Best Nursing Schools in Texas

Victoria College's Associate Degree Nursing Program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, preparing you to become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years. The curriculum blends nursing concepts, patient-centered care, and critical thinking with extensive hands-on clinical practice. You'll learn to coordinate patient activities, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams. Graduates find careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. The program is accredited by ACEN and costs around $13,657 for in-county students, with financial aid and scholarships available. Start in fall or spring. Prerequisites include biology, microbiology, and psychology with a 2.0 GPA, and the ATI TEAS exam is required. This on-campus program provides a supportive pathway to the nursing profession.

• ACEN accredited
• 2 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• $13,657 total program tuition
• 2-Year program
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 2.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required

Texas State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides a comprehensive education grounded in clinical practice, health sciences, and patient-centered care. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations alongside classroom instruction, developing critical thinking and leadership skills essential for modern healthcare. The curriculum covers a wide range of nursing specialties, preparing graduates for roles such as registered nurse, critical care nurse, emergency room nurse, and more. The program is CCNE accredited and boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate (2024), reflecting its commitment to excellence. Whether you're starting your nursing journey or pursuing a lifelong calling, this program offers a supportive pathway to becoming a skilled and confident registered nurse.

• CCNE accredited
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX

Kilgore College's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse (RN). Offered in both a traditional 16-month fast-track and a transition track for LVNs and paramedics, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care. Students learn through a continuous full-time curriculum that integrates ethical and legal practice, professionalism, and effective communication. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enter the workforce with a strong foundation. With a history of nursing education since 1969, KC has produced a significant portion of the local nursing workforce. The program also offers scholarship opportunities and regular information sessions to guide prospective students through the application process.

• 2 concentration options
• Exams: TEAS
• Starts spring/summer
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Nursing education since 1969
• Many local nurses are KC graduates
• Monthly information sessions available
• Advanced placement for LVNs and Paramedics

LeTourneau University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students for a variety of healthcare careers through a four-year campus-based program. The curriculum combines 67 hours of general education, theology, and prerequisite courses with 55 hours of nursing coursework, totaling 122 credits. In the first two years, students complete prerequisites such as anatomy, microbiology, and nutrition before applying to the School of Nursing. Once accepted, they begin hands-on clinical training guided by Texas Board of Nursing competencies. Graduates are ready for roles as staff nurses, nurse managers, occupational health nurses, clinical consultants, and public health nurses. The program emphasizes clinical reasoning and professional standards from the American Nurses Association and AACN Essentials. Students benefit from a supportive Christian environment and practical learning experiences that build confidence and competence.

• 4-Year program
• Complete in four-year degree plan
• 122 total credit hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Hands-on clinical learning
• Clinical starts after prerequisites
• Common jobs: staff nurse, nurse manager
• Texas Board of Nursing competencies
• 67 gen ed + 55 nursing credits

Texas Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offers a traditional college experience with a focus on clinical judgment and the nursing process. The innovative curriculum develops critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills, preparing graduates for versatile careers beyond hospitals and extended-care facilities. Students learn from accomplished educators, researchers, and practitioners in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The program is delivered on campus in Fort Worth, Texas, and can be completed in 29 months. It includes a Traditional Track option for a comprehensive nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care and readiness for diverse health care settings. Technical standards and licensure disclosure ensure students meet professional requirements.

• 29-Month program
• State-of-the-art simulation technology
• Accomplished faculty educators and practitioners
• Critical thinking and clinical reasoning development
• Prepares for diverse health care settings
• Technical standards requirement
• Nurse Camp for high school students
• Department Honors available

The BSN Traditional Track at UTMB is a campus-based, 16-month program that prepares students to become competent registered nurses. The curriculum covers adult health, pharmacology, pathophysiology, population health, childbearing family, and leadership, culminating in a clinical capstone. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at UTMB Medical Center and Houston-Galveston area hospitals, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and interprofessional education with medicine and health professions schools. With a 99% NCLEX pass rate and CCNE accreditation, graduates are well-prepared for RN licensure and careers in diverse healthcare settings. The program offers multiple start terms (fall, spring, summer), scholarships and financial aid, and extensive student support including advising, tutoring, and career placement. UTMB's vibrant campus features over 60 student organizations and intramural sports, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• CCNE accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 16-Month program
• 60 total credit hours
• 16 total courses
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 99% licensure pass rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Laredo College prepares students for a career as a registered nurse. The curriculum covers nursing skills, foundations of practice, complex concepts of adult health, mental health nursing, and care of childbearing families. Students gain hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. With a 100% student satisfaction rate and strong NCLEX pass rates, graduates are well-prepared for licensure. The program offers flexible career options, allowing nurses to work in diverse environments. Graduates can pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health, with competitive starting salaries.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• $10,000 total program tuition
• 2-Year program
• 60 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 93% licensure pass rate
• 96% job placement rate
• 2.5 GPA minimum

