What Texas Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN
Nursing might be your calling if you've earned your bachelor's degree but feel like your heart is pulling you in a new direction, one where you can truly make a difference. Across Texas, the need for compassionate and skilled nurses continues to grow, and people from all walks of life are stepping up to meet that need. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs are helping career changers like you leap into healthcare faster than ever, building on your existing education to get to the frontlines sooner. It's a bold move that can lead to a profoundly fulfilling nursing career rooted in service, resilience, and human connection.
2026 Best ABSN Programs in Texas
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttuhsc.edu
Bachelor's - Second Degree BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's Accelerated Second Degree BSN is an innovative 12-month hybrid program targeting bachelor's degree holders seeking nursing careers. Strategically designed with 61 semester credit hours, the program blends online learning and clinical experiences across multiple Texas locations including Abilene, Amarillo, and Dallas. Prospective students must possess a previous bachelor's degree, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, complete prerequisite courses, and hold certified nursing assistant (CNA) training. The comprehensive curriculum prepares students for modern healthcare challenges, offering flexible learning pathways and financial aid opportunities for eligible candidates.
- 12-month completion time.
- Hybrid online and clinical instruction.
- Multiple Texas locations available.
- Requires previous bachelor's degree.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA for admission.
- CNA training required.
- Financial aid available.
- 61 semester credit hours.
Bachelor's - Veteran to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's Veteran to BSN program offers a specialized pathway for military medical professionals transitioning to civilian nursing careers. This 12-month hybrid program accommodates veterans with prior medical training, requiring 61 semester credit hours and maintaining a 2.5 GPA threshold. Utilizing a holistic admission approach, the program recognizes military medical experience while providing comprehensive online coursework and clinical instruction. Open to Texas residents and relocating students, the program leverages FAFSA financial aid and emphasizes a seamless educational transition for service members seeking professional nursing credentials.
- 12-month completion.
- Hybrid online/campus format.
- 61 credit hours required.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Texas residency required.
- FAFSA financial aid eligible.
- Holistic admission process.
- Military medical training recognized.
- Clinical instruction included.
- Science prerequisites needed.
Baylor University
Waco, TX - Private 4-year - baylor.edu
Bachelor's - Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Baylor University's Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers an intensive one-year pathway for career changers, strategically designed for Texas residents seeking rapid nursing professional entry. This hybrid program artfully blends online curriculum with immersive clinical experiences, enabling students to transition swiftly into healthcare. Applicants must possess a non-nursing bachelor's degree, maintain a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, and successfully complete the HESI entrance exam. With a remarkable 96% NCLEX pass rate, the program distinguishes itself through robust clinical placements in underserved communities and a unique integration of Christian professional perspectives. Students complete 62 credit hours, including 720 practicum hours, with just two mandatory on-campus visits, making it an efficient and comprehensive nursing education model.
- 1-year program completion
- Hybrid online and on-campus
- 96% NCLEX pass rate
- Clinical placement support
- Christian worldview integration
- 62 credit hours required
- Two on-campus visits
- 720 practicum hours
- 3.0 GPA prerequisite
- HESI exam required
University of St Thomas
Houston, TX - Private 4-year - stthom.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of St. Thomas delivers a dynamic Accelerated BSN program tailored for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree or minimum 60 college credits. This innovative hybrid curriculum blends online learning with immersive clinical experiences across Houston's premier healthcare networks. Prospective students benefit from three annual start dates, enabling rapid nursing credential acquisition within 12 months. Students engage in advanced simulation labs and comprehensive clinical rotations, ensuring graduates emerge as competent, practice-ready professionals. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, leveraging experienced nursing faculty to transform students into skilled healthcare practitioners. While maintaining a flexible learning format, the program maintains rigorous academic standards and prepares students for immediate nursing practice.
- 12-month program duration
- Hybrid online and onsite format
- Three start dates annually
- Hands-on simulation labs
- Clinical rotations in Houston
- Rigorous nursing curriculum
- Practice-ready nurse preparation
- For non-nursing bachelor's holders
- 60 college credits minimum
- Experienced nursing educators
List of Texas Accelerated BSN Programs
Arlington, TX
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 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
Austin, TX
Concordia University Texas
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 16-Month program
- 3 start dates per year
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- No healthcare experience needed
- 97.18% NCLEX pass rate
- $10,000 workforce scholarship available
College Station, TX
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Bachelor's - Second-Degree BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 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
Houston, TX
University of Houston
- Bachelor's - Second Degree BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 12-Month program
- Complete in twelve-months long
- Full-time enrollment
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Face-to-face at Sugar Land Campus
- Spring semester start only
- For career changers with degrees
University of St Thomas
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-Month program
- 3 start dates per year
- Prerequisite courses required
- Online coursework and onsite labs
- Clinical placements at top facilities
- Skills and simulation labs
- Experienced nursing educators
- Flexible online coursework
Lubbock, TX
Texas Tech University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second-Degree BSN program
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated program for second-degree students.
- Campus-based learning format.
- Comprehensive nursing education.
- Experienced faculty.
- Innovative teaching methods.
- Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
- Previous bachelor's degree required.
- Specific academic criteria for admission.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Bachelor's - Second Degree BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 12-Month program
- 61 total credit hours
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Bachelor's - Veteran to BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
Richardson, TX
West Coast University-Dallas
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated BSN program
- Campus-based in Richardson, TX
- 120 credits required
- 39 months to complete
- Hands-on clinical experiences
- Advanced simulation labs
- Full-time schedule
- Prepares for RN licensure
Waco, TX
Baylor University
- Bachelor's - Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 12-Month program
- Complete in under 1 year
- 62 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring
Wichita Falls, TX
Midwestern State University
- Bachelor's - Nursing - Accelerated Second Bachelor's B.S.N.
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated second bachelor's pathway
- Pre-licensure nursing program
- 42 credit hours of core curriculum
- 63 credit hours of nursing courses
2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in Texas
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Midwestern State University |
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| The University of Texas at Arlington |
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| University of Houston |
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| Texas A & M University-College Station |
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| University of the Incarnate Word |
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| Arizona College of Nursing-Dallas |
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| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center |
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| Lone Star College System |
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| Sam Houston State University |
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| Texas Tech University |
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Interested in Texas nursing schools? Feel free to head over to our main TX guide for a look at the overall mix of educational options.
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