BSN Programs Austin, TX

Many nursing associations and employers today want the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to be the requirement for entry into practice. They also encourage current registered to continue their education through RN to BSN completion programs. Studies have proven that BSN educated nurses provide a higher standard of care for patients and along with it improved clinical outcomes. Among the benefits that healthcare institutions derive from nurses with higher education include lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, greater patient satisfaction, and better diagnoses. The BSN program offers a broader range of studies than the associate degree in nursing which cover only the fundamentals of patient care. There will be an emphasis of community health, communication, leadership, information management, and health policy. Graduates will be prepared to take the licensure exam and practice as a registered nurse.

The University of Texas at Austin – School of Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UT provides students with a dynamic course of study that includes theory and practical operations. Students will acquire the skills to work in a wide variety of clinical settings. They will also have a sound foundation for continued study to the masters ad doctoral degrees in nursing. Faculty will emphasize critical thinking, clinical judgment, integration of knowledge from nursing to implement and plan nursing care, application of research findings, and nursing leadership. Graduates will receive the BSN degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 96
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Courses – Rhetoric & Writing, Principles of Chemistry I, Foundations of Data Analysis, Performing Arts, Introductory Biology, Fundamentals of Nutrition, Introduction to Psychology, Global Health, American History, Human Microscopy & Gross Anatomy, Intro to Medical Microbiology, Communication in Health Care Settings, Intro to Patient Centered Nursing Care, Health Assessment Skills, Clinical Nursing Skills I Practicum, Ethics of Health Care, Human Systems Physiology, Physiology Lab, Mental Health Nursing Across Lifespan, Problems in Mental Health Nursing Practicum, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing I Practicum, Nursing Research, Nursing Care of Childbearing Families, Nursing Care of Childbearing Families Practicum, Adult Health II, Clinical Nursing Skills II Practicum, Genetics in Health Care, Interpersonal Collaborative Practice, Pharmacology, Nursing Care of Children and Families, Nursing Care of Children and Families Practicum, Adult Health IIB, Adult Health II Practicum, Spanish for Health Care Professionals, Quality and Safety for Nursing Practice, Public Health Nursing, Public Health Nursing Practicum, Complex Nursing Care, Leadership and Management of Nursing Care, Clinical Care Management Practicum, Capstone Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Apply for admission to UT at Austin – the non-refundable application fee is $75
  • Apply for admission to the BSN program
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take and pass an admissions exam
  • Submit up to two letters of recommendation
  • Submit responses to the short answer prompts: 1. The factors that have influenced your desire to pursue a career in Nursing; and 2. How have your academic and extracurricular activities prepared you to pursue a degree in Nursing?
  • Submit copy of a state photo ID and social security card
  • Submit official transcripts of all college courses completed
  • A criminal background check, TB test, and drug screen may be required for participation in patient care at clinical partners

Program Cost:
The program is eligible for financial aid.

South University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at South University Austin prepares students for entry into the profession of nursing. The curriculum is designed for persons who are not currently practicing as registered nurses. It incorporates all the concepts of caring, communication, critical thinking, holism, and professionalism to care for individuals, families, and communities. Students will learn through theory and clinical practice in the classroom, lab, clinical sites. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will receive a BSN degree and be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. Applicants must complete the prerequisite courses before applying for admission to the program. Admission is offered to adults who are highly motivated to complete the program. The program is offered on a full-time basis only.