Laredo College's 100% online RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree seeking to advance their education and career. The curriculum focuses on leadership, nursing research, informatics, community health, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a capstone community nursing clinical. Students gain skills in critical thinking, clinical judgment, and case management, preparing them for roles as charge nurses, nurse managers, and other leadership positions. The program can be completed in just 10.5 months and offers admission priority to LC ADN graduates. With high graduate employment in leadership roles and strong student satisfaction, this program is an excellent pathway for Texas nurses to achieve a BSN and pursue graduate studies.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
• Complete in 10.5 months
• 33 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-17
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Starting salaries $86,000 and above
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• 100% online program
• Designed for ADN-RN transition students

Stephen F. Austin State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a pre-licensure program for aspiring registered nurses. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical rotations at local facilities, where students perform procedures and engage in realistic simulations using state-of-the-art equipment. You'll build skills in patient care, critical thinking, and professionalism, preparing for careers in rural hospitals or major medical centers. The program admits up to 80 students each fall and spring, and most graduates secure positions before graduation. A distinctive feature is the Lumberjack Nursing Guarantee, offering assured admission to qualifying freshmen. Admission requires a prerequisite GPA of 3.5, completion of prerequisite courses, and a competitive ATI TEAS score. With 53 credit hours of nursing coursework in the final two years, this BSN provides a solid foundation for nursing practice.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Majority secure jobs before graduation
• Clinical rotations at local facilities
• State-of-the-art simulation equipment
• Up to 80 students admitted per semester

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Texas A&M University is a rigorous two-year program designed for transfer students who have completed prerequisite coursework. The curriculum covers professional identity, management of care, pathophysiology and pharmacology, mental health nursing, maternal and child health, and community health. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical components integrated into most courses. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The program is offered in Bryan-College Station and McAllen, with small cohorts and a supportive learning environment. An optional BSN Honors Program allows high-achieving students to engage in research and prepare for graduate education.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 2-Year program
• 61 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts spring/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Military benefits accepted

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Tyler Junior College prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN). Through a rigorous curriculum combining classroom theory, hands-on skills training in state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical experiences at leading healthcare facilities, students gain the critical thinking and clinical competence needed to excel. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive patient care across diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health agencies. The program offers three pathways to accommodate different backgrounds: the Traditional two-year track, the LVN-ADN Transition for licensed vocational nurses, and the Paramedic-ADN Transition for paramedics seeking career advancement. Each pathway is designed with flexible scheduling, including AM, PM, and hybrid options to support working students. With its low tuition, multiple campus locations across East Texas, and strong employment outcomes, TJC's ADN program is an accessible and practical choice for aspiring nurses.

• National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) accredited
• 2-Year program
• $90,210 median earnings
• Brand new simulation facilities
• Multiple campus locations
• Affordable compared to university
• Excellent job placement in healthcare

The LVN-ADN Transition program at Tyler Junior College is a bridge pathway designed for licensed vocational nurses seeking to advance to registered nursing. This two-year associate degree program offers three cohort options in Tyler and Jacksonville, providing flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum builds on existing LVN knowledge with advanced nursing theory, hands-on skills training, and clinical experiences in East Texas healthcare facilities. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. TJC's program stands out for its affordability—costing a fraction of university programs—and its state-of-the-art simulation labs at the Robert M Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Building. Students benefit from multiple campus locations, strong clinical partnerships, and a reputation for excellent job placement in the Tyler medical district. The program is accredited by NLN CNEA and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

• NLN CNEA, Texas Board of Nursing accredited
• 3 concentration options
• 2-Year program
• $90,210 median earnings
• Three cohort options: Tyler AM, PM, and Jacksonville
• Affordable tuition vs. state universities
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Multiple campus locations
• Excellent job placement in medical district
• LVN to RN bridge program

Tyler Junior College’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares students for registered nurse licensure through three distinct pathways: Traditional ADN, LVN-ADN Transition, and Paramedic-ADN Transition. The curriculum blends hands-on skills training with clinical experiences in area hospitals, building competence in health promotion, diagnosis, and treatment. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, long-term care, and community health settings, with a median annual salary of $90,210. The program features flexible cohort options including a FastTrack hybrid evening track and multiple locations across East Texas. Accredited by the NLN CNEA and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, TJC Nursing offers an affordable, high-quality education with state-of-the-art facilities in Tyler’s medical district. Students benefit from small cohorts and dedicated faculty guidance throughout the two-year program.

• NLN CNEA accredited
• 2-Year program
• One hybrid cohort