Texas RN to BSN Programs

With skilled registered nurses in great demand, many RNs in Texas who have previously completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) are choosing to go back to school to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN-educated nurses have better job prospects and earn higher salaries, making it an excellent next step for ADN-educated nurses. With both online and campus-based programs available in the state, Texas RNs can find the right fit easily.

Admissions Requirements for Texas RN to BSN Programs

RNs considering enrollment in an RN to BSN program should first ensure that they meet all the admissions requirements for the school of their choice. Some common program requirements include:

• Must have already earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
• Current, active RN license in good standing
• All prerequisite courses must have been passed with a grade of "C" or higher

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

RN to BSN students can expect to take a mix of nursing courses and electives that build upon prior nursing education. For example, Texas A&M University-Commerce offers the following course titles as part of its RN to BSN program:

• Health Assessment
• Professional Issues
• Rural/Community Health
• Nursing Research

Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas

For RNs in need to convenience and flexibility, online RN to BSN programs are an excellent choice. These programs are offered through accredited universities and allow busy working RNs to complete their degree from home. More and more schools in the state are starting to offer this popular option in order to accommodate students' schedules.

Featured Online School

The University of Texas-Tyler offers a 100% online RN to BSN program tailored specifically to students trying to balance family, work, and other commitments. All faculty record their lectures in virtual classrooms to provide engaging educational content for students, while allowing students full access to faculty assistance and advising. Part-time and full-time study options are available.

Admissions and Program Length

Depending on the prior coursework the student has already completed, and if full-time study is chosen, an RN to BSN program can be completed in as little one year. Part-time students can expect to take a little longer than this to complete the degree. Most schools offer admittance at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters, and some students include the Summer semester as well.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The cost structure of an RN to BSN program is not unlike that of an ADN program. Students must cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other mandatory expenses (such as course materials). Luckily, financial aid and scholarships are typically available to students who qualify for them. To provide an example on cost, the RN to BSN program at the University of Texas Medical Branch's School of Nursing runs approximately $9,798 for Texas residents. This cost includes tuition, university fees, course fees, and books. Out-of-state residents can expect to pay roughly $22,331.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Nurses who hold a BSN degree have better career prospects and can hold a much wider array of nursing jobs than those who hold an ADN. These more advanced nursing careers can lead to higher paychecks and greater upward mobility within the healthcare world, making them highly advantageous to ambitious nurses. Most nurses find that the increased salary and prestige of the nursing positions they hold after completing an RN to BSN program makes the investment in further education worthwhile.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Texas

ADN-educated RNs may find that they eventually hit a salary wall, and only a BSN or other advanced nursing degree will allow them to keep moving up. The salary range for an RN in Houston, TX, for example, is between $51,497 and $87,728 annually. Nurses who want to earn at the top of that pay range will need to at least complete a baccalaureate degree.

RN to BSN Programs

Investing in your career goals by taking a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program could rocket you into career advancement opportunities and salaries that were not as easily attained with an ADN diploma. BSN nurses can earn about $5,000 more annually and are preferred for advancement opportunities over RNs with ADN qualifications. RN to BSN programs are offered at more than 30 different colleges throughout the state, opportunities to earn more monetarily, as well as higher distinction within your profession can be earned.