With over 60,000 nursing professionals in Houston and more than 80 hospitals in Harris County, the city is a veritable healthcare mecca. Home to the world's largest medical complex, Texas Medical Center, nurses in Houston can work in this fast-paced environment and earn a quality education in the field. Along with hospitals, there are opportunities for nurses in physicians' offices, home healthcare settings, and nursing homes. The following page provides an in-depth look nursing schools and career opportunities in the Houston metro area.
The majority of nursing jobs in Houston belong to registered nurses (72 percent), followed by licensed vocational nurses (22 percent). While nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners each hold 3 percent of Houston nursing jobs, these categories are experiencing high-demand for growth.
| Task | Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 22.00% |
| Registered Nurses | 72.00% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 3.00% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 3.00% |
Source: Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
Nursing in Houston: By the Numbers
There are 60,620 nursing professionals working in the Houston area.
44.6% of all healthcare workers in Houston are nurses.
Although Houston nurses are employed in a variety of healthcare settings, many work in hospitals. UTHealth, which graduates more nurses than any other Houston nursing school, reports 63% of their MSN graduates work in hospitals. Other settings include physicians' offices, home healthcare settings, and nursing care facilities. Opportunities for nursing jobs in Houston are also available at colleges and universities.
Overall projected job growth for registered nurses is 26 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Texas is ranked second for employment of nurses in the country. As far as the outlook for nursing jobs in Houston, the Houston Chronicle reports continued growth with the expansion of local hospitals and health care facilities in the city.
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Houston Nurses: Average Salary
Nursing salaries are affected by both specialty area and geographical area. In Texas, nursing salaries are higher than the annual median salary for nurses nationwide. Furthermore, nurses in Houston earn higher annual median salaries than the state of Texas and the nation. The following chart allows users to compare annual median salaries for various nursing professions in Houston, Texas, and the country.
| Year | Houston | Texas | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $75,340 | $67,570 | $66,640 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $160,760 | $155,590 | $153,780 |
| Nurse Midwives | $100,330 | $102,550 | $96,970 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $106,240 | $100,270 | $95,350 |
| Licensed Vocational Nurses | $46,200 | $43,950 | $42,490 |
| All Occupations | $36,880 | $33,650 | $47,230 |
Source: Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014)
Houston Nursing Schools In-Depth
Nursing schools in Houston attract thousands of students each year. UT Health, one of the many Houston nursing schools, has more than 1,030 students currently enrolled. The big draw to Houston for nursing professionals is the opportunity to work at one of the more than 80 hospitals in the county.
Students at Houston nursing schools can earn a wide range of degrees, including certificates, bachelor's degrees, and graduate-level studies in nursing. Below are detailed profiles of four accredited nursing schools available to Houston students:
UTHealth was established in 1972 and now ranks in the top five percent of graduate nursing programs in the US by US News and World Report. Because its campus is located in the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center, nursing students have access to innovative resources and a fast-paced working environment. UTHealth offers several degree programs including two doctoral nursing degrees. Graduate-level students can choose to specialize in areas such as nurse anesthesia, adult gerontology, mental health, and family nurse practitioner. More than 1,030 students are currently enrolled at this Houston nursing school, which has graduated 9,639 nurses since 1972. Programs offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN-to-BSN
- Veteran's BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- BSN-to-DNP in Nurse Anesthesia
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Ph.D. in Nursing
San Jacinto College South offers several accredited nursing degree programs, all of which combine campus learning with direct patient care in hospitals and community agencies. The accelerated LVN-to-RN Transition Nursing is for LVNs who want to expand their practice to the associate degree nursing level at an academic pace. The nursing school of San Jacinto College South is recognized by the national accredited board in nursing, the ACEN. Programs offered
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- LVN/Paramedic-to-RN Transition Nursing
- Vocational Nursing Program (LVN)
- CNA Certificate
The Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing at the University of St. Thomas is minutes from the Texas Medical Center, offering proximity to advanced medical facilities. The school is home to the Nursing Success Center, developed with funding from a U.S. Department of Education grant for Title V Hispanic-serving institutions. The Nursing Success Center offers academic advising, peer mentoring, workshops, study groups and testing prep for the State Board Exam. Programs offered
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Chamberlain College of Nursing educates students online and at locations across the country, with a modern, accredited facility in Houston. The year-round BSN program allows students to enter the workforce in three years. Students participate in hands-on learning in the SIMCARE CENTER nursing laboratories and can react in real-time to simulated cardiac arrest, childbirth, and seizure scenarios. Programs offered
- BSN (3-year program)
- Online RN-to -SN
- Online MSN
Licensing Requirements and Professional Associations for Texas Nurses
In order to practice in Texas, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination and meet state licensing requirements. For nursing professionals in Houston, they are subject to the regulations of Texas and do not need to meet any city-specific requirements.
Nurses practicing in Houston can benefit from joining professional nursing associations that can help maintain and advance their careers. These associations provide nurses with continuing education opportunities, networking events, and options for liability insurance. Many associations are organized at the national or state level, with chapters in nursing hotspots like Houston.
To learn more about licensing requirements and professional nursing associations, visit our detailed page on nursing schools and programs in Texas.
Nursing Schools and Programs in Houston
These rankings include
#1 Nursing Schools & Programs in Houston
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate learners seeking competitive study should consider one of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's two bachelor's programs. Enrollees can choose from on-campus bachelor's degree programs or opt for remote study.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework throughout their program. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Based on their eligibility, students can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards.
#2 Nursing Schools & Programs in Houston
San Jacinto College-South Campus
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Campus
From its campus in Houston, San Jacinto College-South Campus supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. Learners can choose from in-person or online bachelor's degree programs. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the nursing field. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards.
#3 Nursing Schools & Programs in Houston
University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its main campus in Houston, the University of St. Thomas supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. Students can enroll in one of 37 campus-based bachelor's programs or opt for remote study. Regardless of modality, enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and peers, and a premier education.
Students benefit from foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. Degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, including scholarships and federal financial aid. According to the institution, 96% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#4 Nursing Schools & Programs in Houston
Chamberlain University-Texas
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Campus
Chamberlain University-Texas, a private college in Houston, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. The school supports both in-person and remote bachelor's degree programs. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the nursing field. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees receive guidance throughout their studies through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Based on their eligibility, students can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college boasts that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.