Nursing Programs in San Antonio, TX
Known for its historic Alamo landmark as well as its thru-the-city Riverwalk, the fast-growing city of San Antonio offers Texas hospitality and friendliness as well as urban amenities. The city has a low cost of living, and nursing professionals earn on average $72,410 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state of Texas is predicting a nursing shortage in the coming years due to population growth and senior nurses entering retirement. As such, there's a large swath of work opportunities for nurses of all levels in the southern Texas city.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in San Antonio, TX
If you’re a people-person, enjoy helping others and thrive when working in a team, a career in nursing may be right up your alley. Depending on your short- and long-term goals, there are many different paths to enter this stable healthcare profession. The San Antonio, Texas region is home to a range of community and career colleges as well as state and private universities that offer entry-level nursing programs such as LVN to RN, ADN and BSN.
LVN to RN Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurses learn from the ground-level all the work that goes into caring for patients. Though this entry-level position can be a smart place for nurses to begin their careers, LVNs are limited in the type of work they can perform. The LVN to RN bridge program at Baptist Health System School of Health Professions in San Antonio, TX enables LVNs to transition into the RN role in a timely manner. Graduates of the fast-track program earn their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and gain the competencies to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
ADN Programs
Patients rely on nurses’ caring natures to get through difficult treatments and therapies. Nurses provide pre- and post-operative care, tend to wounds, and administer medicine. With so many hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes hiring, nurses have an abundance of work opportunities. San Antonio College, part of the community college system, offers a competitively priced Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. The theory and clinical-based curriculum readies students for the NCLEX. Moreover, because it is affiliated with the University of Texas system, graduates can more readily transfer into state universities in the future.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Though Registered Nurses are not yet required to hold bachelor’s degrees, those with the BSN credential have a competitive edge over their peers when applying to open positions. Top hospitals in most major cities only hire RNs with BSNs in order to earn or maintain their prestigious Magnet status. Wayland Baptist University, which has a San Antonio Campus, offers a full-time BSN for dedicated students who want to launch their careers with an advantage. The BSN at the Christian school includes a complete hands-on clinical with instructional courses.
Find out more about Texas Accelerated BSN Programs
San Antonio RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
San Antonio | Texas | |
---|---|---|
NCLEX-RN Students Total | 1,704 | 15,081 |
NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 1,488 | 13,102 |
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 87.3% | 86.9% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in San Antonio
Listed below are the top nursing schools in San Antonio based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Texas out of 117 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- University of The Incarnate Word - #10
- UT Health San Antonio - #11
School | Contact Information |
---|---|
Baptist Health System - School of Health Professions
| 8400 Datapoint Dr San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 297-9664 |
Chamberlain College of Nursing - San Antonio
| 9810 Highway 151 San Antonio, TX 78251 (877) 751-5783 |
ECPI University
| 4715 Fredericksburg Rd San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 973-5205 |
Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio
| 7411 John Smith Dr #1400 San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 485-2222 |
San Antonio College
| 1819 N Main Ave San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 486-0000 |
St. Philip's College
| 1801 Martin Luther King Drive San Antonio, TX 78203 (210) 486-2000 |
University of The Incarnate Word
| 4301 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 829-6000 |
UT Health San Antonio
| 7703 Floyd Curl Dr San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 567-5800 |
Wayland Baptist University
| 11550 North IH-35 San Antonio, TX 78233 (210) 826-7595 |
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in San Antonio, TX
Spend less time in the classroom and more time at patients’ besides when you go back to school and earn your degree via an RN to BSN or RN to MSN program in San Antonio, TX. Many of these bridge options can be completed partially or fully online during timeframes that are convenient to you, the working professional nurse.
RN to BSN Programs
If you are a working nurse, you may have thought about returning to college to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With convenient online offerings, such as the one at Galen College of Nursing, nurses can improve their chances of attaining a promotion with a BSN. The mobility-friendly online bridge program makes use of modern distance learning formats so instruction is engaging and rigorous. The bridge RN to BSN program can be completed in about a year at the nursing-only college, which has a campus in San Antonio, Texas.
Find out more about Texas RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
ADN-educated RNs who know they want to enter into higher-level roles such as the nurse practitioner may prefer to enter an RN to MSN bridge program. These programs allow nurses to earn their Master's of Science in Nursing in around 2 years of study. The University of the Incarnate Word offers a 100 credit-hour RN to MSN degree program that is delivered in a full-time, hybrid format.
