | 63,800 | $42.72 | $88,860 |
| Mississippi | 29,370 | $32.66 | $67,930 |
| Missouri | 70,440 | $34.55 | $71,860 |
| Montana | 10,020 | $37.67 | $78,350 |
| Nebraska | 19,870 | $35.34 | $73,510 |
| Nevada | 23,970 | $46.30 | $96,310 |
| New Hampshire | 13,510 | $40.11 | $83,420 |
| New Jersey | 78,340 | $46.48 | $96,670 |
| New Mexico | 15,910 | $41.15 | $85,580 |
| New York | 190,470 | $48.14 | $100,130 |
| North Carolina | 104,300 | $37.22 | $77,420 |
| North Dakota | 11,300 | $36.06 | $75,000 |
| Ohio | 130,370 | $37.72 | $78,450 |
| Oklahoma | 30,320 | $36.98 | $76,920 |
| Oregon | 37,400 | $51.26 | $106,610 |
| Pennsylvania | 137,970 | $38.76 | $80,630 |
| Rhode Island | 11,190 | $42.43 | $88,250 |
| South Carolina | 44,030 | $35.74 | $74,330 |
| South Dakota | 14,360 | $31.01 | $64,500 |
| Tennessee | 60,840 | $34.85 | $72,480 |
| Texas | 231,060 | $40.54 | $84,320 |
| Utah | 22,830 | $36.73 | $76,400 |
| Vermont | 6,930 | $38.46 | $79,990 |
| Virginia | 69,510 | $39.36 | $81,860 |
| Washington | 64,920 | $48.88 | $101,670 |
| West Virginia | 21,110 | $34.73 | $72,230 |
| Wisconsin | 61,100 | $38.94 | $81,000 |
| Wyoming | 5,070 | $38.95 | $81,010 |
| Virgin Islands | 340 | $33.27 | $69,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions about RN to BSN programs in Texas
Question: Will my credits from my ADN degree transfer to the RN-BSN program?
Answer: A majority of ADN class credits typically transfer seamlessly to BSN programs. However, it is highly advisable to engage with the admissions staff in a discussion to gain clarity on the specifics of credit transferability. Transferred credits often contribute to a reduction in the number of classes required for graduation.
Question: What if I don’t possess a Texas nursing license?
Answer: For most RN to BSN programs, an unencumbered RN license from any state is a requirement.
Question: Is it necessary to actively work as a nurse to obtain my BSN degree?
Answer: No, it is not mandatory to be employed as an RN, as long as your RN license maintains good standing with your state board of nursing. However, it’s worth noting that many nursing students opt to work part-time while pursuing their RN to BSN degree online.
Additional Readings:
Exploring the Transferability of ADN Credits to BSN Programs: A comprehensive guide to understanding how credits from your ADN degree align with the requirements of RN to BSN programs, offering insights into potential reductions in course load.
Navigating Licensing Requirements for RN to BSN Programs: An in-depth look at the licensing prerequisites for RN to BSN programs, providing valuable information for individuals without a Texas nursing license.
Balancing Work and Studies: Tips for RN to BSN Students: A resourceful guide offering practical advice on managing work commitments while successfully pursuing an RN to BSN degree, showcasing the experiences of students who have chosen this path.
Dont wait until the last minute.
Provide your requirements and let our native nursing writers deliver your assignments ASAP.