Houston Online Nursing Programs: Degree Information for Students
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
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.
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
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.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Houston?
Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area earn a competitive salary. The median annual income for RNs in this region is $93,330, which is higher than the state median of $85,110. Entry-level nurses in the 10th percentile earn around $67,810, while those in the 90th percentile can earn up to $115,460. These figures reflect Houston's larger metropolitan economy, where demand for healthcare professionals is strong. With a salary range that spans from entry-level to experienced professionals, the Houston area offers attractive earning potential for RNs, especially for those advancing to higher percentiles with more experience and specialization.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $67,810 | $93,330 | $115,460 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
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.
