While there are several paths to prepare for registered nurse licensure – a diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree – BSN-prepared nurses have the best employment opportunities. Employers, particularly hospitals, the US Army, and US Navy, are more likely to hire BSNs for their ability to meet the complexities in today’s health care system and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The BSN program covers all the content taught in the associate degree program but includes an in-depth study of the physical and social sciences, leadership and management, public and community health, evidence-based practice, nursing research, and the humanities. These additional courses improve professionalism, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and prepare graduates to take on a broader scope of practice with their understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and political implications on the delivery of care.
Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth
The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston (UTHealth) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree that prepares adults to take the licensure examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Cizik graduates have a high pass rate on the exam. They are prepared to provide patient-centered care and meet the health care needs of individuals, families, populations, and communities, collaborate with the health care team and patients’ families to meet complex needs and promote health, and implement evidence-based interventions. They will be competent with the use of informatics to mitigate errors and streamline the decisions, demonstrate professionalism in practice, and use leadership concepts in their practice. The fast-paced program is designed to be completed in 15 months. The nursing theory is covered in three semesters and the clinical requirements will be completed in an intensive fourth semester. New students are admitted three times a year.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – American Government, Texas Government, US History, Intro to Psychology, Intro to Sociology, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy & Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology Lecture and Lab, Chemistry Lecture & Lab, Nutrition, English, Intro to Philosophy, Visual & Performing Arts Course, Electives
Courses – Health Assessment, Adult Health Care I, Adult Health Care I Clinical, Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Gerontologic Nursing, Adult and Other Adult Health Care II, Reproductive Health Care, Psychiatric and Mental Health Care, Psychiatric and Mental Health Care Clinical, Child and Adolescent Health Care, Professional Practice and Leadership, Community/Public Health Nursing, Community/Public Health Nursing Clinical, Management of Patients in High Acuity Settings, Adult and Older Adult Health Care II Clinical, Child and Adolescent Health Care Clinical, Reproductive Health Care Clinical, Management of Patients in High Acuity Settings Clinical, Research Critique and Utilization, Critical Synthesis Application
Admission criteria:
- Have a minimum 2.75 GPA or higher on the 60 hours of nursing prerequisites
- Obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the science prerequisites
- Take and pass the HESI A2 entrance exam
- Submit a completed online application and non-refundable application fee of $60
- Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attend to be sent to the Office of the Registrar
- Complete immunization screening
- Complete immigration status clearance
- Have current Health Care Provider Basic Life Support CPR certification
- Complete mandatory drug screening test
- Obtain criminal background clearance
Program Cost:
The estimated residential tuition for the program is $21,376. The cost does not include textbooks, uniforms, fees, insurance, nursing supplies, and transport to the clinical site. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
- Website: https://nursing.uth.edu/prospstudent/bsn/
- Address: 6901 Bertner, Houston, TX 77030
- Phone: 713-500-2100
- Toll-Free: 1-800-BE-A-UT-RN (1-800-232-8876)
- Fax: 713-500-2107
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.37%
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers several paths to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. First-time degree-seeking students may enroll in the Traditional BSN track to gain eligibility to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The comprehensive curriculum seeks to produce professional nurses who will draw upon the knowledge and skills gained to manage complex health problems and perform timely nursing interventions. Candidates for the program must have completed at least 45 hours in residence toward the Nursing major. By the conclusion of the program, students will have the competency to provide culturally sensitive care to individuals, families, and communities, use effective communication and collaboration concepts to interact with team members and patients, analyze research findings and apply in the prevention of disease and promotion and restoration of health, advocate for clients using health education and promoting cost-effective care, commit to lifelong learning, and adhere to professional, ethical, and moral values in practice.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Statistics, Nutrition, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Human Development and Interventions, Introduction to Sociology
Courses – Professional Role Development and Practice Issues, Health Assessment Across the Life Span, Pathophysiology, Community Health Nursing, Fundamental Concepts of Care, Fundamental Clinical, Policy and Ethics in Professional Nursing Practice, Mental Health Concepts of Care, Mental Health Clinical, Pharmacology, Maternal, Newborn, and Women Nursing, Maternal, Newborn, and Women’s Health Clinical, Medical Surgical Concepts of Care, Medical Surgical Clinical, Nursing Research, High Acuity Concepts of Care, High Acuity Clinical, Pediatric Concepts of Care, Pediatric Clinical, Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing Practice
Nursing Elective – Special Topic in Nursing, Concepts of Quality Care for Patients with Life-Limiting Illness, Informatics in Health Care, Integrative Nursing, Perioperative Nursing Clinical Elective, Emergency Nursing, Clinical Decision Making
Admission criteria:
- Secure acceptance to the University of Houston
- Complete a minimum of 45 Semester Credit Hours (SCH) of the nursing degree plan at the University of Houston
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Obtain a minimum 2.7 GPA in the natural science
- Obtain a minimum grade B or high in Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Human Nutrition, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Pre-nursing Microbiology, Foundations of Chemistry
- Complete the ATI TEAS exam with an acceptable score
- Must be eligible to RN licensure
- Obtain criminal background clearance
- Attend an interview with the Nursing Program Director
- Complete the immunization requirements – Varicella, MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, TB skin test, Bacterial Meningococcal
- Have a current copy of CPR certification – CPR for Health Care Provider (BLS) American Heart Association, CPR for the Professional Rescuer – American Red Cross
- Must carry health insurance and malpractice
- Undergo a urine drug screen
Program Cost:
The cost of residential tuition is $442.41 per credit. The student services fee each semester is $501. Books will cost approximately $3,500.
