2027 Best Nursing Schools in Corpus Christi

Rankings help prospective nursing students identify programs that offer the best chance for success. At Registerednursing.org, we create these rankings to guide your decision-making process. For our 'Best Nursing Schools in Corpus Christi' ranking, we consider NCLEX pass rates as the sole criterion, ensuring an objective measure of program effectiveness. Learn more about our methodology here: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

#1

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX - Public 4-Year - tamucc.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, Traditional, BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers the Traditional BSN program on campus, designed for students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and become a Registered Nurse without prior nursing education. The curriculum blends core courses, nursing support classes, and upper-division nursing major coursework totaling 115-117 credits. You'll study health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making, preparing for roles in hospitals, physician offices, pharmaceutical companies, and research labs. The program emphasizes a foundation in arts, sciences, and humanities to support critical thinking in patient care. First-year seminars are required for new students. This traditional pathway provides hands-on learning experiences and a clear route to RN licensure, setting you up for a rewarding nursing career.

  • 115 total credit hours
  • On-campus program
  • Prepares for RN licensure
  • First-year seminars required

Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine Military BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

This online pre-licensure BSN program prepares students to become registered nurses through a primarily online curriculum with required clinical experiences in the Corpus Christi area. Coursework covers nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, culminating in eligibility for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Students develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and patient care skills through immersive simulation experiences and hands-on clinical rotations. The program offers flexibility for working adults while ensuring rigorous preparation for the nursing profession. Graduates are equipped for careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, with a strong foundation for advanced practice.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 2.4 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Three tracks: traditional, eLine, eLine Military
  • State-of-the-art simulation center
  • Evidence-based teaching environment
  • Day one ready preparation
  • Advanced technology classrooms

Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through two online tracks: the eLine BSN and eLine Military BSN. Designed for aspiring registered nurses, these programs deliver coursework primarily online while requiring clinical experiences in the Corpus Christi area. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum covering nursing theory, health assessment, and evidence-based practice, preparing them for the NCLEX-RN. The eLine tracks offer flexibility for working professionals, though students must travel to campus multiple times per semester for hands-on clinical training. Admission requires completion of prerequisites, a minimum GPA, and the HESI A2 exam. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings, with a strong foundation for professional growth.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Primarily online coursework
  • Clinical components in Corpus Christi
  • Travel to campus multiple times per semester
  • HESI A2 entrance exam required
  • Minimum 2.4 GPA in last 60 hours

Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine Military BSN (Military)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi's BSN program offers a pre-licensure path to becoming a registered nurse, with three tracks including the eLine Military option for military-affiliated students. The curriculum blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences in the Corpus Christi area, utilizing a state-of-the-art simulation center. Students gain skills in patient care, pharmacology, and health assessment, and are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and a "day one ready" approach, with advanced technology classrooms and digital learning support. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure and can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. The eLine Military track provides flexibility for service members and their families.

  • 3 concentration options
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 2.4 GPA minimum
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • State-of-the-art simulation center
  • Online coursework with local clinicals
  • Day one ready preparation
  • Advanced technology classrooms
  • Digital learning support
Show 3 More Programs ˅
*IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Corpus Christi, TX

When you embark on your journey to enter the nursing profession, you begin a career that serves others. Becoming a nurse also provides job security for you and your family. Corpus Christi, Texas and the surrounding region is home to educational programs that allow you to enter the field as an LVN to RN, ADN and BSN.

LVN to RN Programs

Licensed Vocational Nurses spend the bulk of their workday interacting with and caring for patients. The salary and job duties for LVNs, however, is limited. By becoming a Registered Nurse, you can take on additional patient care responsibilities while earning a higher wage. Coastal Bend College, which has a few locations outside of Corpus Christi, TX, enables LVNs to become RNs in as few as two semesters. The LVN to RN bridge program was designed for expediency and has face to face, hybrid, lab skills, online and clinical components. Program grads can test for the NCLEX-RN.

ADN Programs

Nurses today have a myriad of career options available to them, including where they’d like to work and what level of nursing they’d like to provide. Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program that readily allows students to move into a BSN program later on if they so choose. The Multiple Entry/Exit Program or (MEEP) format of the program allows students to take a deep dive in science, healthcare, and nursing-intensive courses. This way, courses are most likely to transfer for those who pursue the BSN. Graduates of the AASN plan are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam required for licensure.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Though it is not yet the standard, it is strongly believed by healthcare industry experts that bachelor’s degrees will be required for most nursing professionals in the future. Evidence has shown that bachelor-prepared RNs improve patient health outcomes. Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi offers a conventional BSN program that readies nurses to work in 21st century hospitals. The 5-semester program is clinical-intensive with top-notch experienced faculty who truly care about educating the next generation of nurses.

