RN to BSN Programs in Texas
Looking for an RN to BSN program in Texas? Read on for a list of all the state's RN to BSN programs, as well as location, tuition cost, and program length. We'll also examine BSN-RN salary, job outlook, and workplaces to provide a clear picture of what being a nurse in Texas is like.
How to Go From RN to BSN in Texas
Like most states, Texas does not require a BSN to practice as a registered nurse. Therefore, you can attend an accredited ADN program in Texas to earn your RN license. After graduating from your ADN program, you'll take the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify as a registered nurse.
However, ADN-RNs often earn less money than those with BSN degrees. Additionally, many employers prefer bachelor's-trained nurses, making getting a job as an ADN-RN harder. So, attending a Texas RN to BSN program can help you negotiate a higher salary and become a more competitive job candidate.
Luckily, the Lone Star State is home to several schools that offer RN to BSN bridge programs. Read on to learn more about the best RN to BSN programs in Texas, including online and hybrid options.
>> Related: Top Accelerated BSN Programs Texas
RN to BSN Programs in Texas
1. Texas A&M Health Science Center
The Texas A&M RN to BSN program is affordable for Texan students. Students in this program complete 30 credit hours of coursework and an individual practicum in their community. The distance learning format allows students to go from RN to BSN online in Texas, except for their practicum.
Additionally, Texas A&M has an option for nurses who completed an LVN to RN program, which can be hard to find. Before applying, students should know that the university does not accept transfer credits from previous RN to BSN programs.
- Location: Bryan, TX
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $9,298
- Non-Resident: $31,608
- Program Length: 3-4 semesters
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online
2. Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M International offers one of the cheapest RN to BSN online programs, making it extremely popular for RNs. The university offers six flexible start dates throughout the year. Eligible students must have a 2.5 GPA in previous degree coursework and a valid RN license.
The program primarily focuses on leadership and management skills. However, students also learn about epidemiological principles by assessing healthcare status, resources, and needs with community groups
- Location: Laredo, TX
- Program Cost: $8,995
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online
3. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers its RN to BSN program at the Katy, TX campus. The BSN curriculum forges leadership, critical thought, and collaborative skills while enhancing students' technical knowledge. Students in this program attend lab immersions and clinical courses in a face-to-face learning environment.
- Location: Katy, TX
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $484.82 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $1,004.82 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Hybrid
4. Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University formatted its RN to BSN program for working professionals. The school of nursing allows RNs to complete a BSN degree in an online, Christ-focused format.
This ADN to BSN program in Texas requires students to complete two clinical rotations in community and public health. Those with a 2.0 GPA are eligible for locked-in tuition, despite how long it takes to complete the program.
- Location: Abilene, TX
- Program Cost: $395 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Private
- Online Options Available? Yes
5. University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso offers an RN to BSN program in two phases. The first phase includes 33 hours of university core curriculum. While students may transfer in those credits, the university does require 30 total credits from UTEP for graduation. Since 21 of those credits come from phase two, the school recommends taking at least 9 phase one credits at UTEP.
The second phase lasts two and a half semesters and focuses on nursing education. During this phase, students complete a mentorship in their community. Students will not receive transfer credits for any non-academic work or life experience toward this degree.
Students in Alabama, Washington D.C., Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming are not eligible to apply for this program.
- Location: El Paso, TX
- Program Cost: $336.12 per semester credit hour
- Program Length: 2.5 semesters
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
6. UT Health Science Center at Houston
U.S. News & World Report named UT Health Science Center's RN to BSN program among the best in the nation. The renowned program gives students clinical opportunities at Texas Medical Center and other hospitals statewide.
The program encompasses 31 credit hours, and students may choose from three completion tracks. Additionally, UT offers the lowest RN to BSN tuition in Texas.
- Location: Houston, TX
- Program Cost: $12,382.25
- Program Length: 2, 3, or 5 semesters
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
7. Sam Houston State University
SHSU offers a flexible RN to BSN program that eligible students can attend full or part-time. The university also has a joint admission agreement, allowing current ADN students an easy way to continue their education. Eligible community colleges include:
- Alvin Community College
- Blinn College
- Lone Star College
- Temple College
Students must have a Texas RN license to be eligible for the program, so it might not be the best option for out-of-state students.
- Location: The Woodlands, TX
- Program Cost: $1586.35 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
8. University of the Incarnate Word
The University of the Incarnate Word offers its RN to BSN bridge entirely online in accelerated eight-week terms. Students generally take 6 credit hours each term and can complete the nursing courses in just one year.
