Online RN to MSN Programs in TX: Comparing Top Schools
If you’re a registered nurse and are curious about working as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator, earning your master’s in nursing (MSN) could be an excellent move. Fortunately, there are plenty of great RN to MSN bridge programs in Texas. This guide will provide you with all the preliminary knowledge about curriculum, cost, and duration to help you find the perfect program. Keep reading for useful tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Profiling Online RN to MSN Programs in Texas
There are many reasons why getting a MSN is appealing. For one, it gives you the opportunity to choose a specific area of nursing, providing more job opportunities and access to leadership roles. Another major benefit to earning a graduate degree in nursing is the increase in your earning power. On average, nurse practitioners earn around $34,000 more per year than registered nurses. Plus, Texas employs the highest number of nurse practitioners in the country.
But what if you don’t possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)? How can you earn an MSN without having a BSN? That is where RN to MSN bridge programs come into play. These programs allow RNs with an associate degree level education to skip the BSN and directly earn their MSN. Bridge programs count your professional years experience as an RN as credit towards an MSN, which immensely shortens the duration of your education. The expedited education is designed with the working RN in mind, offering practical curriculums and more flexible study schedules than traditional MSN programs. To give you a better idea of the different program formats, check out the three spotlighted schools below.
University of St. Thomas Houston
The University of St. Thomas (UST) Houston offers an excellent online RN to MSN program in Texas. Experienced nurses who hold an associate degree and meet graduate-level admission standards can apply for the program. All coursework is offered online, with simulation labs held at UST’s Center for Science and Health Professions. UST offers three concentrations that allow you to personalize your educational experience: nursing education, healthcare and nursing simulation, and nursing leadership. It’s important to note the program is open to RNs with an associate or a bachelor’s degrees, though candidates with an associate degree may take longer to complete the program.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $300 per credit hour for core courses | $500 per credit hour for specialty courses
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed UST application
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate work (and graduate work, if any) documenting, at a minimum, the award of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program
- A 500-word essay describing personal and professional reasons for seeking enrollment in this program of study
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing coursework
- Current résumé describing prior work experiences
- Proof of professional RN licensure in the United States; for matriculation, a valid Texas RN license
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Holistic Nursing Practice for RNs
- Clinical Inquiry
- The Art and Science of Holistic Nursing
- Holistic Nursing: Caring for the Community
- Holistic Nursing: Foundations for Clinical Leadership
- Transition to Advanced Professional Role
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
- Clinical Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice
- Nursing Ethics, Law, and Policy
- Community Dynamics in Healthcare
- Quality, Safety, and Information Management
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University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington offers one of the fastest online RN to MSN programs in Texas. This degree is designed for registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN and continue their education to an MSN. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 36 months, with several classes that count toward a dual degree. Plus, all coursework is online. In the program, you’ll have the option to pursue nursing education or administration as a specialization—giving you the skills you need to step into a leadership position. Students also will be qualified for a family nurse practitioner certification.
Duration: 36-42 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $19,500-$38,308, depending on chosen specialization
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
- Co-Op Nursing Work Experience
- Human Factors in Healthcare
- The Legacy of the Family
- Medical Terminology
- Holistic Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Holistic Care of Older Adults
- RN to BSN Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
- Role Transition to Professional Nursing
- Health Policy and Legal Aspects of Professional Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Care of Vulnerable Populations Across the Lifespan
- Capstone Course
- Principles of Research in Nursing
- Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice
Lamar University
Lamar University offers an online RN to MSN program that busy working nurses can begin on their timeline, as four start dates are possible. Students can finish the program in as little as 36 months. Unlike other programs in the state, Lamar’s is 100% online with no in-person components. The school also offers multiple paths to pursue, including options to become a clinical nurse leader, certified nurse educator, or public health nurse. The school’s bridge program means registered nurses can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees by taking dual-credit courses. The program offers two official tracks: administration and education.
Duration: 1-2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $27,320
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
- Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
- Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
- Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States
- Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
- Theoretical Foundations
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy
- Theoretical Foundations
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy
- Evidence-Based Project I
- Evidence-Based Project II
- Electives in chosen track: administration or education
FAQs About Texas RN to MSN Online Programs
The spotlights above provide a birds-eye view of what a RN to MSN program looks like, but they don’t get into the nitty gritty details, like financial aid options or if programs are truly online. To help fill in some of those important details, check out the answers below.
What can you do with an MSN in Texas?
An MSN degree opens a wealth of opportunities that aren’t available to you as a registered nurse. An RN to MSN program in Texas prepares you for roles as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, among others. You also can pursue a leadership or highly specialized role. An MSN might lead you to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), an advanced degree that equips you with research skills and can prepare you for a leadership role in healthcare.
Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?
Some Texas RN to MSN programs allow you to earn your BSN degree in the process. Doubling up credits allows you to earn both degrees cost-effectively and efficiently. UT Arlington’s accelerated program is an example of a dual-degree program. If you want to become an advanced practice registered nurse, these programs will help you get there as quickly as possible. Some bridge programs do not grant a BSN degree in the RN to MSN program. Be sure to check the specific details of your school and the process for earning your degree.
What will I learn in an RN to MSN program in Texas?
RN to MSN students in Texas complete nursing topics focusing on theory and practice. In most RN to MSN programs in Texas, you’ll study key foundations, such as biostatistics, pharmacology, and ethics. Your degree will be broken into sections. You’ll likely encounter RN-BSN classes, like Nursing Research and Holistic Care of Older Adults, and MSN common courses, like Principles of Research in Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice. On top of core courses, most MSN students choose a specialized track, with the most popular being nursing education and nursing administration.
