Looking for a fast-track transition into the world of nursing in Texas? The path to becoming a registered nurse doesn’t have to be a marathon. With reputable accelerated BSN Programs in Texas, you can leap into your career in healthcare in record time!
Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of donning that white coat sooner rather than later, this article is for you- We highlight the best ABSN programs in Texas, and their unique features, including the duration of each ABSN program to completion.
The 10 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas
1. Texas Tech Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Texas Tech Accelerated BSN, or Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing, is for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This program is a unique blend of online education and hands-on clinical training.
It’s a comprehensive package that takes just 12 months to complete. In this accelerated format, you’ll be earning 61 semester credit hours. Think of it as a fast track to launch or pivot your career in the healthcare industry.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Coursework is online
Engaging Online Classes & Clinical Instruction
The core of the program revolves around online coursework, which allows you to learn at your convenience. But, there’s more to it. The program pairs you with clinical coaches and nursing faculty who guide you through the clinical aspects of nursing. This dual approach ensures you’re learning theory and getting practical experience to prepare for real-world scenarios.
Localized Clinical Hours Oversight
An exciting aspect of this program is that clinical hours are supervised within your own community. The locations for this program are not just limited to a single city. Whether you’re in Abilene, Amarillo, the Austin-Hill Country area, Dallas, Lubbock, or the Permian Basin, Texas Tech has got you covered.
This local oversight allows you to apply your learning in familiar settings, fostering a deeper connection with your work.
In a Nutshell
In a nutshell, the Texas Tech Accelerated BSN program offers an accelerated yet comprehensive education, balancing online coursework with practical clinical instruction, all within the comfort of your local community in Texas.
Here’s a nurse’s experience with the Texas Tech Accelerated BSN program
2. Baylor University Online Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Baylor Online ABSN program is a rigorous, full-time program that prepares you to get into the nursing field in under a year. You’ll be completing 62 hours of nursing coursework. This comprehensive program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required in the ever-evolving healthcare industry in Texas.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Coursework is online
A Blend of Online and On-Site Learning
Though the program primarily takes place online, there are also valuable on-site components. This includes two mandatory on-campus visits and clinical experiences.
Apart from these field-based learning opportunities, the rest of your ABSN coursework is delivered entirely online, providing you with the flexibility to balance your studies and personal life.
Geo Considerations
Currently, this program is specifically designed for Texas residents living outside the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metro area. If you reside within Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Rockwall counties, Baylor recommends applying to the on-campus accelerated FastBacc® program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas.
Assistance with Clinical Placements
Good news! The school collaborates with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors for your clinical rotations. This hands-on experience could potentially lead to employment opportunities after graduation, giving you a head-start in your nursing career.
Baylor ABSN NCLEX Pass Rates
Baylor Online ABSN program boasted a 96% first-time pass rate for the NCLEX in 2021. This impressive success rate underscores the program’s commitment to ensuring its students are well-prepared to excel in their nursing careers.
Related: Accelerated Nursing Programs in Dallas
3. Texas A&M Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Program Overview
Texas A&M University’s Second Degree BSN track is an accelerated program that propels you into the nursing field in 15 months. Before you jump in, you’ll first need to have around 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses under your belt- including the humanities, biological, physical, and behavioral sciences- to provide a solid foundation for your growth in the nursing major.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Traditional on-site
Located at the Round Rock Campus
The program is delivered at the Round Rock Campus over 4 semesters. This campus setting offers you the opportunity to engage with your peers and instructors, which should enhance your learning experience.
A Blend of Traditional and Modern Learning Methods
The Second Degree BSN program at Texas A&M doesn’t just rely on traditional classroom instruction.
It incorporates a variety of teaching methods to provide a well-rounded education- including simulation activities that help you understand complex medical scenarios, clinical experiences that offer hands-on training, team teaching that fosters collaboration, and video conferencing of lectures to really augment your learning experience.
NB: Campus-Specific Admission
One important aspect to note is that once you’re admitted to the Round Rock Campus, you’ll attend all classes, simulation labs, and clinical experiences at this designated location throughout the duration of the program- without switching campuses.
