What Texas Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers an accelerated Second Degree BSN designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. This 12-month hybrid program combines online nursing theory with hands-on clinicals in your local community, guided by experienced coaches and faculty. The CCNE-accredited curriculum spans 61 credit hours and admits one cohort each spring. With a minimum 2.5 GPA and prerequisite courses required, admission is holistic and includes a mandatory interview and criminal background check. The program is an NLN Center of Excellence, and financial aid and scholarships are available. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX and diverse RN careers.

• CCNE accredited
• 12-Month program
• 61 total credit hours
• Starts spring
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• NLN Center of Excellence
• Online classes with local clinicals

The Veteran to BSN (VBSN) track at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is an accelerated 12-month hybrid program exclusively for veterans with prior military medical training. Building on existing skills, the curriculum awards advanced placement through knowledge and skill assessments. Online classes and local clinicals are supported by clinical coaches and nursing faculty at eight Texas locations, including Odessa, Abilene, Amarillo, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Lubbock. The CCNE-accredited program requires a 2.5 GPA, work experience, and prerequisites. Military benefits and scholarships are accepted, and the application entails an interview and essay. Texas residency or willingness to relocate is required. This streamlined path leverages your service experience toward BSN licensure, with no ACT or SAT required.

• CCNE accredited
• 12-Month program
• 61 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts spring
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available

Texas A&M's Second-Degree BSN is an intensive 15-month accelerated track for those with a prior bachelor's degree. Offered at the Round Rock campus, the program immerses students in face-to-face instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences across four semesters. Coursework covers professional nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and population health, with emphasis on clinical judgment and leadership. Admission requires 59 prerequisite credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Instead of ACT/SAT, applicants must pass the HESI A2 exam. With 61 total credit hours and two entry points (fall/spring), graduates earn NCLEX-RN eligibility. High-achieving learners can pursue the BSN Honors Program, while military students may leverage Army AECP eligibility.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 15-Month program
• 61 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 0 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX

The University of Texas at Arlington's Accelerated Online BSN offers a fast, flexible path to nursing. This CCNE-accredited program blends online coursework with clinical placements across Texas. Students study health assessment, pharmacology, adult, mental health, pediatric, and community nursing, plus a capstone transition to practice. The Smart Hospital simulation lab allows safe skill practice. The 51-credit curriculum can be completed in 15 months with a locked tuition of $21,675, payable by the course. No ACT or SAT is required; applicants must take the TEAS exam and have a 2.8 GPA. Multiple start dates, financial aid, and a Student Success Program support NCLEX success, with pass rates over 90%. Graduates become public health nurses, case managers, or school nurses.

• CCNE accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• $21,675 total program tuition
• $425 per credit
• 15-Month program
• Locked tuition rate
• 51 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-24
• 2.8 GPA minimum