- Website: https://uh.edu/nursing/prospective-student/Undergraduate%20Programs/traditional-bsn-track/
- Address: Houston, Texas 77204
- Phone: (713) 743-2255
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.75%
University of St Thomas
The four-year, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at University of St Thomas includes pre-nursing, core nursing, and general education courses to prepare adults for a career as a registered nurse. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It emphasizes patient-centered care through the use of healing and holistic care. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX for initial licensure as a registered nurse and entry into the workforce. They will be able to coordinate nursing care for individuals, families, and communities, use information sciences to support clinical decision-making, provide relationship-centered nursing care guided by best practice standards, utilize leadership and management skills to coordinate care, practice nursing in accordance with the standards of the Nursing Practice Act, participate in the social advocacy role of the nurse through professional memberships, and demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 126
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Nutrition, Introduction to Microbiology, Pathopharmacology I, Pathopharmacology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Foundations of Relationship – Centered Care, Introduction to Statistics for Nursing Research, Health Assessment, Foundations of Holistic Nursing Practice, Clinical Inquiry, Art and Science of Holistic Nursing, Holistic Nursing: Caring for the Community, Summer Externship – Study Abroad (elective), Holistic Nursing: Care of Children, Holistic Nursing: Care of the Childbearing Family, Care of Adults and Older Adults, Nursing Informatics, Holistic Nursing: Foundations for Clinical Leadership, Holistic Nursing: Behavioral Health, Holistic Nursing: Care of the Critically Ill, Transition to Holistic Nursing Practice, Human Growth and Development
Admission criteria:
- Be accepted as a UST student
- Have an overall college GPA of 3.0
- Complete all the pre-nursing courses and Health Assessment before beginning upper division nursing courses
- Complete the HESI A2 exam with a passing score of 80% or higher – sections required include Math, A7P, Reading Comprehension Grammar, and Vocabulary
- Complete all the pre-requisite courses with a grade C or higher
- Pass a criminal background check
- Have current CPR certification
- Have personal health insurance
- Complete the immunization requirements and submit records to PSON
- – MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Varicella, Influenza, TB screen
- Pass a urine drug screen – students with a positive report will not be eligible to participate in the clinical
Program Cost:
The average yearly cost of tuition is $12,193 after financial aid. Additional costs include books, materials, and nursing supplies.
- Website: https://www.stthom.edu/Academics/School-of-Nursing/Nursing-Programs/Undergraduate/Bachelor-of-Science-in-Nursing/Bachelor-of-Science-in-Nursing.aqf?Aquifer_Source_URL=%2FBSN&PNF_Check=1
- Address: 3800 Montrose, Houston, TX 77006
- Phone: 713-522-7911
- Admissions: 713-525-3500
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.57%
Houston Baptist University
The Nursing faculty at Houston Baptiste University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program that prepares students to function effectively in acute, specialty, and community health care settings. The curriculum covers the seven dimensions of health to promote well-being. It will incorporate Christian Liberal Arts Core curriculum, Science Prerequisites, Perspectives on Health Care Delivery Systems, Care of Families with Mental Health Problems, Nursing Management, and Health Care Administration. Studies in Christianity will complement nursing courses. Graduates will be prepared to take the examination for Registered Nurse (R.N.) licensure offered by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 126
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Liberal arts courses – Composition and Literature I, Composition and Literature II, Great Works of Literature I or II, General Psychology, Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Bible, Christian Theology and Tradition
Courses – Introduction to Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Perspectives of Healthcare, Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, Human Growth and Development, Path-Pharmacology I, Patho-Pharmacology II, Health Assessment, Art and Science of Nursing, Care of Individuals I, Care of Individuals II, Care of Individuals III, Transition to Practice, Care of Childbearing Families, Senior Seminar: Applied Nursing Research and Externship, Care of Families with Mental Health Problems, Care of Families with Children, Community Health, Professional Issues in Nursing.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the undergraduate admission program to be accepted to HBU
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 3.0
- Transcripts with more than two grade D or F in the required science courses will not be eligible
- Attend a Nursing Information Session
- Take and pass the HESI Admission Assessment entrance exam with a score of 80% or higher. Only two attempts allowed. Sub-sections include Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Math, Anatomy and Physiology and critical thinking
- Complete the nursing prerequisites with a grade C or higher
- Obtain a clear criminal background check
- Have no evidence of drug and alcohol use or abuse
- Provide documentation of up-to-date immunizations
- Complete annual TB screening
- Have current CPR for health care providers and AED training
- Take and pass the Math Proficiency Exam for Nursing
- Obtain a statement of good health from a physician
Program Cost:
The full-time residential cost of tuition and fees is $33,450 per academic year. Books and supplies, transportation, fees, and material costs are not included.