All in all, Texas A&M is quite reputable- easily one of the best Accelerated BSN programs in Texas.
4. University of St. Thomas Houston Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Accelerated BSN program at the University of St. Thomas Houston (ABSN@UST) offers you the chance to earn your BSN degree in just 12 months. It’s a streamlined route into the nursing field for those with a non-nursing background. The program is available at different locations including the main campus in downtown Houston, the Woodlands (Shenandoah), and Sugar Land.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Coursework is online
A Fusion of Online and Onsite Learning
This program employs a blend of online coursework, onsite skills labs, and clinical rotations. The online component allows you the flexibility to complete your nursing theory coursework from anywhere and at any time that suits your schedule. This combination ensures you gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for a successful nursing career.
Tuition
Each credit costs $1,100, and you’ll need to complete 58 credits to earn your degree. Therefore, the total tuition for the ABSN@UST amounts to $63,800.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
5. University of Houston Accelerated Second Degree BSN program
Program Overview
The Second Degree BSN program at the University of Houston is a swift pathway for those who hold degrees in other fields but aspire to become registered nurses. This program is structured as a one-year, intensive, full-time track that immerses you in the world of nursing. Admissions to this accelerated track take place every Spring semester.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Traditional on-site
An Intensive, Full-Time Commitment
This program is designed to be comprehensive and rigorous, running 5 days a week for a full year. It’s an intensive program that requires a full-time commitment- quite the immersive learning experience here.
Tuition
The tuition for residents is $484.82 per semester credit hour, while for non-residents, it’s $992.82 per semester credit hour.
Related: Accelerated Nursing Programs in Houston
6. UT Health San Antonio Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The Accelerated BSN track at UT Health San Antonio is also designed for non-RN individuals who already possess a baccalaureate degree or higher in a different field. This program offers a continuous, full-time study that allows you to transition into the nursing profession within a span of 15 months.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Traditional on-site
In-person Learning Experience
This program emphasizes hands-on learning. All BSN courses, clinical rotations, and labs are conducted in-person, with class attendance required on campus in San Antonio.
You’ll gain practical experience caring for individuals, families, and communities during your clinical rotations, which are scheduled from a network of clinical affiliates in San Antonio and the surrounding areas.
Scholarship Opportunities
One of the significant features of this program is the array of scholarship opportunities available. With just a single application, you become eligible for over 40 nursing scholarships- which can significantly help to offset your cost of attendance. See their list of scholarships here.
7. Concordia University Texas Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Concordia University in Texas offers a 16-month Accelerated BSN program. This Texas-based track is ideal for anyone looking to fast-track their journey to becoming a registered nurse.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Coursework is online
A Blended Learning Experience
The Concordia University Texas Accelerated BSN program, or CTX ABSN, employs a blended learning model. This approach combines comprehensive online coursework with hands-on lab sessions and real-world clinical rotations. The online component serves as the foundation for your in-person learning experiences during the ABSN program.
Clinical Rotations in Austin or Dallas
You’ll have the opportunity to complete your clinical rotations at regional hospitals and healthcare facilities in either Austin or Dallas. Concordia University offers two ABSN locations in these cities- so you can choose which one is more convenient to you.
Program Structure and Performance
Once admitted, you’ll need to complete 62 credit hours spread over four 16-week semesters. The BSN program at Concordia University has demonstrated its effectiveness with an impressive first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.13% in 2021.
Prerequisites
To gain acceptance into the ABSN track, you’re required to complete a set of prerequisite courses, each with a grade of “C” or higher. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain both a cumulative GPA and a science GPA of 3.0 or above.