The RN-BSN pathway applicant must also submit evidence of current licensure to practice professional nursing in Texas. Military personnel may submit evidence of current licensure in the United States.
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Program Cost: $450 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Private
- Online Options Available? Yes
9. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
With condensed 7-week courses, UT Rio Grande Valley's RN to BSN students can complete their degree in as little as 12 months. The university built this program to accommodate working professionals, as it offers a flexible online format and multiple start dates.
- Location: Edinburg, TX
- Program Cost: $7,500
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Private
- Online Options Available? 100% online
10. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University has rolling admissions for its RN to BSN program with multiple start dates year-round. Students complete didactic courses in an accelerated 7-week format. They also attend clinical components with a preceptor, which include class and capstone projects.
- Location: Denton, Dallas, and Houston, TX
- Program Cost: $238 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
11. University of Texas Tyler
Students can complete this 30-hour RN to BSN program in as little as 12 months for one of the lowest tuitions in Texas. UT Tyler's RN-BNS bridge couples practical, hands-on experience with rigorous classwork. This dynamic academic design allows working professionals to excel in class and at the bedside.
- Location: Tyler, TX
- Program Cost: $9,895
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
12. The University of Texas Medical Branch
UTMB offers its online RN to BSN program in two semesters, with a total of 10 courses. Those with at least a year of RN experience may opt to attend the dual application option. This path allows students to continue their studies and earn an MSN directly after graduating from the BSN program.
Applicants should understand that this program does not accept online science labs. Students applying to the RN to BSN program who completed science courses online in their ADN program must take the lab portion in person.
- Location: Galveston, TX
- Program Cost:
- Resident: $1,569.83 per credit hour
- Non-resident: $1,988.39 per credit hour
- Program Length: 2 semesters
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
About Texas RN to BSN Programs
Most RN to BSN programs in Texas are 100% online, except for in-person clinical hours. The online classwork allows practicing nurses the flexibility to complete their BSN while still working.
Program length may vary from school to school. However, in general, students can expect to take 2 to 4 courses at a time over 12 months to complete the program.
Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in Texas
All programs charge by the credit hour, and most cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per credit. However, the total cost of a Texas RN to BSN program varies depending on several factors, which include:
- Private vs public university
- Resident vs non-resident student status
- Number of transfer credits
- Online vs in-person instruction
Admission Requirements for Texas RN to BSN Programs
Most RN to BSN programs in Texas will have these general prerequisites:
- Texas RN license
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Prerequisite courses (per program)
- Graduation from an accredited ADN program
- All transcripts
Remember, specific requirements differ by school. You should speak with an admissions advisor at your desired school to learn more about its standards.
How Hard Are RN to BSN Programs in Texas?
Compared to ADN programs, RN to BSN programs in Texas are not specifically hard. They will focus on different aspects of nursing than the ADN curriculum. For example, you can expect to take courses focused on ethics, leadership, and research during your BSN education.
The most difficult part of attending a Texas RN to BSN program is balance. Many students continue to work full-time throughout these programs. Additionally, they have family and social obligations they must balance with their academics.
How Long Are RN to BSN Programs in Texas?
RN to BSN programs in Texas typically take 3 semesters or 12 months to complete. Designed for working professionals, students can complete these programs at a slower, part-time pace as well. Most universities will allow students up to 6 semesters or 24 months to complete an RN to BSN bridge.
Working as an RN in Texas
RN Salary in Texas
Nurses in the United States earn a mean annual salary of $81,220 or $39.05 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Comparatively, the annual registered nurse salary in Texas is $84,320.
How Much Does a BSN Make in Texas?
BLS statistics do not differentiate between ADN and BSN salary expectations. However, ZipRecruiter estimates a nearly $20,000 difference in ADN and BSN nurse incomes. The site reports an average ADN nurse salary of $80,887 in Texas, while BSN-RNs make $102,983.
Career Outlook
Currently, there are 231,060 nurses in Texas. The BLS estimates that demand for RNs will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This estimate translates to roughly 193,100 openings for registered nurses annually nationwide.
Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in Texas
Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Government agencies
- Academia
- Medical and aesthetic spas
- Outpatient clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Private practice
- Surgery centers
- Urgent care centers
Next Steps
Earning a BSN can help advance not only your education and nursing knowledge but also your career options. You may consider one of these 12 exceptional programs to go from RN to BSN in Texas.
However, if you'd like to go from RN to advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), an RN to MSN program may be more appropriate. Read our RN to MSN guide to determine which type of bridge program suits your needs and career goals.
