2026 Best Nursing Schools in Houston

#1

Chamberlain University-Texas

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Chamberlain University in Houston, Texas, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to fast-track your nursing career. With no prerequisites required, students can start nursing courses immediately and complete the program in as few as three years. The curriculum blends online and in-person learning, including hands-on experience in high-tech simulation labs. Financial aid options are available, with over 90% of students receiving assistance. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a quality education that prepares you for the nursing profession.

  • 3-year BSN program
  • No prerequisites required
  • CCNE-accredited
  • Hands-on simulation labs
  • Flexible hybrid learning
  • Financial aid available
  • No wait lists
  • Evening/weekend options
  • Transfer credits accepted
  • High-tech patient simulators
#2

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - hc.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Houston Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Houston, TX, offers a transformative education blending rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience. Accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing, the program prepares students for diverse nursing careers through a curriculum that includes liberal arts, nursing prerequisites, and professional courses. Clinical rotations in top Houston healthcare facilities provide real-world experience. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, fostering both professional and spiritual growth. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care, preparing graduates to meet healthcare challenges with skill and heart.

  • Accredited by Texas Board of Nursing.
  • 121 semester hours required.
  • Clinical rotations in top Houston hospitals.
  • Small class sizes for personalized learning.
  • Combines liberal arts and nursing science.
  • Focus on evidence-based practice.
  • Prepares for diverse nursing careers.
  • Emphasizes compassionate, holistic care.
  • State-of-the-art simulation experiences.
  • Strong mentorship from faculty.
#3

Houston Community College

Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - hccs.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Houston Community College's Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, offering the skills and knowledge needed to care for patients in various healthcare settings. This program focuses on developing competent nurses who can work collaboratively within healthcare teams. With a curriculum designed to meet the standards of nursing practice, graduates are well-equipped for roles in hospitals, clinics, and more. The program emphasizes patient safety, clinical decision-making, and professional development, ensuring students are ready for the challenges of the nursing profession. Admission requires an HESI assessment, and the program boasts a strong foundation for those looking to advance their education further in nursing.

  • Campus-based program
  • Prepares for NCLEX licensure exam
  • Focus on patient-centered care
  • HESI assessment required for admission
  • Strong foundation for further education
  • Emphasis on patient safety
  • Collaborative healthcare team training
  • Diverse clinical experiences
  • Professional development focus
  • Accredited by Texas Board of Nursing
#4

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - uth.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston offers a top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, recognized by U.S. News and World Report. With two pathways—Pacesetter BSN for accelerated entry and RN to BSN for advancing nurses—students gain hands-on experience in the Texas Medical Center. The program boasts expert faculty, affordable tuition, and extensive clinical opportunities. Ideal for aspiring nurses at any stage, it combines academic excellence with real-world skills development.

  • Two pathways: Pacesetter and RN to BSN.
  • Hybrid program type available.
  • Expert, practicing faculty.
  • Affordable tuition with scholarships.
  • Extensive clinical opportunities in Houston.
  • Simulation lab for real-world skills.
  • Support for student success.
  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Approved by Texas Board of Nursing.

Bachelor's - Pacesetter BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Pacesetter BSN at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a top-ranked, accelerated nursing program designed for aspiring registered nurses. This hybrid program combines online and on-campus learning, allowing students to earn their degree in just 15 months. With 900 hours of clinical experience starting in the first semester, students gain hands-on skills in the Texas Medical Center and Houston area. The program is among the most affordable in Texas, offering a high-quality education with low-cost tuition. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure in all 50 states, entering a field with strong job growth.

  • Accelerated 15-month program.
  • Hybrid online and on-campus courses.
  • 900 clinical hours from first semester.
  • Affordable tuition rates.
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure.
  • Fall, Spring, Summer start dates.
  • 60 credits over 4 semesters.
  • Full-time enrollment required.
  • Hands-on clinical experiences.
  • Diverse career pathways post-graduation.
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#5

University of Houston

Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - uh.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Track

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Houston's Traditional BSN Track provides a comprehensive nursing education for aspiring healthcare professionals. Students begin their academic journey at UH's main campus, transitioning to the Katy instructional site for advanced nursing coursework. The program cultivates critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Students develop strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills essential for modern nursing practice.