Here is a list of the prerequisite courses you’ll need to complete for admission into the ABSN track:
- Chemistry I with Lab: 4 Credits
- Microbiology with Lab: 4 Credits
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab: 4 Credits
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: 4 Credits
- Nutrition: 3 Credits
- Intro to Statistics: 3 Credits
- Lifespan Development: 3 Credits
- Medical Spanish for Healthcare Professionals: 3 Credits
- Introduction to Psychology: 3 Credits
8. Texas Lutheran University Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
Texas Lutheran University offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree. This program enables you to become a nurse in just 16 months of full-time study.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Traditional on-site
Learning Locations & Methodology
The TLU ABSN is available at their campuses in New Braunfels and Houston. The program offers a blend of classroom instruction, simulation training in cutting-edge facilities, research opportunities, and extensive clinical experience. Throughout the course of the program, you’ll gain 945 hours of hands-on experience. The course content covers a minimum of 60 credits.
Prerequisites
To qualify for this accelerated track, you need to complete specific prerequisite courses. These courses must have been completed within the past 7 years with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The required courses include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I/II
- Microbiology
- General Chemistry
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
In addition to these science-focused courses, you’ll also need to complete courses in Statistics and Developmental Psychology.
9. The University of Texas at Arlington Accelerated Online BSN
Program Overview
The University of Texas at Arlington offers an Accelerated Online BSN program designed for those looking to fast-track their nursing career. This program combines online learning with practical, supervised clinical experiences, to transform you into a nurse in as little as 15 months.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Coursework is online
Blended Learning Model
The UTA Accelerated BSN program leverages a blended learning model. This means that course content is delivered online, supplemented by clinical experiences supervised by UTA faculty at partner hospitals throughout Texas. This model gives you the flexibility of online learning while ensuring you gain real-world experience in a clinical setting.
Program Structure
It is a 51-credit-hour program, with the duration of individual courses within the program ranging from 5 to 14 weeks. Once accepted, you are required to complete the courses in the exact sequence prescribed by the College of Nursing.
Prerequisites
Before beginning the program, you must complete certain prerequisite courses. If you have taken these courses in the past, they can be transferred into the program. These courses include:
- History Of The United States
- Critical Thinking, Reading, & Writing
- State & Local Government
- Biology I for Nursing Students
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Nursing And Health Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Technical Writing
- Federal Government
- Developmental Psychology (Lifespan)
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Popular Culture
- Introduction to Sociology
- American, British, or World Literature course
Tuition
The tuition for the UTA Accelerated BSN program is $425 per credit hour. We found this cost competitive, considering the comprehensive and flexible (online) nature of the program.
10. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Second Degree Accelerated BSN
Program Overview
The UTRGV Accelerated BSN program is an intense, 15-month program that’s structured to provide you with comprehensive nursing education in a condensed time frame. You’ll experience a blend of face-to-face classroom instruction, campus labs, and clinical labs conducted in local hospitals.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Traditional on-site
Expert Guidance
You will learn under the guidance of expert nursing faculty, ensuring you receive a high-quality education. Collaboration with local hospitals means you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience- crucial in preparing you for a successful nursing career.
Multiple Admission Cycles
One of the standout features of the UTRGV Accelerated BSN program is that it offers three admission cycles per year. This flexibility allows you to start your nursing journey at a time that suits you best. Each admission cycle admits up to 30 students at the Edinburg site and up to 10 students at the Brownsville site.
Prerequisites
Before you can dive into the program, you’ll need to complete all BSN prerequisites with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Here’s a quick rundown of the prerequisites:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Elementary Statistical Methods or Introduction to Biostatistics
- Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology
- Clinical Microbiology in Health Care
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry I Lab
- General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, these top Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas offer a fast-track route into the vibrant world of nursing. Not only do these programs equip you with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to excel, but they also provide the foundation for a fulfilling career in a state that truly values its healthcare professionals.
Texas, with its robust job market, competitive salaries, and diverse opportunities, is an enticing place to practice nursing. According to Serena Bumpus, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association, Texas is short of 30,000 nurses, and this shortage is expected to double by 2032.
The good news is whether you choose to work in the bustling cities of Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, or favor the quieter pace of rural communities, Texas offers a diverse range of practice settings to suit your interests. The state is also home to many nurse-friendly hospitals, further enhancing its appeal.
With both online and traditional formats at your disposal, you can shape your learning journey to best suit your lifestyle.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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