Online BSN Programs in Texas: Degree Details for Students
Find top-rated in-person and online BSN nursing programs in Texas that can help you become a first-time nurse or improve your earnings power and career prospects as a current nurse.
As the demand for healthcare services continues rising across Texas and the rest of the country, Texas nursing schools are stepping up to meet the need for highly qualified registered nurses through their bachelor’s degree nursing programs. If you’re interested in becoming an BSN educated nurse in Texas, this guide is for you, whether you’re a current LVN or RN ready for more responsibilities and higher salary potential, or you’re looking to become a registered nurse without any previous nursing experience.
Keep reading to find top accredited BSN nursing programs in Texas near you, understand what to look for in a quality program, and learn more about nursing employment and salary trends in Texas.
Ranking of the Top Online BSN Programs in Texas
Nursing is an inherently hands-on profession, so online BSN programs in Texas are not fully online. Instead, some are hybrid programs that allow students to complete classwork online but still require in-person clinicals. During clinicals, nursing students work with patients in a medical setting, such as a local hospital, while under the supervision of an experienced nurse and nurse preceptor (i.e., a clinical nurse instructor). Before working in an actual clinical setting, students spend time practicing their skills in simulation labs on or close to campus.
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Public
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Public
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Public
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, Texas
Public
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas
Public
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas
Private
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Private
Texas A & M International University
Laredo, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Public
Schreiner University
Kerrville, Texas
Private
Weatherford College
Weatherford, Texas
Public
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Belton, Texas
Private
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Galveston, Texas
Public
Explore Other Online BSN Programs in Texas
Popular Accredited BSN Programs in TX
While the number of Texas BSN programs makes it convenient for students to find the right program for them, it can also be overwhelming to make sure you’re choosing the true right one. To help you continue in your nursing school search, we’ve identified three more popular, state-approved BSN programs in Texas. Each school below is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in Texas
A BSN is not required to become a registered nurse in Texas. In fact, many RNs often only have an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Generally speaking, it takes roughly half the time to earn an ADN as it does a BSN. So why spend the extra money and time to earn a BSN? Consider the following key benefits.
Benefit #1
Greater Potential for Professional Growth
Most entry-level registered nurse positions accept applicants with either a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing. However, if a registered nurse aspires to advance into an RN position with supervisory responsibilities or wants to eventually teach future nurses in academia, a BSN makes the process easier and faster.
Benefit #2
Become a Highly Sought-After Professional
Most states have a dire shortage of registered nurses, and many nursing students receive multiple job offers before graduation. Additionally, most states have reciprocity agreements with other states that allow a relatively seamless transition in nursing practice when moving from one state to another.
Benefit #3
Make a Difference by Helping Others
Nursing jobs are in demand, pay well, and provide almost guaranteed opportunities to improve people’s lives. BSN program graduates don’t necessarily need to start working directly with patients in a hospital once they’re done with their training. However, the opportunity is there for the taking.
Program Checklist: Qualities to Look for in a BSN Program in Texas
The demand for registered nurses in Texas is among the highest of all 50 states. To help meet this demand, there are many accredited and board-approved traditional and online BSN programs available in Texas. Look for certain program characteristics when choosing the right one.
Types of BSN Programs in Texas
Traditional BSN
The traditional BSN program is for students with no prior nursing training or post-secondary academic experience. It usually takes four years or eight semesters of full-time study. The first two years are usually spent completing prerequisites and general education credits, and the nursing curriculum takes about two additional years to complete.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN
The accelerated BSN program results in a BSN in two years or less. To finish this quickly, incoming students usually need a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This academic pathway is a perfect choice for professionals seeking a new career as an RN.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN
The RN to BSN academic track allows current registered nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Most students start with an associate degree in nursing and want to obtain a bachelor’s degree with access to greater opportunities for professional advancement, especially in terms of leadership.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
LVN to BSN Programs
This program is for those who already have bachelor’s degrees and are licensed practical nurses (LPN) but want to become RNs. This program is ideal for students who wish to continue working as LPNs while earning their degrees.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
Online BSN Programs in Texas
Any accredited BSN program requires certain hands-on requirements in the form of supervised practicums or clinicals. However, there are also plenty of classroom curriculum requirements that can easily be completed through distance learning. Hybrid programs are becoming more popular as they allow students to earn the necessary training while offering the flexibility to complete the classroom requirements from home and at a time most convenient for them.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs in Texas
Direct-entry BSN programs in Texas give highly motivated high school seniors who are interested in nursing the chance to hit the ground running. These highly competitive programs allow college freshmen to begin taking nursing classes from their first semester.
