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:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in El Paso
Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for future success, and rankings provide valuable guidance by highlighting top-performing schools. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in El Paso" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, offering objective data to help students make informed decisions. For more details on how these rankings are compiled, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of yearly trends in El Paso nursing school pass rates.
Top Performing Schools
No schools in the dataset meet the minimum threshold of 20 total students for ranking top performers in El Paso nursing programs.
Pass Rate by Program Size
Insufficient data to categorize El Paso nursing programs by size and analyze average pass rates for small, medium, or large programs.
Biggest Improvements
No data available to calculate pass rate changes from earliest to latest years for El Paso nursing schools, preventing identification of improvement trends.
Consistently High Performing Schools
No El Paso nursing schools in the dataset have ?2 years of data with average pass rates exceeding 90% for consistent high performance analysis.
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's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, established in 1972, provides a campus-based foundation for aspiring nurses. Accredited by ACEN and compliant with Texas Board of Nursing standards, it emphasizes border community health. The program features state-of-the-art facilities and affordable tuition, with graduates achieving strong NCLEX pass rates (94.66% in 2023, 96% in 2024). Admission requires EPCC enrollment and a specialized ranking process, preparing students for diverse nursing roles without requiring ACT/SAT exams for this associate-level program.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Affordable tuition.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Highly qualified faculty.
- Campus-based program.
- Specialized admission process.
- Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
- Focus on border community health.
- Complies with Texas BON standards.
Associate - LVN-to-RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
El Paso Community College's LVN-to-RN Transition Program offers licensed vocational nurses a pathway to advance their careers through a campus-based curriculum. Accredited by ACEN and aligned with Texas BON standards, the program focuses on career advancement with state-of-the-art facilities and affordable tuition. Students benefit from high NCLEX pass rates (94.66% in 2023, 96% in 2024) and preparation for diverse healthcare roles. Admission requires EPCC enrollment, a nursing counseling session, and a specialized process, with no entrance exam required for this transition program.
- High NCLEX pass rates
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Affordable tuition
- Accredited by ACEN
- Follows Texas BON standards
- Prepares for diverse healthcare roles
- Requires EPCC enrollment
- Specialized admission process
- Nursing counseling session needed
- Designed for LVN career advancement
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 program provides a comprehensive four-year curriculum that blends scientific foundations with complex nursing care concepts. Students gain hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art simulation lab under the guidance of a diverse faculty. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking and decision-making skills, preparing graduates for successful nursing careers. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. With a strong 96.49% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023 and 92.81% in 2024, UTEP demonstrates consistent excellence in preparing students for licensure. The program's high retention rate and 40-year history of nursing education further enhance its reputation.
- Four-year degree plan
- State-of-the-art Simulation Lab
- Diverse faculty and student population
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 15 to 24 months duration
- High student retention rate
- Innovative integrated curriculum
- Critical thinking emphasis
- Comprehensive nursing care focus
- 40 years of nursing excellence
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 offers a 24-month campus-based Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and professional development across diverse healthcare settings. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 91.23% of students passing in 2024. As an associate-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, safety advocacy, and developing teamwork and leadership skills essential for nursing careers.
- 24-month program duration
- Campus-based learning
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on patient-centered care
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Health promotion and disease management
- Safety advocacy training
- Professional development focus
- Diverse healthcare settings preparation
Western Technical College
El Paso, TX - Private 4-year - westerntech.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Technical College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in El Paso prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a full-time, campus-based curriculum completed in under three years. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical rotations at local hospitals and maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized instruction. Students benefit from experienced educators, including a Dean of Nursing with four decades of professional experience. The structured schedule helps ensure timely graduation, while the program's focus on real-world experience equips graduates for nursing practice in Texas. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required for admission to this bachelor's-level program.
- Full-time, face-to-face program
- Completed in under 3 years
- Clinical rotations in local hospitals
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Experienced educators
- Consistent schedule
- Small class sizes
- Real-world experiences
- Licensure exam preparation
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
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso
- RN to BSN - R.N. to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Builds on nursing experience
- Career advancement pathway
- Flexible learning options
- Professional skill development
The University of Texas at El Paso
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing courses
- Complete in 2.5 semesters
- Designed for working RNs
- Individual academic advisement
- RN-specific curriculum
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 Sciences 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 semester credit hours
- Online with campus visits
- Two years pediatric RN experience required
- PALS certification needed
- Prepares for PNCB and ANCC exams
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- CCNE accredited program
- MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and face-to-face
- Meets national nursing standards
- 3.0 GPA preferred
- Two years RN experience required
- Prepares for national certification
- Professional doctorate program
- Evidence-based practice focus
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Multiple practice tracks
- Addressing healthcare provider shortages
- Prepares advanced nursing roles
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/face-to-face format
- Meets national nursing standards
- Requires 2 years RN experience
- National certification preparation
- Professional doctorate program
- Interprofessional leadership focus
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Focus on Psychiatric Mental Health.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- BSN to DNP pathway available.
- Improves health and reduces costs.
- Equips for clinical research.
- Designed for advanced practice.
- Focus on quality outcomes.
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 online program
- 775 total clinical clock hours
- Two admission cycles annually
- Resident tuition $552 per credit
- Non-resident tuition $782 per credit
- Seven-week didactic course format
- Innovative simulation lab experiences
- Fall 2025 application deadline July 11
- BSN to MSN - M.S.N. Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- 33 total required credits
- Fully online learning format
- GPA requirement: 3.0
- RN license required
- BS in Nursing prerequisite
- Two-year program completion
- Simulation pedagogy focus
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Specialized neonatal care focus
- 77 total program credit hours
- 765 clinical training hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Comprehensive neonatal assessment training
- Evidence-based clinical curriculum
- Interprofessional healthcare skills
- Policy and advocacy training
- 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
- 49 credit hours online
- 675 clinical clock hours
- Innovative simulation lab
- Two admission cycles yearly
- Flexible for working professionals
- Curriculum meets national standards
- Pediatric nursing certification eligible
- 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 doctoral nursing program
- 45 semester credit hours
- 540 clinical practicum hours
- Post-master's level admission
- Focus on U.S.-Mexico border populations
- Hybrid program format
- Evidence-based DNP project required
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
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
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Affordable tuition.
- High NCLEX pass rates.
- State-of-the-art facilities.
- Highly qualified faculty.
- Campus-based program.
- Specialized admission process.
- Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
- Associate - LVN-to-RN Transition Program
Campus Based - Website
- High NCLEX pass rates
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Affordable tuition
- Accredited by ACEN
- Follows Texas BON standards
- Prepares for diverse healthcare roles
- Requires EPCC enrollment
- Specialized admission process
Southwest University at El Paso
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 24-month program duration
- Campus-based learning
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on patient-centered care
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Health promotion and disease management
- Safety advocacy training
The University of Texas at El Paso
- Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year degree plan
- State-of-the-art Simulation Lab
- Diverse faculty and student population
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate
- 15 to 24 months duration
- High student retention rate
- Innovative integrated curriculum
- Critical thinking emphasis
Western Technical College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, face-to-face program
- Completed in under 3 years
- Clinical rotations in local hospitals
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Experienced educators
- Consistent schedule
- Small class sizes
