Best Online RN to MSN Programs in Texas for 2027 (No BSN Required)
If you’re a Texas RN without a bachelor’s degree, why not reach toward a master’s instead? This guide introduces the top online RN to MSN programs in Texas, with information on specializations, costs, admissions requirements, online delivery formats, and much more. Find the program that’s right for you.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Healthcare Education Editorial Healthcare Education
Healthcare Education Nursing Advanced Nursing
Nursing Nursing Ed.Understanding Online RN to MSN Programs in Texas
There are many benefits to earning an MSN. First and foremost, having a nursing master’s opens doors to nursing leadership and advanced specialized clinical practice roles. And with these roles come higher salaries and more job opportunities.
It’s important to understand that “online” means different things for different programs. That’s why it’s critical to pay close attention to exactly how programs deliver their online content. The most important elements to look for are:
- Fully- vs. partially-online: Programs in non-clinical specialties may be presented entirely online, but might include some in-person practicum components. All clinically-focused programs include clinical practice experiences that require in-person attendance at a healthcare facility.
- Synchronous vs. asynchronous: Online content may be delivered synchronously (students log on and participate in live-streamed sessions at specifically-scheduled times) or asynchronously (students can access and complete course requirements at any time.)
To help you better understand how programs incorporate these elements, here are profiles of three current online RN to MSN programs in Texas. We’ve also included information on specialty options, curriculum content, admission requirements, and program costs and lengths.
University of Texas at Tyler
The Online RN to MSN Bridge program at the University of Texas in Tyler is designed with working nurses in mind, allowing students to prepare for advanced careers healthcare organizations in clinical leadership, education, and administration while maintaining their current jobs.
Students choose one of three specialty tracks:
- Administration
- Education
- Informatics, Quality and Safety
All didactic coursework is delivered and completed 100% online. Hands-on practicum experiences are attended in-person at local community healthcare and education facilities.
The program additionally features one of the most affordable tuition costs found among comparable online RN to MSN programs in Texas and throughout the U.S.
Both full-time and part-time study options are available. A BSN degree is not awarded as part of this bridge program.
Duration: 2 1/2 to 3 years (full-time); 3 to 4 years (part-time). Programs lengths also vary depending on chosen specialty track.
Mode: Hybrid (Online didactic coursework with in-person practicum components)
Cost: $26,000 (total tuition)
Admissions Requirements:
- ADN or nursing diploma
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework
- Current resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Admissions essay or statement of purpose
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- CPR certification
Curriculum:
RN Courses
- Pathophsyiology
- Health Assessment for Registered Nurses
- Professional Development for the Registered Nurse
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Wellness and Health Promotion
- Care Coordination for the Registered Nurse
- Community and Population Focused Nursing
- Nursing Leadership and Management
MSN Administration Track
- Translational Science I & II
- Health Policy and Population Health
- Health Care Informatics
- Organizational and Systems Leadership
- Leadership in Healthcare
- Legal, Regulatory, and Financial Management
- Delivery of Care
- Capstone Project
MSN Education Track
- Translational Science I & II
- Health Policy and Population Health
- Health Care Informatics
- Organizational and Systems Leadership
- Nursing Education Curriculum
- Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Nursing Education Roles/Strategies
- Integrated Adv Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology
- Capstone Project
MSN Informatics, Quality and Safety Track
- Translational Science I & II
- Health Policy and Population Health
- Health Care Informatics
- Organizational and Systems Leadership
- Healthcare Informatics 21st Century
- Informatics Quality, Safety
- Data Analysis Healthcare Technology
- Informatics Capstone
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington offers several online RN to MSN specialty options, including this RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Online program.
The FNP track prepares graduates to work within healthcare systems and as independent providers managing the primary healthcare needs of individual patients and their families across the entire life span.
The curriculum combines fully-online coursework with in-person clinicals attended at program-approved practice sites in the student’s local area.
Students first complete RN to BSN bridge coursework and are awarded a BSN degree, then enter the accelerated MSN course of study. The entire program can be completed in as few as 42 months.
Other online RN to MSN specialty tracks offered at UTA include:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing
Duration: As few as 42 months. Both full-time and part-time options are available.
Mode: Hybrid (Online didactic coursework with in-person clinicals)
Cost: $38,308 (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
RN to BSN Courses
- Holistic Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Holistic Care of Older Adults
- RN to BSN Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
- Role Transition to Professional Nursing
- Health Policy and Legal Aspects of Professional Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Care of Vulnerable Populations Across the Lifespan
- Capstone Course
Family Nurse Practitioner Courses
- Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing
- Advanced Pathophysiology (NURSG)
- Advanced Pharmacology (NURSG)
- Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
- Adult-Gerontology Assessment Lab
- Pediatric Assessment Lab
- Role of the Nurse in Advanced Practice
- Principles of Research in Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice
- FNP I, II & III
- Clinical Practice I & II
- Clinical Practice II
- Family NP Advanced Practicum
Lamar University
Students earn both their BSN and MSN degrees in Lamar University’s Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Online program. Students choose one of two tracks:
- MSN in Administration
- MSN in Education
Both tracks save students time and money be requiring nine fewer credit hours when compared to completing separate RN to BSN and MSN programs.
