Written By
Blake Huggins
- Bio
last updated
As the need for nurses in Texas continues to grow, many are wanting to switch into the field as fast as possible. To quickly gain the job security, earning potential, and community impact that nursing provides, students can earn an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). For added flexibility, Texas universities have set up online accelerated BSN programs.
Nursing students attending accelerated online BSN programs in Texas receive the same rigorous training and education as students in traditional programs. They are required to complete the same number of clinical, lab, and credit hours, provided they choose an accredited program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), but they do so in a fraction of the time.
If you’re ready to become a nurse in the next one to two years, this guide can provide insight on available programs and answer any questions regarding tuition rates and licensure requirements. Dive into your next pursuit by examining our collection of top Texas BSN programs for the 2023-2024 academic year.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX | Public | $ | 1 | The Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Texas at Arlington (also offered in a campus-based format) provides students with experiences at a variety of acute care facilities and community agencies to prepare them to beecome competent, self-directed practitioners capable of assuming responsibility and leadership. By the end of the program, students will be ready to sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Acceptance to the program is highly competitive. Program Highlights: Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
Online Student %63% |
|||
| 2 | University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio, TX | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | At the University of the Incarnate World, students with a non-nursing background can complete the online-based accelerated nursing track in just 16 months. The program’s online didactic coursework offers some flexibility to the otherwise rigourous degree program, which must be completed full-time. Over the course of the program, students complete hands-on lab and clinical experiences that complement their classroom instruction and receive a values-based education focused on treating patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits that prepares them to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Program Highlights: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %54% |
Popular Accelerated Online BSN Programs in Texas
When looking for an accelerated BSN program in Texas, it can be tricky to find flexible programs with online components. To help, we researched the various online BSN programs offered in accelerated formats and have featured some of our most popular finds below.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech’s School of Nursing offers an accelerated second-degree nursing program designed for completion in as few as 12 months. The fully-accredited course of study leads to a BSN degree and prepares students to meet the unique challenges nurses face in the healthcare field. It requires completion of 61 credit hours spread across three semesters. Potential course topics include basic nursing skills, clinical foundations, evidence-based practice, and pharmacology. The program boasts an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96.72%.
The program delivers academic courses using flexible online technologies for maximum expediency and accommodation. Clinical rotations and other hands-on components take place at approved sites across the state. Texas Tech’s team of experienced clinical coaches and mentors remain available to all students for the duration of the program. Qualified applicants need an accredited bachelor’s degree and recent Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results. They must also satisfy course prerequisites and complete American Heart Association BLS certification before entering the program. An in-person interview is also required.
Baylor University
Working professionals with a relevant bachelor’s degree can earn an accelerated BSN online at Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing. The 62-credit program offers intensive, full-time training that uses a blend of online instruction, clinical experiences, and interactive hybrid learning modules. Most classes vary in length from three to 10 weeks and cover vital subjects like healthcare policy and contemporary issues, foundations for nursing practice, and therapeutic communication.
Once online coursework is complete, students participate in a two-week visit to Baylor’s main campus in Waco. This experience supports in-person learning and prepares candidates for clinical placements in the field. The practicum requirement involves 720 hours of clinical contact at an approved site with supervision from expert practitioners and faculty. Prerequisites for Baylor’s program include courses in nutrition, developmental psychology, and microbiology. Prospective applicants need a competitive GPA and must successfully complete the Health Education Systems Incorporated exam, a precursor to the NCLEX-RN test required for licensure. The NCLEX-RN pass rate for Baylor nursing students is 93.44%.
Types of Accelerated Online BSN Programs in Texas
Colleges and universities in Texas typically offer two different types of online accelerated BSN options: the standard, or first-earned bachelor’s degree, and the second-earned bachelor’s degree. Both types support the same learning outcomes but cater to different students with varying levels of background and education.
