Accelerated Nursing Programs in Texas – 2022 (2023)

If you are considering making the switch from your current career into the nursing field and you already have a baccalaureate degree, you may want to consider one of several accelerated nursing programs in Texas. These programs give you credit for what you’ve already learned and allow you to earn your BSN or MSN degree much more quickly as a result. Completing these programs gives you a solid foundation for a career as an RN or nurse practitioner, including leadership, management, and research positions.

How Many Schools are Currently Offering Texas Board of Nursing Approved and CCNE Accredited Accelerated Nursing Programs in Texas?

Typical Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas Information

An accelerated BSN program in Texas is designed to allow you to enter the workforce more quickly by giving you credit for courses you’ve already taken. The programs are typically fast-paced and full-time, though some may allow you to progress part-time, as well. You’ll participate in classroom instruction, simulations and labs, and clinical experiences at various Texas facilities throughout the program. After completing the program, you will be qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination, which is required for licensure in the state.

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the school you choose. All schools will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field, and per Texas laws, you will need to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to participating in clinical experiences. To give you an idea of the requirements, let us look at Baylor University. To attend, you will need:

•A bachelor’ degree in any field with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
•Official transcripts from all schools you have attended;
•HESI A2 scores of 80 or better in Math and English Composite;
•A passing TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score if English is not your native language; and
•Proof of liability insurance, a drug screen, and a background check.

Tuition Costs: Tuition associated with accelerated BSN programs in TX can vary a great deal depending on the program you choose. You can expect to pay between $24,380 and $66,978.

Length: The program length varies depending on the Texas nursing school you select. You may be able to complete the program in as little as one year, but some programs may take up to 16 months.

Classes: The classes you will take on your path to becoming an RN will build upon your previous knowledge and teach you how to care for patients of various ages, both individually and in communities.

Clinical Training: Clinical training is a requirement in the state of Texas. During your training, you will put the information you learn to practice by working with patients in various settings under the direct supervision of an experienced RN. Your school may require you to complete a specific number of hours to complete your program. As an example, if you attend Baylor University, you will be required to complete a 60-hour residency requirement

Following is the List of 8 Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas for 2022

1.Baylor University, Dallas

Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing has been around for 109 years and continuously strives to provide nursing education that is faith based and relevant to match the needs of modern-day nursing. Living up to their motto of Learn.Lead.Serve, the school of nursing has been highly ranked by top publications like the U.S. News for its professional nursing programs. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, its central location can be an advantage for many of its students.

The FastBacc BSN Track program is 12 months of intensive classroom and lab training including clinical experiences. The program offered each summer, has some courses offered in a hybrid and online format. Students put the newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice at its state-of-art simulation lab, getting a better understanding of their actions without jeopardizing the health of patients. Some of the courses taught are Professional Nursing Practice of Childbearing family, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing of the Patients with Medical Surgical Needs.

2.Concordia University Texas, Austin & Dallas

Concordia University, located in the music capital of Austin is a private, non-profit higher learning institution offering Christ centered education. The nursing programs it offers foster students to provide professional nursing with compassion and care. Concordia is ideal for those seeking out for faith-based education that is nestled in the vibrant metropolis of Austin.

The Accelerated BSN Track is a 16 month fast paced program combining teaching methodologies that include online coursework, lab training and real-world clinical practice. The program is offered thrice a year, in January, May and August. Little wonder that this program is a popular option for a career switchover with all the flexibility it offers. The coursework is broken into four semesters and includes courses such as Child and Family Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, Adult, Community and Global Health Nursing. To be eligible for this program a minimum of 60 credits is required either through prior education or completion of required prerequisites online at Concordia.

3.Texas A&M University College of Nursing, Bryan-College Station & Round Rock

The Texas A & M University College of Nursing, started in 2008, is amongst the top ranked nursing colleges of the nation. The college has earned a reputation of 99 percent first-time pass rate on the NCLEX. The small student to faculty ratio of 1:10 it maintains, enhances mentorship and learning. The college’s initiative in providing real-time interdisciplinary learning to its students has led to the creation of Disaster Day where students learn the knowledge and skills required to respond in an emergency.

The Second-Degree BSN track is a 15-month program that is offered every spring. The program is a combination of face-to-face lectures, lab experiences, simulations and video conferencing. This four- semester program starts with fundamentals of nursing care in the first semester and moves on to nursing care of adults, the aged and women, families and newborns. Students are required to complete 61 credit hours in order to graduate. The Round Rock campus offers more lectures delivered by video conferences, allowing students to experience learning that is engaging, interactive and convenient.

4.Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a unique combination of thrill and adventure along with world class education. The beautiful campus located on its 240-acre semi-tropical island, provides students a coastal destination that is also close to major Texas cities. Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s nursing students enjoy hi-tech infrastructure such as state-of-art simulation labs, innovative use of technology, WebEX, and Skype, striving to bridge the educational gap by providing a strong foundation especially to the Latin American population.

Its Accelerated BSN track spans over four semesters and is offered each year in fall. Students are required to hold a baccalaureate degree in any field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. In pursuing their pre-nursing curriculum freshman and sophomore students can avail faculty mentorship that is provided by the college. Despite the program being intensive, the experienced faculty and conducive learning environment thoroughly prepares students for a flourishing nursing career.

