Written By
Shannon Lee
- Bio
last updated
Earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is a solid way to launch your career as a registered nurse, and it’s the path many RNs choose to start working in nursing quickly. RNs who want to advance their careers, become more competitive in the job market, and boost their earnings can upgrade to a bachelor’s degree with as little as one year of additional education and training. That’s why so many registered nurses in Texas choose RN to BSN online programs; they provide nurses with a way to get those final one-to-two years of education needed for a bachelor’s degree while providing the flexibility working registered nurses need.
Keep reading to learn more about going from RN to BSN in Texas, explore top online bridge programs, and discover how your salary and job prospects can be improved with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Standout Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas for 2023
Though there are dozens of excellent RN to BSN bridge programs in Texas, the ones that rise to the top of the list offer the most flexibility and affordability for working nurses, proper accreditation, and comprehensive support for online students. Learn more about these programs below and see which one best meets your needs.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | 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 Permian BasinOdessa, TX | Public | $ | 1 | The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program prepares nurses to advance in their careers. Graduates can pursue nursing roles in areas like management, policy, administration, consulting, and education. Courses are developed and taught by RNs, including the two clinical courses required in person. These two courses are completed with a local nurse of the student’s choosing who holds a BSN and works in a leadership role. For an extra cost, graduates can also obtain a certificate as a nurse manager from the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. UT Permian Basin’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 2 | Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Texas A&M University - College Station’s online RN to BSN program admits students in the spring and summer terms. The program can be completed in one to three years and is fully online. Practicum hours are able to be completed in students’ local communities. This 30-credit-hour program is for currently licensed RNs with an associate degree in nursing to complete their Bachelor of Science in nursing. Applicants must have an unencumbered RN license. The university offers three completion timelines: three, four, or five semesters. The three semester option takes one calendar year and requires a summer semester of coursework. The Texas A&M University-College Station Nursing School is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 3 | Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Midwestern State University offers a 30-credit-hour program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Designed for RNs with an associate degree in nursing, the program focuses on equipping nurses to improve their practical skills and career advancement options. If enrolled full-time, students can complete the degree in two or three semesters; if enrolled part-time, students can complete it in four semesters. Students are accepted to the program throughout the year for the fall, spring, and summer terms. In addition to the ADN, applicants must have an unencumbered nursing license and have met the requirements of the Texas Common Core. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 4 | University of Houston-VictoriaVictoria, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | The University of Houston-Victoria’s RN to BSN program is an accelerated online program. The university offers five start dates per year. Curriculum focuses on patient care to ensure high quality and safety in diverse populations. Courses cover topics ranging from healthcare organizations and informatics to leadership roles. UHV’s accelerated format allows students to complete the program in as few as 12 months. Admission requirements include an associate degree, a 2.5 GPA in nursing courses, and a current and unencumbered RN license. The University of Houston’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 5 | West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | West Texas A&M offers a fully online program that is flexible and tailored to working RNs. The degree consists of 30 hours and can be completed in as few as two semesters. Practicum experiences and studies are embedded throughout the program without any required attendance on campus. Courses cover topics such as cultural competence, informatics, and ethics. Graduates are prepared to deliver safe, high quality care to patients on individual, family, and population levels. West Texas A&M University’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Program Highlights: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | |||
| 6 | Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 7 | The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 8 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 9 | Texas A&M University-Central TexasKilleen, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 10 | Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 11 | The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 12 | Texas A & M University-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 13 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio7/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 14 | The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 15 | The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
AccreditationSACSCOC | ||||
| 16 | Baptist Health System School of Health ProfessionsSan Antonio, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
AccreditationABHES | ||||
| 17 | Southwest University at El PasoEl Paso, TX | Private for-profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
AccreditationABHES |
University of Texas at Tyler
If you’re looking for an opportunity to enter an online RN to BSN program with no on-campus requirements and accelerated options that can put your BSN degree in your hands within a year, the University of Texas at Tyler could be a great fit. The Nursing RN-BSN track offers flexible graduation dates for those who prefer to take more time to work on their degree. The 30-credit program has lower tuition than other similar programs at $9,350, making it one of the more affordable RN to BSN programs in the state, with installment payment plans available. Students can apply year-round and start in spring, summer, or fall. Students can expect to take courses in professional development, pathophysiology, and issues in professional nursing. The program offers students the opportunity to graduate with honors by taking another 15 credits.
