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 BSN 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 little as four consecutive semesters.

Learn more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs

Lubbock RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 LubbockTexas
NCLEX-RN Students Total83915,081
NCLEX-RN Students Passed71413,102
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate85.1%86.9%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Lubbock

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

  • Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center - #19
SchoolContact Information

Covenant School of Nursing

1919 Frankford Ave
Lubbock, TX 79407
(806) 725-8900

South Plains College

1401 College Ave
Levelland, TX 79336
(806) 894-9611

Texas Tech University - Health Sciences Center

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Texas Program: #19 of 117
3601 4th St
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730

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

Jump to City:

Canyon, TX

West Texas A & M University

  • Bachelor's - 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

  • Bachelor's - 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

  • Bachelor's - R.N. to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Builds on RN experience
    • Career advancement opportunity
    • Flexible learning approach
    • Professional skill enhancement
*IPEDS 2023 institutional statistics, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

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

Jump to City:

Canyon, TX

West Texas A & M University

  • Master's - 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certification

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid flexible learning format
    • 27 total credit hours
    • Full-time experienced faculty
    • Spring and fall start terms
    • MSN degree prerequisite
    • Competitively priced program
    • National certification preparation
    • Must have unencumbered RN license
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online certificate program
    • 26 total credit hours
    • Spring and fall start terms
    • Taught by experienced faculty
    • Prepares for ANCC certification
    • Requires MSN degree
    • Unencumbered RN license needed
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Christian University

  • Master's - 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
  • Master's - 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 38 total credit hours
    • Hybrid online/campus format
    • 750 clinical training hours
    • 5 semester program
    • Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
    • Two years RN experience required
    • National certification preparation
    • Advanced health assessment focus
  • Doctorate - 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice Education and Leadership Track

    Concentration: Education and Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • 36 total credit hours
    • Online program format
    • Two-year program length
    • $1,130 per credit hour
    • Post-masters clinical track
    • Minimum 1000 practicum hours
    • Leadership and education focus
    • 3.0 minimum master's GPA

Texas Tech University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing/MBA Dual Degree

    Concentration: Health Organization Management - Online Learning - Website

    • Dual degree reduces credit hours.
    • Concentration in Health Organization Management.
    • Online program format available.
    • Prepares for healthcare leadership roles.
    • Requires acceptance into two schools.
    • Focuses on managerial and business skills.
    • Efficient path to dual qualifications.
    • Designed for nursing professionals.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

  • Master's - MSN Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 51 semester credit hours
    • Hybrid program delivery
    • Two years pediatric experience required
    • PALS certification needed
    • Advanced pediatric care focus
    • Evidence-based care strategies
    • Multiple healthcare settings
    • Credentialing exam eligibility
  • Master's - MSN Nurse Midwifery

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 51 semester credit hours
    • Distance education track
    • Online and web-enhanced courses
    • Labor delivery experience preferred
    • CCNE and ACME accredited program
    • Occasional campus travel required
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Valid unencumbered RN license
  • Master's - 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
  • Master's - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • 49 Credit Hour Program
    • Full-time/Part-time Options
    • Telemental Health Focus
    • Rural Health Emphasis
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Clinical Hours in Home Area
  • Master's - MSN-MBA Dual Degree Program

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

    • Dual degree in MSN and MBA
    • Reduced credit hours: 57 total
    • Leadership focused curriculum
    • Online course delivery
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Nursing administration concentration
    • Healthcare management focus
    • Collaborative inter-institutional program
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • 36 semester credit hours
    • Online MSN Administration track
    • Requires BSN degree
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • One year RN experience
    • Leadership skill development
    • Professional reference letters
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • First Texas-based nursing informatics masters
    • 39 semester credit hours
    • Hybrid program format
    • Prepares for certification exams
    • Minimum 2 years clinical experience required
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
    • Advanced informatics practice roles
    • Digital healthcare technology focus
  • Master's - 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
  • Master's - 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
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 36 semester credit hours
    • Online with campus visits
    • Advanced nursing specialization
    • National certification eligibility
    • Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
    • 1+ year RN experience needed
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Financial aid available
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 48 semester credit hours
    • Primary care provider preparation
    • Rural healthcare focus
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • One year RN experience needed
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Professional certification eligible
    • Financial aid available
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online certificate program
    • 27 semester credit hours
    • 112-hour education practicum
    • Prepares for nurse educator roles
    • Master's or doctoral prerequisite
    • Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
    • Valid unencumbered RN license
    • CCNE or ACEN accredited program
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nurse Midwifery Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 39 semester credit hours
    • Distance education program
    • Online and web-enhanced courses
    • Clinical experiences nationwide
    • Prepares for midwifery certification
    • Preferred OB clinical experience
    • CCNE and ACME accredited
    • Semester hour cost $300-$400
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • Rural Health Emphasis
    • Telemental Health Focus
    • 28-29 Credit Hours
    • DNP Option Available
    • Certification Exam Eligible
    • Clinical Hours Locally
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
  • Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Nursing Informatics Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online nursing informatics track
    • 17 semester credit hours
    • Occasional campus immersion
    • Certification exam eligibility
    • Minimum 2 years clinical experience
    • Super user technology required
    • MSN degree prerequisite
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • Doctorate - 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
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.