  • Face-to-face instruction at Katy
  • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
  • Professional practice preparation
  • Culturally sensitive care focus
  • Foundation for graduate studies

Bachelor's - Second Degree BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Second Degree BSN program at the University of Houston is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field seeking a career change to nursing. This intensive, full-time program spans twelve months, offering a fast track to becoming a registered nurse. It emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse nursing roles. The curriculum integrates biological sciences, social sciences, and humanities to provide culturally sensitive care. Located in Sugar Land, TX, the program admits students every Spring. Graduates are eligible to take the RN licensure exam, paving the way for a rewarding nursing career.

  • 12-month intensive program
  • Full-time, face-to-face learning
  • For bachelor’s or master’s degree holders
  • Prepares for RN licensure exam
  • Spring semester admission
  • Located in Sugar Land, TX
  • Focus on critical thinking skills
  • Culturally sensitive care emphasis
  • Integrates multiple science disciplines
  • Leadership and management training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Based on: NCES IPEDS 2024 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Houston, TX

Be of greater service to others and take care of your own needs and the needs of your family by advancing your nursing career. Caring for others for a living is a career choice as well as a calling. Nurses can take advantage of LPN to RN, ADN and BSN programs in Houston, Texas to move forward in their careers.

LVN to RN Programs

Licensed Vocational Nurses spend a lot of time caring for patients’ bedside. LVNs who want to have a greater impact on patient care can become Registered Nurses. Accelerated LVN to RN bridge programs, such as the one at Lone Star College in Houston, TX, allow vocational nurses to pursue their Associate Degree in Nursing in three semesters. Because of the intensive, full-time design of the program, most students can only work part-time when completing it. The LVN to RN option prepares students for the NCLEX exam.

ADN Programs

Provide direct care to patients when you earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). With some of the highest NCLEX exam pass rates in Texas, Houston’s Alvin Community College puts its nursing students on the straight path to success.  The ADN program can be completed in two years or less for students with limited transfer credits. The affordably priced college has clinical affiliations with community healthcare facilities as well as the prestigious Texas Medical Center in Houston.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Launch your nursing career with a BSN and secure more earning power from the start. Stationed an hour’s drive outside of Houston, TX, Prairie View A&M University offers a state of the art Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed for traditional students. The program provides theoretical and clinical instruction, so students graduate ready to enter the workforce. The University, which historically serves an African American population, offers accelerated options for existing RNs or LVNs.

Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Houston, TX

In the next five to ten years, healthcare experts believe RNs with bachelor’s degrees will be the norm rather than the exception. As this trend has already begun, why not stay ahead of it by pursuing bridge RN to BSN/MSN programs in Houston, TX.

RN to BSN Programs

Earn more money in less time by completing an RN to BSN program on your schedule.  Registered Nurses with Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degrees go to the top of the application pile for most hospitals. The University of Texas, Health Science Center of Houston offers a flexible and competitively priced bridge offering that prepares graduates for real-world nursing challenges. The program has online and on-ground classes.

Found out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Nurse Practitioners earn more autonomy and authority providing care to patients. The University of Texas, Health Science Center of Houston offers a mostly online RN to MSN program for nurses seeking to obtain their Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Students must complete their labs and clinicals on-campus. The fully integrated pathway saves student times and money by allowing them to earn the MSN in one period of admissions without having to complete a BSN.

Find out more about Texas RN to MSN Programs.

