RN to BSN Programs Austin, TX

Calls for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to become the new standard for entry into nursing have been gaining traction among nursing associations, state boards, and employers. The National Academy of Medicine has been encouraging existing registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree to advance their education through available RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs. The objective of these associations is to improve the standard of care delivered to patients. Countless studies have demonstrated improved patient care outcomes from nurses with a BSN degree or higher. The RN to BSN program builds on the foundation of the associate degree or diploma in nursing curriculum and offers advanced knowledge in critical areas such as community health, leadership, information management, and health policy. BSN graduates are also better at communication, critical thinking, leadership, and research and are prepared to address more advanced patient care issues of individuals, families, and communities.

South University

The RN to BSN degree program at South University is designed for registered nurses to enhance their professional knowledge and employment scope. The curriculum will cover the concepts of nursing research and community health to prepare professional nurses for practice in the complex health care setting. Candidates must be comfortable with technology, self-motivated, have good organizational skills, good writing skills, and able to solve problems independently. Successful applicants will receive forty-five credit hours of nursing credit toward the BSN degree based on their graduation from an accredited school of nursing. Graduates will be prepared to synthesize knowledge from nursing, the physical and social sciences, apply critical thinking skills in the establishment of priorities, integrate care and concern for humanity, use informatics and technology to adapt to the challenges of nursing, demonstrate professionalism by advocating for legal, ethical, and political issues in healthcare, and communicate effectively and collaboratively within nursing and other healthcare disciplines.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 180
Duration: 18 months
Method of instruction: Online

Course titles:

General education courses – Medical Terminology, Computer and Internet Literacy, English Composition I, English Composition II, English Composition III, Interpersonal Communication, College Algebra I, College Mathematics, Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Introduction to Philosophy, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, Biology I, Biology II, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, General Chemistry, Nutrition

Core courses – Foundations for Professional Nursing, Principles of Assessment for RNs, Foundations of Nursing Research, Information Management and Technology, Concepts of Teaching and Learning, Leadership in Diverse Society, Illness and Disease Management Across the Life Span, Gerontological Nursing, Trends in Healthcare Policy, Health Promotion and Clinical Prevention, RN to BSN Capstone Synthesis

Admission criteria:

• Must complete the admissions process and be accepted by the University
• Must have an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale
• Submit official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5/10 weeks after the initial start date
• Must have a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program
• Must complete all general education prerequisites before commencing any professional nursing courses beyond the 3000 level

Program Cost:

The program cost of $47,395 includes tuition, technology fee, graduation fee, program fees, and digital textbooks.

• Website: https://www.southuniversity.edu/
• Address: 1220 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78681
• Phone: (877) 497-5899

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington hosts an online RN to BSN program for registered nurses to obtain the bachelor of science in nursing degree and expand their scope of practice. The 100 percent online program emphasizes nursing research, nursing leadership, and liberal arts. There curriculum also facilitates the completion of general education coursework required for the BSN degree. Online delivery of program content lets nurses continue their healthcare education while continuing their professional and personal commitments. Candidates may apply to the program before completing the required general education courses. Graduates will be able to develop a personal framework for professional nursing practice, enhance healthcare decision-making and critical thinking skills, strengthen nursing leadership and management skills, and apply a systematic approach to assess individuals, families and groups.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 35
Duration: 9 months
Method of instruction: Online

Course titles:

General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Nursing and Health Microbiology, Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing I, Critical Thinking, Reading and Writing II, Technical Writing, History of the United States to 1865, Foundations for Contemporary Mathematics, Foundations for College Algebra, Contemporary Mathematics, College Algebra, Elementary Statistical Analysis, Federal Government, State and Local Government, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Sociology

Core courses – Holistic Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Holistic Care of Older Adults, RN to BSN Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, Role Transition to Professional Nursing, Health Policy, Legal Aspects and Informatics in Nursing, Nursing Research, Nursing Leadership and Management, Population and Community Health Nursing, Capstone Course

Admission criteria:

• Must apply for admission to the University of Texas
• Must hold an unencumbered RN license verifiable via Nursys or State Boards of Nursing – students that do not have a license but graduated within 1 year of completion of the ADN program will have the license checklist waived and accepted to the RN to BSN program
• Submit official transcripts from all regionally or nationally accredited institutions attended – must indicate courses completed and any degrees conferred
• Must apply for admission to RN to BSN program
• Must have a minimum grade of C on all support courses and general education courses
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 on transferred courses
• Must have graduated from an associate degree in nursing program
• Must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
• Obtain negative drug testing and cleared criminal background screening

Program Cost:

The total cost of tuition is $8,995. Books, supplies, and fees are additional.