- Website: https://hbu.edu/school-of-nursing-and-allied-health/department-of-nursing/ug-major-nursing-bsn/
- Address: 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074
- Phone: (281) 649-3000
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.48%
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University’s BSN program prepares adults to practice professional nursing in acute, long-term and specialty settings. Students must complete the prerequisite courses in the lower division at Prairie View or another accredited college or university. Registered nurses holding an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing can apply for the program through the RN-BSN Concentration and complete the requirements in just 12 months. Candidates in this section must complete 63 credit hours of general education and liberal arts courses earned in their preparation to become a registered nurse. The LVN-BSN Concentration is targeted to Licensed Vocational Nurses who want to prepare for RN licensure. Applicants to this track must also complete lower-division requisites before applying to the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 122
Duration: 4.5 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Human Development: Life Span, Ecology of Human Nutrition and Food, Fundamentals of Statistics, Introduction to General Chemistry, General Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, General Microbiology, Introduction to Pharmacology, Individual Health Assessment, Basic Pathophysiology, Basic Concepts of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Nursing Practicum, Adult Health Nursing I, Adult Health Nursing I Practicum, Family Health Nursing, Family Health Nursing Practicum, Introduction to the Research Process, Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing Practicum, Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing Practicum, Adult Health Nursing II, Adult Health Nursing II Practicum, Nursing Leadership and Management, Nursing Leadership and Management Practicum, Nursing Process Seminar
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $40
- Complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement with passing scores or apply for exemption
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Complete the 60 hours of prerequisite courses – to increase competitiveness
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended to be sent to the Registrar’s Office
- Pass the pre-nursing entrance exam with a score of 75 or higher on Reading, Grammar, Math, Anatomy & Physiology within two attempts. Candidates must also take the Critical Thinking section of the HESI A2
- Pay the Nursing Fee of $60 online
- Complete an online Upper Division Clinical Application and submit with test scores and other requirements
Program Cost:
The full-time residential cost of tuition and fees is $5,314 per semester. Books and supplies, transportation, fees, and material costs are not included.
- Website: http://www.pvamu.edu/nursing/
- Address: 700 University Drive, Prairie View, Texas 77446
- Phone: (936) 261-3311
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.0%
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares adults for registered nurse licensure in just three years. The program includes year-round study, including summers, so students can enter the workforce after three years instead of the typical four years. The CCNE accredited program emphasizes conceptual learning, giving students opportunities to apply the theoretical principles. The school offers hands-on training in the SIMCARE Center in addition to patient care experiences in various clinical settings. Licensed practical nurses may apply for advanced placement after evaluation of their transferred credits. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 122
Duration: 3 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Anatomy & Physiology I w Lab, Algebra for College Students, Transition to the Nursing Profession, Anatomy and Physiology II w Lab, Culture & Society OR Hispanic American Culture and Society, English Composition, Anatomy & Physiology III w Lab, Advanced English Composition, Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology IV w Lab, Lifespan Development, Health & Wellness, Intro to General, Organic & Biological Chemistry w Lab, Fundamentals of Microbiology w Lab, Critical Reasoning, Interpersonal Communication, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Fundamentals of Patient Care, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, Adult Health II, Health Assessment II, Fundamentals – Skills, Adult Health I, Nutrition, Health & Wellness, Mental Health Nursing, Information Systems in Healthcare, Pediatric Nutrition, Applied Managerial Statistic, Maternal Child Nursing, Political Science, Complex Adult Health, Evidence-Based Practice, Collaborative Healthcare, Humanities Elective
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed Application for Admission online
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $95
- Schedule and attend an interview with an admission representative
- Request official transcript documenting proof of graduation
- Request copy of ACT or SAT scores to be sent directly to Chamberlain
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable application fee of $40
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
- Obtain a minimum score of 73 on the A2 Admission Assessment test
- Obtain criminal background clearance
- Pass a urine drug screen
Program Cost:
The cost to complete 122 credit hours at Chamberlain College is $88,045. It includes books, supplies, application fee, background check, and student services cost. Other costs include A2 Admission Assessment, health screen and immunization, student injury and sickness insurance, and transport to clinical sites.