Standard Accelerated BSN
The standard accelerated BSN program is designed for students who haven’t previously earned an associate or diploma program in nursing but may have earned previous college credits. As a result, some programs require a significant number of undergraduate transfer credits prior to admission. For example, the University of Texas at Arlington requires at least 70 transferable credits in general education areas in order to apply. Alternatively, other programs like the one at Texas A&M Corpus Christi admit transfer students as well as new students without previous credit. Students in the latter category enroll as pre-nursing majors on a four-year plan and begin BSN instruction once they complete the school’s core curriculum.
Second-Degree BSN for Non-Nurses
These programs admit aspiring nursing professionals with previous academic experience, typically a bachelor’s degree earned at an accredited institution. Previous degrees can be in any non-nursing discipline, making this an ideal option for those looking to make a career change. Texas Tech and Baylor University both offer this program and admit students with any degree that satisfies course prerequisites. These programs can be completed faster than the standard option because most students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree do not need to complete core courses in general education. Instead, they can focus on intensive nursing instruction in targeted nursing areas.
FAQs About Online BSN Programs in Texas
Can I earn my accelerated BSN degree completely online from a Texas university?
There are few, if any, fully online accelerated BSN programs in Texas. Instead, most use a hybrid format where all coursework is delivered online and labs and clinicals are completed in-person. In online courses, students use interactive tools and watch pre-recorded or live lectures. Some courses will have an in-person component, especially if labs are required for the course. Because nursing is such a practice-oriented field, many schools strive to prepare their students for the rigors of hands-on work by requiring components that cannot be replicated online.
In-person components include clinical rotations and labs. Some programs may offer online simulations for lab experiences, but almost all accelerated BSN programs administer a practicum that involves in-person requirement that must be completed on-campus. Students must also complete clinical rotations at a school-affiliated facility. If you already work in a clinical environment, you may be able to integrate your work into the clinical requirement, depending on the school.
How much do online BSN programs in Texas cost?
Tuition rates for online BSN programs in Texas vary widely and depend on several key factors like school type, residency and enrollment status, and time to completion. Public colleges and universities generally offer the cheapest options, but many charge higher rates for out-of-state residents, even for online programs. Private, nonprofit institutions sometimes offer flat rate options regardless of where you live but tend to be more expensive on average. We’ve listed a few examples below to give you a clear picture of what to expect in terms of cost.
Texas A&M University
at Corpus Christi
Total Credits: 50
$354.34/credit (in-state); $771.35/credit (out-of-state)
University of St.
Thomas Houston
Total Credits: 58
$1,100/credit (all students)
How long does it take to earn a BSN online in Texas?
The time is takes to complete your BSN varies, depending on if you enroll in a traditional accelerated BSN program or the second-degree BSN option. Students who take the traditional route and do not have any transfer credits usually take the longest, up to four years of full-time study. Those with eligible transfer credits fall somewhere in the middle and may finish in two years or less, depending on their enrollment status. Second-degree programs offer the quickest path to completion. For example, students at the University of St. Thomas Houston can earn their BSN in as few as 12 months.
What’s required to get into an online BSN program in Texas?
While admission criteria can fluctuate in these highly competitive programs, most schools in Texas follow a similar process. Prospective applicants to online BSN programs in Texas should expect to provide the following materials.
- Official transcripts for any previous academic study indicating a competitive GPA.
- A professional resume outlining relevant work experience.
- Recent Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) results.
- Recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results, if necessary.
- Proof of completion of any course prerequisites required by the program.
- Written responses to any required essays and letters of recommendation.
In addition, applicants to a second-degree accelerated BSN program must demonstrate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution. Some programs may also require certified nursing assistant training (CNA) as well.
How do I know if an accelerated online Texas BSN program is of high quality?
Proper accreditation and state approval are the best indicators of a solid, high-quality online BSN program in Texas. Interested students should first make sure that the school administering the program maintains accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Well-regarded nursing programs in Texas typically hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Verify that your program is approved by the Texas State Board of Nursing (BON). The board is responsible for nurse licensure in the state. The BON publishes a list of formal education requirements and a directory of approved programs.
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