Nursing Programs in Austin, TX
Looking to become a nurse in Austin, TX? With a variety of nursing programs available, both new and experienced RNs can find the right pathway to achieve a rewarding career.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Austin
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
The average pass rate increased by 27.7 percentage points from 2023 to 2024. Student counts decreased by 9 over the same period.
- 2024: 86.67% average pass rate (30 students)
- 2023: 58.97% average pass rate (39 students)
Yearly Nursing Graduates
Total nursing graduates in the Austin area decreased from 39 in 2023 to 30 in 2024, a decline of 9 students.
- 2024: 30 graduates
- 2023: 39 graduates
Biggest Improvements
South University-Austin's pass rate improved by 27.7 percentage points from 58.97% in 2023 to 86.67% in 2024.
- South University-Austin: +27.7 percentage points (from 58.97% to 86.67%)
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - Public 4-Year - utexas.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at UT Austin is a four-year, full-time program that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings. Students develop critical thinking and clinical judgment through a curriculum integrating nursing, biological, behavioral sciences, and humanities. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and diverse nursing careers, from bedside care to leadership roles. It also provides a strong foundation for graduate study. Admission is competitive, with direct entry into upper-division courses once enrolled. Freshmen and transfer applicants can apply for fall entry only, and no entrance exams like HESI or TEAS are required. An honors program offers undergraduate research opportunities. Ranked #31 nationally by U.S. News, this BSN program emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional ethics, and interprofessional collaboration to produce skilled, compassionate nurses.
- No entrance exam required
- 4-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment
- Prepares for diverse clinical settings
- Foundation for graduate nursing degrees
- Clinical experiences in hospital and community
Austin Community College District
Austin, TX - Public 4-Year - austincc.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Community College's online RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to advance their careers. The curriculum covers health policy, health promotion, community health, leadership, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Through a mix of fully online lecture courses and hands-on clinical experiences in central Texas, you'll develop the skills needed for higher-level nursing roles. The program offers both full-time and part-time tracks, with courses delivered in an 8-week format for flexibility. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions, further education, and improved patient outcomes. Accredited by ACEN, the program prioritizes ACC ADN graduates and requires an active Texas RN license.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Complete in in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Fully online lecture courses
- Clinical courses in central Texas
Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX - Private 4-year - concordia.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Concordia University Texas's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program combines a Christ-centered education with rigorous clinical training. With three tracks—Traditional, Direct Entry, and Accelerated—you can choose the path that fits your goals. The curriculum covers sciences and humanities in the Pre-Nursing sequence, followed by professional nursing courses and hands-on clinical rotations at Austin-area hospitals. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers as registered nurses in pediatrics, critical care, public health, and more. The program emphasizes compassionate leadership, ethical care, and personal attention from faculty. Whether you're starting college or transitioning from another field, Concordia's supportive, faith-infused community equips you to make a real difference in healthcare.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 4-Year program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Three distinct tracks offered
Saint Edward's University
Austin, TX - Private 4-year - stedwards.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Traditional BSN at Saint Edward's University is a four-year, full-time program that blends rigorous nursing science with a social-justice mindset. You'll explore patient care, healthcare leadership, and special topics through a competency-based curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Practical experience comes alive in the Simulation Learning and Resource Center, where you'll practice real-world scenarios with pre-briefing and debriefing. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure. Faculty are both teachers and mentors who guide you through active learning strategies. With rolling admissions, no entrance exams required, and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5, the program is accessible. CCNE accreditation ensures a quality education that opens doors to diverse nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- 4-Year program
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Simulation Learning and Resource Center
- Competency-based curriculum
- Social-justice mindset
Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus
Round Rock, TX - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen's 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students new to nursing who want to launch their career with a bachelor's degree. The accelerated, campus-based program combines nursing theory with hands-on clinical experiences in modern learning labs. You'll build a strong foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, preparing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and become a registered nurse. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, and have a pathway to pursue graduate nursing degrees. With four start times per year, free application, and personalized support including academic advising and on-demand tutoring, Galen makes it possible to earn your BSN in just three years. Scholarships, grants, and federal aid are available to help finance your education.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Year program
- 4 start dates per year
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Personalized academic advising throughout program
- Clinical learning labs for hands-on practice
Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Austin, TX
Entry-level nursing programs, meaning those that do not require a prior nursing degree or nursing license, are options for those in and around Austin. Direct-entry pathways can be found for Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), and even some Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
ADN Programs
The quickest and most basic RN program is the Associate's Degree in Nursing. These 2-year programs are usually offered through community colleges and technical schools. Students take courses in foundations of nursing, adult health, and more. Austin Community College, for example, offers an ADN with an estimated total cost of $6,868 for in-district students.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
With many employers requiring BSN degrees for nurses, many students are opting for this pathway. This traditional 4-year degree is offered at many universities in Austin. Texas State University offers a BSN degree with courses in research and ethics, community-based nursing, pediatric nursing, and more.
Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs
Direct-Entry MSN Programs
Though not a traditional option, some schools in Austin have begun offering direct-entry MSN programs for those who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher in a non-nursing discipline. The University of Texas at Austin offers such a degree, which they call the Alternate-Entry Master of Science in Nursing. The program offers specialization tracks such as Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Leadership in Diverse Settings.
Find out more about Texas Accelerated MSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Austin, TX
RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs often referred to as "bridge programs" are available in Austin for those who already hold a nursing diploma or ADN degree. These programs take into consideration the RN's previous education and knowledge, making them shorter than traditional pathways.
RN to BSN
Sometimes called "ADN to BSN" programs, this pathway helps a nurse achieve the highly desired bachelor's degree in nursing. The program is comprised of a mix of didactic learning and clinical experiences. The University of Texas at Austin offers an ADN to BSN program that requires just 12 units of upper-division nursing courses (once prerequisites are satisfied). Full and part-time schedules are offered, and some courses are available online as well.
Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Austin, TX
Saint Edward's University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- 30 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Small classes with expert nurse faculty
- Online, in-person, or hybrid options
- Active RN license required
- Prepares for nurse leadership roles
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Austin, TX
Advanced nursing programs in Austin include MSN degrees, post-master's certificate programs, and DNP degrees. These programs generally allow students to choose from a variety of nurse practitioner specialties, which makes it a great pathway for those who wish to practice in a niche area of nursing.
MSN Programs
Those looking for a traditional, 2-year MSN degree program, the Austin area has a number of contenders. A variety of specialized pathways may be available, from adult-gerontology to pediatric to psychiatric-mental health.
Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
These programs are designed especially for MSN-educated nurses who wish to pursue a new specialty (for example, an FNP who wants to specialize as a Pediatric NP). These programs are generally shorter and less costly than a traditional 4-year degree program, saving time and money for these advanced nurses. The University of Texas at Austin offers a plethora of post-graduate certificates in many different popular APRN specialties.
Find out more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Ph.D. in Nursing degrees are the highest degree types a nurse can achieve. In roughly 5 semesters (depending on degree and specialty type), the doctoral RN candidate will graduate with the ability to be hired into the most prestigious nursing positions. The University of Texas at Austin offers a DNP degree with a 45-hour curriculum consisting of essential nursing courses, specialization courses, and clinical practice hours.
Find out more about Texas DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Austin
Austin, TX
Concordia University Texas
- MSN to DNP - BSN-to-DNP
Online Learning - Website
- $800 per credit
- 36-Month program
- Locked tuition rate
- Cohort-based structure
- Capstone required
- Two-day summer colloquium
- Scholarly project instead of dissertation
- Healthcare policy and advocacy curriculum
The University of Texas at Austin
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2 concentration options
- 5-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Monthly on-campus Friday/Saturday sessions
- Ranked #16 among public DNP programs
- Ranked #1 among top Texas DNP programs
- On-demand information session available
Round Rock, TX
South University-Austin
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Administrator
Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN program.
- Nurse Administrator specialization.
- 44 credit hours.
- Requires BSN degree.
- 2.5 GPA minimum.
- Active RN license needed.
- Includes practicum courses.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- BSN to MSN - RN to Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- RN to MSN program.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care specialization.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Community-based care focus.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Flexible online options.
- Available at Austin campus.
- Builds on RN experience.
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Austin, TX
Austin, TX
Austin Community College District
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Complete in in as little as 12 months
- Full-time and part-time options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
Concordia University Texas
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 4-Year program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Saint Edward's University
- Bachelor's - Traditional BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- 4-Year program
- Rolling admissions
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Simulation Learning and Resource Center
The College of Health Care Professions-Austin
- Associate - Nursing AAS Degree LVN to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 20-Month program
- Full-time enrollment
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 384 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
The University of Texas at Austin
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- No entrance exam required
- 4-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- Starts fall
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Ranked #31 in BSN programs
- Focus on critical thinking and clinical judgment
Round Rock, TX
Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus
- Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Year program
- 4 start dates per year
- $0 application fee
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