How much do RN to MSN programs in Texas cost?
Tuition costs can run high, with some RN to MSN programs in Texas costing over $20,000. That said, there are options that are more affordable, plus many schools offer financial aid. Financial aid options include nursing scholarships, grants, and fellowship programs. Students pursuing MSN degrees also may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, a low-interest loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government through select Texas state universities.
Can I get my RN to MSN online in Texas?
Many Texas nursing schools offer an online or hybrid-learning path to earning an MSN degree. That’s because much of the core curriculum in an MSN program can be taught virtually and in-person clinical hours aren’t always a requirement.
Online RN to MSN programs in Texas offer several learning benefits for students. The biggest advantage is that it gives you time and flexibility to complete your studies, allowing you to juggle other work and family commitments. You’ll communicate with your instructors, connect with fellow classmates, and work through course content using sophisticated online learning platforms.
Top Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Texas
At EduMed, our data scientists evaluate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves to rank post-secondary programs of all levels and subjects. We specifically evaluate each program’s flexibility, affordability, and quality to give you a well-rounded picture of what you will potentially encounter in each program. Keep reading to review programs that truly stand out.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Texas Woman's University offers flexible online and blended learning options allowing students to continue working while completing their degree without relocating.
- The program provides close faculty mentorship, enabling students to select relevant courses that support their specific career goals and enhance professional development.
- Students benefit from a community of nurse scholars and expert faculty, fostering leadership skills and critical thinking essential for advanced nursing roles locally and globally.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers articulation agreements with associate degree nursing programs, facilitating smooth access and transition into the MSN degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
- Students in the RN to MSN Bridge pathway complete specific prescribed undergraduate courses that prepare them for graduate-level nursing practice without earning a separate BSN degree, streamlining their educational progression.
- The program emphasizes multicultural healthcare delivery and advanced leadership, preparing graduates for diverse clinical environments and managerial roles, a distinct benefit for career advancement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Tyler
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at UT Tyler offers a flexible online format that allows students to earn their master's degree while continuing full-time work, combining online coursework with a 112.5-hour hands-on practicum for real-world experience.
- Students benefit from scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically available for MSN candidates, making the program more affordable.
- Faculty members are highly experienced nurse educators and leaders, providing personalized support and leveraging their professional networks to enhance student learning and career advancement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Houston Christian University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers 100% online, asynchronous courses designed to fit the demanding schedules of working nurses without requiring travel to campus.
- Students receive personalized support from dedicated faculty mentors and success coaches who provide quick feedback and one-on-one encouragement throughout the program.
- The program features industry-aligned curricula with hands-on clinical experiences near students, ensuring preparedness for real-world healthcare scenarios.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lamar University
- Lamar University’s RN to MSN bridge program saves nearly $3,000 in tuition by combining BSN and MSN credits and requiring nine fewer credit hours than separate degrees.
- The program offers flexible online schedules with multiple start dates, allowing working nurses to balance education with professional and personal commitments.
- Students can choose between specialized tracks in Administration or Education, both including practicum experiences and designed to prepare for high-paying leadership roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 38% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected West Texas A&M University
- The WTAMU RN to MSN Bridge program offers multiple funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and financial aid, making it more affordable for prospective students.
- The program features 100% online coursework with multiple start terms in fall or spring, allowing flexible enrollment and study schedules for working RNs.
- Graduates are prepared to function at advanced levels in complex healthcare settings with specialized training in areas like bioethics, nursing research, and pharmacotherapeutics.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas A & M International University
- The RN to MSN Nursing Administration program at Texas A&M International University can be completed online in as few as 10 months, allowing students to continue working while advancing their education.
- The program includes an immersive, 180-hour practicum focused on integrative leadership for nurse executives, providing hands-on administrative experience.
- Students develop an interdisciplinary perspective addressing social determinants of health, leveraging a multidisciplinary framework that integrates nursing, psychological, sociological, and behavioral approaches to health disparities in Texas and South Texas communities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of the Incarnate Word
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers a 25% tuition reduction for all students, making advanced nursing education more affordable.
- It features a flexible hybrid format with 9 online BSN credit hours and 31 hybrid MSN credit hours, combining online and on-campus classes for working nurses.
- The program includes 312 clinical hours with high-quality placements, supporting practical experience essential for career advancement in nursing leadership.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of St Thomas
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at St. Thomas University offers personalized clinical placement support to ensure students gain valuable, hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
- Students benefit from specialized career tracks tailored to advanced nursing roles that align with evolving industry demands and leadership opportunities.
- The program provides access to an expert faculty with extensive clinical and academic experience, enhancing the quality of education and professional mentorship for students.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Arlington
- The UTA RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated curriculum that allows students to complete their MSN in less time and at a lower cost than pursuing separate RN to BSN and MSN degrees.
- Students can complete clinicals locally, providing flexibility while advancing their education without relocating or disrupting work schedules.
- The program includes two graduate-level courses early in the curriculum that count toward both BSN electives and MSN core requirements, streamlining the path to the master's degree and facilitating a smooth transition between undergraduate and graduate study.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 23/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
Texas RN vs. MSN: Comparing Salary and Career Trends
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Texas | $98,160 | $126,580 | $165,340 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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