2026 Best Nursing Schools in Lubbock

Rankings help prospective nursing students identify quality programs that align with their career goals by providing objective comparisons. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Lubbock" rankings based on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria. For more details on how these rankings are compiled, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

The average NCLEX pass rates in the Lubbock region have shown improvement from 2023 to 2024.

  • 2024: 96.34% pass rate with 82 students
  • 2023: 79.05% pass rate with 105 students

Top Performing Schools

South Plains College has demonstrated strong performance in nursing education based on multiple years of data.

  • South Plains College: 86.63% average pass rate across 187 students over 2 years

Biggest Improvements

South Plains College showed significant improvement in pass rates between 2023 and 2024.

  • South Plains College: Improved from 79.05% to 96.34% (17.29% increase)
#1

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the Health Sciences Center School of Nursing provides a comprehensive campus-based education focused on developing knowledgeable and compassionate nurses. The program features experienced faculty, innovative teaching methods, and multiple specialization options to align with diverse career goals. Admissions require meeting academic standards and completing prerequisite courses, with no specific ACT or SAT entrance exam mentioned. The program demonstrates strong outcomes, with recent NCLEX pass rates of 94.85% (2023) and 94.66% (2024) for BSN graduates, indicating excellent preparation for licensure. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical opportunities, preparing them for professional growth in nursing.

  • Campus-based program
  • Multiple specializations available
  • Experienced faculty
  • Hands-on experience opportunities
  • Competitive program cost
  • Comprehensive nursing education
  • Innovative teaching formats
  • High-quality education
  • Professional growth opportunities
  • Admissions requirements include academic standards
#2

West Texas A & M University

Canyon, TX - Public 4-Year - wtamu.edu

Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure Nursing to BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Texas A&M University's Pre-Licensure Nursing to BSN program is a campus-based pathway for aspiring registered nurses. Admission requires a 3.0 minimum GPA, completion of pre-nursing courses, and scores of 80+ on each HESI A2 exam section. This bachelor's-level program spans 120-121 credit hours, integrating clinical experiences to prepare graduates for diverse nursing roles. The program demonstrates strong outcomes with NCLEX pass rates of 93.68% (2023) and 93.07% (2024) for Texas BSN graduates, indicating effective preparation for RN licensure. Financial aid and scholarships support eligible students pursuing this career-focused education.

  • Campus-based program
  • 120-121 total hours
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 required
  • HESI A2 exam score 80+
  • Average graduate salary $63,808
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships offered
  • Prepares for RN licensure
  • Diverse nursing career opportunities
  • Includes clinical courses
#3

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttuhsc.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's Traditional BSN program is a campus-based, four-semester curriculum for non-nurses, requiring prerequisite completion and a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through patient simulators and clinical rotations, preparing graduates for nursing leadership roles. Accredited by CCNE, it offers financial aid and scholarships. Recent NCLEX pass rates show improvement from 85.6% in 2023 to 93.1% in 2024, indicating strong exam preparation. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT scores for entrance. The on-campus hospital provides valuable clinical experience.

  • Campus-based program
  • Four consecutive semesters
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 required
  • Hands-on learning with simulators
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Financial aid available
  • Leadership preparation in nursing
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • High-quality education
  • Scholarships for eligible students
#4

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a flexible hybrid format, blending online and on-campus courses tailored for employed nurses. Accredited by ACEN, it emphasizes leadership development and strong alumni connections. Admission requires meeting academic criteria, with ACT or SAT scores typically needed for bachelor's-level entry. Graduates are well-prepared for healthcare roles, though specific NCLEX pass rates should be verified directly with the institution for current data.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • ACEN accredited
  • Designed for employed nurses
  • Strong alumni network
  • Leadership-focused curriculum
*Data source: NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2024.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Lubbock, TX

Entry-level nursing programs are available for students who are just beginning their careers in nursing. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides a basic foundation of nursing practices and a diploma needed for entry-level jobs, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree offers a more in-depth education that takes around four years to complete. Both programs prepare students to take and pass the NCLEX licensing exam and begin their careers in nursing.

LVN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses have already developed experience promoting the health and wellbeing of patients and are skilled at providing basic patient care. For these professional nurses, an accelerated LVN to RN bridge program offers an opportunity to advance their careers and become registered nurses. These bridge programs are often much faster to complete than a traditional RN training program for non-nurses. For example, the LVN to RN program at Covenant Health School of Nursing is 27 weeks in length and includes 14 weeks of didactic instruction followed by 13 weeks dedicated to clinical experiences.

