Texas, like the rest of the nation, is facing an unprecedented shortage of nurses to care for the aging and ailing population. The shortage of nursing faculty and limited enrollment in nursing programs, the retirement of aging nurses, and the prevalence of chronic illnesses are some factors that contribute to workforce shortages. Based on health care demands, the state of Texas will need an additional 5,000 nurses added to the workforce every year according to officials.
While the shortages pose a challenge to health care administrators, new graduates can benefit from the abundance of opportunities available in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. Graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing program must take and pass the National Licensing Exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses to practice legally in the state. They will operate under the Nursing Practice Act to promote health, prevent disease, and provide counsel and support to families and communities.
Above and beyond the educational preparation, prospective nurses must examine themselves to determine if they have the character traits and special skills to cope with the physical and mental rigors of the profession. Nursing is a calling and requires compassion, levelheadedness, and fortitude to succeed.
Dallas Nursing Institute
Dallas Nursing Institute’s Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares students for licensure as a registered nurse in just 80 weeks. The program’s emphasis on patient-centered care enables graduates to administer compassionate care in any health care setting. In addition to their technical abilities, they will be prepared to provide counseling on various health issues and offer emotional support to patients and their families. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and benefit from the 86% job placement rates for registered nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 69
Total clock hours: 1744
Lecture clock hours: 784
Lab clock hours: 240
Clinical clock hours: 720
Duration: 80 weeks
Course titles:
General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, English Composition, Introduction to Logic, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development
Core courses – Pharmacology, pathophysiology, Nursing Skills, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Foundations for Nursing Practice Clinical, Nursing Skills II, Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Care of Children and Family Clinical, Maternal/Newborn Nursing & Women’s Health Clinical, Care of Children and Families, Jurisprudence, Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Mental Health Nursing, Complex Concepts of Adult Health and Clinical
Competencies – Conduct physical exams and diagnostic tests, supervise teams of nurses, develop, implement, and assess care plans, coordinate care with other health care professionals, administer medications, provide emergency care, outline therapy and treatment plans for patients.
Admission criteria:
- Submit acceptable scores on a Standardized Test: ACT- 19 or above, SAT – composite score 1350 or score a minimum of 86 on the ADN Admissions Entrance Assessment
- Complete the following courses or equivalent BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, ENGL 1301, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314 with a minimum grade C
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for transferring credits
- Provide two professional letters of reference
- Pass a drug screen
- Complete a background check that meets the Board of Nursing criteria
- Schedule and attend an interview with the ADN program director
- Attend a panel interview – will be scheduled after a review of the completed application packet
Program Cost
The cost of tuition is $9,853 per semester. The cost includes two sets of scrubs, nursing kit, textbooks, tutoring sessions, wireless access, comprehensive final exam, and Kaplan exam prep. The application fee of $100 is not included.
Website: https://www.dni.edu/associate-degree-of-nursing/
Address: 2101 Waterview Pkwy., Suite 100, Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 469-941-8300
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.18%
Carrington College – Mesquite Campus
Carrington College prepares registered nursing students for the Texas licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse. Graduates will have the preparedness to take the NLCEX-RN, utilize the nursing process in clinical settings, demonstrate effective written and oral communication, work collaboratively with health care professionals, and apply critical thinking in practice. Nursing courses must be taken in the prescribed sequence. Students must achieve the minimum requirement of 75% in general education and core courses to pass a course. A satisfactory final clinical evaluation is needed to pass the clinical component of the program. Students who fail three or more general education or nursing courses will be terminated from the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Total clock hours: 1530
Lecture clock hours: 795
Lab clock hours: 240
Clinical clock hours: 495
Duration: 96 weeks
Course titles:
General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, English Writing and Composition, College Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals, Interpersonal Communication
Core courses – Fundamentals and Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Community and Mental Health Nursing, Maternal Child Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing III, Pediatric Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing IV, NCLEX-RN Review, and Manager of Care
Admission criteria:
- Proof of high school graduation – official transcript must be submitted
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
- Pass the Kaplan entrance exam at the 35th percentile at a minimum – the cost of the test is $40
- Submit to drug screening and background checks that include fingerprinting
- Attend a Registered Nursing information session
- Provide negative 2-step TB test results
- Proof of immunization – MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, and yearly influenza during the flu season
Program Cost
Tuition for the program is $50,735 and includes books and supplies and fees.
