If you feel that nursing is your calling, the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program will provide a fast-track to licensure from the Texas Board of Nursing. The AND curriculum includes knowledge and practical training to prepare students for the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Registered Nurses hold a vital role in the healthcare team, promoting health, inspiring faith and confidence in the health care system, preventing diseases, and comforting patients and their families when they’re more vulnerable. Sound clinical judgment, the ability to think critically, excellent communication, compassion, and the ability to work well with others are character traits of a successful nurse. Emotional stability is essential as there are many uncertainties when caring for patients.
The ADN program provides a gateway to the profession but it should not be the endpoint. The health care industry is raising the bar in nursing education. The bachelor of science in nursing is fast-becoming the standard for entry in many hospitals and health care institutions. ADN-prepared nurses can enroll in online RN-to-BSN programs for a seamless transition to the BSN degree.
San Antonio College
The Department of Nursing Education at San Antonio College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Nursing to prepare students to become a registered nurse. Candidates can enter the program through the generic track or the licensed vocational nursing mobility track. Graduates of both tracks will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The curriculum will emphasize the art and science of nursing in the classroom, modern and well-equipped simulation hospital on campus, and in local healthcare facilities. The practical instruction will reinforce the theory covered in the classroom and give students the confidence to practice as competent entry-level nurses. The program forms part of a statewide consortium that provides a “1+2+1 degree plan” that graduates of the AAS can use to transition to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) studies at a participating University nursing program. A GPA of 2.5 in all general education courses is required for enrollment in the BSN.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Introduction to Ethics, Composition I
Core courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Lifespan Growth and Development, Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health, Health Care Concepts I, Professional Nursing Competencies, Professional Nursing Concepts I, Introduction to Health Care Concepts, Clinical: RN Health Care Concepts I, Professional Nursing Concepts II, Health Care Concepts II, Clinical: RN Health Care Concepts II, Professional Nursing Concepts III, Health Care Concepts III, Clinical: RN Health Care Concepts III, Professional Nursing Concepts IV, Health Care Concepts IV, Clinical: RN Health Care Concepts IV
Admission criteria:
- Complete prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Science courses must be completed with a GPA 2.8 or higher – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health
- Complete general education courses before applying for the program
- Complete the ATI TEAS by the deadline date of application
- Apply and enroll in San Antonio College
- Submit an application to the nursing program
- Provide documentation indicating good health
- Must have current Health Care Provider CPR card in Basic Life Support for adult, child, and infant. American Heart Association or American Red Cross required
- Obtain a negative drug screen
- Must have medical insurance coverage
- Pass a background check
Program Cost:
The cost of tuition is $1,200 per semester. Additional costs of textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, physical exam, immunizations, and ATI testing are not included in the cost.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/nursing
- Address: 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212
- Phone: 210-486-1144
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.78%
Baptist Health System – School of Health Professions
The Associate Degree in Nursing program at the Baptist Health System prepares students for a career a registered nurse in just 5 semesters. The curriculum emphasizes the art and science of nursing that will enable students to provide safe and competent care in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The hospital-based registered nursing program includes a sizeable clinical experience that will let students put the theory into practice in inpatient perioperative areas, critical care units, emergency departments, pediatrics, obstetrics, adult medical-surgical area, psychiatry, and community-based facilities. The content is delivered in blended format including online courses, classroom interaction, group activities, clinical skill labs, and self-directed study. Graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Advanced placement is offered to qualified licensed vocational nurses who have completed the prerequisite course and meet the admission requirements for entry into the program. Candidates must complete the five general education courses during the first semester of the program before beginning the nursing courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 2 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General education online courses – Composition II, College Algebra, Introduction to Sociology, Medical Law and Ethics, Lifespan Growth and Development,
Core courses – Foundations of Nursing Practice, Foundations Clinical, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Common Concepts, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Complex Adult Clinical, Pharmacology, Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health Clinical, Care of Children and Families, Care of Children and Families Clinical, Maternal/Newborn Nursing & Women’s Health, Maternal/Newborn Nursing & Women’s Health Clinical, Advanced Concepts of Adult Health, Advanced Concepts Clinical, Professional Nursing Review and Licensure Preparation, Management of Clinical Care (Capstone), Management Clinical
Admission criteria:
- Complete prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology. The courses must be taken at an accredited college or university with the accompanying labs.
- Take and pass the TEAS VI Entrance Exam with minimum scores Reading (69), Math (63.3) Science (45.8), English (60). Scores are valid for 2 years
- Submit an application for the AAS in Nursing program online
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Submit official transcripts of prerequisite courses indicating final grades of C or higher
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate.
- Provide proof of health insurance
- Must have current CPR certification
- Pass a urine drug screen
- Submit records of current immunization including Hepatitis B
Program Cost:
The cost of the program is $29,450 including tuition, fees, and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.bshp.edu/future-students/programs/associates/registered-nurse/
- Address: 8400 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: (210) 297-9636
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.02%
Galen College
Galen College offers an LVN-to-ADN bridge program to prepare qualified vocational nurses for licensure as a registered nurse. The program is offered on campus or in a blended format with some courses delivered online. The bridge program can be completed in 15 to 18 months of full-time attendance. Students can commence the program when they’re ready and there are no prerequisites. The general education classes are included in the nursing curriculum. Transfer credits are accepted after evaluation. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 99
Duration: 18 months
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I Theory and Lab, Information Literacy and Technology Essential, English Composition, Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Theory and Lab, College Mathematics
Core courses – LVN to RN Role Transition, Developmental Psychology, Principles of Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts, Introduction to Sociology, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing and Child Caring Families, Applied Ethics, Advanced Concepts of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Leadership and Nursing Management, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or GED equivalency
- Be able to communicate effectively in English
- Must have a vocational nursing diploma from an accredited program
- Have a GPA of 2.5 or better from the VN program
- Must have a valid, current, unencumbered VN license
- Provide satisfactory entrance test scores – ACT (18), SAT (980), Multilevel PAX (90)
Program Cost:
General education courses cost $390 per quarter credit hour. Nursing education courses cost $390 per quarter credit hour. Other costs include technology fee, lab fee, clinical fee, books, background fee, registration fee, uniforms, supplies, physical exam, and immunization.
- Website: https://galencollege.edu/campuses/san-antonio
- Address: 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1400, San Antonio, Texas 78229
- Phone: (210) 485-2222
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80%