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Nursing Schools in Dallas, TX: Accredited Online & Campus Programs

Nursing schools in Dallas, Texas provide exciting opportunities for their students. Learn what the top schools have to offer and find the one that’s right for you.

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Are you interested in exploring a nursing career? Are you currently a nurse in Dallas thinking about ways to increase your skills to qualify for higher-level jobs? Nursing schools in Dallas can help you achieve these goals — and now is a great time for you to pursue them.

According to the Texas Nurses Association, the state is experiencing a shortage of approximately 30,000 — a figure that could double within the next decade if left unaddressed. As a result, by training now at nursing schools in Dallas, you can become a much-needed new member of this workforce or build on your current skills to pursue advancement.

Continue reading to find out what nursing schools in Dallas have to offer, the best programs you can enroll in, and how much you can earn after completing your degree.

School Spotlights: Popular Programs in Dallas, TX for 2024

As you’re looking for nursing schools in Dallas, you want to make sure you get the return on investment you deserve. That’s why we’ve spotlighted the following top programs to give you an idea of the level of quality you should expect.

Dallas College

Dallas College’s online RN to BSN program provides a convenient and affordable way for nurses to further their education. Not only do the program’s faculty members have the nursing expertise to help students successfully upskill, but they also have experience teaching in virtual learning environments — a combination that ensures quality.

The program also provides the flexibility that busy working nurses need. Students can enroll on a full-time basis and complete their studies in one year, while part-time students finish in two. No matter what their enrollment status is, students pay approximately $2,800 in tuition for the whole program.

To be admitted, applicants are expected to have a current nursing license and an associate degree in nursing. Students should be able to demonstrate their proficiency in nursing education with a 2.50 grade point average in their degree program and completion of the 42-hour Texas core curriculum.

Texas Woman’s University

The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program at Texas Woman’s University provides students with the skills they need to deliver advanced clinical care that improves health outcomes in diverse communities. To do this, students learn advanced concepts related to assessments, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The program emphasizes the leadership, communication, and ethical skills nurses need to provide patient-centered care. Additionally, students learn about the research that guides evidence-based practice, as well as the technologies that help nurses provide this care.

Students can complete the program in two to three years, depending on whether they enroll full or part-time. Students take 14 classes over the course of the program and then go on to participate in hands-on patient care experiences that help solidify their understanding of course material.

Texas Woman’s University expects applicants to have a bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited school, a 3.0 GPA, and an unencumbered, current nursing license.

West Coast University

West Coast University’s bachelor’s in nursing program provides the flexibility working students need to earn their degree. Students completing the program at an accelerated pace can graduate in just 39 months. For students whose lifestyles would make full-time enrollment more difficult, the program offers an evening and weekend option that can be completed in 44 months.

West Coast University has ten-week terms and multiple start dates throughout the year, so applicants don’t have to wait to dive into their studies. Once admitted, students take coursework related to nursing fundamentals, performing physical assessments, nutrition, and disaster management. The school also requires general education courses in written and oral communication, anatomy and physiology, and critical reasoning.

In addition to coursework, students receive hands-on training through advanced simulation labs and clinical placements. To help further ensure their success, West Coast University offers support to help students pass the NCLEX, including tutoring, boot camps, and study guides.

Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Dallas, Texas

A variety of nursing programs exist for Dallas students at different points in their educations and careers, whether just beginning or looking for advanced opportunities. Below are some of the most common nursing programs in Dallas, Texas starting with pre-licensure programs and continuing to doctoral programs.

Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Dallas

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/AAS)

An ADN or AAS degree in nursing trains students to work as RNs. Graduates of these two-year programs are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination. An ADN or AAS usually provides the quickest path for becoming an RN for those with no prior college coursework or nursing experience. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer ADN or AAS programs in nursing.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools With This Program

Dallas College
Tarrant County College

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)

A traditional BSN is for those who want to become RNs and earn bachelor’s degrees. Traditional BSN programs typically take four years and prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN. In addition, receiving a comprehensive general education, BSN students also learn the basics of clinical care. This includes learning the following skills: leadership, critical thinking, and communication.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing School With This Program

West Coast University

Accelerated BSN Programs

An accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your BSN in less time than traditional BSN programs. But it’s designed for individuals who have bachelor’s degrees in other fields and want to become RNs. An accelerated BSN is a pre-licensure program that prepares you to take the NCLEX-RN.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

Arizona College of Nursing
Baylor University

Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)

Direct-entry MSN programs function similarly to an accelerated BSN, allowing students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees to enter the nursing field. If you want to work as a nurse practitioner or other type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), these three-year programs provide a truncated schedule.

