Discover Cost Effective ADN Programs Near Midland, Texas
- 2026 Cost Effective ADN Programs Near Midland, Texas
- Why Midland Provides Value for ADN Students
- ADN Curriculum and Clinical Rotations
- Admission Requirements and Application Tips
- Financing Your ADN: Strategies to Minimize Debt
- Salary Outlook for Midland ADN Graduates
- Balancing Coursework With Midland Life
- Ensuring NCLEX Success and Licensure
- Building Professional Networks
- Key Employers for ADN Graduates
- Comparing ADN Programs: Decision Checklist
- Next Steps Toward Your ADN
- Latest Articles & Guides
Midland's emergence as the heart of the Permian Basin oil boom has fueled investment in healthcare infrastructure, with Midland Memorial Hospital and Covenant Health Midland expanding services to meet the region's growing needs. At the same time, the city's cost of living remains below the national average, making Midland an attractive setting for students seeking an affordable path into nursing. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from a Midland-area institution offers a focused two-year curriculum, robust clinical partnerships, and tuition rates that often run 30–40 percent lower than in larger metros. Below, you'll find insights into program structures, admission steps, financial strategies, and career prospects to help you decide if a nursing school in Texas is the ideal place to launch your nursing career.
2026 Cost Effective ADN Programs Near Midland, Texas
Howard College
Big Spring, TX - Public 2-Year - howardcollege.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard College's Associate Degree Nursing program offers an affordable hybrid learning experience near Midland, Texas. Students benefit from a comprehensive two-year curriculum that blends online and campus-based instruction, preparing future nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program's cost-effectiveness stems from its competitive tuition rates, available financial aid, and flexible learning format. With ACEN accreditation, students receive high-quality education focusing on health promotion and patient care. Clinical rotations provide practical experience across diverse healthcare settings, while prerequisite courses in anatomy and microbiology ensure a strong foundational knowledge. The program's accessibility and structured approach make it an attractive option for aspiring nurses seeking an economical path to professional nursing.
- Two-year ADN program
- Hybrid learning format
- ACEN accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Clinical rotations included
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on patient care training
- Focus on health promotion
- Anatomy and microbiology prerequisites
Associate - Transition L.V.N. to A.D.N.
Concentration: Licensed Vocational Nurses - Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard College's L.V.N. to A.D.N. Transition program offers Licensed Vocational Nurses an affordable pathway to advance their nursing careers. This campus-based program provides a targeted curriculum for LVNs seeking R.N. licensure, with a competitive cost structure that minimizes additional educational expenses. Requiring only 15 prerequisite hours and a valid Texas LVN license, students must complete the TEAS exam and pass a background check. The program's streamlined design allows working professionals to efficiently upgrade their credentials, with hands-on clinical experiences that directly translate to professional nursing practice. Financial accessibility, combined with a focused curriculum, makes this program an economical choice for LVNs looking to expand their healthcare career opportunities.
- Campus-based program.
- For Licensed Vocational Nurses.
- Leads to R.N. licensure.
- Requires TEAS exam.
- Criminal background check needed.
- Health insurance required.
- Immunizations mandatory.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Prerequisites include 15 hours.
- Valid Texas L.V.N. license needed.
Associate - Paramedic to A.D.N.
Concentration: Licensed Paramedics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Howard College's Paramedic to A.D.N. program provides licensed paramedics an affordable and strategic route to registered nursing. This campus-based curriculum leverages paramedics' existing medical knowledge, offering a cost-effective pathway to professional nursing licensure. By requiring a valid paramedic license and completing prerequisite courses, students can efficiently transition into nursing with minimal additional educational investment. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN through specialized coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Its targeted approach reduces overall educational costs and time, making it an attractive option for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement. The program's focus on seamless skill translation ensures paramedics can maximize their previous medical training.
- Campus-based program.
- For licensed paramedics.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Requires valid PM license.
- Prerequisite courses needed.
- Criminal background check required.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Focus on Licensed Paramedics.
- Seamless transition to nursing.
