Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Dallas, TX

Helping others to help themselves is what nurses do. If teaching others to better care for themselves interests you, a career in nursing may be right up your alley. In Dallas, Texas, college programs have changed to make it easier for those without a background in nursing to enter the field. Admission friendly policies at Dallas-area schools enable students to enter the nursing profession with a four- or two-year degree.

LVN to RN Programs

Learning on the job is a constant requirement for most working licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). If you’ve learned that you’d like to do more for your patients, you may be interested in becoming an RN.

ADN Programs

Earning an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) is the most expedient path to becoming a registered nurse. Offered at career and community colleges in and around the Dallas metroplex, ADN programs are both accessible and affordable. Dallas College - Brookhaven, part of the Dallas County Community College District, offers a 16-month ADN that incorporates lecture, lab, clinical, and hospital rotations. It readies students for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Accelerated BSN programs, which may have online instructional components, allow students to complete their nursing training in less time than before. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing often are more sought after by top-ranked employers than nurses without a BSN. Constructed on Christian values, Baylor University’s nursing school offers accelerated and traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing options. The latter option incorporates liberal arts and natural and behavioral science learning as well.

Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs.

Dallas RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 DallasTexas
NCLEX-RN Students Total2,33715,081
NCLEX-RN Students Passed2,08613,102
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate89.3%86.9%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Dallas

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Dallas based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Texas out of 117 other accredited programs offered in the state:

  • Dallas College Mountain View Campus - #8
  • Texas Christian University - #17

RN to BSN Programs in Dallas, TX

It’s no secret that advancing your career typically means returning to school. For on-the-go registered nurses, finding the time to attend class can be challenging. For that reason, several Dallas-area colleges and universities have designed RN to BSN bridge programs so working nurses can complete their degrees on their own time.

RN to BSN Programs

You have greater choice in where you work your shifts when you upgrade your RN to a BSN. Many top hospitals in the Dallas, Texas region seek out nurses with Bachelor of Science Degrees over RNs without them. The University of Texas - Arlington offers campus-based and online RN to BSN program options. You could potentiall pay off your BSN education more readily because you are likely to bump up your earnings with a BSN.

Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Dallas, TX

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Dallas are leaders in the field and are tasked with performing higher-level, patient-focused roles in healthcare. For RNs who are up for the challenge, earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree, post-graduate certificate, or doctorate degree can be done in a more convenient format of online and on-ground learning.

MSN Programs

Many veteran nurses strive to mentor others. By earning their Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) either online or in class, nurses can become classroom instructors or team leads at hospitals. The University of Texas, Arlington, outside of Dallas, offers more than five specialties, including nursing administration, nurse family practitioner, primary care, education, and more. Some can be offered in an online or blended format for greater convenience.

Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurses often reach a point in their careers where they wish to specialize. Certificate programs, which usually have certification exams, are an efficient, cost-effective way for nurses to dive deeply into an area of study. Texas Christian University, outside of Dallas, Texas, offers several different certifications for nurses with graduate degrees. The university’s Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, either in Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric, prepares nurses to treat and diagnose patients’ illnesses and significantly impact patient care.

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

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

For dedicated registered nurses, earning a doctorate may be something they dream of but believe to be out of reach. Thanks to powerful online technologies, completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Dallas, Texas schools has never been more attainable. Ranked as one of the best graduate nursing programs in the nation, Baylor University offers multiple DNP programs, including a Family Nurse Practitioner option.

Find out more about Texas DNP Programs.

Nursing Programs in Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX, offers a variety of nursing programs for aspiring healthcare professionals. These programs cater to different levels, from entry to advanced practice. Schools in the area provide hands-on training, flexible schedules, and specialized tracks. Below is a table listing local schools, their program highlights, and links to more details. Whether you're starting or advancing your nursing career, Dallas has options to meet your goals.

Jump to City:

Addison, TX

Abilene Christian University-Undergraduate Online

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • 128 total credit hours
    • 72 major hours
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Hands-on clinical training
    • Simulation lab experiences
    • Global medical missions

Arlington, TX

The University of Texas at Arlington

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
    • Hands-on learning in Smart Hospital
    • Competitive admission process
    • TEAS exam required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships for eligible students
    • Focus on acute and community care
    • Develops leadership in nursing
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure.
    • Offered online and campus-based.
    • Includes Smart Hospital training.
    • Competitive admission process.
    • Diverse clinical experiences.
    • Focuses on general nursing practice.
    • Requires TEAS exam for admission.
    • Immunization requirements apply.

Dallas, TX

Dallas College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program flexibility.
    • Affordable $2,800 tuition.
    • 12 or 24-month completion.
    • Requires Texas RN license.
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA needed.
    • Year-round application open.
    • Quality online instruction.
    • Associate degree prerequisite.

Denton, TX

Texas Woman's University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four-year program length.
    • Campus-based learning.
    • Flexible location options.
    • Hands-on externships available.
    • Interprofessional learning focus.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
    • Competitive admission process.
    • Strong hospital partnerships.

Fort Worth, TX

Tarrant County College District

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Approved by Texas BON.
    • Fast-track option available.
    • Selective admission process.
    • Focus on critical thinking.
    • Emphasizes teamwork skills.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.

Texas Christian University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Traditional 29-month track.
    • Accelerated 19-month option.
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs.
    • Meets licensure in all 50 states.
    • Focus on clinical judgment.
    • Enhances critical thinking skills.
    • Hands-on patient care preparation.
    • Ethical leadership emphasis.

University of North Texas Health Science Center

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 20-month on-campus program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Clinical rotations in multiple settings
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Diverse nursing specialization options
    • Two years prerequisites required

McKinney, TX

Collin County Community College District

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • For registered nurses
    • Accredited by ACEN
    • Minimum GPA 2.5 required
    • Flexible for working professionals
    • Focus on clinical reasoning
    • Leadership skills development
    • Evidence-based practice focus
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.