University of Texas at Arlington
For those who truly want to hit their studies hard and get through to their BSN as soon as possible, the University of Texas at Arlington offers an accelerated option in their RN to BSN online degree program, enabling students to graduate in as little as nine months. The 35 credit hours cost $8,995, regardless of the student’s state of residence. UT Arlington offers students the unique opportunity to lock in their tuition rate as long as they complete the program in the allotted amount of time. Courses offered in the fully online program include promoting healthy lifestyles, holistic care of older adults, and nursing leadership and management. Students can apply to the program at any time, and multiple start dates are offered. The program holds accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) along with institution accreditation.
University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston
The RN to BSN program at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston offers three start dates, full-time or part-time study, and flexible online enrollment for those who want to continue working as they earn their degree. The tuition cost for 31 credits is $10,577, putting this school on par with the other affordable ones on our list. While most students choose to complete the program in three semesters, this online-flex program gives them the option to finish the program in as few as two semesters or as many as five semesters, giving them the ultimate flexibility in managing their studies with work, home, and other responsibilities. Though there is a hands-on requirement, it can typically be met at the institution students are already working at in the state of Texas. The University of Texas RN to BSN online program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
FAQs About RN to BSN Online Programs in Texas
Can I earn my Texas RN to BSN completely online?
Yes, you can earn an RN to BSN from a Texas university completely online, without ever setting foot in a classroom. Students who choose to attend an RN to BSN program online will receive the same level of education and training as their on-campus counterparts. While they will be subjected to due dates, deadlines, and rigorous coursework just like students attending classes on campus, students in an online Texas RN to BSN program can schedule their online studies around work and home responsibilities by watching lectures and completing assignments at times that work best for them. Online students have plenty of opportunities to interact with other students and faculty through Zoom class meetings and face-to-face networking opportunities. Classes for working nurses are typically scheduled at nights and other convenient times and can be joined from anywhere. Hands-on training and completion of clinical hours can often be completed at a healthcare facility where you’re already working as an RN.
How much do online RN to BSN programs cost in Texas?
The cost of tuition for an RN to BSN program can vary widely within the state. Students from other states will be required to pay out-of-state tuition for some Texas schools, but there are schools offering online RN to BSN programs that charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state learners. Public colleges and universities typically cost less for Texas residents, while private programs may make more sense for students who reside in other states so they can avoid paying out-of-state tuition. The costs for fees and supplies will usually be the same regardless of a student’s state of residence. The prices below can give you a general idea of what an online RN to BSN program in Texas costs, but for the most accurate figures, check directly with the schools you’re interested in.
Texas A&M
International University
RN to BSN Online Degree Program
Total Credits: 30
$8,995 / total program
University of
Houston–Victoria
RN to BSN Online Degree Program
Total Credits: 30
$8,068/ total program
How long is an online RN to BSN program in Texas?
When a registered nurse attends an RN to BSN bridge program, they’ve already earned an ADN, which typically means they’ve completed roughly two years of college. In some cases, RN to BSN candidates will only need to complete the core nursing courses required at the bachelor’s degree level. While the time it takes to complete the program depends heavily on the student and how much of a course load they take each semester, most students can expect to finish the program in about two years of full-time study. Those who choose accelerated programs, like the one atthe University of Houston–Victoria, can earn their BSN in as little as one year.
What are the requirements to get into a Texas online RN to BSN program?
To enter an online RN to BSN program in Texas, students must hold an associate degree in nursing and be a licensed RN in good standing. Most schools have other requirements, such as a minimum GPA in the ADN program and passing all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Check with the admissions department at your school to ensure you meet the requirements. While some schools prefer to admit students who hold an active RN license in the state of Texas, some schools will allow students from neighboring states, such as Louisiana, or nurse licensure compact states, to attend a Texas RN to BSN program.
How much more can I earn going from an RN to a BSN in Texas?
It’s hard to quantify just how much more money you might make when going from an RN to a BSN, as there are many other factors involved, such as where you work, how long you’ve been a nurse, and any special skills or certifications you might have. In general terms, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that workers who expand their education tend to earn better pay and better job security. This is the case for nurses as well.
While the BLS doesn’t specifically report on salary differences between RNs with associate and bachelor’s degrees, Zip Recruiter reports registered nurses in Texas with an ADN earn an average of $63,615 and nurses with a BSN earn an average of $81,709 per year.