Examples of Dallas Nursing Schools With This Program

Currently, no such program is available in Dallas, Texas.

Nursing Bridge Programs in Dallas, Texas for Current Nurses

LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs

VN bridge programs are for those with an LVN certification who want to become RNs. They can shorten the time it takes to become an RN by providing academic credit for prior nursing courses taken as part of the LVN program. Some LVN bridge programs also lead to a BSN, and some allow on-the-job experience to transfer to credit toward completion.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

West Coast University
Galen College of Nursing

RN to BSN Programs

An RN to BSN program teaches advanced nursing skills and equips you for nursing leadership roles. These bridge programs take less time than traditional BSN because of previous RN experience and education. If you’re a current RN and want to obtain your BSN, an RN to BSN program is ideal for you.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

University of Texas at Arlington
Tarleton State University

RN to MSN Programs

RN to MSN bridge programs enable practicing nurses to obtain MSNs without first having to obtain a BSN. These programs take two to three years and are often offered online and in accelerated formats. Graduates of RN to MSN programs often become advanced practice nurses and may also take on leadership roles within their organizations.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

University of Texas at Arlington
West Coast University

Advanced Nursing Programs in Dallas, Texas

Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)

MSN programs provide advanced practice and leadership training for RNs. Direct-entry MSN programs are for non-nurses looking to enter the field with a bachelor’s from another subject, while traditional MSN programs are specifically for BSN-trained RNs wanting to tailor their education to a specialization.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

Texas Christian University
University of Texas at Arlington

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs

DNP and PhD programs build on traditional MSN programs and are the highest levels of formal education available to nurses. A DNP equips RNs for roles as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists. PhD programs prepare RNs for roles as nurse researchers, policymakers, and educators at the post-secondary level.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

Baylor University
Texas Woman’s University

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates

Postgraduate nursing certificates allow nurses who already have an MSN degree to focus on a specialized area of nursing. Program lengths vary and are usually quite flexible, but typically last less than two years. Focus areas for post-grade certificates include topics like nursing ethics, health policy, healthcare planning and management, and gerontology.

Examples of Dallas, TX Nursing Schools with this Program

Texas Woman’s University
Texas Christian University

Inside Look at Additional Online Nursing Schools in Dallas, Texas

Most nursing programs in Dallas, Texas above the associate degree level now have non-clinical coursework partially or fully online. However clinical requirements remain in-person. This means you can now choose from a variety of convenient virtual BSN, MSN, and doctorate programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Dallas is home to a rich medical community, which means there’s no shortage of facilities where you can complete your clinical requirements, including at sites like the Baylor University Medical Center. In addition, some programs allow you to complete clinical requirements in another state as long as they’re approved ahead of time.

Challenges for online nursing students in Dallas, Texas, include the struggles that most online students face when not connecting with professors and peers in person. Fortunately, the innovative approaches of online nursing schools in Dallas, Texas, make this a challenge easily overcome for those motivated to make the most out of their online nursing education.

Best Online Nursing Schools in Dallas, TX

Baylor University

Baylor University is a private Baptist university headquartered in Waco, Texas, although its Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) is located in downtown Dallas near the Baylor University Medical Center. The LHSON has an online accelerated BSN in addition to traditional and accelerated BSN programs. The online accelerated BSN takes 12 months and is for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to become RNs. Baylor’s NCLEX-RN pass rate is over 96%, and its programs are accredited by the CCNE.

Baylor also offers an online MSN leadership and innovation program as well as an online DNP program. Doctoral specializations include family nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and executive nurse leadership. LHSON also offers a United States Army graduate program in anesthesia nursing.

LHSON prepares nurses for professional practice in healthcare. The school upholds the belief that nurses are called to make a difference and thoroughly integrates the Christian faith with learning, leadership, and service.

Southwestern Adventist University

Though a bit outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Southwestern Adventist University offers an affordable, fully online RN to BSN program you should know about. The program costs just $7,500 and helps RNs gain nursing expertise. Students can begin the CCNE-approved program during the fall, spring, or summer with flexible modules that are just eight weeks long. The

Admission requirements for the online RN to BSN program include an associate degree or diploma and an active, unencumbered RN license, temporary RN permit, or RN licensure within three months of graduation. RN licensure can be from any state where students participated in their clinical learning experiences.

Southwestern Adventist University also has an LVN to BSN program for current licensed vocational nurses with at least one year of experience at an approved healthcare facility. Additional admissions requirements for the LVN to BSN program include receiving at least an overall proficient score on the TEAS Nursing Admission Assessment Exam, a cumulative GPA for at least 3.0, and an unencumbered LVN/LPN license.