• Website: https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/
• Address: 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76019
• Phone: 817-533-3118
• Alt: 866-489-2810

Austin Community College District

The RN to BSN program at Austin Community College is open to registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing. The affordable, high-quality program is delivered online and can be completed in 12 months. Registered nurses will enhance their knowledge and skills to advance their academic and professional journey. The curriculum will focus on health policy, health promotion, public and community health, leadership, informatics, and more. Graduates will be prepared to continue their education toward a master’s degree or doctorate to open the doors to other career advancement opportunities. The program is a special admissions program with limited availability. Applicants may select General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences as their major on the application.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120 including transfer credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online

Course titles:

Microbiology for the Health Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition I, English Composition II, Elementary Statistics, Pharmacology for Health Professions, Ethics, Creative Arts Course, US History I, US History II, US Government, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development (Lifespan), Interpersonal Communication

Core courses – Transition to Nursing, Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice in Healthcare, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Informatics and Technology in Healthcare, Community and Public Health, Community and Public Health Clinical, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Leadership and Management, Leadership and Management Clinical, Public and Global Health Policy

Admission criteria:

• Must apply for admission to Austin Community College
• Must have graduated from an Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing program – priority will be given to graduates of ACC’s ADN program then to nurses living and/or working in the ACC service areas
• Must have a minimum of a C in all previous nursing coursework and a GPA of 2.5 for nursing courses from an accredited nursing program
• Must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a C or higher in each course prior to applying to the program
• Must hold an unencumbered, current Texas or an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact RN license
• Submit a letter of recommendation from current or former nursing faculty or from employer
• Must meet the Technical Standards required by the program

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $85 per credit hour for in-district students and $286 per credit hour for out-of-district students.

• Website: http://www.austincc.edu/
• Address: 6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78752
• Phone: 512-223-7000

Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth

The hybrid RN to BSN program at Cizik School of Nursing requires students to complete online coursework and in-person clinical project. The program is open to registered nurses seeking to take their career to the next level. Students can choose the fast-track option and complete the program in two semesters; the traditional option which is three semesters; or the flexible schedules which allows up to five semesters. Students will complete the clinical project at the Texas Medical Center or at a hospital of their choice. The clinical can begin as early as the first semester of the program. Graduates will be able to manage complex cases within the healthcare system and continue their education to the master’s level and doctoral level graduate programs. Scholarship opportunities are available to eligible students. New students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 2, 3 or 5 semesters
Method of instruction: Hybrid

Course titles:

General education courses – American Government, Texas Government, US History, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction Sociology, Human Growth and Development (Lifespan), Statistics Math, Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology Lecture and Lab, Chemistry Lecture and Lab, Nutrition, English, Introduction to Philosophy, Visual Performing Arts, Electives

Core courses – Health Assessment, Professional Nursing Practice, Introduction to Applied Health Informatics, Management and Leadership, Issues in Professional Practice, Research Critique and Utilization, Synthesis: Application for Change in Practice for RNs, Role Transition for RNs, Community Health Practice for RNs, Community Health Projects for RNs Clinical

Admission criteria:

• Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
• Must personally reside in Texas before the first day of class
• Must have an active Texas RN license or be able to obtain a license during the first semester of the program
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required 60 hours of nursing prerequisites
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required science prerequisites
• Must have earned at least 40 of the prerequisites at the time of application – 8 of the 40 hours must be from science prerequisites of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, or Chemistry
• Submit a completed online application and non-refundable $60 application fee
• Submit official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
• Must undergo a criminal background check
• Must have Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification
• Must carry health insurance and provide a copy of the policy or insurance card prior to the program admission
• Must receive malpractice insurance through the University for clinical education while enrolled in the clinical course
• Must obtain clearance of the mandatory drug screening test

Program Cost:

The estimated cost of the program is $10,577. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.

• Website: https://nursing.uth.edu/home/default.htm
• Address: 6901 Bertner, Houston, TX 77030
• Phone: 713-500-2100
• Fax: 713-500-2107

Navarro College

The RN-to-BSN program at Navarro College is designed to prepare registered nurses with the additional skills in management, leadership, theory, and research to advance in the profession. The program is delivered in hybrid and face-to-face formats. Candidates for admission must have an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing. Nurses will receive up to 36 hours of nursing content transfer credit for the ADN or Diploma in Nursing and licensure in Texas. Students will need to complete 51 additional hours of general education courses and 33 hours of upper-level nursing courses to attain the 120 hours required for the BSN degree. Nursing upper-division courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and qualify for supervisory positions in healthcare and to pursue a master’s degree to prepare for advanced practice.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120 credits including transfer credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online

Course titles:

General education courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, United States Histroy I, United States Hitory II, Federal Government, Texas Government, Composition I, Composition II, College Algebra/Elementary Statistical Methods, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development, Introduction to Speech Communication/Public Speaking, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Art Appreciation, Introduction to Ethics

Core courses – Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Public and Global Health Policy, Comprehensive Health Assessment, Population Focused Community Health, Research and Evidence Based Nursing Practice, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Theoretical Principles of Nursing, Informatics and Technology in Healthcare, Leadership and Management

Admission criteria:

• Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
• Must have an active Texas RN license
• Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the nursing and general education courses
• Must complete an application for admission to Navarro University and pay non-refundable $80 application fee
• Submit official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
• Must undergo a criminal background check
• Must have Health Care Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification
• Must pass a urine drug screen

Program Cost:

Tuition costs $229 per credit hour for Navarro County residents and $304 per credit hour for Texas residents outside of Navarro County.

• Website: https://www.navarrocollege.edu/
• Address: 3200 W. 7th Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110
• Phone: 1-800-NAVARRO