Website: https://carrington.edu/schools/mesquite-texas/
Address: 3733 West Emporium Circle, Mesquite, TX 75150
Phone: 972-649-0186
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 41.67%
El Centro College
Students who complete the registered nursing program at El Centro College will obtain an AAS (Associate in Applied Sciences degree). The program combines classroom lectures with clinical experiences at various healthcare facilities. The school partners with Texas Health Resources, the Dallas VA Medical Center, the Hospital Corporation of America Inc., and the Methodist Health System to facilitate the clinical component of the program. Graduates will be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Texas. Advanced placement is available for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) that will let them integrate previous knowledge and skills. Candidates for advanced placement must complete three bridge courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Total clock hours: 1664
Lecture/lab clock hours: 1024
Clinical clock hours: 640
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development
Core courses – Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies, Concept-Based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Professional Nursing Concepts II, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Health Care Concepts III, Professional Nursing Concepts III, Clinical Registered Nursing, Health Care Concepts IV, Professional Nursing Concepts IV, Clinical Registered Nurse
Admission is determined by a competitive ranking process.
Admission criteria:
- Application to Dallas County Community College
- Attend an information session to receive the nursing application form
- Complete the three prerequisite course with a minimum GPA of 2.5 – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Composition, and Introduction to Psychology
- Complete the HESI A2 Test (Reading, Comprehension, Grammar, Math, Vocabulary/General Knowledge, and Anatomy/Physiology) with a minimum score of 80%
- Submit documentation of a physical exam, TB test, and CPR certification to Castle Branch
- Undergo a criminal background check and drug test
- Submit the application documents to the Health Occupations Admissions Office before the designated deadline
Program Cost
The total estimated program expense for Dallas County Residents is $8,753.86. The cost includes liability insurance, NCLEX, RN licensure fee, textbooks, manuals, uniforms, shoes, supplies and equipment, HESI A2 Test, physical exam, and CPR certification.
Website: https://www.elcentrocollege.edu/cd/dcc/health/nursing/ecc/pages/adn-ecc.aspx
Address: 801 Main St., Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 214-860-2000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.89%
Navarro College
The Traditional Associate Degree Nursing program at Navarro College includes classroom lectures, skills lab in a simulated environment, and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Students who successfully complete the requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree and meet the Texas Board of Nursing eligibility requirements will sit for the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse. An ASN Bridge program is also available for Licensed Vocational Nurses to complete the requirements for an RN degree without repeating courses. Candidates for the Traditional ASN must complete the prerequisite courses Anatomy and Physiology I and II before applying for the program. The application deadline is February 1 every year.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Course titles:
Core courses – Pharmacology, Clinical –Nursing Foundations, Clinical Nursing Practice I, Clinical Nursing Practice II, Nursing Care of Clients with Common Health Care Need, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Concepts of Nursing Practice, Concepts of Nursing Practice II, Care of Children and Families, Clinical Nursing Care of Clients with Complex Health Care Needs, Clinical Integrated Client Management, Integrated Care of the Patient with Common Health Care Needs, Care of Client with Complex Health Care Needs, Integrated Client Care Management
Admission criteria:
- Attend an information session and sign the roster
- Submit a completed application to Navarro College
- Request official transcripts from all colleges, universities attend to be sent to NC Registrar
- Complete NC academic evaluation
- Take the TEAS test and obtain passing scores – Reading Comprehension – 72.4. Math -68.6, Science 57.2
- Mail or hand deliver hard copies of forms 1,2 and 3 in the application packet
- Documentation of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, influenza
- Copy of driver’s license, driver’s insurance, and physical exam
- Take social security card to the ADN program on Orientation Day
- Register for BON background checks – instruction will be provided by the school
Program Cost
Tuition and fees cost $193 per credit.
