Nursing Schools in Houston: Accredited Online & Campus Programs
Start or advance your nursing career at one of the best nursing schools in Houston. Programs are offered both on campus and online and provide a variety of degree pathways.
If you’re interested in entering the nursing field for the first time, you can become a registered nurse in as little as two years through either an in-person or online nursing school in Houston. If you’re already a nurse and wishing to take the next step in your career, advanced nursing degrees are also available. Whichever situation applies to you, there will be plenty of job opportunities after you graduate.
One reason is because of 85 hospitals in the Houston area, many of which are eager to hire more healthcare professionals, especially registered nurses. As if the high likelihood of a job after graduation wasn’t motivation enough, there’s the fact that RNs in Houston earn an annual mean wage of nearly $85,000. This offers the opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives and make a solid living at the same time.
This guide profiles the best nursing schools in Houston and helps you discover the best program for your career goals, whether it’s a traditional BSN program for new students, an online bridge program that takes you from RN to MSN, or one of the many other options. You’ll also learn about financial aid options that can help lower the cost of nursing school and more about what you can expect from the nursing job market in the Houston area.
Best Nursing Schools in Houston for 2023
To help you find a nursing school in Houston, we’ve identified three of the best nursing schools in terms of affordability, student support, flexible learning options, financial aid opportunities, and accreditation. The spotlights below will help you know what to look for in a quality nursing program. See who stands out in 2023.
Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health
Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health offers more than 10 nursing degrees, some of which can be completed fairly quickly. For example, for aspiring RNs, there’s the 60-credit Pacesetter BSN, which can be completed in four semesters. And current RNs can select one of three RN bridge programs: an RN-BSN, an RN-FNP, and an RN-MSN in Leadership.
There are eight degree offerings at the MSN and post-graduate level, including MSN and NP degrees. Programs for Nursing Education, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nursing Leadership are also available. The BSN-DNP program leads to specializations in anesthesia and NP, DNP, and PhD programs are also offered.
Cizik and its degree programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College offers a 60-credit Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program leading to taking the NCLEX-RN. Coursework includes anatomy/physiology, microbiology, psychology, and patient care across the lifespan in addition to nursing clinicals. There’s also Houston Community College’s 60-credit LVN to RN program, which culminates in an associate degree and RN licensure.
HCC’s has an 80% NCLEX pass rate. Programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing is among the best nursing schools in Houston based on the number of accredited degrees alone. It offers a three-year BS in Nursing, an MS in Nursing, an RN to BSN, and an RN to MSN. Other programs include an MSN Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, an MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Significant to note is that new students who opt for the RN to BSN Online Degree Completion program save 47% on tuition.
In 2020, Chamberlain University’s NCLEX pass rate for BSN graduates was 91%. Degree and certificate programs at Chamberlain College of Nursing are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Houston, TX
Students moving into the nursing field for the first time can pursue a two-year ADN. The ADN provides the principles and skills needed to pass the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a registered nurse. ADN programs are typically found at community colleges and vocational schools.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Houston
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Students moving into the nursing field for the first time can pursue a two-year ADN. The ADN provides the academic and practice bedrock needed for advanced nursing programs. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN after they graduate. ADN programs are typically found at community colleges.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
The BSN degree is rapidly becoming preferred by many employers seeking entry-level RNs. The theoretical coursework and clinical hours required surpass those in ADN programs, with the BSN requiring 120 units. Most students complete these credits in about four years.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs can be the fastest pathway to an RN for some students. The curriculum covers largely the same topics as traditional BSN programs, but students can take more credits per semester than traditional students. They will also often have plenty of transfer credits count towards their BSN degree. The accelerated BSN degree can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
University of St. Thomas Houston
Cizik School of Nursing at UT Health
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSN programs are for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become RNs or advanced practice nurses (APRNs). The curriculum mirrors the studies required for a nursing master’s but doesn’t require applicants to retake certain undergraduate courses.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Houston for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
Bridge programs are ideal for LVNs who want to become RNs. LVNs may be required to complete pre-requisites nursing coursework. They are often required to have a year of experience working as LVNs to qualify for admission into bridge programs. The amount of time to complete these programs varies, depending on whether the student is working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
