Nursing Programs in El Paso, TX
Staff Registered Nurses in El Paso, Texas can earn a comfortable and competitive living wage, approximately $74,380 annually on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The border city, which has a majority Hispanic population, is experiencing a nursing shortage, particularly for Advanced Practice Nurses. For high poverty rural communities outside of El Paso, TX, the nursing shortage is even more acute, according to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies. Those entering or advancing in nursing around El Paso can expect to find an abundance of job openings.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in El Paso
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX - Public 2-Year - epcc.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
El Paso Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) that equips students for entry-level RN practice across acute, transitional, and community settings. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on clinical experiences in modern facilities, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. ACEN-accredited, the program consistently achieves first-time NCLEX pass rates above national averages, with exceptional results of 94.66% (2023) and 96.00% (2024). Students benefit from highly qualified faculty, affordable tuition, state-of-the-art labs, and strong student support services. With spring/fall start dates and a competitive admissions process, EPCC provides a cost-effective pathway to a rewarding nursing career, with graduates employed in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations throughout El Paso and beyond.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Prepares for NCLEX
- First-time NCLEX pass rates above national averages
- Affordable tuition and fees
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Highly qualified faculty
- Outstanding student services
- Graduates work in multiple acute care settings
Associate - LVN-to-RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
The LVN-to-RN Transition Program at El Paso Community College provides licensed vocational nurses a seamless pathway to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and advance to registered nursing practice. Building on prior clinical knowledge, the curriculum emphasizes advanced decision-making, leadership, and community health across acute and transitional settings. Accredited by ACEN, the program has a longstanding reputation for excellence, with first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates consistently above the national average—recent data shows 94.66% (2023) and 96.00% (2024). Since 1972, EPCC has offered affordable tuition, experienced faculty, and flexible options for working LVNs. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare roles and further educational advancement, benefiting from outstanding student services and modern simulation facilities.
- Highly qualified faculty
- State-of-the-art facilities
- NCLEX pass rates above average
- Affordable tuition and fees
The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX - Public 4-Year - utep.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Texas at El Paso’s Traditional BSN is a four-semester, campus-based sequence designed to move students from foundational sciences to complex patient care. Learners build critical-thinking and decision-making skills through conceptual instruction, high-fidelity simulation labs, and hospital-based clinical rotations. The curriculum can be completed in 15–24 months, with a strong emphasis on serving multicultural communities. Recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates reflect program strength: 96.49% in 2023 and 92.81% in 2024. Prospective students should verify current admission requirements, including whether ACT/SAT scores are needed for nursing program consideration.
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in completed in 15 to 24 months
- 89% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hospital Days Simulated Experiences
- Diverse faculty and student population
- 50 years of nursing excellence
- High student retention rate
Southwest University at El Paso
El Paso, TX - Private 4-year - southwestuniversity.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southwest University at El Paso’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing spans 24 months and 16 terms, preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient-care technologies, and interdisciplinary coordination, while developing clinical reasoning, health promotion, and disease-prevention skills. Students learn to serve as patient-centered caregivers, healthcare team members, and safety advocates across diverse settings. The program also offers direct admission to an RN-to-BSN bridge for career advancement. Recent NCLEX pass rates reached 90% in 2023 and 91.23% in 2024. With training in leadership, delegation, and ethical standards, graduates are prepared for entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health.
- 24-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 16-term program of study
- Direct admission to RN to BSN bridge
- Evidence-based practice outcomes
- Clinical reasoning and knowledge base
- Adhere to standards of practice
- Patient-centered care focus
- Member of health care team
- Safety advocacy for patients
Western Technical College
El Paso, TX - Private 4-year - westerntech.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Western Technical College, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an intensive full-time, face-to-face program offered at the Diana Campus in El Paso. Students complete the degree in 32 months, engaging in rigorous coursework that includes ethics, body science, nursing fundamentals, and clinical skills. Real-world experience comes through supervised clinical rotations in local hospitals, with faculty overseeing every step. The school maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small classes, while simulated labs feature both high and low fidelity manikins for safe practice. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers across settings like emergency care or home health. This ACEN-candidate program benefits from instructors with substantial clinical backgrounds.