ADN Programs

Ideal for aspiring nurses who want to begin working as quickly as possible, the ADN program can be completed in two years or less and provides nurses with their nursing diploma. Covenant Health School of Nursing in Lubbock offers a full-time hospital-based diploma program that is completed in two years of study.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

A BSN program takes about twice as long to complete as the ADN degree, but provides nurses with a more in-depth introduction to nursing and a bachelor’s degree upon completion. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that, upon completion of prerequisite coursework, can be completed in as few as four consecutive semesters.

Learn more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN Programs in Lubbock, TX

If you are already at working RN with your ADN and are interested in earning a BSN degree, a specially designed RN to BSN program may be right for you. These “bridge programs” provide a pathway for working nurses to complete a higher degree in less time than a direct-entry program because they count your diploma coursework toward the bachelor’s degree.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs provide a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in nursing for registered nurses who have completed their ADN.  The BSN program at Lubbock Christian University is designed for graduates of ADN programs who hold the RN license and includes 30 credit hours of core university courses and 30 credit hours of nursing courses.

Learn more about Texas RN to BSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, exploring RN to BSN or MSN programs can open new doors. These programs help you earn a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, often with flexible options for working professionals. The table below lists schools offering these programs, showing their locations, key features, and links to learn more. Check it out to find a program that fits your goals and schedule.

Canyon, TX

West Texas A & M University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Nationally Recognized Nursing School
    • Multiple Start Terms Available
    • Out-of-State Tuition Waiver
    • Experienced Faculty
    • State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs
    • Professional Development Focus

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University

  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program completion options
    • One or two-year format
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA requirement
    • Valid RN license needed
    • Web-based and classroom instruction
    • Advanced simulation learning center
    • Specializes in geriatric care
    • Community-based rural experiences

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • RN to BSN - R.N. to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Builds on RN experience
    • Career advancement opportunity
    • Flexible learning approach
    • Professional skill enhancement
*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2024 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Lubbock, TX

Nurses who want to advance their careers to leadership positions or work as a nurse practitioner will need to pursue an advanced practice nursing degree, such as the MSN, post-master’s certificate and/or the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Texas Tech University in Lubbock offers a variety of advanced practice nursing degrees for RNs to choose from.

MSN Programs

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses for leadership positions in nursing, and often allows students to specialize their studies in a chose area of nursing, such as pediatric nursing, family medicine and others. Texas Tech University offers an MSN program with tracks in administration, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, nurse educator, midwifery and family nurse practitioner.

Learn more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

For nurses who already have their MSN degree but would like to switch to a different specialty, a post-master’s certificate program allows them to earn a certificate in a new specialty without repeating other courses in the MSN degree program. Texas Tech University offers post-master’s certificate programs in nursing education, nursing informatics and a variety of nurse practitioner specialties.

Learn more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP Programs

A DNP is the highest advanced practice nursing degree available to nurses and prepares nurses for high-paying leadership positions in advanced nursing practice, healthcare administration, clinical research, and academia. Texas Tech University offers a traditional DNP program, as well as a BSN to DNP program that is a combination of online and face-to-face coursework and supervised clinical experiences.

Learn more about Texas DNP Programs

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

If you're looking for APRN programs in Lubbock, you have several excellent options. These schools offer MSN, DNP, and NP programs to help you advance your nursing career. The table below shows each school's location, key program features, and links to their program pages for more details. Explore the opportunities available in Lubbock to find the right fit for your goals.

Canyon, TX

West Texas A & M University

  • BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Degree

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 46 credit hours minimum
    • Clinical experiences in Texas
    • Application deadline March 1
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Unencumbered RN license
    • Complete within 6 years
    • FNP exam eligibility

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Christian University

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 46 semester credit hours
    • Minimum 750 clinical hours
    • 2-3 year completion time
    • Hybrid online/traditional format
    • May cohort start date
    • 100% program completion rate
    • ACEN and SACS accredited
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Education and Leadership

