Dallas is a top-five US city for nursing careers. The healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in North Texas, anchored by UT Southwestern Medical Center, one of the country's leading academic medical institutions. With no state income tax and a strong job market, Dallas is an excellent place to build a nursing career at any stage.
Types of Nursing Programs in Dallas
- LPN programs: About 12 months at Brookhaven College and El Centro College.
- ADN: 2 years at Dallas College. Affordable and well-respected locally.
- BSN: 4 years at UT Arlington, SMU, or Baylor. Accelerated BSN options for career changers.
- RN-to-BSN: Online completion at UTA and multiple national programs.
- MSN: Graduate programs at Texas Woman's University and UT Arlington leading to NP and leadership roles.
What to Look for in a Dallas Nursing School
- Accreditation: ACEN or CCNE. UTA and TWU are both CCNE-accredited.
- NCLEX pass rates: Texas statewide pass rates are solid. Request each program's specific first-time pass rate.
- Clinical partnerships: Programs tied to UT Southwestern, Parkland, or Baylor Scott and White provide experience with the region's major employers.
- Affordability: Dallas College offers the most accessible ADN programs in the metro.
How to Pay for Nursing School in Dallas
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 per year for eligible students.
- Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas: WIOA-funded training grants for in-demand healthcare careers.
- Texas Nursing Workforce Initiative: State-level funding support for nursing education.
- Employer tuition reimbursement: UT Southwestern, Parkland, Baylor Scott and White, and Texas Health Presbyterian all offer tuition assistance programs.
Nursing Salaries in Dallas
- Entry-level RN: Approximately $58,000 per year
- Mid-career RN: Approximately $72,000 per year
- Experienced RN: $88,000 and above
- Nurse Practitioner: Average $118,000 per year in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing schools are in Dallas?
UT Arlington, Texas Woman's University, Dallas College, and Brookhaven College are among the primary options. UTA is one of the largest nursing programs in Texas and particularly strong for RN-to-BSN and graduate programs.
How much do nurses make in Dallas?
The average Dallas RN earns approximately $72,000 per year at mid-career. Texas has no state income tax, which means your effective take-home pay is higher than in many comparable metro areas.
Is Dallas good for travel nurses?
Yes. Dallas has multiple major hospital systems that regularly use travel nurses, and pay rates in the DFW Metroplex are competitive. UT Southwestern and Parkland are both frequent travel nurse employers.
Are there evening nursing programs in Dallas?
Yes. Dallas College and several other programs offer evening, weekend, and hybrid formats designed for working adults who cannot attend full-time daytime programs.
Does Texas require a BSN for RN licensure?
No. Texas allows ADN-prepared nurses to sit for the NCLEX-RN and practice as licensed RNs. A BSN is not required for initial licensure but is increasingly preferred by Dallas employers for advancement and specialty roles.
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