- ACEN accredited
- 32-Month program
- Complete in just under 3 years
- Full-time enrollment
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical rotations in local hospitals
- Instructors with extensive backgrounds
- Full-time, face-to-face format
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in El Paso, TX
If you would like to have a job that makes an impact on the health and wellbeing of others every day, consider training to become an entry-level nurse. Colleges in El Paso, Texas offer several minimum-barrier LVN to RN, Associate’s Degree in Nursing and Bachelor's of Science in Nursing programs for individuals with or without a healthcare background.
LVN to RN Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurses know what it’s like to work in busy hospitals caring for patients. LVNs who want to play a greater role in carrying out patient treatment plans should consider getting their RN via an accelerated LVN to RN pathway at an El Paso, Texas-area school. Affordable and practical, El Paso Community College has an LVN to RN transition program that leverages the LVN’s real-world experience and education. It readies them to sit for the NCLEX-RN upon completion.
ADN Programs
Earning a good living while caring for others is the heart - and head - of the nursing profession. If you like working in a fast-paced team environment and helping others, nursing may be the career for you. Offered at community and junior colleges in El Paso, TX, entry-level Associate's Degree in Nursing programs have reduced enrollment barriers for applicants without a healthcare background. Southwest University offers a streamlined ADN curriculum that focuses on health and wellness promotion as well as illness prevention.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
Beginning your job as a registered nurse with a BSN is a wise choice. Many experts in healthcare believe such four-year degrees will be required of all RNs in the future. The University of Texas at El Paso, which has a large Hispanic student and faculty population, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing that can be completed in three years. The curriculum makes use of simulated lab experiences as well as real-world clinical settings.
Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN Programs in El Paso, TX
Registered nurses may shelf plans to earn bachelor or master’s degrees because of busy schedules and enrollment hassles. Educational institutions in El Paso, Texas have RN to BSN tracks with evening and weekend courses and streamlined application processes so working nurses can advance their careers more quickly.
RN to BSN Programs
Headache-inducing enrollment procedures can make any applicant procrastinate. Due to the demand for nurses, universities are offering streamlined RN to BSN bridge programs. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers an RN to BSN program which accommodates busy working nurses through online instruction. With part-time and full-time options available, nurses can tailor the program to their needs.
Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
El Paso, TX
Southwest University at El Paso
- RN to BSN - Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Bridge)
Online Learning - Website
- 12-month program
- Online theory courses
- Local clinical practicum
- Transfer credits accepted
- CCNE-accredited program
- For working registered nurses
- Leadership skill development
- Care coordination focus
Texas Tech University Health Scienes Center El Paso
- RN to BSN - R.N. to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Builds on existing RN experience
- Advance nursing career opportunities
The University of Texas at El Paso
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in as little as 2.5 semesters
- All nursing courses online
- Individual academic advisement
- Builds on associate degree experience
- RN-specific coursework
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in El Paso, TX
Can you see yourself providing health services to patients in an unsupervised medical clinic? If so, you may be seeking to advance your nursing career with a master’s degree, post-graduate certification, or even a doctorate. Such advanced education platforms in El Paso, TX prepare you to become Adult or Family Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Administrators or Nursing Educators.
MSN Programs
Opportunities for growth abound when you earn your Master of Science in Nursing and become an Advanced Practice Nurse. Designed to address the nursing shortage particularly among underserved populations, Texas Tech University, El Paso offers an MSN format that can be completed in seven sequential semesters on a part-time schedule. The curriculum covers nursing administration and leadership, health policy fundamentals, informatics, and assessment.
Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
RNs can advance their careers in less time with a certificate. The University of Texas, El Paso, offers post-graduate certificates in Nursing Education, Adult-Gerontology/Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon passing independent certification exams, graduates can serve as primary healthcare providers as well as prepare and execute health treatment plans.
Find out more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Advanced Practice Nurses impact patient care every day. If you’d like to impact far-reaching healthcare policy, though, a doctorate degree in nursing may be for you. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Texas at El Paso is designed for the working APRN, with special considerations given to NPs who plan to teach, work, or reside in medically underserved areas.