- Website: https://www.chamberlain.edu/nursing-school/texas/houston
- Address: 11025 Equity Drive, Houston, TX 77041
- Phone: 713-277-9800
- Toll Free: 877-751-5783
- Fax: 713-277-9980
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.13%
Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University prepares adults to enter the fast-growing health care field through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The program includes theoretical and practical instruction that covers the essential areas for practice in various health care settings. Licensed practical nursing and registered nurses can apply for advanced placement and complete the requirements for the BSN in 18 to 36 months. Graduates of the program are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN to practice as an entry-level registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 121
Duration: 4 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Microbiology, General Chemistry I, Nutrition, Pre=calculus Algebra, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Development Psychology
Core courses – Pathophysiology for Nursing, Pharmacology for Nursing, Older Adult Health Management, Nursing Concepts I, Introduction to Research, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Health Assessment, Adult Health I, Nursing Fundamentals, Community Nursing, Leadership and Management, Concepts in Nursing Practice II, Nursing Care of Infants, Children & Adolescents, Women’s Health and Maternal Newborn Nursing, Adult Health II
Admission criteria:
- Secure acceptance to SHSU using the Undergraduate Admissions process
- Complete an online application for admission to SHSU
- Request transcripts to be sent to SHSU by mail or electronically
- Submit SAT or ACT scores
- Complete at least 30 credit hours of Nursing Prerequisite courses and Texas Core Requirements before the application deadline
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the Nursing Prerequisite courses
- Have an ATI TEAS Overall Score of 70 or higher.
- Immunization requirements and TB testing must be completed by the middle of the first semester
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees for 15 credits hours will cost $5,091.50. Additional costs include the application fee, nursing application fee, nursing program fee, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, insurance, and CPR certification.
- Website: https://www.shsu.edu/academics/health-sciences/nursing/programs/bsn.html
- Address: 3380 College Park Dr., Suite 400, Box 2194, The Woodlands, TX 77384
- Phone: 936-294-1111
- Toll-Free: (866) BEARKAT
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.70%
University of Houston-Clear Lake
University of Houston-Clear Lake’s RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses who hold an ADN or diploma in nursing to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Through the online and face-to-face delivery of content, students are to continue working throughout their studies. Full-time and part-time options are available. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on leadership and management. State-of-the-art classrooms, nursing simulation labs, and clinical rotations will support the development of clinical skills that will enable nurses to deliver effective care and apply higher levels of critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes meet varying scheduling needs. Applicants must have a degree from an accredited institute.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 2 to 6 semesters depending on the schedule
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
University core requirements – English Composition I, English Composition II, College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Philosophy, Creative Arts, US History I, US History II, Federal Government, Texas Government, Social Behavioral Science, Public Speaking, Learning Frameworks
Core courses – Role Transition RN to BSN, Legal and Ethical Issues, History and Theories of Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Trends and Issues in the Nursing Practice, Community Health Nursing Project, Nursing Research and Evidenced Based Practice, Advanced Leadership and Management, Advanced Leadership and Management Practicum, Non-experimental Methods and Statistics
Admission criteria:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all college course work attempted
- A grade C or better and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in Anatomy and Physiology I, II, and Microbiology
- Complete the lower level nursing courses with a grade C or better and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- A current unencumbered Texas RN license – verifiable from the Board of Nursing website
- Submit an application online and pay the non-refundable fee of $45 or $75 for international applicants
- Submit official transcripts of all college courses completed
- Negative TB test results or chest x-ray
- Documentation of immunization MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hepatitis B
- Documentation of current CPR certification
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees for 30 credits hours will cost $7.961 per year. Books and supplies will cost $1,064. Students must budget for additional expenses including fees, uniforms, insurance, transport to the clinical site, and CPR certification.
- Website: https://www.uhcl.edu/human-sciences-humanities/departments/clinical-health-applied-sciences/nursing/
- Address: Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058
- Phone: 281-283-7600