Website: https://www.navarrocollege.edu/academics/registered-nursing/
Address: 1900 John Arden Drive, Waxahachie, Texas 75165
Phone: 1-800-NAVARRO
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 76.25%
Brookhaven College
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Brookhaven College follows an accelerated path so students can complete the degree in just 16 consecutive months. The curriculum includes theory, skills development in the lab, and supervised clinical rotations in various medical facilities. Through partnerships with renowned medical institutions, students will have the opportunity to complete the clinical experiences in modern facilities and use state of the art technologies. Graduates will be eligible to write the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Texas.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Total clock hours: 1664
Lecture/lab clock hours: 1024
Clinical clock hours: 640
Duration: 16 months
Course titles:
General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development
Core courses – Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Nursing Skills I, Clinical- Registered Nursing, Nursing Skills II, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical- Registered Nursing, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical Registered Nursing, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Care of Children and Families, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Introduction to Ethics
Admission criteria:
- Application to Dallas County Community College
- Complete the designated assessment testing process, including the state TSI math requirement
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.75 or better – English, Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry
- Submit a completed application packet to the Nursing Office
- Submit documentation of a physical exam, TB test, and CPR certification
- Undergo a criminal background check and drug test
- Attend an information session for details on the application process
Program Cost
The total estimated program expense for Dallas County Residents is $3,540. The cost does not include expenses for liability insurance, NCLEX, RN licensure fee, textbooks, manuals, uniforms, shoes, supplies and equipment, HESI A2 Test, physical exam, and CPR certification.
Website: https://www.brookhavencollege.edu/cd/dcc/health/nursing/adn/pages/default.aspx
Address: 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Phone: 972-860-4700
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.42%
Mountain View College
The Associate Degree in Nursing Program at Mountain View College seeks to prepare ethical, competent, educated, and professional nurses capable of delivering compassionate care and meeting the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of community members. Another key mission of the program is preparedness for the NCLEX for licensure as registered nurses. The full-time program will include classroom work (lectures, demonstrations, active discussions), skills lab, and supervised clinical activities (hours for the offsite activities will vary and include both day and evening hours). Graduates will be awarded an Associate Degree of Applied Science (AAS) degree after successful completion of the 60 credit hours in 5-semester blocks.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Total clock hours: 1664
Lecture/lab clock hours: 1024
Clinical clock hours: 640
Duration: 18 months
Course titles:
General education courses – College Algebra Composition I, General Psychology, Introduction to Physical Fitness and Sport, Anatomy and Physiology I
Core courses – Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Skills I, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Clinical –Registered Nursing, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Nursing Skills II, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Registered Nursing, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical Register Nursing, Maternal-Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Care of Children and Families, Clinical Registered Nursing, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical Registered Nursing.
Admission criteria:
- Application and current admission to Dallas County Community College
- Obtain a grade C or better with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on the four prerequisite courses – College Algebra, English Composition, General Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Submit official college transcripts indicating the print date no earlier than 3 years of the anticipated admission to the nursing program
- Be able to meet the physical and mental demands of nursing
- Meet with an advisor for a transcript review
- Complete the HESI-A2 admissions evaluation – submit the score sheet with the application packet
- Attend a mandatory nursing information session
- Submit documentation of meeting the required immunization
- Documentation of negative TB
- Have a current CPR for Health Care Provider certificate
- Submit documentation of criminal background clearance and negative drug testing with the application packet
- Provide proof of medical insurance
Program Cost
The total estimated program expense for Dallas County Residents is $3,540. The cost does not include expenses for liability insurance, NCLEX, RN licensure fee, textbooks, manuals, uniforms, shoes, supplies and equipment, HESI A2 Test, physical exam, and CPR certification.
Website: https://www.mountainviewcollege.edu/cd/dcc/health/nursing/adn/pages/default.aspx
Address: 4849 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas, TX 75211
Phone: 214-860-8680
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.15%