Find out more about Texas ABSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Corpus Christi, TX

Going back to school for your bachelor’s or master's degree is within reach thanks to RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs in Corpus Christi, TX. With many programs offered online or at non-traditional times that accommodate the chaotic schedule of working nurses, bridge programs allow for expedient career advancement.

RN to BSN Programs

Did you enter nursing with an associate’s degree thinking that you’d complete your four-year degree after a few years of working? This is a common circumstance because some people don’t want to commit to a bachelor’s degree until they are certain about their careers. If you see yourself working as a nurse for the long-term, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers an RN to BSN program with entry terms in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Those who know they want to enter into higher nursing roles, such as a nurse practitioner or other APRN role, may wish to enter into an RN to MSN program. This specialized pathway bypasses the BSN, directly preparing students for advanced nursing careers. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers an RN to MSN program designed for students who hold an ADN but no other bachelor's degree. Upon graduation, students will acquire the MSN degree (but not a BSN).

Find out more about Texas RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

Here is a list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs. The table below shows each school's city and state, program highlights, and a link to the program page. We gathered these options to help nurses find the right path forward. Explore the table to compare programs and see which one fits your career goals. Click the links to learn more about each program.

Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Apply by 2026-05-31
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Apply through NursingCAS
    • Admission by point scoring system
    • Immunizations required prior to admission
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2025.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Corpus Christi, TX

With the shortage of healthcare professionals in Corpus Christi and across the state of Texas, nurses are being asked to do more every day. You can take advantage of the demand by earning an advanced degree or certificate in nursing. With online and flexible-schedule programs, you can become an advanced practice nurse in less time than you thought possible.

MSN Programs

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) such as Nurse Practitioners are responding to the healthcare crisis by taking on high-level roles and serving as patients' primary care providers. In Texas, patients are as or more likely to see Nurse Practitioners as they are physicians for routine health and wellness checkups. If you are ready to transition from an RN to an APRN, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi offers a part-time Master of Science in Nursing program for FNPs. Those who successfully complete the MSN degree that’s designed for working adults can sit for the National Certification Exam to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Veteran advanced practice nurses may reach a point in their careers where they want to leverage their bedside experience to teach others. The University of Texas Medical Branch offers an online Nurse Educator post-grad certification so that nurses can gain the skills necessary to transition from the hospital room to the classroom.

Find out more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Corpus Christi

We have put together a helpful list of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) programs in Corpus Christi. This table covers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Nurse Practitioner (NP) options. Each entry shows the school's city and state, program highlights, and a direct link to the program page. Use this list to compare programs and find the right fit for nursing career goals. The table makes it easy to see what each school offers at a glance.

Corpus Christi, TX

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program delivery
    • Part-time degree sequence
    • Fall semester admissions only
    • $50 application fee
    • Texas Nursing License required
    • Official transcripts required
    • Resume submission needed
    • Criminal background check required
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Leadership (ExL) - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • 40 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • 40 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Work experience required
*Information derived from: IPEDS 2025 survey, conducted by NCES.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Corpus Christi, TX

We've put together a comprehensive list of nursing schools near Corpus Christi, TX. The table below shows each school's city and state, highlights their programs, and links to the official program page. Whether starting a nursing career or advancing an existing one, these schools provide strong options. Take a look to find the right fit for your educational journey and goals.

Corpus Christi, TX

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

  • Bachelor's - Nursing, Traditional, BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 115 total credit hours
    • On-campus program
    • Prepares for RN licensure
    • First-year seminars required
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Primarily online coursework
    • Clinical components in Corpus Christi
    • Travel to campus multiple times per semester
    • HESI A2 entrance exam required
    • Minimum 2.4 GPA in last 60 hours
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine Military BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2.4 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Three tracks: traditional, eLine, eLine Military
    • State-of-the-art simulation center
    • Evidence-based teaching environment
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, eLine Military BSN

    Concentration: Military - Online Learning - Website

    • 3 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2.4 GPA minimum
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • State-of-the-art simulation center
    • Online coursework with local clinicals
    • Day one ready preparation
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2025.