Healthcare employers are in desperate need of professional registered nurses. The aging Baby Boomer population is increasing the demand for health care services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient centers, and other health care facilities. Apart from rising health care needs, a significant portion of the health care workforce is approaching retirement, creating further employment opportunities for registered nurses. This demand for nurses is expected to escalate in the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for registered nurses will be 12 percent from 2018 to 2028.
As more adults respond to the calls for more nurses, entry into nursing programs like the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing has never been more competitive. The ADN program provides a fast-paced approach to registered nursing. It requires a two-year commitment, not including the time it takes to complete prerequisite courses and helps students acquire technical nursing skills to provide safe and patient-centered care. The degree still remains an eligible option to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become a Registered Nurse. However, in the near future, the BSN may be the only standard for entry. As it now stands, many hospitals and some health care employers will only hire nurses who have completed the BSN. Registered nurses prepared at the associate degree level may continue their education to the bachelor’s degree through bridge RN to BSN programs.
Austin Community College
The Associate of Applied Science degree at Austin Community College is offered in a Traditional and Mobility Track. The program will include instruction in the classroom, online, lab, as well as clinical learning experiences. The traditional nursing courses are part of a structured curriculum and are only offered once per year. Students must pass the courses in one semester before proceeding to the next. Program graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse. Licensed vocational nurses can apply to the Associate Degree program through the Nursing Mobility Track and will be eligible to take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Microbiology for the Health Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology II, Pharmacology for Health Professions, Nursing Skills I
Core courses – Foundations for Nursing Practice, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training: Foundations of Nursing, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training I, Introduction to Psychology, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training II, Concepts of Clinical Decision Making, Nursing Care of the Childbearing and Childbearing Family, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training: Childbearing/Childbearing Family Clinical, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training: Mental Health, English Composition I, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health I, Clinical-Nursing-Registered Nurse Training IV, Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management, Ethics
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application online
- Submit official high school and college transcripts
- Must declare General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences Associate of Science degree before official acceptance to the program
- Provide proof of health insurance
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
- Must have current CPR American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
- Submit a completed health data form
- Provide documentation verifying TB status
- Provide documentation of immunization at the time of application
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,020 per semester (12 credit hours) for in-district students. Students will need to budget for textbooks, physical exam, CPR certification, nursing supplies, fees, and background check.
- Website: https://www.austincc.edu/
- Address: 3401 Webberville Road, Austin, TX 78702
- Phone: (512) 223-5700
- Toll-free: (888) 626-1697
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.94%
Central Texas College
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Central Texas College prepares graduates who are eligible for licensure. They will have the knowledge and confidence to succeed on the NCLEX-RN, be able to provide competent nursing care in various community settings, use effective communication and critical thinking, and commit to personal and professional development. Theory and practical instruction will teach students how to function as a competent member of the profession, provide patient-centered care, advocate for patient safety, use technology to manage and improve patient outcomes, and coordinate and collaborate with patients’ families and the interdisciplinary health care team. A mobility option is available for licensed vocational nurses and paramedics.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 5 semesters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Composition I, Pharmacology for Health Professions
Core courses – Health Assessment, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Clinical – Nursing I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Principles of Clinical Decision Making, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical-Nursing II, General Psychology, Concepts of Clinical Decision Making, Nursing Care of Childbearing and Childbearing Family, Life Span Growth and Development, Advanced Concepts of Adult Health, Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management, Clinical Nursing IV, Humanities/Fine Arts Selection
Admission criteria:
- Must be admitted to Central Texas College
- Meet with an Academic Advisor
- Successfully complete TSI and obtain clearance from an Academic Advisor by the ranking eligibility deadline
- Submit an application to the ADN program
- Provide a copy of high school/college transcripts
- Complete the HESI A2 Admission Assessment Exam by the eligibility deadline
- Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Have a prerequisite GPA of 2.8 overall
- Attend a preadmission Information/Orientation Session with the Nursing Program Director or designee
- ADN Articulating (LVN/Paramedic to RN) Student Nursing applicants must have a current LPN license or Paramedic certification/licensure through the Texas Department of State Health Services and or National Registry of EMT
- Submit a record of immunization and health requirements – Tdap, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, TB, Varicella, Influenza, and Bacterial Meningitis
- Complete a physical exam using the CTC DONAH form
- Must have current CPR American Heart Association – Health Care Provider (BLS)
- Submit a negative 11-panel drug screen
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background check or declaratory order from the Texas Board of Nursing
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,260 per semester (12 credit hours) for in-district students. Other costs include textbooks, supplies, HESI, 11 Panel drug screen, FBI criminal background check, Declaratory Order Enforcement, physical exam, TB screening, required immunization CPR, lab kit, uniforms, transportation expenses, and CTC Nurse Association.