Odessa College
Odessa, TX - Public 4-Year - odessa.edu
Associate - Nursing - Traditional
Campus Based - Visit Website
Odessa College's Traditional Nursing ADN program provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring nurses in the Midland-Odessa region. This cost-effective campus-based program stands out for its exceptional NCLEX-RN pass rates, which consistently surpass national averages. Students benefit from hands-on training focused on patient-centered care, learning essential clinical skills under expert supervision. The program's affordability is enhanced by multiple financial aid options and scholarship opportunities, making nursing education accessible to diverse students. A mandatory information session ensures students understand program expectations and requirements. By emphasizing practical skills and professional development, graduates are well-prepared to enter beginning staff nursing positions in various healthcare settings.
- Campus-based program
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Mandatory information session required
- Financial aid available
- Focus on patient-centered care
Associate - Nursing - Transition
Concentration: LVN to RN - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Odessa College's LVN to RN Transition program offers licensed vocational nurses an affordable and flexible pathway to advance their nursing careers. This hybrid program strategically accommodates working professionals through its innovative semester-based format. Cost-effectiveness is achieved through advanced placement credits and efficient curriculum design. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and hold a current Texas LVN license, with coursework covering complex nursing domains like mental health, pharmacology, and adult health concepts. The program prepares participants comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN, enabling smooth professional progression. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities further reduce educational expenses, making this an attractive option for motivated healthcare professionals seeking career advancement.
- Hybrid program format.
- LVN to RN transition.
- Advanced placement credit.
- Spring, summer, fall semesters.
- December graduation.
- Texas LVN license required.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA.
- 'C' or better in prerequisites.
- Mental health nursing included.
- Pharmacology coursework.
Why Midland Provides Value for ADN Students
- Affordable tuition rates – In-district ADN tuition at Midland College typically falls between $5,500 and $7,000 per year, compared to $10,000+ in many metropolitan community colleges.
- Extensive clinical network – Partnerships with Midland Memorial Hospital, Covenant Health Midland's specialty units, and long-term care facilities deliver over 600 clinical hours across acute, specialty, and community settings.
- Advanced-standing options – Those with prior allied-health training can accelerate their path via Paramedic to RN Programs or bridge in with our LPN to RN Programs guide.
- Seamless bridge to BSN – ADN graduates often transition smoothly into nursing bridge programs that lead directly into BSN curricula without repeating general-education coursework.
- Strong regional demand – West Texas forecasts predict 12 percent RN job growth through 2030, particularly in perioperative nursing and emergency departments.
ADN Curriculum and Clinical Rotations
Most Midland ADN tracks follow a four-semester plan totaling approximately 68–72 credits and 650–700 supervised clinical hours. Core domains include:
| Domain | Sample Courses and Clinical Sites |
| Foundations of Nursing | Fundamentals, Health Assessment, Nursing Informatics lab sessions (see our Nursing Informatics overview) |
| Medical-Surgical Care | Rotations at Midland Memorial Hospital's med-surg units |
| Maternal-Child Nursing | OB/pediatrics at Covenant Health Midland's Women's & Children's Center |
| Mental Health Nursing | Behavioral health placements at Permian Basin Mental Health |
| Community & Public Health | Field experiences with Midland County Public Health and rural clinics |
| Capstone Clinical Practicum | 120+ hour preceptorship in a specialty area at a partnering hospital |
Simulation labs at Midland College and Texas Tech allow students to practice high-risk scenarios such as code management and neonatal resuscitation before direct patient care.
Admission Requirements and Application Tips
While each institution has its nuances, ADN applicants should plan to submit:
- Academic transcripts showing a high-school diploma or equivalent and completion of prerequisites (anatomy, microbiology, chemistry, and English)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5–2.75 overall; some programs calculate a separate science GPA
- Standardized test scores from TEAS or HESI A2 exams; see our TEAS Test Review Guide for study strategies
- Health and safety clearances, including background check, drug screening, immunizations (MMR, varicella, COVID), and CPR/BLS certification
- Personal statement and references demonstrating commitment to local healthcare and community service
Volunteering at free clinic events or completing a medical assistant certification can strengthen your application by showcasing early patient-care experience.
