Texas has some of the best nursing schools in the country. The University of Texas system, Texas A&M, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, and a network of strong community colleges and regional universities train thousands of nurses annually for one of the largest healthcare markets in the US. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best nursing schools in Texas for ADN, BSN, and graduate nursing programs.
Best BSN Nursing Programs in Texas
- University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): Top-ranked research university with a strong BSN program and direct access to the Seton Healthcare family of hospitals.
- Texas A&M University: College Station. Research-intensive BSN with strong clinical training.
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UT Health): Clinical nursing programs with direct hospital affiliations.
- Texas Christian University (TCU): Fort Worth. Well-regarded private university BSN program.
- Baylor University: Waco. CCNE-accredited BSN with strong faith-based healthcare connections.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC): Programs across multiple Texas cities with rural and underserved community focus.
Best Community College ADN Programs in Texas
- Austin Community College (ACC): Strong ADN program feeding into the Austin healthcare market.
- Houston Community College: One of the largest ADN programs in Texas.
- San Antonio College: ADN program well-connected to the large San Antonio healthcare system.
- Dallas College: ADN programs for the DFW market.
- Texas State Technical College (TSTC): ADN programs at multiple Texas locations.
Texas Nurse Salary by Degree Level
- LPN (Texas): $45,000-$58,000/yr
- RN with ADN (Texas): $62,000-$88,000/yr
- RN with BSN (Texas): $68,000-$100,000/yr
- MSN / NP (Texas): $100,000-$145,000/yr
- CRNA (Texas): $175,000-$225,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nursing school in Texas?
UT Austin and Texas A&M are consistently rated the top nursing programs in Texas for research and academic reputation. TTUHSC is notable for its rural healthcare mission and multiple statewide campuses. For most students the best nursing school is the one that fits their location, budget, and career goals.
How long does nursing school take in Texas?
LPN programs take 12-18 months. ADN programs take 2 years. BSN programs take 4 years (or 1-2 years for RN to BSN completion). MSN programs take 2-3 years post-BSN. DNP programs take 3-4 years post-BSN.
Is nursing school competitive in Texas?
Yes. Nursing programs throughout Texas are highly competitive with more applicants than available seats. Strong GPA, science prerequisites, TEAS or HESI scores, and healthcare work experience all improve your chances. Apply to multiple programs simultaneously.
Do Texas nurses earn more with a BSN?
Generally yes. Texas hospital systems increasingly pay differential for BSN-educated nurses and prefer BSN for specialty and charge nurse roles. The pay difference is typically $1-$3/hr over ADN nurses. Over a career the BSN investment typically pays back significantly, especially when combined with an online RN to BSN completion program.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Texas nursing schools?
Texas nursing programs are required to maintain NCLEX pass rates above state minimum thresholds. Most well-regarded Texas nursing programs maintain first-time NCLEX pass rates of 85-95 percent. Check the Texas Board of Nursing website for current program-specific NCLEX pass rate data before selecting a program.
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