Examples of Texas Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About BSN Programs in Texas
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Texas?
Earning a nursing degree from one of the many BSN programs in Texas can take one to four years, depending on prior work experience, educational background, and course load. For instance, in an accelerated BSN program where the student is already an RN or already has a bachelor’s degree, graduating in one year is possible. However, someone straight out of high school enrolled in a traditional BSN program and attending class full-time can take four years to graduate.
How much does a BSN program in Texas cost?
The cost of a BSN program in Texas depends on a host of factors, including whether you’re attending full-time or part-time and your educational and professional background before enrollment. Other variables include how much financial aid you obtain and whether you’re attending a traditional or online program. Below is a list of some traditional and online Texas-based BSN programs to give you an idea of what to expect to pay in tuition.
University of St. Thomas Houston
Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Total Credits: 58
$450.00/credit
Texas A&M University
Total Credits: 120
$400.00/credit (in-state) and $1,298.73 (out-of-state)
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online
Total Credits: 51
$350.00/credit
What are the admissions requirements for BSN nursing programs in Texas?
The admissions requirements for a BSN nursing program in Texas vary depending on the type of program, but most include the following:
- Online application and fee
- Official high school and/or college transcripts showing completion of prerequisite courses
- Test scores (could be SAT or ACT scores but may also include a TEAS score)
Other requirements may include proof of status as a registered nurse in good standing for RN to BSN programs and proof of prior bachelor’s degree for accelerated or BSN-as-a-second-degree programs. Some programs, not including RN to BSN, may require proof of CNA training before the first day of class.
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in Texas?
Earning a BSN is one of the surest ways to enter this in-demand field with excellent pay. Before those paychecks start, though, many students need financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and student loans. Many scholarships and grants come from private organizations and the nursing programs themselves. Student loans usually come from the federal government, but there are several student loan repayment programs in Texas aimed at health professionals who agree to work in underserved areas. To learn more, visit our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in Texas
Registered nursing is undoubtedly a worthwhile career, but you may be curious about the potential earnings after completing your studies. Nurses in Texas and across the country indeed earn a good living, as shown by the data below, so there's no need to worry. In Texas, nurses earn an average of $85,110, with the 10th percentile earning $64,580 and the 90th percentile earning $115,740. However, wages vary by region. For example, in the Austin-Round Rock area, the lowest nurse salary is $69,600, the average is $93,470, and the highest is $117,990. Additionally, the projected job outlook for nurses in the coming years is promising. In Texas, there will be 16,900 more nursing jobs added annually, representing a 14.60% increase. This is compared to a 5.60% increase in nursing jobs nationwide, with 193,100 more jobs being added to the profession each year.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Abilene, TX | $63,510 | $73,610 | $84,370 |
| Amarillo, TX | $64,830 | $80,680 | $105,890 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $69,600 | $93,470 | $117,990 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $62,600 | $80,180 | $102,330 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $52,430 | $72,830 | $94,750 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $63,290 | $80,300 | $94,640 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $61,050 | $79,840 | $100,190 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $66,560 | $93,300 | $117,390 |
| El Paso, TX | $60,570 | $77,950 | $113,690 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $67,810 | $93,330 | $115,460 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $62,400 | $85,380 | $109,410 |
| Laredo, TX | $59,090 | $74,650 | $91,240 |
| Longview, TX | $60,720 | $78,160 | $99,900 |
| Lubbock, TX | $63,790 | $76,780 | $98,920 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $59,180 | $76,160 | $93,270 |
| Midland, TX | $63,530 | $81,790 | $102,740 |
| Odessa, TX | $58,330 | $80,850 | $103,870 |
| San Angelo, TX | $63,720 | $77,690 | $93,850 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $63,480 | $83,740 | $108,660 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $65,750 | $77,710 | $95,900 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $51,660 | $75,220 | $101,510 |
| Tyler, TX | $63,230 | $78,050 | $94,690 |
| Victoria, TX | $61,620 | $80,900 | $96,130 |
| Waco, TX | $62,650 | $79,740 | $104,060 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,700 | $83,820 | $85,460 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