Program Outline
Quarter credits: 180 (90 credits for major courses)
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Major courses – Introduction to the Profession of Nursing, Principles of Assessment Lab, Principles of Assessment, Pharmacotherapeutics, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics II, Introduction to Nursing Research, Caring for Adults I, Caring for Adults II, Caring for Adults II Practice, Caring for Women and Neonates, Caring for Women and Neonates Practice, Caring for Diverse & Vulnerable Populations I, Caring for Adults III, Caring for Adults Practice, Caring for Children, Caring for Children Practice, Caring for Persons with Psychiatric/Mental Health Problems, Caring for Persons with Psychiatric/Mental Health Problems, Caring for Adults IV, Caring for Adults IV Practice, Caring for Diverse and Vulnerable Populations II, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Transition into Professional Nursing, Transition into Professional Nursing Preceptorship

Admission criteria:

  • Must be eligible for general entry to the Bachelor Science in Nursing program by meeting requirements for entry into the South University
  • Submit a completed application before the admission deadline
  • Provide evidence of completing all prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – must complete 90 quarter credit hours of science and general education courses required for admission to the BSN program
  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better in the nursing prerequisite courses
  • Demonstrate proficiency in maths – obtain a score of 80% or higher on all math examinations
  • Take and pass the TEAS to demonstrate academic preparedness – Reading, Math, Science, English, and English Language Usage
  • Submit copy of a state photo ID and social security card
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended including courses taken at SU
  • Submit record of a current physical exam with immunizations, titers, lab results and TB assessment
  • Complete a satisfactory urine drug screen
  • Provide evidence of health insurance
  • Complete a comprehensive criminal background check

Program Cost:
Financing is available through federal grants and loans, FAFSA, private grants, scholarships, loans, tuition assistance from employers, and military benefits.

Galen College

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Galen College is open to those who are new to the field of healthcare and higher education and those who have completed a degree or taken general education courses. The accelerated program offers students the opportunity to complete the requirements for a BSN in just three years of full-time attendance. Send-degree students can complete the requirements in two years. The curriculum will include theory and practical instruction in sciences, general education, and core nursing courses. Graduates will receive a BSN degree and be eligible to apply to take the licensure exam to practice as a registered n nurse. There are no prerequisites required for entry. Admission is quarter-based with four cycles per year.

Program Outline
Quarter credits: 160
Duration: 3 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Major courses – Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Theory and Lab, English Composition, College Mathematics, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Theory and Lab, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Principles of Communication, Fundamentals of Nutrition, Applied Ethics, Introduction to Pharmacology, Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice, Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice I, Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice II, Health Assessment, Communication and Teamwork, Elective Course, Nursing Practice – Adult Health I, Pathophysiology for Nurses I, Healthcare Policy and Finance, Nursing Practice – Mental Health, Nursing Practice – Community Health, Nursing Practice – Mental Health, Nursing Practice – Children’s Health, Introduction to Applied Statistics, Nursing Practice – Adult Health II, Pathophysiology for Nurse II, Nursing Practice – Adult Health III, Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Leadership & Management in Nursing Practice, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Must be eligible for admission to Galen College
  • Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English
  • Submit passing entrance exam test scores – ATI TEAS 54.7
  •  Schedule and pass a PAX exam
  • Submit official transcripts of all postsecondary schools attended – for transfer credit evaluation
  • Attend an orientation before the first day of classes
  • Submit a completed medical packet that includes physical examination and immunization record
  • Pass a criminal background screen prior to the start of classes

Program Cost:
General education courses cost $390 per quarter credit hours. Nursing education courses cost $430 per quarter credit hour. Other costs include technology fee, clinical fee, background fee, and lab fee. Books are an estimated $3,600.

  • Website: https://galencollege.edu/
  • Address: 1201 W. Louis Henna Blvd. Building B, Austin, TX 78681
  • Phone: (512) 420-5121
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.07%

Concordia University

Concordia University offers three distinct tracks for students seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The traditional track may be completed in four years and admits students as pre-nursing majors initially and then as nursing majors after completing the pre-nursing sequence. The direct entry track is available for freshmen while completing the pre-nursing sequence. The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track is suitable for students who have completed a non-nursing degree. The BSN curriculum provides a solid foundation for the art and science of patient care. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and function as vital members of the health care team. Admission to the program is competitive.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Major courses – Maternal/Newborn Nursing Practicum, Pharmacology for Nurses I, Pharmacology for Nurses II, Maternal/Newborn Theory, Adult Health I Skills, Foundations for Professional Nursing, Adult Health II Theory, Adult Health II Skills, Adult Health Nursing II Practicum, Adult Health Nursing I Practicum, Adult Health I Theory, Child and Family Nursing Practicum, Community and Global Health Practicum, NCLEX Preparation and Review, Transition to Nursing Practice, Nursing Research, Child and Family Nursing Theory, Nursing Leadership and Management, Community and Global Health Theory, Capstone Simulation and Practicum, Adult Health III Theory, Adult Health III Practicum, Adult Health Nursing IV Theory