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 35 credit hour program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • 1.5-2 year completion time
    • Multiple start dates annually
    • 100% employment upon graduation
    • BSN required for admission
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • RN licensure mandatory
  • MSN to DNP - Clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 total credit hours
    • Fully online program
    • 2-year program length
    • $1,100 per credit hour
    • Post-master's terminal degree
    • 1000 practicum hours required
    • Advanced practice nurse focus
    • Scholarly project component
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice Education and Leadership Track

    Concentration: Education and Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 credit hours
    • 2-year online program
    • $1,130 per credit hour
    • August start date
    • Post-MSN clinical track
    • Education and leadership focus
    • 1000 practicum hours required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum

Texas Tech University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing/MBA Dual Degree

    Concentration: Health Organization Management - Online Learning - Website

    • MSN and MBA dual degree
    • Health Organization Management concentration
    • Reduced 57 credit hours
    • Partnership with nursing school
    • Management skills for healthcare
    • Career development focus
    • Jointly administered program
    • Transfer credit options

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 51 credit hour program
    • Hybrid online/campus format
    • Requires BSN and RN license
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Two years pediatric experience needed
    • PALS certification required
    • Eligible for CPNP exam
    • Tuition information available online
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Nurse Midwifery

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 51 semester credit hours.
    • Hybrid online and campus format.
    • Average cost $300-$400 per hour.
    • Requires BSN and RN license.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
    • Three professional references needed.
    • Labor and delivery experience preferred.
    • Accredited by ACME and CCNE.
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online with campus visits
    • 49 semester credit hours
    • Two years pediatric RN experience required
    • PALS certification needed
    • National certification exam eligible
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Valid unencumbered RN license
    • CCNE accredited program
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 49 semester credit hours.
    • Full-time or part-time options.
    • 100% online coursework.
    • Clinical hours in home area.
    • Focus on rural health.
    • Telemental health training.
    • Requires BSN degree.
    • 3.0 minimum GPA.
  • BSN to MSN - MSN-MBA Dual Degree Program

    Concentration: Nursing Administration and Health Organization Management - Online Learning - Website

    • Dual MSN/MBA degree program.
    • Online course delivery format.
    • 57 total credit hours required.
    • 21 hours of dual credits.
    • MSN concentration in Nursing Administration.
    • MBA concentration in Health Organization Management.
    • 3.0 GPA requirement for admission.
    • Separate application to both schools.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • 36 semester credit hours
    • BSN entry requirement
    • 3.0 minimum GPA
    • Valid RN license needed
    • One year RN experience
    • Three professional references
    • Personal statement required
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • First nursing informatics MSN in Texas.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • 39 semester credit hours.
    • Prepares for ANCC and CPHIMS certification.
    • Requires BSN and RN license.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
    • Two years clinical experience required.
    • Informatics or technology experience needed.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in nursing education

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online nursing education track
    • 39 semester credit hours
    • BSN entry-level program
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Valid RN license needed
    • Application deadlines: Feb 15 (Fall), Aug 31 (Spring)
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Computer literacy test required
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Track

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48 semester credit hours
    • Primary care provider preparation
    • Rural and underserved settings focus
    • Certification exam eligibility
    • One year RN experience required
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Professional reference letters
    • CCNE accredited program
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Professional doctorate program
    • Online and face-to-face courses
    • National certification preparation
    • Minimum 2 years RN experience
    • Requires valid RN license
    • Preferred 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Clinical component essential
    • Interprofessional team focus
*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2024 Final Release Data.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Lubbock, TX

If you want to study nursing near Lubbock, Texas, you have several good options. This list shows schools in the area and their programs. You can see each school's location, what programs they offer, and links to learn more. Check the table below to find details that fit your goals and start your journey in nursing.

Canyon, TX

West Texas A & M University

  • Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure Nursing to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • 120-121 total hours
    • Minimum GPA 3.0 required
    • HESI A2 exam score 80+
    • Average graduate salary $63,808
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships offered
    • Prepares for RN licensure

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Christian University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • ACEN accredited
    • Designed for employed nurses
    • Strong alumni network
    • Leadership-focused curriculum

Texas Tech University

  • Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Multiple specializations available
    • Experienced faculty
    • Hands-on experience opportunities
    • Competitive program cost
    • Comprehensive nursing education
    • Innovative teaching formats
    • High-quality education

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based program
    • Four consecutive semesters
    • Minimum GPA 3.0 required
    • Hands-on learning with simulators
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Financial aid available
    • Leadership preparation in nursing
    • Prerequisite courses required
*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2024 institutional survey.