All didactic coursework is presented 100% online. However, students in either track must complete in-person practicum experiences in an appropriate healthcare or education setting.
Career options for graduates include:
- Certified Nurse Educator
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Executive Nurse Leader
- Public Health Nurse
Duration: As few as 36 months full-time. Part-time options available.
Mode: Hybrid (Fully-online coursework with in-person practicum requirements)
Cost: $27,320 (total tuition and university fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- Official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities attended
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
BSN Completion Courses
- Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
- Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
- Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States
- Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management in the Healthcare System
MSN Core Courses
- Theoretical Foundations
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy
- Evidence-Based Project I & II
MSN Administration Track
- Population Health for Advanced Nursing Roles
- Business Principles for Nurse Leaders
- Nurse Leader Practicum I & II
- Role Development for Nurse Administrators
- Strategic Plan in Healthcare Delivery
- Health Information Systems for Nurse Leaders
- Quality Resource Management for Nurse Leaders
MSN Education Track
- Education Practicum I & II
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Role Development and Learning/Teaching Theories
- Curriculum Design
- Measurement & Evaluation
FAQs About Texas RN to MSN Online Programs
The profiles above provide a birds-eye view of how RN to MSN programs operate, but they’ve likely raised a number of questions as well. To help fill in some important details, here are the answers to five questions frequently asked by prospective Texas RN to MSN students.
What can I do with an MSN in Texas?
For a registered nurse, earning an MSN degree is all about career advancement into higher-paying leadership positions in nursing administration and management and specialized clinical practice. Here’s a look at some of the most popular career options in Texas you can pursue with your MSN:
Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology
- Family Health
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
Non-clinical roles
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
- Public Health/Policy
Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?
That depends on the particular program you choose.
Examples of Texas schools with programs that award both BSN and MSN degrees include Houston Christian University and Texas A&M International University, as well as the University of Texas at Arlington and Lamar University (both profiled above).
Examples of Texas online RN to MSN programs that do not award a BSN include those at the University of Texas at Tyler (profiled above) and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.
What will I learn in an RN to MSN program in Texas?
There are three basic components to RN to MSN curriculums that together provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the specialized area of practice chosen:
- Undergraduate-level coursework: Consisting of courses in nursing topics that normally make up the curriculum content of BSN programs not covered by nursing diploma and ADN programs. Examples of common topics include nursing research and evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and advocacy, and professional role development.
- MSN core coursework: Foundational graduate-level courses covering topics important to all MSN students regardless of chosen specialty. Typical topics covered include advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health policy.
- MSN specialty coursework: Courses covering the topics that prepare you for practice in your chosen specialty (FNP, Family Health CNS, Nursing Education, etc.).
Expert Insight
During your program, you will also learn how to apply everything you have learned to practice, whether that’s with patients in a clinical role, students in an educator role, or staff in an administrative role. You’ll either complete clinical/practicum hours or work on projects.
How much do RN to MSN programs in Texas cost?
The total costs for online RN to MSN programs in Texas run from just under $20,000 to $40,000 or more. These figures place Texas near the top of the list of states with the most affordable RN to MSN online programs in the nation.
There are a number of factors impacting program costs, including:
- Specialty: Programs in clinically-focused specialties tend cost more due to longer program lengths and the inclusion of substantial clinical practice requirements.
- Public vs. private school: Private colleges almost always charge higher tuition rates than public colleges.
- Student’s state residency: It’s common for public colleges and universities in Texas to charge higher tuition rates to non-Texas residents. There are, however, some online RN to MSN programs in the state that charge the same low in-state rate to all students, regardless of residence.
Keep in mind that, on top of tuition, your total program price tag will include the costs of program fees, books and materials, etc. And don’t forget to factor in any financial aid resources you obtain that lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get my RN to MSN online in Texas?
Absolutely. There are several quality, accredited online program options available from some of the best colleges and universities in the state. The key is finding the one that best suits your academic needs, career goals, and study preferences — which hopefully this guide helps you do.
If you’ve read this far, you’ve gained a solid understanding of how online RN to MSN programs in Texas operate. Now it’s time to put together your list of potential program choices. And you can start by reviewing our program rankings.
Texas RN vs. MSN: Comparing Salary and Career Trends
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | RNs | $67,120 | $95,970 | $127,950 |
| NPs | $96,880 | $131,670 | $161,980 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
| Area | Occupation | Curr.Jobs | Proj.Jobs | NewJobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann.Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | RNs | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| NPs | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central