Admission criteria:

  • Meet the requirements for admission to Concordia University
  • Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the prerequisite Natural Science courses
  • Transfer applicants and second-degree seeking students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Submit TEAS results that meet the minimum requirements – must have been completed within one year of the application date
  • Complete American Heart Association CPR certification from the Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider’s course
  • Complete criminal background screening
  • Complete required drug screening
  • Complete certified background checks for both the University and the Texas Board of Nursing
  • Complete all the immunization and health participation requirements through the Clinical student

Program Cost:
Tuition costs $33,600 per year. Fees, books, supplies, and admission requirements are not included. Financial aid is available through grants, scholarships, and federal aid.

  • Website: https://www.concordia.edu/
  • Address: 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin, Texas 78726
  • Phone: 512-313-4CTX
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.24%

Aspen University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Aspen University prepares students for entry-level practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum includes theory and practical experiences in the classroom, lab, and clinical partners. Didactic courses will be completed online and the simulations, labs, seminars, and clinical rotations are face-to-face. Aspen offers small class sizes for enhanced learning experiences and high tech skills lab with mannequins and clinical simulator rooms that mirror ​​real-life scenarios.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 85
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Major courses – Intro to Communications, Concepts of Fundamentals Mathematics, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Principles of Health and Disease, Development Psychology, Cultural Diversity, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology II, Anatomy and Physiology II Lab, Healthcare Writing and Communications, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Nursing Seminar 4A, Foundations of Nursing, Pharmacology, Pharmacology Lab, Nursing Seminar 4B, Introduction to Health Assessment, Introduction to Health Assessment Lab, Nursing Seminar 5A, Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab, Professional and Legal Aspects of Nursing, Nursing Seminar 5B, Mental Health, Mental Health – Clinical, Nursing Seminar 6A, Community Health Nursing I, Community Health Nursing I Clinical, Nursing Seminar 6B, Statistics, Community Health Nursing II, Community Health Nursing II Clinical, Nursing Seminar 7A, Maternal Health. Maternal Health Clinical, Adult Health I, Adult Health I Clinical, Nursing Seminar 7B, Child Health, Child Health Clinical, Adult Health II, Adult Health II Clinical, Nursing Seminar 8A, Adult Health III, Adult Health III Clinical, Nursing Seminar 8B, Research Evidence Based Practices, Adult Health IV, Adult Health IV Clinical, Nursing Seminar 9A, Genetics Genomics, Transition to Professional Practice, Transition to Professional Practice Clinical, Nursing Seminar 9B, Transition to Professional Practice, Transition to Professional Practical Clinical

Admission criteria:

  • Meet the requirements for admission to Aspen University
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit official transcript for all college courses
  • A negative TB test is required annually
  • Must have BLS certification for the Professional Rescuer or Healthcare Provider
  • Provide documentation of Tdap, influenza, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella
  • Submit a completed health clearance form – completed by a physician or other health care provider
  • Must have current health insurance coverage
  • Must undergo a background check and fingerprinting
  • Complete a negative drug screen prior to the beginning of the first clinical
  • Must sign and return the HIPAA form to the Clinical Coordination Office

Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $47,990. Books, supplies, and admission requirements are not included. Financial aid is available through grants, scholarships, and federal aid.

  • Website: https://www.aspen.edu/
  • Address: 101 W Louis Henna Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78728
  • Phone: 800.373.7814
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.