Best Nursing Schools and Programs in Texas 2020

Texas is home to not only one of the largest nursing industries in the country, but also one of the fastest growing. A report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that 27 percent of the state’s projected 438,000 health care job openings are expected to be in nursing roles. This number, which is set to be reached between 2010 and 2020, equates to nearly 119,000 new positions, making nursing a promising option for anyone looking to help others in the health care field. Learn more about nursing careers, nursing schools in Texas, and licensing requirements to practice in the state.

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By Staff Writer

Published on October 23, 2020

The nursing profession attracts individuals who wish to pursue a career helping people live healthier and more active lives. The demand for highly trained and skilled nurses continues to grow, partially due to an aging U.S. population. In addition, many nurses are of retirement age themselves.

Nursing students can pursue several educational tracks to become a licensed nurse. Diploma or certificate nursing programs usually take 1-3 years to complete, while associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing take two and four years, respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth rate between 2019-2029 for jobs in this sector, faster than the overall national average. Nursing degree-holders can expect to enter a job market poised for growth with plenty of opportunities for career advancement.

This guide includes a list of some of the best nursing schools in Texas, selected and ranked according to factors including accreditation, retention and graduation rates, financial assistance, and specialization areas.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Nursing?

All states require nursing graduates to be licensed before they can work as nurses. Students who complete a diploma or certificate in nursing sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for practical nurses, or the NCLEX-PN. Graduates of a two-year associate or a four-year bachelor's degree take the exam for registered nurses, or the NCLEX-RN.

A broad and complex professional arena, nursing offers several specialization areas that often require additional years of study and experience. Some specializations put nurses in clinical settings, interacting directly with patients and being actively involved in their care. Other specializations qualify nurses for leadership positions, whether as program or facility administrators, nurse educators, or even in private practice.

Pursuing an advanced credential in a niche nursing field presents one as a trained and learned practitioner in that field, without limiting their ability to assume responsibilities in general nursing positions.

Graduate Degree Options for a Career in Nursing

There is no shortage of postgraduate academic options for nurses who want to increase their knowledge and improve their skills. Accredited colleges and universities offer some of the top-ranked on-campus and online nursing programs in Texas. Graduate program options for nurses include master of science degrees, doctorate in nursing practice, and doctor of philosophy in nursing programs.

Several top nursing schools in Texas offer advanced nursing certificate programs in diverse specialty areas including pediatric nursing, ambulatory care, psychiatric nursing, and pediatric care. Some programs offer certification programs for nursing subspecialties in fields like holistic nursing, occupational health, wound care, and ICU nursing, to name just a few.

Accreditation for a Degree in Nursing

Higher education accreditation refers to the process that colleges and universities undergo to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality education. It involves recognized accrediting agencies evaluating a school's academic offerings and overall institutional integrity. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) act as project overseers.

Nonprofit, degree-oriented institutions often seek regional accreditation, while career-focused vocational and sectarian schools usually seek national accreditation. Regional accreditors typically adhere to stricter standards throughout the accreditation process. However, ED and CHEA hold national accrediting agencies to industry-recognized standards as well, so students enrolled in nationally accredited schools earn a recognized degree.

Some accreditors focus on specific programs within a school. In the nursing field, ED and CHEA recognize the Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing to be the main accrediting agencies.

FAQ

Questions	Answers
Can you become an RN in a year?	No. A diploma or certificate program, usually 1-3 years in length, qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN, which leads to a licensed practice nurse designation (LPN), not a RN designation.
How many years does it take to get a RN degree?	It is important to note that an RN is a license and not a degree. Completing a two-year associate or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN test, which leads to licensure as an RN.
What is the yearly salary for a RN?	According to data from the BLS, RNs earned an annual median salary of $73,300 in 2019.
How do I start a career in nursing?	Begin by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the licensing exam that corresponds to the level of education you completed -- the NCLEX-PN for a diploma or certificate program or the NCLEX-RN for an associate or bachelor's degree.

Admission requirements for a bachelor's program in nursing vary greatly among schools. Generally, most schools require a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, a passing score on the SAT or ACT, and some level of community involvement. More competitive colleges may require higher GPA and SAT/ACT scores in addition to the completion of relevant science coursework.

Graduation requirements for the BSN often include completing an internship or practicum. Culminating activities for the degree also vary. Common options include completing a capstone project, writing a thesis, or taking and passing a comprehensive exam.

Courses in a Nursing Program

Understandably, nursing coursework emphasizes science-based classes. However, many nursing programs also require students to enroll in psychology and communication courses as well.

The courses included in the list below represent a sample of classes commonly included in many nursing programs.

