
Thomas Reed, RN
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs allow ADN nurses to pursue their BSN degree as a way to advance their nursing education. The growing need for educated nurses in Texas has made BSN-prepared professionals the main focus for the state. BSN programs teach nurses advanced skills in leadership combined with research and healthcare policy understanding which results in better patient care.
Victoria, TX - Public 4-Year - uhv.edu
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The University of Houston-Victoria's online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers with a flexible, CCNE-accredited degree. It allows up to 36 transfer credits and requires an active RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite courses in areas like anatomy and microbiology. No entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are needed, making it accessible for working professionals. The curriculum includes 10 upper-division nursing courses and a capstone project, emphasizing practical skills and career growth.
Laredo, TX - Public 4-Year - tamiu.edu
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Texas A&M International University's online RN to BSN program provides a flexible, accelerated path for registered nurses, completable in just 12 months with a total in-state tuition of $8,995. This ACEN-accredited program emphasizes leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and a minimum 2.50 GPA, with no entrance exam such as ACT or SAT needed, making it highly accessible for working professionals.
Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - mcm.edu
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McMurry University's online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible path to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, emphasizing advanced clinical reasoning and analytical skills. This 120-credit program can be completed in two to three semesters and requires a current RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and prerequisite coursework. It focuses on professional development, addressing cultural, political, economic, and social factors in healthcare, and prepares graduates for roles such as Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator, as well as further graduate studies. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required for this bachelor's level program.
Odessa, TX - Public 4-Year - utpb.edu
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The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited pathway can be completed in about one year with a fully flexible schedule, featuring six annual start dates and competitive tuition. It does not require an ACT or SAT exam for admission. Students benefit from clinical courses with a preceptor of their choice and an optional Nurse Manager Certificate, enhancing leadership skills and professional credentials. Ideal for working professionals, it requires an unencumbered RN license and supports career growth through accessible, high-quality education.
Belton, TX - Private 4-year - go.umhb.edu
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The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to enhance their careers with a focus on evidence-based practice. It requires an active RN license from Texas, Missouri, or North Carolina and a 2.5 GPA for admission, with no entrance exam needed. The 30-credit curriculum, costing $15,000 total, includes 100 clinical hours and is delivered online for flexibility. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for diverse roles in healthcare settings, supported by dedicated faculty and military-friendly policies.
Several Texas universities provide RN to BSN online programs designed for working nurses. Students enrolled in these programs study remotely through online courses with minimal requirements to attend classes in person. Students in hybrid programs complete their coursework online while participating in local clinical placements and in-person meetings. Schools throughout the state provide evening and weekend course options which help nurses balance their work commitments with their studies. The program includes accelerated pathways that let students finish their studies in a shorter period. The flexible learning schedules and rural accessibility of online and hybrid programs make them attractive to nursing students who need to balance work with their education.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University |
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| The University of Texas at Arlington |
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| Texas State University |
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| Certifying Board | Texas Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an approved BSN program, pass the NCLEX‑RN, complete fingerprint‑based criminal background checks (FBI and DPS) |
| License Renewal Period | Expires last day of birth month, renews every two years |
| Continuing Education | Complete 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education biennially |
| License Application Fee | $75 board application, $200 NCLEX registration, plus fingerprinting fees (approx. $70) |
| Clinical Hours | Supervised practice in adult health, pediatrics, maternal‑newborn, psychiatric‑mental health, and community health as required by BSN programs |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test issued within 15 business day, permanent license issued within 15 business days of NCLEX passage and background clearance |
| License by Endorsement | Apply online with a $150 endorsement fee, primary source verification of RN license, transcripts, fingerprint check, and proof of competence |
The average salary for registered nurses working in Texas reaches $80,000 annually with BSN-prepared nurses earning higher pay than those with only an ADN. Nurses who hold a BSN qualification become qualified for advanced positions including nurse manager and clinical specialist roles which offer better compensation. The nursing profession in Texas shows continuous job growth because the state’s expanding population requires more healthcare professionals. BSN represents an excellent career advancement path for nurses because Texas rural and underserved areas need more qualified nurses to meet their growing healthcare needs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Texas | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $74,600 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $35.87 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$85,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $67,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$52,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 15% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~10,500 | ~54,000 |
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College System |
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| Texas A & M International University |
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| The University of Texas Permian Basin |
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The BSN degree enables Texas nurses to access diverse career growth possibilities. A BSN qualification makes nurses qualified to become nurse managers or directors of nursing and for other leadership and administrative positions. BSN-prepared nurses can achieve specialized certifications that cover cardiology as well as oncology and healthcare management. The foundation of BSN education provides students with the potential to earn Master’s or Doctoral degrees that qualify them for nurse practitioner or nurse educator roles. The healthcare industry in Texas demands BSN degrees for managers to enter management roles so this degree functions as a crucial advancement step for nurses.
Additional Nursing Programs in Texas
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