An RN to BSN program is for nurses who want to increase their nursing opportunities along with their income. These 60-credit bridge programs are only open to licensed RNs.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Registered nurses who do not hold a BSN can complete their MSN to qualify for advanced nursing positions through an RN to MSN program. Candidates may hold an ADN or a bachelor’s degree outside the nursing field for admissions. Graduates are prepared for roles as administrators, nurse practitioners, nursing educators, or nursing informatics specialists.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Houston
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
An RN with a BSN looking to become a nursing leader or advanced practitioner can complete a traditional MSN in about two to three years. They can also choose an area of emphasis to focus on while completing the program. The curriculum combines advanced didactic coursework, clinical placements, labs, and specialization courses.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
University of Houston
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD degrees are the pinnacle of advanced nursing education and are usually available to RNs with an MSN degree. The DNP is designed for nurses who want to lead clinical practice initiatives. The PhD is better suited for nurses planning to undertake university teaching roles and advanced nursing research.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate certificate programs offer experienced MSN graduates expertise in a range of specialties without having to earn a second MSN degree. These include advanced credentials for health informatics specialists and nurse practitioners in populations including neonatal, pediatrics, adult-gerontology, women’s health, and nursing education. The number of required credits varies by specialization.
Examples of Houston, TX Nursing Schools with this Program
Inside Look at Online Nursing Schools in Houston
Attending one of the best nursing schools in the Houston area is made even better when you can take your classes online. This allows you to more easily pursue your didactic coursework at your own pace and location. This is especially true for online courses that are delivered asynchronously. This means you not only get to choose where you attend class but also what time. Class management software puts streaming and recorded courses at your fingertips along with interactive features through email, chat, and class bulletin boards. Many four-year and graduate online nursing programs are hybrid, and online courses are paired with on-site clinicals and internships at healthcare organizations close to where you live and work. Online learning comes with its own set of academic challenges, though. For instance, its flexibility often requires a higher level of individual motivation. The nursing schools highlighted below have some terrific online options for students studying nursing in the Houston area.
Best Online Nursing Schools in Houston
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University makes its extensive campus programs, including a three-year BS, an RN to BSN, and an RN to MSN, also available online. The online BSN offers online courses but requires hands-on experience at its campus SIMCARE Center and clinical experience a couple of days a week at a healthcare institution near students’ residences. The RN to BSN is offered entirely online without on-site requirements.
The online BSN’s clinical nursing courses cover fundamentals, maternal and pediatric nursing, adult health nursing, and community health nursing. Some of Chamberlain’s programs duplicate the on-site experience through a cloud-based virtual simulation resource called i-Human Patients (IHP) that provides virtual patient care, assessments, patient communications, and problem solving.
Applicants must hold a nursing diploma or ADN degree for admission. All degrees are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University’s online RN to BSN and hybrid MSN programs provide a convenient option for students. Because student attendance sometimes drops with lecture-based courses, HBU uses a more effective model of podcasts, assignments, course materials, webcasts, PowerPoint presentations, and instructional videos.
The 29-credit RN to BSN degree consists of eight self-paced courses and eight-week semesters. Courses include health assessment, pharmacology, community nursing, pathophysiology, applied nursing research, and healthcare administration for nurses. Students are assessed by their mastery of the course topics and not by completion alone. General education credits from a previous college can be transferred to the program.
A Student Success coach is assigned to each student as a mentor, and students meet with coaches online every week. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and institutional accreditation comes from the Higher Learning Commission.
Alvin Community College
At Alvin Community College, students can complete their two-year RN degree entirely online. The 60-credit program includes theory classes and clinicals each semester. For the final Capstone, students spend half their time in mentorship (preceptorship) experiences. Online degree outcomes include theory and clinical skills, standards of practice (including ethical considerations), technology in patient care, assessment, and development of treatment plans.
ACC also offers a 60-credit online LVN to ADN transitional program. Prerequisites for this program include four courses (two in biology, one in psychology, and one in English). The online LVN to ADN transition program takes one year to complete.
ACC’s NCLEX-RN pass rate is 92%. Its ADN programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
FAQs About Online Nursing Schools in Houston
Can I earn my nursing degree in Houston completely online?