Houston, TX

Houston Christian University

  • RN to MSN - RN to MSN

    Concentration: Nurse Education - Online Learning - Website

    • 60 credit hours total
    • 100% online
    • Nurse Education concentration
    • 3 years to complete
    • $19,500 tuition
    • ACEN and CCNE accredited
    • Unencumbered RN license required
    • 1 year nursing experience needed

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Top-ranked BSN program in Texas
    • Flexible 2-5 semester completion
    • 31 total credit hours
    • 100% online lectures
    • Among lowest tuition rates
    • Part-time/full-time enrollment
    • Multiple start dates annually
    • In-person clinical project

University of Houston-Clear Lake

  • RN to BSN - Registered Nurse-Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • HyFlex learning options
    • 30 upper nursing credits
    • Graduate in 2-3 semesters
    • Dedicated nursing advisor
    • Small class sizes
    • Doctorate-level faculty
    • Low tuition options
    • ACEN accredited program

University of Houston-Downtown

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Only 33 hours to complete.
    • Hybrid program: online and on-campus.
    • Affordable tuition rates.
    • Located near Texas Medical Center.
    • Flexible class schedules.
    • Requires RN license for admission.
    • CPR certification needed.
    • Minimum GPA of 2.0 required.

Pasadena, TX

San Jacinto Community College

  • RN to BSN - Nursing, Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online distance learning
    • One-year program duration
    • Eight-week course model
    • ACEN accredited program
    • 90% program completion rate
    • Focuses on leadership skills
    • Community health nursing emphasis
    • Flexible for working RNs
*IPEDS 2024 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Houston, TX

Nurses can become practitioners or specialists by enrolling in advanced practice nursing programs that are online, on-campus or a hybrid of both. Major hospitals in Houston, TX may offer their nurses partial tuition reimbursement if they commit to advancing their careers where they are working.

MSN Programs

Not all experienced Registered Nurses will become managers, and that’s okay. Those who would like to lead, however, can do so more quickly by earning a Master of Science in Nursing. University of Houston’s MSN Administration program focuses on developing leadership skills as well as healthcare business operations. Students have online and on-ground course options for the MSN degree, though clinicals must be completed face to face.

Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Houston, TX

Houston Christian University

  • BSN to MSN - MSN in Nurse Education

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 36 Credit Hours
    • 24 Months to Complete
    • $18,540 Total Tuition
    • CCNE Accredited
    • Two Annual Start Dates
    • No Program Deposit Required
    • Payment Plans Available
  • BSN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

    Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 38-credit hybrid MSN program
    • Pediatric primary care focus
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Advanced clinical skills training
    • Five-year degree completion
    • No grade below B
    • 6 transfer credits maximum
    • Advanced pathophysiology courses

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

  • BSN to MSN - Emergency Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Emergency/Trauma Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Unique Texas-based ENP specialty track
    • 10 credit hour program
    • Mostly online education
    • Post-graduate program
    • $10,000 student stipends available
    • Two enrollment pathways
    • 2-3 semester completion
    • Practice in emergency departments
  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • One year RN experience needed
    • Application via NCAS system
    • $80 application fee
    • Texas residency required
    • Three professional references
    • Interview part of selection
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Leadership and Administration

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 38 semester credit hours.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • 5-year completion limit.
    • Focus on nursing leadership.
    • Evidence-based management principles.
    • Organizational efficiency training.
    • Healthcare financial management.
    • Quality improvement courses.

University of Houston

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • MSN degree builds on BSN
    • Advanced practice preparation
    • Leadership role development
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare focus
    • Research and scholarly activities
    • Evidence-based healthcare approach
    • Educator and clinician training
    • Multiple career pathway options

University of Houston-Clear Lake

  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Education and Leadership, M.S.N.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 30-credit accelerated MSN program
    • HyFlex and online formats
    • No GRE required
    • Recommended 3.0 GPA
    • Fall deadline: August 1
    • Spring deadline: January 5
    • Prepares for NLN certification
    • Complete in 24 months

University of St Thomas

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Nursing Education concentration offered
    • Complete in 2-3 years
    • Primarily online coursework
    • Simulation labs on campus
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • RN licensure prerequisite
    • Spring 2025 deadline: Dec 16, 2024
    • Fall 2025 deadline: Aug 1, 2025
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/campus program
    • Complete in 2-3 years
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Accredited nursing program
    • Holistic patient care approach
    • Graduate Success Center support
    • Located near Texas Medical Center
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
*IPEDS 2024 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.