Find out more about Texas RN to MSN Programs
Houston, TX
Houston Christian University
- Master's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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
- Bachelor's - 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.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio College
- Bachelor's - BSN Nursing Bridge
Online & Campus Based - Website
- One-year or less completion
- Online and hybrid formats
- Advanced nursing leadership skills
- Eight-month fast-track option
- Affordable nursing education
- 95% on-time completion rate
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Concept-based curriculum model
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) - Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
Campus Based - Website
- 40 semester credit hours
- Focus on clinical microsystems
- Eligible for CNL certification
- Full-time or part-time enrollment
- 2-3 years completion time
- BSN and RN licensure required
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Improves patient safety
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in San Antonio, TX
Provide primary healthcare services and treatments to patients by earning your advanced practice nursing degree or certificate. Nurse Practitioners can specialize in adult/gerontology care, pediatrics, or family medicine (amongst other specialties) and provide treatments to patients with minimal oversight. Others can advance into nurse administration roles and mentor others. APRNs command competitive salaries in San Antonio, TX.
MSN Programs
Tending to patients’ needs day after day can prove rewarding but also familiar. After years of working on your feet caring for patients, some nurses decide to make a change and lead others. By earning a Master of Science in Nursing, seasoned nursing professionals can gain the competencies needed to enter management. The Baptist School of Health Professions in San Antonio, Texas offers a fully online MSN with a concentration in Nursing Administration. Program graduates are qualified to apply for charge nurse or nursing administration positions and earn more competitive salaries.
Find out more about Texas Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Nurses with post-graduate certifications can take on primary care roles so that physicians can spend their time on other pursuits. At the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), nurses with Master's of Science in Nursing degrees can earn certs in four specialized Nurse Practitioner areas. With hundreds of contracts with clinicals in the area, including community-based, ambulatory care, or treatment centers, students gain the real-world experience needed to succeed on the job.
Find out more about Texas Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP Programs
Those with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees lead nurses and healthcare professionals in a clinical rather than research setting. If earning a DNP, the pinnacle degree in nursing, is in your plans, the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX offers an accredited leadership-focused program. DNP-prepared nurses at the Catholic-founded institution learn clinical management skills so they can lead others, implement evidence-based care and improve patient outcomes.
Find out more about Texas DNP Programs
Houston, TX
Baylor College of Medicine
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice Program-Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Website
- Two DNP Track Options
- 100% Graduate Employment
- State-of-the-art Simulation Training
- Nationally Recognized Program
- Comprehensive Clinical Experiences
- Online Course Flexibility
- Advanced Healthcare Leadership
- Research-Focused Curriculum
Houston Christian University
- Master's - 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
- Master's - 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
- Master's - 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
- Master's - Nursing Leadership and Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 38 semester credit hours total
- Completion time: 5 years
- Hybrid program format
- Focuses on healthcare leadership
- Practical leadership preceptorship
- Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nondegree post-graduate completion
- 20-40 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 780 total clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Completion Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 33-39 credit hours
- Completion in 3 years
- Focus on primary care
- Optional emergency concentration
- Interdisciplinary clinical experience
- Health promotion emphasis
- Risk reduction strategies
- Disease prevention focus
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 33-39 semester credit hours.
- Completion in 3 years.
- Strong psychotherapeutic focus.
- Interprofessional clinical experiences.
- Cares for all age groups.
- Emphasis on psychopharmacotherapy.
- Prepares for diverse settings.
- Includes 240 clinical hours.
- Doctorate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- Lowest tuition in Texas
- Clinical experiences at TMC
- 10 semester completion time
- 29-30 credit hours postgraduate
- National certification preparation
- Flexible enrollment options
- Doctorate - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/campus learning
- 10 semester program duration
- 29-30 credit hours post-graduate
- National certification preparation
- Lowest tuition in Texas
- CCNE accredited program
- Lifespan adult care focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Website
- First public university Nurse Anesthesia track in Texas
- 9 semesters (36 months) full-time
- 112 total credit hours
- 100% National Certification Exam pass rate
- Located in Texas Medical Center
- On-campus educational mode
- High-fidelity simulation center
- 100% employment post-graduation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Practice-focused doctoral education
- Flexible online learning format
- Affordable DNP program
- Interprofessional collaboration opportunities
- Faculty with extensive healthcare expertise
- Leadership-focused Nurse Executive track
- Located in Texas Medical Center
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Unique Texas specialty track
- Mostly online learning
- 50 credit hours total
- Part-time enrollment option
- Lowest tuition in state
- Interdisciplinary informatics focus
- CCNE accredited program
- Eight semester completion
- Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two program tracks: MSN and DNP
- Online and on-campus courses
- 1,140 clinical training hours
- Low tuition rates in Texas
- 97% first-time board exam pass rate
- Full-time and part-time options
- Academic success coaching
- Emergency nursing certificate available
- Doctorate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/on-campus program
- 29-30 credit hours
- 100% first-time exam pass rate
- Multiple clinical placement options
- Affordable tuition rates
- Prepare for ANCC certification
- Works with full/part-time nurses
University of Houston
- Master's - 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
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Administration
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Nine hours of coursework.