Find out more about Texas DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in El Paso
El Paso, TX
Texas Tech University Health Scienes Center El Paso
- BSN to MSN - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- 51 semester credit hours.
- Requires BSN and RN license.
- Two years pediatric experience needed.
- PALS certification required.
- Eligible for CPNP exam.
- Tuition information online.
- Financial aid available.
- BSN to MSN - MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48 semester credit hours.
- Hybrid online program.
- Occasional campus visits required.
- BSN degree required.
- Valid RN license needed.
- One year ICU/ER experience.
- 3.0 minimum GPA.
- Three professional references.
- BSN to MSN - MSN Nurse Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid distance education program.
- 51 semester credit hours required.
- Online or web-enhanced courses.
- Occasional travel to Lubbock campus.
- Average cost $300-$400 per hour.
- Graduates qualify for AMCB exam.
- Requires valid unencumbered RN license.
- BSN from accredited institution needed.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 49 credit hours required.
- Online delivery format.
- Full-time or part-time options.
- BSN and RN license required.
- 3.0 minimum GPA needed.
- Three professional references.
- Focus on rural health.
- Telemental health training.
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 49 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- Combines online and on-campus classes
- Meets AACN and NONPF standards
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- BSN to DNP pathways available
- Family Nurse Practitioner track
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track
- Prepares for NP roles in underserved areas
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE, ACEN accredited
- 2 concentration options
- No entrance exam required
- Apply by 2026-01-15
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Produces well-prepared leaders
- Scientific knowledge and practice expertise
- Advance quality outcomes and access
- Prepares for rural to urban settings
The University of Texas at El Paso
- BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- 49 credit hours required.
- 720 clinical clock hours.
- Seven-semester completion time.
- Online didactic courses.
- Campus visits up to three times.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Two admission cycles yearly.
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner with Primary Care Focus
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 49 credit hour program
- Seven semester duration
- Hybrid online and campus format
- Two admission cycles per year
- Fall and spring start terms
- Seven-week course format
- 775 clinical clock hours required
- $552 per credit hour tuition
- BSN to MSN - M.S.N. Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing accredited
- 6-Year program
- 33 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Synchronous and asynchronous options
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 77 total credit hours
- 765 clinical hours
- Delivers care in acute care NICUs
- Serves neonates up to age 2
- Embryology, pathophysiology, assessment, pharmacology
- Management of high-risk neonates and infants
- Lead complex organizational systems and change
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Administration and Management
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery.
- 33 credit hours total.
- Two-year completion time.
- 90-hour mentored residency.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Bachelor's in nursing required.
- U.S. RN license required.
- Focus on leadership roles.
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Pediatric Acute Care concentration
- Hybrid program format
- 49 credit hours
- Two-year completion time
- 765 clinical clock hours
- Flexible seven-week courses
- For working professionals
- Two admission cycles yearly
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 7-Semester program
- 49 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-07-10
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 675 clinical hours
- Prepares for PCNB
- Flexibility for working professionals
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- Across the lifespan focus.
- Hybrid program format.
- 49 credit hours.
- Seven semesters length.
- 675 clinical clock hours.
- Online courses available.
- Face-to-face sessions on weekends.
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-Year program
- 45 total credit hours
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- 540 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Post-master's level admission
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near El Paso, TX
El Paso, TX
El Paso Community College
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- Prepares for NCLEX
- First-time NCLEX pass rates above national averages
- Affordable tuition and fees
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Highly qualified faculty
- Associate - LVN-to-RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- Highly qualified faculty
- State-of-the-art facilities
- NCLEX pass rates above average
- Affordable tuition and fees
Southwest University at El Paso
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 24-Month program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 16-term program of study
- Direct admission to RN to BSN bridge
- Evidence-based practice outcomes
- Clinical reasoning and knowledge base
- Adhere to standards of practice
- Patient-centered care focus
The University of Texas at El Paso
- Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in completed in 15 to 24 months
- 89% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hospital Days Simulated Experiences
- Diverse faculty and student population
- 50 years of nursing excellence
- High student retention rate
Western Technical College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 32-Month program
- Complete in just under 3 years
- Full-time enrollment
- Starts fall
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Clinical rotations in local hospitals
