In this article, we take a good look at How to Become a Nurse in Texas, if you have been searching for this information, this is the right content for you.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON), which grants more than 27,000 licenses yearly and oversees the state’s 350,000-person nursing workforce, mandates passing the NCLEX exam.
Texas grants a license that permits nurses to employment in 38 more jurisdictions and states because it is a compact state.
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How To Become A Nurse In Texas
A bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an accredited nursing program are the typical educational paths taken by registered nurses. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral sciences are frequently taught in nursing education programs.
Programs leading to a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), similar to those in some other healthcare and related fields, typically last four years to complete.
In general, it takes 4 years to obtain an associate’s degree in nursing (AND) or an associate of science in nursing (ASN).
Diploma programs normally last two to three years to complete and are offered by hospitals or medical facilities. Compared to BSN, AND, and ASN programs, there are much less diploma programs.
Every curriculum includes a closely supervised clinical component.
For entry-level work as a staff nurse, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs (bachelor’s, associate’s, or diploma) are often qualified. Employers, especially those in hospitals, may, however, demand a bachelor’s degree.
Through an RN-to-BSN program, registered nurses with an AND, ASN, or diploma can return to school and obtain a bachelor’s degree.
For people who aspire to enter the field of nursing but already possess a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, there are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and accelerated programs.
The state in which they work must provide a nursing license to registered nurses. Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination and graduate from an accredited nursing program to become licensed.
Each state has its own set of additional licensing requirements, such as clearing a criminal background check. Each state’s board of nursing sets distinct criteria. Before thinking of the steps on How to Become a Nurse in Texas, you must consider the eligibility requirements. Check out the requirements to be licensed below.
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The Eligibility Requirements For Texas RN Licenses
- You need to have an AND, BSN, or graduate degree in order to obtain a nursing license in Texas. After graduation, the state demands two exams: the jurisprudence test and the NCLEX-RN.
- Additionally, prospective nurses must submit their fingerprints and consent to a criminal history check. You might not be able to become a nurse if you’ve committed certain crimes.
- You won’t be given a nursing license until the BON obtains an affidavit from your nursing school attesting to your degree, you pass the testing and background checks, and you pay the necessary fees.
- As of June 2021, the fees are $150 for the license plus a background check charge, $100 for NCLEX-RN authorization, and $25 for the jurisprudence exam.
Can You Become a Nurse Online?
Yes, you may complete your associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees in nursing online, to give you a quick answer.
The long answer is that although you can obtain your degree and finish your coursework online, you’ll still need to accrue clinical hours in person at a real site.
How do I become an RN in Texas Online?
- Enroll in a nursing program that has been accredited and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Finish the RN degree program.
- Ace the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Complete Other Texas-Specific Licensing Requirements.
How Much Do Nurses Earn In Texas?
Having seen How to Become a Nurse in Texas, how much are you likely to earn as a nurse in Texas?
The state of Texas has regional variations in nurse pay. Houston, where the average RN compensation is $83,890 and there are now 54,540 registered nurses working, is the region with the highest RN pay.
With 62,840 employed registered nurses and an average RN pay of $82,260, the Dallas region comes in second.
Most Texas nurses make between $59,780 and $99,070 a year.
Texas RNs make about $79,517 annually after the cost of living adjustments.
Texas has a cost of living that is 0% less than the national average, which means that its housing, food, and transportation costs are lower than those in other states.
What City in Texas Pays Nurses The Most?
The Woodlands, where the average RN salary is $83,890 and there are now 54,540 registered nurses working, is the region with the highest pay for RNs.
With 62,840 employed registered nurses and an average RN pay of $82,260, the Dallas region comes in second.
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How Much Does it Cost to Become an RN in Texas?
LVN training in a two-year state school costs between $2,560 and $58,880 in tuition, books, supplies, and fees.
A four-year nursing baccalaureate at a public or private university in the Lone Star State costs between $16,270 and $122,990.
How Long Does it Take to Become a RN in Texas?
To become a licensed nurse in Texas, budget 2-4 years. A BSN program normally lasts at least four years, whereas an ADN program must be completed in at least two years in order to prepare for the NCLEX-RN.
