Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas: Reviewing Top Schools
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to become a registered nurse, an online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program in Texas can help you make the transition — and fast. This guide explores top ABSN programs in Texas, including tuition, admission requirements, curriculum details, and career prospects.
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Inside Popular ABSN Programs in Texas
Colleges and universities in Texas typically offer two types of online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs: first-degree ABSN programs and second-degree ABSN programs. Both pathways lead to the same learning outcomes but are tailored to students with different educational backgrounds.
First-degree accelerated BSN programs:
- Designed for students who have some college credits but have not yet earned a degree in any field
- Provide a fast-track option to a BSN without requiring prior nursing education
Second-degree accelereated ABSN programs:
- Intended for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- Focus solely on nursing-related courses as students have already completed general education coursework through their prior degree
In both programs, students can take classes on-campus, online, or hybrid (a mix of both). Though course components are typically delivered remotely, hands-on clinical training takes place at local hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare facilities.
Explore these online accelerated BSN programs in Texas to learn more about duration, admissions, curriculum, and costs.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech’s School of Nursing offers an accelerated second-degree nursing program. The fully accredited course of study leads to a BSN and prepares students to meet the unique challenges nurses face.
Features:
- Total of 61 credits are spread across three semesters
- Courses use flexible online technologies for maximum expediency
- Clinical rotations and other hands-on components occur at approved sites across the state
- Experienced clinical coaches and mentors are available to students for the duration of their studies
- Boasts an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 96.72%
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $222.43/credit for Texas residents, $632.43/credit for nonresidents
Admissions Requirements:
- Accredited bachelor’s degree
- 2.5 GPA
- Recent Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- 55 credits of general education prerequisites plus science prerequisites and medical terminology
- Certified nursing assistant credential
- Basic lifesaving certification
- In-person interview
- Criminal background check
Curriculum:
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Leadership Concepts in Nursing
- Health Promotion
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacological Concepts
- Perinatal Nursing
- Child Health Nursing
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Experiential Learning
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.
Features:
- Most classes run from three to 10 weeks
- Students participate in a two-week learning experience at Baylor’s main campus in Waco
- Practicum involves 720 hours of supervised clinical contact at an approved site
- Boasts an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 93.44%
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $68,100
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in any non-nursing field
- 52 prerequisite credits including courses in nutrition, developmental psychology, and microbiology
- 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, 2.75 GPA in science prerequisites
- Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
- Professional Development: Foundations for Practice
- Analysis and Synthesis of Complex Human Needs
- OB/GYN and Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
Concordia University Texas
If you want to help shape the future of healthcare, consider the 62-credit ABSN track at Concordia University Texas. No prior healthcare or nursing experience is required.
Features:
- Combines online coursework covering nursing fundamentals
- On-campus skills and simulation labs (Austin or Dallas campus)
- Clinical rotations in Austin or Dallas hospitals and healthcare facilities
- $10,000 Nursing Workforce Development Scholarship for incoming students
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $69,200
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA in prerequisite natural science courses
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Nursing admissions essay
- TEAS
- Basic life support
- Criminal background check
- Certified background check
- Drug screening
- Immunization and health requirements
Curriculum:
- Adult Health
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Professionalism in Nursing
- Maternal Newborn Theory
- Nursing Leadership and Management
Answers to Commons Questions About Texas ABSN Programs
Choosing an ABSN program in Texas is a big decision. So even though you’ve gathered lots of information, you probably still have multiple questions. To get you the answers you need, we’ve compiled the most common questions and answers to help you make a decision you’re comfortable with.
Can I earn my accelerated BSN degree completely online from a Texas university?
No; though accelerated BSN coursework may be delivered online, labs and clinical training are completed in person due to the hands-on nature of the profession. Plus, obtaining your RN license requires that you meet a certain number of in-person clinical hours. Clinical rotations are completed at facilities approved by the program.
How much do online BSN programs in Texas cost?
Tuition rates for online BSN programs in Texas vary widely and depend on several factors such as school type, residency, enrollment status, and time to completion.
Public colleges and universities generally offer the least expensive 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.
No matter which school you choose, be sure to ask about financial aid options and scholarships.
How long does it take to earn a BSN online in Texas?
It can take around 12 to 24 months to complete an online accelerated BSN program in Texas if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. For example, students at the University of St. Thomas Houston can earn their BSN in just 12 months.
Other factors influencing completion time include your enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), the school itself, and the type of program you choose.
What are the paths to becoming a nurse in Texas?
To become a nurse in Texas, you need to complete an accredited RN program, take and pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain a registered nurse license through the Texas Board of Nursing.
If you’re not sure if the ABSN path is right for you, pause to weigh the differences between RN, associate degree, and BSN programs. If you’re already in the nursing field, look for an LPN to BSN or RN to BSN program; you’ll even find some that don’t require prerequisites.
Expert Insight
You may be aware that you can become a nurse with either an associate degree in nursing or a BSN. This is true. If you’re torn between the two, consider this: Though earning an associate degree takes less time, a bachelor’s degree will generally lead to more pay and job security. However, if you choose an associate’s degree, you can always go back to school for a BSN later.
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. Well-regarded nursing programs in Texas typically hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Verify that your program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), which is responsible for nursing licensure in the state. The BON publishes a list of formal education requirements and a directory of approved programs.
Why Choose Nursing as Your Next Career Path in Texas
By completing an ABSN program in Texas, you can quickly enter the nursing field and look forward to strong salaries, stable employment opportunities, and a real chance to make a difference. Explore these reasons for earning a BSN and joining the nursing workforce in Texas:
- Demand: Nurses are in demand in Texas and across the nation. By 2032, the state will need 34,130 new RNs — an increase of 14.6%.
- Salary potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for a Texas RN is $90,210 or $43.37/hour.
- Career mobility: From various specialties to multiple work settings and population groups, nursing flourishes with opportunity. Registered nurses can work in adult health, pediatrics, and home care, among others.
- Personal fulfillment: Texas is the second most populated state. As an RN, You can make a positive impact in the lives of many Texas residents.