- Website: https://www.ctcd.edu/
- Address: P.O. Box 1800, Killeen, TX 76540-1800
- Toll-Free: 1-800-223-4760
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.97%
Temple College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Temple College leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree that will grant graduates the eligibility to take the state licensing exam for registered nurses. The Texas Board of Nursing approved program is also accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN). Through didactic and practical instruction, students will be prepared for success in practice, commit to lifelong learning, and compassionate care within the scope of practice for registered nurses. There are two entry points for the ADN program. The traditional program is open to applicants with no experience in healthcare. The LVN to ADN mobility program admits current licensed practical nurses who are in good standing with the Board of Nursing. At the conclusion of the curriculum requirements, graduates will be able to use clinical judgement in professional practice, function as an advocate for patient-centered care to diverse populations, communicate effective with patients, families, and the healthcare team, and practice nursing within the established legal-ethical framework.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, General Psychology
Core courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Skills I, Introduction to Nursing, Clinical-Nursing-I-Registered Nurse Training, Legal and Ethical Issues for Nurses, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Mental Health Nursing, Professional Nursing Leadership and Management, Lifespan Growth and Development, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Care of Children and Families, Clinical Nursing IV, Registered Nurse Training, Elective: Language, Philosophy & Culture/Creative Arts, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health, Care of the Childbearing Family, Clinical-Nursing V Registered Nurse Training
Admission criteria:
- Complete the process for admission to Temple College including TSI requirements
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Anatomy and Physiology, Composition I, and General Psychology
- Take and pass the HESI A2 Admission Test with a minimum of 80% in each area tested – Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Math
- Submit a completed ADN application and other required documents by the deadline
- Submit official transcripts for all colleges attended
- Must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.8
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen and documentation of current negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Provide documentation of completing the required immunization – MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, and flu vaccine
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Provide written documentation of successfully completing an American Heart Association CPR course for Health Care Providers
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,500 per semester (12 credit hours) for in-district students. Other costs include textbooks, fees, nursing supplies, HESI exam, CPR certification, immunization, physical exam, background check, and insurance.
