Texas is one of the best states in the country to pursue an online nursing degree. The state has a massive and growing healthcare sector, nursing salaries that are highly competitive with the no-income-tax advantage, and multiple highly-regarded university systems offering online BSN and MSN programs. Texas also has a significant nursing shortage — making BSN and MSN-educated nurses especially attractive to employers who will often help pay for continuing education.
Types of Online Nursing Programs in Texas
- Online RN to BSN: The most popular online nursing program in Texas. Working RNs complete a BSN fully online while continuing to work. UT, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech all offer strong options.
- Online BSN: Some Texas universities offer hybrid BSN programs for pre-licensure students. Clinical hours must be completed in person.
- Online MSN: Graduate specializations including Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Administrator. Available at multiple Texas universities.
- Online DNP: Terminal clinical degree for advanced practice. UT Health San Antonio, UT Austin, and others offer DNP programs.
- Online PMHNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs with high demand in Texas due to mental health provider shortage.
Top Online Nursing Programs in Texas
- University of Texas at Arlington (UTA): One of the largest online nursing programs in the US. Strong RN to BSN and MSN programs.
- Texas A&M University: Online nursing programs with strong research reputation.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC): Online MSN and DNP programs with clinical placements across rural and urban Texas.
- Western Governors University (WGU) Texas: Competency-based online BSN and MSN. Popular among Texas working nurses.
- Grand Canyon University: Online BSN and MSN programs accepted in Texas.
Texas Nurse Salary
- RN (Houston): $72,000-$105,000/yr
- RN (Dallas-Fort Worth): $70,000-$100,000/yr
- RN (Austin): $72,000-$104,000/yr
- NP (Family Nurse Practitioner): $110,000-$145,000/yr
- CRNA (Texas): $175,000-$225,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online nursing program in Texas?
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is one of the largest and most recognized online nursing programs in the country. Texas A&M and TTUHSC are strong for MSN and DNP. WGU is popular for its competency-based format. All programs should be CCNE or ACEN accredited for Texas BON recognition.
How much do nurses make in Texas?
Texas RNs earn $70,000-$105,000/yr depending on city and specialization. Houston and Austin tend to be at the higher end. Texas no state income tax makes these wages more competitive than equivalent gross wages in California, New York, or Illinois. Family Nurse Practitioners in Texas earn $110,000-$145,000/yr.
Is there a nursing shortage in Texas?
Yes. Texas faces a significant nursing shortage particularly in rural areas and in specialty areas like ICU, OR, and behavioral health. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies projects the shortage to deepen through 2030. BSN and MSN-educated nurses have better access to specialized roles and hospital employment opportunities.
Does Texas require a BSN for nurses?
Texas does not legally require a BSN but many major health systems including HCA Healthcare Texas, Baylor Scott and White, and UT Health prefer BSN for clinical nurse positions and require it for charge nurse and specialty roles. The Texas Organization of Nurse Executives supports the BSN as the preferred entry-level degree.
What is the PMHNP shortage in Texas?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are in exceptional shortage throughout Texas, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Texas has significant mental health workforce gaps. PMHNP graduates in Texas can expect strong employment with signing bonuses and above-average NP salaries. TTUHSC and UTA both offer PMHNP tracks in their MSN programs.
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