RN to BSN Programs in Texas
By EveryNurse Staff on January 10, 2022
RN to BSN programs are a great choice for registered nurses (RNs) who want to upgrade their education from an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Although much of the bedside care performed by ADN-educated nurses and BSN-educated nurses are very similar and may be indistinguishable to the average person, BSN-educated nurses typically have a broader knowledge base and are better prepared to assume leadership roles within the nursing profession.
If you are an RN who is contemplating this transition, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about RN to BSN programs in Texas. This post will discuss admissions requirements, online programs, BSN salaries, and provide you with a list of the best public and private nursing programs in the state.
Best RN to BSN Programs in Texas
Nurses who are interested in pursuing an RN to BSN program in Texas should consider the following factors: cost, location, academic strength, program duration, financial aid offerings, program accreditation, and reputation. These variables will help you choose the best program for your unique academic and professional needs.
Our list of the best RN to BSN programs in Texas is created by combining relevant data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and other credible third-party sources. To appear on this list, a program must be offered by an accredited public or private university in the state of Texas and be approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
| RANK | SCHOOL NAME | LOCATION | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A&M Health Science Center | Bryan, TX | nursing.tamu.edu |
| 2 | Texas State University | Round Rock, TX | nursing.txstate.edu |
| 3 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | uh.edu |
| 4 | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | utrgv.edu |
| 5 | University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | uta.edu |
| 6 | University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, TX | uiw.smartcatalogiq.com |
| 7 | Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, TX | shsu.edu |
| 8 | UT Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, TX | nursing.uth.edu |
| 9 | University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | utep.edu |
| 10 | Abilene Christian University | Abilene, TX | acu.edu |
| 11 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | twu.edu |
| 12 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock TX | ttuhsc.edu |
| 13 | Texas A&M University Commerce | Commerce, TX | catalog.tamuc.edu |
| 14 | Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | sfasu.edu |
| 15 | Texas A&M International University | Laredo, TX | online.tamiu.edu |
| 16 | University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, TX | nursing.utmb.edu |
| 17 | Texas Tech University El Paso Health Sciences Center | El Paso, TX | elpaso.ttuhsc.edu |
| 18 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon, TX | wtamu.edu |
| 19 | University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, TX | uttyler.edu |
| 20 | Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, TX | msutexas.edu |
| 21 | Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | degree.lamar.edu |
| 22 | Houston Baptist University | Houston, TX | onlinenursing.hbu.edu |
| 23 | Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, TX | catalog.swau.edu |
| 24 | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, TX | go.umhb.edu |
| 25 | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi, TX | tamucc.edu |
| 26 | East Texas Baptist University | Marshall, TX | etbu.edu |
| 27 | West Coast University | Richardson, TX | westcoastuniversity.edu |
| 28 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | tarleton.edu |
| 29 | Schreiner University | Kerrville, TX | schreiner.edu |
| 30 | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, TX | pvamu.edu |
| University of Texas of the Permian Basin | Odessa, TX | online.utpb.edu | |
| Texas A&M University – Texarkana | Texarkana, TX | tamut.edu | |
| Chamberlain University | Multiple | chamberlain.edu | |
| Galen College of Nursing | San Antonio, TX | galencollege.edu | |
| Hallmark University | San Antonio, TX | hallmarkuniversity.edu | |
| Howard Payne University | Brownwood, TX | hputx.edu | |
| Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing | Abilene, TX | phssn.edu | |
| South University | Austin, TX | southuniversity.edu | |
| Sul Ross State University | Alpine, TX | sulross.edu | |
| Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, TX | catalog.wbu.edu |
Degree Guides
Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas
Online nursing programs can be a great option for nurses who want to continue working while they complete their degrees. Online RN to BSN programs are typically offered in a “blended” or “hybrid” format, which means that the majority of the coursework will be completed online but some requirements must be fulfilled on campus. This flexible learning format provides students with the opportunity to study at their own pace without sacrificing the rigor and quality of a traditional BSN program.
100% Online RN to BSN Programs
There are also a growing number of online RN to BSN programs that are offered in a 100% online format. These programs are designed for licensed RNs who wish to complete their BSN degree without the on-campus requirement. Students enrolled in this online format can accomplish their goals of earning a degree through the identical curriculum and cohort model that is used in traditional programs.
Texas RN to BSN Program Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission into an RN to BSN program in Texas vary by institution. However, most programs require that students have a current RN license, an associate’s degree in nursing, and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Some programs may also require students to complete certain prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
The following list provides a general overview of the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Texas:
- Evidence of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited college of nursing
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A current, unencumbered RN license in the state of Texas
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in prerequisite nursing courses such as Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, English, and Statistics.
- A satisfactory health assessment and physical examination which includes proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and proof of negative TB test results
- A criminal background check with no felonies or misdemeanors involving patient abuse, neglect, theft, or moral turpitude
- English language proficiency for students whose first language is not English
How Much Does a BSN Make in Texas?
Nurses report that one of the main reasons for pursuing an RN to BSN degree is the ability to increase pay and responsibility in their current position. Research confirms that BSN-educated nurses typically receive higher salaries than those with an ADN or diploma and are also more likely to be promoted to supervisory or management positions.
According to ZipRecruiter, BSN nurses in Texas earn an average annual pay of $81,709, which is significantly higher than the average annual pay for ADN nurses ($63,616) in similar roles. This wage is also noticeably higher than the annual mean wage for all registered nurses in Texas, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Highest Paying Cities for BSN Nurses in Texas
| CITY | ANNUAL SALARY * | HOURLY WAGE * |
|---|---|---|
| Plano | $91,278 | $43.88 |
| Port Arthur | $90,827 | $43.67 |
| Midland | $88,308 | $42.46 |
| Richardson | $88,237 | $42.42 |
| League City | $87,799 | $42.21 |
| Carrollton | $86,620 | $41.64 |
| The Woodlands | $85,947 | $41.32 |
| Lewisville | $85,845 | $41.27 |
| Houston | $85,450 | $41.08 |
| Allen | $84,344 | 40.55 |
| * Zip Recruiter, BSN Salary in Texas, November 2021 | ||
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