What is The Fastest Way to Become a Nurse?
An associate’s degree in nursing (AND) is one of the quickest routes to becoming a registered nurse if that is your goal.
The minimal educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse is an undergraduate degree, which can be completed in two to three years, depending on the credits earned.
Is 48 too old to become a nurse?
Even if you are motivated and have the disposition to start a new profession in nursing, you may be wondering, “Am I too old to become a nurse?” No! Nurses come from diverse ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Is Nursing School Hard to Pass?
It’s not for everyone to attend nursing school because it’s so challenging. Graduate school is also difficult.
Is Getting Into Nursing School Hard?
Admission to nursing programs is notoriously competitive. Many potential nursing students shy away from the field due to the challenging admission standards, which include high GPA requirements, entrance examinations, and stringent prerequisites.
What is the easiest nursing degree?
The AND is the simplest degree program available for registered nurses. You can prepare for a career as a registered nurse with an associate’s degree program, but you should be aware that this degree only satisfies the basic minimum requirements for eligibility as an RN.
What is The Number One Nursing School in Texas?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Score 98. The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Center in Houston is a well-regarded nursing program. U.S. News & World Report has named its master’s and doctoral programs as some of the best in the country. World Report News.
Are online nursing programs credible?
You may be sure that the curriculum is up to par if the school is accredited by a group like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Compare nursing programs with some of the top universities in the sector if you’re seeking the freedom that online programs have to offer. Below are a few of them.
Best Online Nursing Schools In Texas:
Texas offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level online nursing programs. Schools that provide totally online and hybrid nursing degrees are included in the comprehensive list below.
Abilene Christian University: You may be prepared for nursing school, but first you must complete your requirements.
You’re set up for success with this online Pre-Nursing curriculum. The academic rigor and perspective of the courses are consistent with those of ACU’s School of Nursing, which aims to prepare you for compassionate, competent care by enhancing your technical and critical-thinking abilities.
This 68-credit-hour program covers the health sciences, liberal arts, and key competencies rooted in statistics, biology, and chemistry with flexible courses you can take around your current schedule, whether you intend to transfer into ACU’s on-campus BSN program or continue somewhere closer to home. Take the first step toward a fulfilling nursing career.
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Baptist Health System School of Health Professions: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing has granted accreditation to this nursing education program.
The RN to BSN program is a post-licensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree completion program for Registered Nurses who have successfully completed a diploma or associate degree nursing program and currently possess a valid nursing license.
By offering a more in-depth study of the physical and social sciences, humanities, nursing research, nursing leadership and management, and community health nursing, the program’s curriculum builds on the skills and knowledge acquired during pre-licensure nursing education and experiences as a practicing RN.
Increasing students’ knowledge of the various social, cultural, economic, and political concerns that affect patients and the delivery of healthcare is one of the objectives of the RN to BSN program.
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Blinn College: The goal of the Blinn College Vocational Nursing Program (offered in both conventional face-to-face and online-blended formats) is to give students the knowledge and preparation they need to become highly trained, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), who can work in a range of healthcare environments.
Admission to the program and the College are prerequisites for enrollment in the vocational nursing courses.
While the online-blended program starts with the fall semester and lasts for 12 months, the standard program starts with the fall semester and lasts for 10 months.
The curriculum includes experiences in the classroom, lab, and clinic. The Brenham and LaGrange regions’ hospitals and other medical institutions are used for clinical rotations.
Once all program criteria have been satisfactorily met, a vocational nursing certificate is awarded.
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Concordia University – Texas: At Concordia University Texas, there are three distinct ways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
The Traditional BSN track is a four-year program in which students enroll as Pre-Nursing majors and then apply for admission to the Nursing program to finish the Professional Nursing Sequence after completing the Pre-Nursing Sequence.
For eligible freshmen, the BSN Direct Entry track guarantees them a position in the nursing program while they finish the Pre-Nursing Sequence.
Students with prior college experience in an area other than nursing should consider the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track.
Students must have prior college experience in a non-nursing subject to be eligible for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) course, which is offered online.
As part of a blended program, students complete courses online, take part in nursing simulation and skills labs at the ABSN Learning Sites in Austin and Dallas, and finish in-hospital clinical rotations.