Anatomy and Physiology: The course provides nursing students with the fundamental structure and outline of the different functions and systems of the body, including the skeletal, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Students develop a firm grasp of anatomic terminology and a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works. This knowledge helps them assess and monitor a patient's medical condition, implement effective treatment protocols, and restore equilibrium.
Chemistry: Nurses need a broad understanding of chemistry to administer medication, identify illness symptoms, and anticipate possible adverse reactions. Most nursing programs include coursework in general-level chemistry, which teaches the different types of elements and compounds, chemical equations, and thermochemistry. A multi-semester course in chemistry may also cover aspects of biochemistry, basic pharmacology, and organic chemistry.
Health and Nutrition: Topics covered in nutrition typically include proper diet for maintaining good health, the health risks of poor diet and lifestyle choices, and how certain medical conditions can be controlled or even treated through a nutritious diet. Students examine the relationship between proper nutrition and good health and learn how to use a healthy daily diet as a preventive measure against illnesses.
Microbiology: Students learn about the biochemical characteristics of microorganisms and how they adapt to different types of medication and therapies. This knowledge helps nurses to maintain a healthy environment safe for both patients and medical practitioners. A microbiology course also teaches students about diseases and the latest advances in biotechnology.
Community Health Nursing: Students gain a broader understanding of the nursing profession outside a hospital environment. The course guides enrollees in developing a holistic approach to patient care by exploring a myriad of issues including socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and cultural beliefs. Students study a variety of interventions targeting individuals, families, and groups within specific geographical areas. Enrollees learn how to communicate and educate different communities about disease prevention and health maintenance.

Certifications and Licensure for Nursing Majors

All nurses must obtain a license before they can practice. States regulate and monitor nursing practice within their jurisdiction as a way of protecting patients and maintaining the integrity of the profession. States usually have a nursing board oversee the licensure process. Nurses who wish to specialize in a particular nursing arena or qualify for senior or leadership positions often obtain certification granted by recognizing nursing organizations.

Registered Nurse: An RN license requires applicants to complete an accredited nursing program, which can either be a two-year associate or a four-year bachelor's degree. All states use the NCLEX-RN as the standard licensure exam. Other RN licensure requirements vary among states with some requiring a criminal background check and self-disclosure involving relevant professional, legal, and medical issues.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: Administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, the CRNA credential qualifies nurses to administer anesthesia to patients scheduled for surgery. Most states require applicants to complete a master's degree (or higher) from an accredited nurse anesthetist program, hold a valid RN license, and have at least one year of professional experience in critical care.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Certification: The FNP certification requires candidates to hold a master's or doctoral degree and show completion of 500 supervised clinical hours. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies and Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification administers the FNP certification, which remains valid for five years. Renewal requirements typically include completion of continuing education units and an unencumbered RN license.
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Professional Organizations for Nursing Students

Professional organizations provide members with numerous benefits including networking, collaboration, mentoring opportunities, continuing education units, and professional development options. Members keep one another informed about the latest research findings in their field through conferences, newsletters, and online discussion groups. The four nursing organizations below represent a small sample of professional associations for nurses.

Academy of Medical — Surgical Nurses

A 13,000-member organization, AMSN is the only nursing association dedicated to serving the needs of nurses practicing in the medical-surgical field. It administers the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse exam, ensuring the knowledge and skills of nursing practitioners in this field are current and consistently applied.

American Association of Critical Care Nurses

AACN holds national and local conferences throughout the year that give members the chance to learn about the latest research findings and policy changes impacting their field. The association administers several critical care certifications accredited by the American Board for Specialty Nursing Certification or the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. AACN provides professional development resources and programs, as well as more than 300 continuing education options for its members.

American Nurses Association

ANA administers several industry-recognized certifications through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, including nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist certifications. The association offers professional development opportunities and maintains an exclusive online career center for its members. ANA keeps members informed of current issues, research findings, and regulatory policies in the nursing field through print and online publications.

The National League for Nursing

Founded in 1893 as the first nursing organization in the country, NLN currently includes individual and institutional members involved in nursing education. It offers funding in terms of various research grants, several professional development and continuing education options, and testing services. A members-only career center provides employment and collaboration opportunities.

Scholarships for Nursing Students

Nursing students enrolled in an accredited nursing program can find a variety of financial assistance options. In an attempt to address the critical need for nursing practitioners in almost every healthcare arena, colleges and universities, federal agencies, and private professional organizations offer an array of funding opportunities. The five scholarships presented below are a good place to start.

AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund: Who Can Apply: Nursing students enrolled in an AACN-member school can apply for this scholarship opportunity. The program welcomes applicants pursuing a nursing degree at any level, but gives special consideration to graduate students enrolled in a nurse educator program and students pursuing an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN degree.
Amount: $2,500 per quarter
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American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Scholarships: Who Can Apply: AAOHN offers several scholarship opportunities for nurses pursuing a career in the occupational and environmental health field. The association offers professional development, leadership, and research scholarships. Application requirements for each scholarship program vary; however, applicants must be licensed occupational and environmental health nurses.
Amount: $1,500-$2,500
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American Holistic Nurses Association Research Grant: Who Can Apply: AHNA requires applicants to be members of the organization for at least one year before applying. Applicants must submit a proposal describing their research objectives and how their work relates to the practice of holistic nursing. AHNA only accepts applications from nurses enrolled in an accredited doctoral program.
Amount: $5,000
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ENA Foundation Scholarships: Who Can Apply: The Emergency Nurses Association accepts applications from students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, master's, or doctoral nursing program. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their most recently completed or current program. ENA only reviews applications from members of good standing.
Amount: Varies
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National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship Programs: Who Can Apply: Active NAHN members of Hispanic descent enrolled in an accredited nursing program can apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and a history of involvement in the Hispanic community. The program welcomes applications from students pursuing an LPN/LVN, associate, undergraduate, or graduate nursing program.
Amount: Varies
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