- Website: https://www.templejc.edu/
- Address: 5701 Airport Rd., Temple, Texas 76502
- Phone: 254-298-8782
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.50%
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College’s two-year Associate Degree Nursing curriculum prepares adults for professional practice where they will be capable of providing patient-centered care in hospitals and other health care agencies. The instruction will include theory and clinical experiences that will prepare students for success on the licensure exam. The comprehensive curriculum leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree for successful students. Graduates of the Texas Board of Nursing approved and ACEN accredited program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. They can finish their education with the AAS or continue on to the bachelor’s degree in nursing. New students are admitted to the program in the fall and spring of each year. Only a limited number of applicants are admitted with each cycle. Licensed Vocational Nurses who hold valid licenses and are in good standing may apply for advanced placement providing they meet the special requirements.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, General Psychology
Core courses – Anatomy and Physiology II, Professional Nursing Competencies, Introduction to Health Care Concepts, Professional Nursing Concepts I, Health Care Concepts I, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Reg Nurse, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Health Care Concepts II, Clinical II – Registered Nursing, Professional Nursing Concepts II, Lifespan Growth & Development, Health Care Concepts III, Clinical III – Registered Nursing, Professional Nursing Concepts III, Language, Philosophy & Culture Elective or Creative Arts Elective, Clinical IV – Registered Nursing, Health Care Concepts IV, Professional Nursing Concepts IV
Admission criteria:
- Apply for and gain admission to McLennan College
- Submit an application to the Associate Degree Nursing program
- Provide documentation of completing TSI including test scores in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics or placement test Exemption Status
- Submit official and unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. Official transcripts should go to the Office of Student Admissions Department. Unofficial transcripts should go the ADN program with the completed application
- Provide documentation of completing the PSB exam with a minimum score of 25% in all five categories
- Provide documentation of residency – a utility bill or property tax statement to show residence is required to receive residence points
- Provide proof of application fee
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen and documentation of current negative TB skin test or chest x-ray
- Provide documentation of completing the required immunization – MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, Tdap, and flu vaccine
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Provide written documentation of successfully completing an American Heart Association CPR course for Health Care Providers
Program Cost:
The cost of completing 36 credit hours of ADN courses is $9,190 plus $2,928 for non-nursing courses. Other related expenses such as uniforms and accessories, nursing textbooks, non-nursing textbooks, and licensure fees will cost an additional $3,370. Admission expenses include a background check, drug screen, stethoscope, bandage scissors, forceps, immunizations, shoes, a calculator, and first semester books.
- Website: https://www.mclennan.edu/index.html
- Address: 1400 College Drive Waco, Texas 76708
- Phone: (254) 299-8622
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.30%
How Much Does An Associate Degree Nurse Earn In Austin?
ADN nurses in San Jose earn a median annual salary of $61,272. Experienced nurses holding an associate degree may earn an average wage of $68,520. BSN prepared nurses earn upwards of $85,630. By enrolling in an RN to BSN program to complete the BSN degree, you will not only improve your job prospects but also your earning potential.
How Long is the ADN in Austin?
The registered nursing associate degree is designed to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
What Is the Easiest Nursing Program to Get into In Austin?
The requirements for enrolling in the four Board approved registered nursing programs in Austin are standard. All require a high school diploma or GED, a good moral character, good physical and mental health, and proof of immunization, McLennan College requires TSI scores and Temple College requires completion of prerequisite courses. Austin College may be one of easiest to apply to due to the basic requirements but it may be the most competitive for entry.
How Much Does an ADN Cost in Austin?
Texas is one of the most affordable states to complete an associate degree in nursing. The average cost for tuition for 4 semesters is Completing an ADN program in Texas is more financially viable than most states. The average cost of the entire program is $7,400 at community colleges. The cost of books, supplies, and uniforms is not included in the estimate.
Is ADN The Same as RN?
The short answer is that someone who has completed an associate degree in nursing may be considered as a registered nurse. However, a graduate of a bachelor of science in nursing may also carry the registered nurse credential. The title of registered nurse, RN, covers both the ADN and the BSN graduate. So you are in good company if you decide to complete an associate degree to become a registered nurse. You should not stop with the ADN though! While the degree provides a fast-track to nursing, it may pose some limitations on your nursing career if you stop there. ADN nurses must complete the BSN degree to qualify for management positions or to work in some hospitals. The BSN may be a requirement for employment in more and more healthcare employers. If an employer hires you with the ADN, they may outline a specific timeline to obtain the BSN degree.
The good news is that you can easily transition to the BSN degree by enrolling in an RN to BSN program.
Can You Be An RN With an Associate Degree in Texas?
As of January 2024, the Texas Board of Nursing recognizes the associate degree in nursing as a valid educational preparation for taking the NCLEX and licensure as a registered nurse.