You can often complete your theoretical training (didactic learning) entirely online. BSN and programs typically do not require on-site internships, but they often hold on-campus labs and typically require students to complete on-site clinicals. MSN degree programs sometimes require in-person clinical placements as do many bridge programs.
Will my online Houston nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
It will not. Online nursing degrees require the same curriculum and practical experience as their campus equivalents and are offered by fully accredited, award-winning universities. Nursing employers evaluate candidates based on their degree, experience level, and specializations and won’t care if you completed coursework online. This is true as long as you graduate from a nursing program that’s accredited and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Are online nursing programs in Houston more affordable than campus programs?
They can be, but tuition rates for online nursing programs are usually the same (or comparable) to equivalent on-campus programs. However, when you tally the cost of tuition along with commuting/parking cost and student activity fees, online nursing schools in Houston often cost less overall than campus-based programs. This is especially true for accelerated nursing degrees completed more quickly than traditional programs.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Houston
There are many financial aid programs offering assistance to nursing students in Houston. Before receiving financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Available aid includes Federal Pell Grants, subsidized and government loans, nursing fellowships, scholarships, and research grants. Most Houston-area nursing schools also offer their own financial assistance. For example, the University of Houston awards 17 different scholarships to nursing students annually. Additional financial aid resources include the Texas Nursing Students Association’s annual awards of $500 for two recipients. You can start your search for financial aid at EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Houston: Licensing Requirements
You must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, successfully answering 75% of the 50 questions, and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Your Texas nursing license is good for two years and requires 20 hours of continuing education to renew. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) oversees all licensing requirements in the state. Visit our guide to nursing programs in Texas for detailed information on licensing.
Job Opportunities for RNs in Houston
RNs in Houston take jobs within hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice organizations. Locally, there are more than 3,000 listings for nursing jobs in Houston where 56,520 are already employed. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies predicts that by 2032, the number of RNs in the Houston and surrounding areas will grow 27.7%. Yet the demand for RNs will grow by 46.8%. In plain English, this means that within a decade, there will be a significant shortage of RNs in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Needless to say, there will be plenty of demand for new RNs in Houston for the foreseeable future.
Many of the healthcare employers in Houston are part of national networks with more than 10,000 employees. The largest employers of Houston area nurses include Houston Methodist, Texas Children’s Hospital, the University of Texas Medical Branch, HCA Healthcare, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Aveanna Healthcare, St. Luke’s Healthcare, Baylor College of Medicine, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Houston
How much you can earn as an RN in Houston depends on your level of education, specialty, and experience, but wages are solid and higher than those state-wide and nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an annual Houston RN mean wage of $84,960. Salary.com estimates an annual average between $59,624 and $106,313. In-state Texas RN mean wages are $76,800, and the national mean wage is $80,010. Additionally, Indeed shows that hourly wages rise from $29.78 for new RNs to $38.92 for RNs with ten years of experience.
Earnings for Registered Nurses in Houston, TX
| Median Hourly Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $40.49 | $40.85 | $84,960 |
| Texas | $36.21 | $36.92 | $76,800 |
| United States | $36.22 | $38.47 | $80,010 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
Additional Houston Nursing Resources
The BON issues licenses to graduates of approved nursing education programs, serving 27,000 nurses a year. It provides information on preparing for licensing and maintaining nursing licenses, including what nurses have to do to meet continuing education requirements. You can also find licensing application forms.
Texas Nurses Association (TNA)
For more than 100 years, the TNA has been a membership organization serving licensed nurses in the state. It offers a career center, which is open to non-members, that reaches 1,902 employers, as well as information about continuing nursing education and practice resources.
Office of Practice and Learning, Texas Department of Health Services
The OPL is a repository of resources to improve or implement the state’s public health programs. These include the DSHS Continuing Education Service, DSHS internships, and a preventive medicine residency program.
Greater Houston Chapter of AORN
AORN, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, provides resources for professional development and practice support for nurses who work in the operating room. One useful resource on its website is a job board listing of nurse openings in Houston, Beaumont, Polok, Tyler, Galveston, and other Texas locations.