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Del Mar College: The Department of Nurse Education offers students the chance to develop personally while also achieving academic objectives that lead to either a Vocational Nurse Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing, with the option of obtaining an Associate of Arts degree to help students complete a BSN degree at a higher level nurse education program.
The multiple entry/exit program’s (MEEP) main goals are to assist students’ career and educational decisions, promote lifelong learning, and offer a curriculum that places a strong emphasis on deep learning.
Students who successfully complete the program are qualified to take the relevant National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX), register as a nurse (RN), or become a practical nurse (PN).
The nursing curriculum includes certain online-only courses. When between 85% and 100% of the course material is delivered online, the course is considered to be entirely online.
The student will need to travel to the campus for these courses’ testing and orientation. You should be aware of this and get ready to take lessons using this distribution method.
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Hardin-Simmons University: Because they form the backbone of the healthcare system, nurses are in constant demand. One of the top R.N. to B.S.N. programs in the area, its graduates are highly sought after for their expertise and commitment to their patients both in Texas and across the country.
Their BSN and RN to BSN programs are also founded on and illuminated by Christian values like community service and leadership.
The R.N. to B.S.N. program at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing allows registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as little as two semesters (PHSSN).
Because of its easy accessibility, knowledgeable faculty mentors, and experienced faculty, this program stands out among online R.N. to B.S.N. programs.
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Houston Baptist University: The RN to BSN program at HBU is especially made to support working RNs who are still pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
No matter what area of nursing you choose to specialize in now or in the future, you may develop the essential skills you need to succeed with personalized support along the way.
Both online RN to BSN and MSN programs offer a competency-based, industry-aligned education that is flexible and affordable, preparing graduates for nursing career success.
HBU’s online RN to BSN and MSN programs provide nurses with the advanced skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment.
They are built on a solid faith-based foundation and enhanced by user-friendly technology.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care (PNP-PC), Education, and Leadership are the four-degree options available for the Master of Science in Nursing at HBU.
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Howard College: The two-year Associate Degree Nursing (AND) program for registered nurses (RNs) grants college credit.
The lecture component of the program’s second year is delivered online. Students are equipped for job advancement in the nursing field.
This program has been approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Students will apply to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become Registered Nurse after they have finished their coursework.
Numerous AND students use this institution’s articulation agreements with Texas universities to continue their education and obtain their BSN degrees.
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Lamar University: Lamar University, a part of the Texas State University System, offers online nursing programs that are meant to help you earn your degree quickly while providing you the freedom to keep working.
The 100% online programs give you the knowledge, abilities, and credentials you need to advance into higher-level nursing professions while preparing you for a variety of healthcare settings.
Learn why Lamar University’s JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing is regarded as one of the nation’s top nursing programs.
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Lubbock Christian University: The Department of Nursing offers two MSN degrees in education/leadership and family nurse practitioner in addition to the RN/BSN.
The programs are delivered in a hybrid manner, which combines traditional and online classes, and are taught by highly qualified faculty.
The faculty is committed to nursing excellence, nursing education, and the advancement of a patient, family, and community care.
Every program is made to fit around the working hours of nurses. A caring and approachable professors and staff are available on this small, welcoming campus, which supports a Christian learning environment.
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McMurry University: An online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree is available from this institution.
This degree program is ONLY for Registered Nurses (RNs) who are currently licensed to practice nursing and who want to finish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Refer to the catalog’s BSN degree plan chart if you’re a student without an RN license.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing does not require a minor.
All degrees, excluding developmental courses, require a minimum of 120 credits.
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Midwestern State University: For nurses who wish to develop in their careers, a bachelor’s degree in nursing has become a crucial credential as the healthcare industry becomes increasingly complicated and demanding.
The goal of MSU’s RN Transition Program is to assist registered nurses (RNs) who have an associate degree in nursing in developing their professional capabilities and raising their marketability to employers.
For full-time students, this online program can be finished in two or three semesters; for part-time students, it will take four semesters.
Every year, the fall, spring, and summer semesters welcome new students. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has granted accreditation to MSU’s Wilson School of Nursing.
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