5.Texas Christian University, Fort Worth

The Texas Christian University was organized as an educational institution in 1946 and was the first baccalaureate nursing program in Texas. It offers a wide choice of nursing programs in an educational environment that is driven by a committed faculty and management. With a low student-faculty ratio and 15,000 square feet of state-of-art simulation and practice lab space, learning is enhanced, thereby developing clinical reasoning and critical thinking in students.

The Accelerated BSN track is a 16-month program where students complete a rigorous coursework in a short duration. This fast-paced program provides a solid grounding with its clinical partnerships where students practice in real-time settings. 59 credit hours are earned throughout the four semesters, with the program providing the same number of clinical hours as the traditional track. To hone evidence-based decision-making skills the last semester also includes a professional nursing residency.

6.Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock & El Paso

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, a public school had its first batch of students in 1979 and since then grew to be a nursing school of repute. An equal opportunity institution, students get to train in nurse-managed clinics such as the Larry Combest Community Health and Wellness Center in Lubbock and the Abilene Community Health Clinic.

The Second-Degree BSN accelerated program is a 12-month fast paced program meant to train nursing students to face the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare environment. The program is offered in a convenient online mode of instruction with online clinical hours being guided by the nursing clinical faculty. The program spans across 3 semesters and includes courses such as basic nursing skills, concepts of chronic care nursing, mental health nursing, acute care nursing and developing family nursing.

7.University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio, San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center is one of the pre-eminent nursing schools in South Texas. The school boasts of innovative nursing programs instructed by a faculty that comprises 63% of them being doctorally prepared. Having strategic collaborations with all major San Antonio area hospitals and health care agencies, web enhanced programs and world-class simulation lab, its affordable nursing programs are much sought after.

The Accelerated BSN track spans over 4 semesters and is offered once a year in May. The program prepares students to provide nursing care to diverse patients and populations across the lifespan, healthcare settings and healthcare environments. This 15-month program is conducted on campus in San Antonio and to accept students the school considers the TEAs cumulative score, math and science GPA, cumulative GPA, essay responses, interviews and extracurricular activities.

8.University of Texas-Tyler, Tyler & Longview

The Nursing School is one of the seven colleges which form a part of the University of Texas-Tyler. Nestled along a lake, the campus location is beautiful and provides a picturesque and serene environment for students to thrive. The School of Nursing places emphasis on critical thinking, lifelong learning and competence and ensures students get ample practice opportunities in a variety of roles and settings.

The 16-month full-time, Accelerated Nursing BSN degree is offered at the Tyler and Longview campuses every spring semester. The program boasts of an impressive 93% graduates passing the NCLEX-RN on the very first attempt. Graduates are given an opportunity to work in different clinical settings for a full 224 hours of clinical experience each semester. Additionally, students can learn by networking through American Nurses Association, National Student Nurse Association and Nursing Christian Fellowship groups.

Following is the List of 1 Accelerated MSN/Entry-level Masters Programs in Texas for 2022

1. University of Texas-Austin, Austin

To fill the gap of nurses in the state’s healthcare system, University of Texas School of Nursing started offering nursing programs in 1960. It has been at the forefront of transformative nursing education, path breaking research, community service and collaborative partnerships. Its Wellness Centers at two sites provide healthcare to the undeserved population in Central Texas. This leads to better health outcomes and rich learning experiences for nursing students.

The Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing is an intensive direct entry MSN in Texas for non-nursing graduates. The three-year program is divided into two segments, the foundation and master’s coursework. The first year is full-time and covers foundation courses that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN, after which you can work as a Registered Nurse in Texas. During the next two years you will complete Master’s coursework in any of the three specialization areas you choose, namely; Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult – Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist or Leadership in Diverse Settings. During this period part-time study option is available. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in your first degree and completion of pre-requisite coursework is required to be eligible for this program.

What Next After Completing My Accelerated Nursing Program in TX?

Get My RN License: After completing your accelerated nursing program in TX, you will need to obtain your nursing license before you can enter the workforce. To do this, you will first apply for your license through the Texas Board of Nursing, then register for your NCLEX-RN exam through the Pearson Vue website. After you pass this exam, you will receive your license.

Where Will I Work: Most RNs in TX work in hospitals, including in emergency rooms and general patient care. Because hospitals never close, you may work overnight hours, even on holidays and weekends. You might also choose to work in a doctor’s office or clinic, where hours are far more predictable. Some nurses in Texas work in home health care, which can offer some flexibility, too.

Is the Career Change to Nursing Worth It in Texas?

Salary: Registered nurses with BSN degrees earn an average of $72,070, and nurse practitioners with MSN degrees earn an average of $111,330. This makes the salary highly lucrative and the career change worth it.

Salary Compared to All Other Occupations in Texas: The average salary in Texas across all other occupations is $48,700. When compared to all other occupations across Texas, it is very clear that both registered nurses and nurse practitioners enjoy a much higher salary.

Job Prospects & Security: Another important consideration when it comes to making a career change is your job security. Thanks to the aging population across Texas and wider-reaching, more affordable health insurance, it is expected that some 61,500 new RN positions will open between 2017 and 2027, which is a growth of 28.98%. Nurse practitioners will be in even higher demand; in that same timeframe, some 4,700 new jobs will open, representing an astonishing 43.80% growth.

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