- Post-MSN certificate.
- Focus on leadership skills.
- Human resource management.
- Healthcare policy studies.
- Grade of B required.
- Courses apply to degree.
- Graduate Certificate - Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Multiple nursing specialization tracks
- Hybrid learning format
- Face-to-face and online options
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Flexible scheduling
- Located at UH Katy campus
- Post-Master's certificates available
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/face-to-face format
- Post-master's DNP program
- 37-42 credit hours total
- 585 additional clinical hours
- CCNE fully accredited program
- Part-time study option
- Individualized practicum experiences
University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Master's - 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
- Master's - 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
- Master's - 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
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post-APRN and Post-master's certificate options
- ANCC Certification Preparation
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
- Specialized mental health training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time doctoral program
- 72 total credit requirement
- Minimum 1000 clinical practice hours
- Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Master's options
- Specialized PMHNP clinical practicums
- Comprehensive psychiatric care training
- Individual degree plan options
San Antonio, TX
Hallmark University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- 16-month online master's program
- Addresses nursing instructor shortage
- 60 hours teaching experience
- Focuses on nursing education skills
- Practical classroom teaching required
- Flexible online learning format
- Targeted at practicing nurses
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Campus Based - Website
- 40 semester credit hours total
- Two-three year program length
- Prepares for CNL certification
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- 450 clinical practice hours
- Comprehensive healthcare systems curriculum
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Must maintain RN licensure
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36 semester credit hours required
- Hybrid delivery model (50-85% online)
- Full-time and part-time options
- Six-year program completion window
- Minimum 3.0 overall GPA required
- Clinical preceptorships included
- Five semester full-time plan
- Courses offered one semester annually
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 28 semester credit hours
- Campus-based program
- Specialized acute care focus
- Advanced clinical competencies
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Current RN licensure needed
- Prepares for national certification
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- Specializations in four areas.
- Varies by track length.
- Spring admissions only.
- Application deadline August 1.
- Transcripts required for admission.
- Detailed degree plans available.
- For MSN-prepared nurses.
- Enhances specialized patient care.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
- Specializations in four areas.
- Varies by track credit hours.
- Spring admissions available.
- August 1 application deadline.
- Follow NursingCAS procedures.
- Sample degree plans provided.
- For MSN-prepared nurses.
- Enhance specialized practice skills.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- 5 specialized nurse practitioner tracks
- Minimum 28 semester credit hours
- Requires master's in nursing
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Current RN licensure required
- Clinical and theoretical coursework
- Prepares for national certification
- Interprofessional team collaboration focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 76 semester credit hours
- 1,080 clinical hours required
- Full and part-time options
- Acute care nursing focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- One year clinical experience
- Advanced pathophysiology training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral level nursing practice
- Hybrid program format
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- 1+ year clinical experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple specialization tracks
- Professional references required
- NursingCAS application process
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral degree for BSN graduates
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- 1-year clinical experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple specialization options
- Hybrid program format
- Professional references required
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- BSN to DNP doctoral degree
- Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Nationally accredited program
- 1 year clinical RN experience
- NursingCAS application required
- Professional references needed
- Hybrid program format
University of the Incarnate Word
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nursing Certification
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Blended learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical practicums near residences
- Inter-professional team collaboration
- Leadership and advanced clinical focus
- Improves health outcomes
- Requires MSN admission criteria
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nursing Certification
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Blended learning format
- Two specialty certification tracks
- For master's prepared nurses
- Clinical practicums near residence
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- Inter-professional collaboration focus
- Advanced clinical leadership training
- Doctorate - BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- Blended learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Prepares for NP certification exam
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- UIW core values integrated
- Close faculty mentorship
- Doctorate - BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- Blended learning format
- Two concentration options
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- Prepares for NP certification exam
- Focuses on cultural competence
- Inter-professional collaboration emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nurse Practice Nursing Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- 32 total credit hours
- Online asynchronous format
- 528 clinical clock hours
- 5-semester program completion
- Graduate-level prerequisite courses
- Healthcare leadership focus
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing (BSN-DNP)
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- Blended learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Certification exam preparation
- Cultural competence focused
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- Close faculty relationship
- Doctorate - MSN-Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online courses.
- $470 per credit-hour.
- Close faculty relationships.
- On-campus orientations.
- Leadership and clinical management focus.
- Designed for Master's in Nursing holders.
- Asynchronous online format.
- Synchronous sessions available.