Texas ADN Programs Online: Choosing a School

Inside Top ADN Programs in Texas

The demand for nursing professionals in Texas is higher than ever. As one of the largest states in the U.S., Texas is home to more than 500 community hospitals, representing roughly 10 percent of all such facilities nationwide.

Community and junior colleges across the state are helping fill this need through associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, which help prepare students to become RNs in about two years. While fully online ADN programs aren’t available due to clinical and simulation lab requirements, many schools offer online coursework combined with in-person clinical training for added flexibility.

Below, we’ve highlighted three popular ADN programs in Texas with online components. See if one of these schools has what you need to succeed.

FAQ Corner: Online ADN Programs in TX

While you research potential ADN programs, you’ll probably develop plenty of questions before applying to schools. Below, we lay out students’ most pressing questions about program timelines, paying for school, and admission tips for prospective online ADN students in Texas.

How long does it take to complete an online ADN program in Texas?

In general, it takes two years to earn your ADN in Texas. Since it’s an associate-level degree, you’ll need to take some general education courses before starting on your nursing courses. Altogether, you’ll earn around 60 college credits by the time you graduate, which takes two years of full-time study at most schools.

If you need to go to school part-time, expect to spend three to four years earning a degree. Some schools offer accelerated options that allow you to complete theoretical coursework at a faster pace, but keep in mind that you’ll still need to set aside time for clinicals.

How much does an online ADN cost in TX?

The total cost depends on several factors, including your residency status, the school you choose, and if you study online vs. on-campus. In general, public schools cost less than private schools, and community colleges offer a more affordable way to get ADN.

Many Texas community colleges have affordable tuition for residents of the district or county where the school is located; for example, Tarrant County College charges just $74/credit for county residents. Texas residents enjoy slightly higher in-state tuition rates, while out-of-state residents can expect to pay about $300/credit to get an ADN.

Is financial aid available to students of Texas’ ADN programs?

Yes, financial aid is available to ADN students in Texas. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state grants, subsidized loans, or scholarships to lower the cost of your education.

The Texas Organization for Associate Degree Nursing offers multiple scholarships to students getting their ADN. Local hospitals and nursing homes often offer scholarships to students who commit to working at their facilities post-graduation.

Private foundations, professional associations, and schools also offer assistance to promising students. You may also find assistance from potential employers like hospitals or nursing homes.

Can I complete my ADN entirely online in Texas?

Unfortunately, you won’t find any totally online ADN programs in Texas. Becoming an RN takes an extensive amount of hands-on work, making it difficult to learn what you truly need to know to be a registered nurse solely through online learning. At a minimum, you’ll need to do clinical rotations in person at local healthcare facilities.

However, many programs allow ADN students to complete academic coursework online, reserving in-person learning to on-campus simulated labs, exams, and clinical rotations.

What should I consider when looking for an online ADN program in TX?

Accreditation is the most important aspect of any ADN program. Ensuring your program is accredited by a regional or national accreditor, such as the American Association of Colleges on Nursing (AACN) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), means your degree meets industry-wide quality and educational standards.

Next, consider a school’s opportunities for clinical experiences — hands-on experience is important for your future career and a standard feature of any quality ADN. Look for diverse clinical experiences, so you can get a feel for which types of patients you’d like to work with.

Third, look for high NCLEX-RN pass rates, which indicate a school prepares graduates for licensure success.

Salary & Career Info for ADN Nurses in Texas

Earning an ADN is an affordable and relatively quick path to jumping into a high-demand and high-paying career in health care. Texas is facing a severe nursing shortage, and demand for RNs is projected to grow by 29.6% by 2036. You’ll see that demand reflected in job opportunities and pay at hospitals, in healthcare systems, and in physicians’ offices throughout the state.

In Texas, RNs earn anywhere from $64,580 to $115,740, with the average nurse earning about $85,110 per year. That’s higher than the country-wide average RN salary of $86,070. However, keep in mind that not every RN will earn the average salary—and only the top 10% of earners take home the top end of the pay bracket. Nurse salaries cover a wide range, depending on location, experience, specialty, and other factors.

Top Picks: Online ADN Programs in Texas

By now, you’re probably wondering which school is best for getting your online ADN in Texas. To help you with your search, we’ve done comprehensive research and ranked the best schools based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We’ve evaluated them on the availability of online programs, tuition costs, percentage of students receiving scholarships (and the average amount of aid awarded), and student/faculty ratio. Below, you’ll find our results and picks for the best online ADN programs in Texas.