Nursing Programs in Corpus Christi, TX

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’s Traditional BSN is a campus-based, pre-licensure pathway for students new to nursing. The 115–117 credit curriculum blends general education, nursing support courses, and upper-division clinical coursework, covering health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making. Required first-year seminars introduce nursing concepts. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and research settings. The program does not indicate a SAT/ACT requirement; admissions are based on university criteria. State BSN NCLEX-RN pass rates reached 90.05% (2023) and 93.04% (2024). No prior nursing experience is needed.

• 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

The eLine Military BSN at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is an online pre-licensure program engineered for military-affiliated students, veterans, and active-duty personnel. Didactic coursework is delivered primarily online, with hands-on clinical experiences at Corpus Christi-area facilities. Students study nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, using an advanced simulation center. Applicants must have completed prerequisites and hold a minimum 2.4 GPA—no SAT/ACT scores are needed; instead, the HESI A2 entrance exam is required. This flexible pathway prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN eligibility and careers in hospitals and community clinics. The program’s BSN NCLEX pass rates were 90.05% (2023) and 93.04% (2024).

• 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 the eLine BSN, a predominantly online pre-licensure track for aspiring RNs. Students complete nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice courses via digital platforms, traveling to Corpus Christi a few times each semester for skills labs and clinical rotations. Admission requires prerequisite completion, a minimum 2.4 GPA, and the HESI A2 exam—not the SAT or ACT. The program uses advanced technology classrooms and a state-of-the-art simulation center to build clinical reasoning. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure and roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The BSN’s recent NCLEX pass rates are 90.05% (2023) and 93.04% (2024).

• 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

The Military concentration within Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s eLine BSN combines flexible online coursework with locally executed clinical placements across the Corpus Christi area. Designed for those pursuing nursing careers with military or veteran populations, this option emphasizes evidence-based patient care, health assessment, and pharmacology. A standout feature is the simulation center, where students practice day-one readiness in realistic scenarios. The concentration is one of three program tracks. Applicants need a minimum 2.4 GPA and must pass the HESI A2; no SAT/ACT is required. Graduates gain NCLEX eligibility. Overall BSN NCLEX pass rates are strong: 90.05% (2023) and 93.04% (2024).

• 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

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*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 21^st 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.

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.