Financing Your ADN: Strategies to Minimize Debt
ADN students can combine multiple funding sources to keep debt low:
- Federal aid – Complete the FAFSA for Pell Grants and subsidized Stafford loans
- State grants – The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant and Top 10 Percent Scholarship support eligible in-state students
- Institutional scholarships – Midland College awards need- and merit-based scholarships specific to ADN cohorts
- Hospital tuition reimbursement – Midland Memorial Hospital and Covenant Health Midland offer partial reimbursement in exchange for service commitments.
- Work-study and part-time roles – Positions as phlebotomy techs or EMT-Rs provide income and reinforce clinical skills.
A sample funding mix—40 percent Pell Grant, 25 percent institutional scholarship, 20 percent hospital reimbursement, and 15 percent loans—can reduce out-of-pocket expenses to under $2,000 per year. For more ideas, see our Scholarships & Grants Available to Nursing Students article.
Salary Outlook for Midland ADN Graduates
West Texas ADN-prepared RNs earn competitive wages, balancing rural differentials against modest living costs:
| Experience Level | Midland Average Annual Wage* |
| New Graduate (0–1 year) | $58,000 |
| Mid-Career (2–4 years) | $72,000 |
| Seasoned (5+ years) | $85,000 |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics. For complete pay-scale breakdowns, visit our RN Salary – What to Expect guide.
Balancing Coursework With Midland Life
Intensive ADN timelines require thoughtful time management:
- Map clinical and lab schedules before adding work or family commitments
- Form study groups at local cafés or the George Bush Childhood Home Museum for collaborative review
- Use commute time on the "Loop" to practice flash-card quizzes on pharmacology and nursing concepts.
- Protect wellness breaks—explore the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum or Commemorative Air Force Museum to decompress between semesters.
Prioritizing sleep and self-care keeps early-morning clinical shifts and evening coursework sustainable.
Ensuring NCLEX Success and Licensure
Graduates from Texas Board–approved programs qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Prepare comprehensively with our NCLEX-RN Exam Guide, which covers:
- Test-content outlines and question formats
- Study schedules aligned with program end dates.
- Test-day strategies for time management and stress reduction
Passing the NCLEX-RN unlocks licensure, enabling practice across Texas and in other compact-member states.
Building Professional Networks
Midland ADN cohorts can tap into local and statewide networks:
- Texas Nurses Association Permian Basin chapter meetings on clinical updates and continuing education units
- Student Nurse Association events at Midland College featuring résumé clinics and health fair volunteering
- Mentorship programs pairing ADN students with experienced RNs at Midland Memorial Hospital
- Sigma Theta Tau honor society activities through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for research and leadership workshops
- Online forums for Permian Basin ADN and BSN students to exchange job leads and study resources
For leadership tips and career development, browse our Expert Guide to Nursing Leadership.
Key Employers for ADN Graduates
- Midland Memorial Hospital – regional referral hospital with specialty centers in oncology and orthopedics
- Covenant Health Midland – acute-care services and behavioral-health programs
- Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission Clinics – community health outreach and preventive services
- Long-term care facilities, such as Midland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, are used for geriatric practice
- Home health providers like Lincare and AccentCare for post-acute care roles
Comparing ADN Programs: Decision Checklist
When evaluating programs, verify:
- Credit-hour and clinical-hour requirements
- ACEN accreditation and Texas Board approval
- First-time NCLEX pass rates
- Student-to-faculty ratios in simulation and lab settings
- Evening or hybrid class availability for working students
- Employer-partnership benefits, including tuition reimbursement and guaranteed interviews
Next Steps Toward Your ADN
Review prerequisites, entrance-exam timelines, and application deadlines for ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing at Midland College and other local institutions. Explore nearby options further in our statewide directory: Find Nursing Schools Near Me: Browse by City and State. By selecting a cost-effective ADN track near Midland, you'll position yourself to meet West Texas's growing healthcare needs while maintaining financial peace of mind.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Registered Nurses." May 2024.
- Texas Board of Nursing. "Program Approval and NCLEX Pass Rates," 2025.
- Midland College. "ADN Program Curriculum and Clinical Partnerships," 2024.
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