Top Texas RN to BSN Programs
Today's healthcare system is in the midst of a massive overhaul as the baby boomers continue to age and as millions of Americans gain access to healthcare coverage. By the year 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of more than 1 million registered nurses. These alarming statistics underline the very real need for a more educated nursing workforce. Scores of ADN-educated nurses from around the country have already responded to this call by enrolling in RN to BSN programs. With so many colleges and universities offering RN to BSN bridge programs, however, finding the top programs that best suit your needs can be a daunting task. That's why we've created a list of the top RN to BSN programs offered in the state of Texas
How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Texas
Prospective RN to BSN students in Texas should thoroughly research programs before they enroll in one. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Program size/class sizes
- Program acceptance and completion rates
- Graduate feedback
- Cost of tuition, fees, etc.
- Program accreditation
- Length of program (full-time or part-time options)
- Financial aid and scholarship availability
- Graduate employment rates
- Internship/job placement opportunities
Testing and Certification
No additional licensing examinations are required at the completion of the RN to BSN program. This is due to the fact that RNs would have already had to pass the NCLEX-RN exam prior to licensure.
List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Texas
1. University of Texas-Tyler
Founded in 1971, The University of Texas at Tyler is a public university that offers students a flexible, online RN to BSN program that can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study (part-time options also available). The 30 semester credit hour program, which is self-paced and allows working nurses to excel, features 7-week, online courses like Pathophysiology, Evidence-Based Decision Making, and Professional Issues, among others. In addition to the online coursework, limited clinicals are required for the program. New students are admitted at the beginning of every fall, spring, and summer semester.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- UT Health East Texas – Tyler
- Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
- Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and Clinics
Tuition:
Students who attend UTT's RN to BSN bridge program can expect to pay around $10,761 plus additional fees.
2. University of Texas Medical Branch
First established in 1891, the University of Texas Medical Branch - one of Texas' oldest medical schools - is a public academic health science center located in the city of Galveston that's a part of the University of Texas System. UTMB offers students a 30 semester unit, online RN to BSN program that hard-working students can finish in as little as two semesters or eight months. Before enrolling in the program, students will work closely with their advisor to transfer as many courses as possible to set up the quickest and most direct RN to BSN pathway. While enrolled in the program, students take courses like Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Meeting Challenges in Healthcare, and Career Pathway: Assessment & Development. New cohorts are admitted each fall semester.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
Tuition:
In-state residents will pay around $9,351 in tuition plus additional fees while out-of-state residents can expect to pay approximately $21,894 plus fees.
3. West Texas A&M University
First established in 1910, West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is a public university located in Canyon, Texas - about 12 miles south of Amarillo - that's a part of the Texas A&M University System. WTAMU offers students a flexible RN to BSN program that's been designed to meet the needs of working nurses. Students can complete the 30 semester credit hour program entirely online in just one year of full-time study. Once admitted into the program, students can expect to encounter courses like Integration into Professional Nursing, Cultural Competence for Health Promotion, and Evidence-Based Practice, just to name a few. Students are admitted three times a year.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- South Randall County Hospital District
- Northwest Texas Healthcare System
- Plum Creek Specialty Hospital & Health Care Center
Tuition:
For Texas residents, WTAMU's RN to BSN program can cost as low as $8,250. Out-of-state residents should contact the university's nursing program for more information.
4. Stephen F. Austin State University
Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university in Nacogdoches, Texas. SFASU's RN to BSN program looks to assist its students in networking and building professional relationships in addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge on nursing research, evidence-based care, and leadership. The 31 semester unit program can be completed mostly online in one year of full-time students. Aside from the online coursework, students are also expected to complete clinicals at a local healthcare facility. The program, which can be entered three times throughout the school year, boasts low faculty-to-student ratios and has courses that are delivered in five or eight-week segments. Part-time options are also available. Health Assessment, Pharmacology, and Community and Leadership are just some of the courses included in the program.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- Nacogdoches Memorial Health
- Nacogdoches Medical Center
- East Texas Community Health Services
Tuition:
Students who enroll in SFASU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $8,300 plus additional fees.
5. University of Texas-El Paso
Founded in 1914, the University of Texas-El Paso is a public research university in the city of El Paso that's part of the University of Texas System. UTEP offers a flexible, online RN to BSN bridge program that seeks to prepare RNs for more advanced healthcare roles. The program, composed of 30 semester units, can be completed in just 2 �1/2 semesters. Students who enroll in the program will have advisors helping them every step along the way towards earning their BSN. While most of the courses are delivered in 7-week segments, a few courses run on a 14-week schedule. New students are admitted into the program three times a year at the beginning of every fall, spring, and summer semester.
Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:
- The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus
- University Medical Center of El Paso
- Las Palmas Medical Center
Tuition:
Both residents and non-residents who enroll in the University of Texas-El Paso's program can expect to pay around $10,083 plus additional fees.