University of Texas at Arlington

UTA offers both pre-licensure BSN and RN to BSN programs on campus and as accelerated programs online. The pre-licensure BSN consists of nursing courses, university core courses, and prerequisite courses and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. UTA prides itself in preparing nurses for increasing responsibility and leadership and believes communication, cognitive, observation, and other skills are essential.

The online RN to BSN program at UTA costs an affordable $8,995 and provides a flexible option for working RNs. Courses are five to 10 weeks, and the program can be completed in as little as nine months. Also offered in a traditional campus-based format, students must have an RN license or pass the NCLEX-RN during the first course.

UTA also offers a fast-track RN to MSN program with specializations in nursing education or nurse practitioner. UTA’s nursing programs are CCNE accredited.

FAQs About Online Nursing Schools in Dallas, Texas

Can I earn my nursing degree in Dallas completely online?

Sometimes. All pre-licensure programs will require in-person clinicals, although most of the didactic coursework could be 100% online. However, some graduate-level programs in non-clinical specialties can sometimes be completed fully online, with no in-person clinicals necessary.

Will my online Dallas nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?

Nope. As long as your program is properly accredited and state-approved, employers will not care if you took your classes online. In fact, they won’t know the difference unless you tell them, as campus-based and online nursing programs in Dallas, Texas, offer the same thorough coursework in preparation for the NCLEX exam.

Are online nursing programs in Dallas more affordable than campus programs?

Many online nursing programs in Dallas, Texas, are extremely affordable, but the actual tuition costs aren’t always much different than on-campus programs. However, you might save money by reducing travel and other expenses. This may make online nursing programs more budget-friendly compared to more traditional on-campus programs.

Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Dallas, Texas

Nursing students in Dallas, Texas, have access to a variety of financial aid resources that include federal student aid, nursing-specific scholarships, loan repayment programs, grants, and fellowships. Most nursing schools in Dallas, Texas, such as Texas A&M School of Nursing and Dallas College, provide financial aid information on their program websites.

In addition, the Good Samaritan Foundation of Texas offers a nursing scholarship, and Student Loan Repayment Programs are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services. EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide are also valuable financial aid resources.

How to Become an RN in Dallas, Texas: Licensing Requirements

Becoming a licensed RN in Dallas, Texas, involves graduating from an accredited and state-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam in addition to completing any other Texas Board of Nursing licensing requirements. After receiving your RN license, stay aware of the renewal timeline and requirements. Note that Texas is one of many states participating in the National Licensure Compact (NLC) which allows nurses licensed in Texas to practice in any participating state. Visit our guide to nursing programs in Texas for more information on licensing requirements.

Career Opportunities for Dallas-Based RNs

In June 2022 alone, Dallas County was short 2,363 nurses, which was a roughly eightfold increase in the number of vacancies from the previous year. As bleak as this figure is, it means the future looks bright for current and prospective registered nurses in Texas. According to Projections Central, there will be a 17.1 percent increase in jobs added to the workforce —16,210 positions annually.

How Much Can You Earn as an RN in Dallas, Texas?

Dallas-based RNs make a good living, and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics demonstrates that there is room for growth. The median salary for RNs in the city is $77,710, while the highest earners make significantly more at $106,880.

Earnings for Registered Nurses in Dallas, Texas

Occupation Median 90th Percentile
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Registered Nurses $82,200 $106,880

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022

Additional Texas Nursing Resources

Texas Nurses Association

The Texas Nurses Association provides member services that include continuing education, practice protection, a helpline, e-newsletters, and a quarterly nursing magazine. They support and strengthen nursing statewide.

Texas Board of Nursing

The Texas Board of Nursing regulates the practice of nursing and approves nursing education programs for the state. If you need information about licensure requirements, continuing education credits needed to renew a license, or a related topic, the Texas Board of Nursing’s website should be the first place you visit.

Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies

As part of the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies is keeping close track of the state of nursing in Texas, including supply and demand trends, migration of nurses, education trends, and nursing workforce demographics.

Nursing Externships and Residencies in Dallas

The Methodist Health System supports nursing development through various programs, including nursing externships and residencies in Dallas. It creates partnerships between its four campuses and area local and regional nursing schools to provide these and other opportunities.

Texas Nursing Students’ Association

This Facebook page connects you with the activity of the Texas Nursing Students’ Association. It provides nursing information and resources, keeps you updated on nursing activity in Texas, and apprises you of conferences and conventions.