Nursing is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. It is among the few professions that offer diversity in the places of work, areas of specialty, and degrees for entry. Many nurses enter the profession through an associate of science degree in nursing, but the increasing complexity of health care delivery calls for nurses to have a bachelor’s degree in n nursing to meet employers’ expectations and advanced their careers. The RN to BSN transition program is the fastest, most convenient, and most affordable path for registered nurses to complete the requirements for the BSN degree while they continue to work. RNs will develop their existing skills and learn new ones. They will learn how to provide evidence-based practice, how to lead and manage, and how to care for specific populations. Graduates will qualify for positions in nursing management and leadership.
The University of Texas at Tyler
The RN-BSN program at the University of Texas at Tyler is delivered 100 percent online that helps registered nurses advance their careers by earning the BSN degree while continuing to work. Students will learn from full-time UT Tyler nursing faculty who are specialized in teaching in the online environment. The program facilitates the same rigorous preparation provided to BSN students who study on campus. It is open to nurses who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing who want to obtain BSN status in as little as 12 months of intensive study. Students have the ability to complete flexible clinical experiences in the Community and Leadership courses. They also have the option to complete the program at their own pace. Students are admitted three times a year: fall, spring, and summer.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits (must have 90 transferring credits)
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Communication, Language, Philosophy, Culture, Creative Arts, Human Expression, US History I & II, US Government, Texas Government, Math Statistics I, Microbiology (Lab Required), Anatomy and Physiology II & II with Labs, Lifespan Growth & Development, Introductory Psychology, ADN Course Credits/Bridge Programs
Core courses – Pathophysiology, Health Assessment for the RN, Professional Development, Evidence-Based Decision Making, Care Coordination, Nursing Leadership & Management, Wellness and Health Promotion, Community and Population Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Must apply as a transfer student online and choose RN-BSN program when prompted
- Must be fully admitted to the University prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying
- Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to be sent to the Office of Admissions
- Must be Texas Core Complete
- Must have 90 transfer credit hours before beginning the RN to BSN track
- Must submit a copy of current RN license number
- Must have completed an associate’s degree in nursing or diploma in nursing program at an accredited institution
Program Cost:
The flat rate tuition cost of $9,895 does not include books or cost of additional needed resources.
- Website: https://www.uttyler.edu/
- Address: 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75799
- Phone: 903.566.7000
- Email: enroll@uttyler.edu
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
The RN to BSN degree program offered at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center builds on the experience of registered nurses by examining new trends and theories, exploring critical issues, emphasizing applicable professional nursing practices, and incorporating concepts of holistic care. Students will be prepared to meet the challenges of the ever-changing health care arena as they fulfil their potential as a registered nurse. The program offers flexibility and a timeline that meets the needs of registered nursing students. Online delivery provides access to academic education wherever students need to study. The clinical portion of the program is delivered at a local health care facility. The duration of the program is 2 to 3 semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
Prerequisite/general education courses – Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab, General Psychology, Life Span Human Development, Statistics, Nutrition, History of the US to 1877, History of the US since 1877, American Govt Organization, American Public Policy, English I, English II, Creative Arts, Elective
Core courses – Art of the Human Experience, Incorporation of Evidence into Practice, Foundations of Nursing Knowledge, Management & Leadership: Bedside to Boardroom, Healthcare Information Technology, Community and Public Health Nursing, Evaluating Risk in Healthcare, Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics, Integrating BSN Concepts, Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better -transcripts with courses awarded with P or CR during the SPRING 2020 semester can be used to meet prerequisite course requirements
- Must be a registered nurse upon application to the program – provide a current RN license that is active and in good standing without any restrictions or stipulations
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must have a minimum nursing GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must submit NCLEX results prior to enrollment
- Submit a Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) unless a degree has been earned from an accredited university in the US
- Submit official transcripts documenting completion of general education requirements
- Submit an online application for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program online
- Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated – required by clinical partners
- Special consideration will be given to persons previously enrolled in the Texas Tech University System, who are permanent residents of TTUHSC service area county, first generation university students, bilingual, prior practice as a registered nurse, and who have served in the military
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $5,170.50 for 15 credit hours for Texas residents and $11,290.50 for non-residents. The cost of books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/
- Address: 3601 4th Street, Lubbock TX 79430
- Phone: 806.743.1000
Texas Woman’s University
The RN-BSN in nursing program at Texas Woman’s University is designed for registered nurses who are prepared to take the next step in the nursing career ladder. Nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing will earn credit for their knowledge and experience in nursing and complete the requirements for a BSN degree in 2 to 3 semesters. The program is 100% online so students can continue to work full time while fulfilling their educational goals. Some courses include a clinical component that can be completed through class projects and capstone projects with a preceptor. Graduates will be prepared to function in multidisciplinary teams, apply ethical principles to provide leadership in promoting advocacy, collaboration and social justice, use written, verbal, non-verbal and emerging technology to communicate effectively, and use clinical reasoning within the context of patient-centered care across the lifespan.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 32 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Composition I, Composition II, Mathematics, Life and Physical Sciences, Language, Philosophy and Culture, Creative Arts, History of the United States 1492 to 1865, History of the United States 1865 to Present, US National Government, Texas Government, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Women’s Studies, First Year Seminar, Wellness or Mathematics, Microbiology and Microbiology Lab, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Nutrition, Developmental Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab,
Core courses – Women’s Health and Family Role Competencies, Adult Health Competencies I, Pharmacology, Adult Health Competencies II, Child Health Competencies, Mental Health Competencies, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Nursing Research, Nursing Assessment Across the Life Span, RN Introduction to Baccalaureate Nursing, Survey of Informatics in Nursing and Health, RN with Families and Groups, Promoting Wellness in the Aging Family, The Nursing Leadership and Management Experience, Competencies in RN Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing, Community Health Competencies
Admission criteria:
- Must complete the admissions process and be accepted by the University
- Must have current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S.
- Must submit an application for entry into the RN to BSN program through NursingCAS by the application deadline
- Must have completed the lower-division prerequisite courses plus 2 semester hours of electives (total 60 semester credit hours)
- Must have a minimum grade of C in anatomy and physiology I and II, chemistry, and microbiology including all labs
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on the required lower-division prerequisite courses
- Must have graduated from an associate degree in nursing program
- Must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association
- Must have current required immunizations as specified by TWU College of Nursing approved vendor – CastleBranch
- Obtain negative drug testing and cleared criminal background screening by a company designated by the College of Nursing
- Provide proof of personal health insurance – as required by clinical facilities
- Completed HIPAA training
- Provide a valid social security number and photo identification
- Must have professional liability insurance (covered by course fees) through the TWU group policy
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $234 per credit hour. Books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://twu.edu/
- Address: 6700 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030-2897
- Phone: 713-794-2100
- Fax: 713-794-2103
The University of Texas at Arlington
The online RN to BSN Transition Program at the University of Texas at Arlington is designed to help registered nurses who have associate degree in nursing enhance their professional skills improve their career prospects. The program is delivered online and builds on the experience of registered nurses by providing research-based nursing science, principles of nursing leadership, and a liberal arts foundation. Students will learn to implement globally focused and culturally appropriate strategies for health promotion and disease prevention across the life span as well as develop the ability to use decision-making and leadership skills. Students will complete all the courses needed to graduate with a BSN including general education courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 35 credits
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 complete the admissions process and be accepted by the University
- Must provide proof of 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 AO RN to BSN program
- Submit official transcripts with a record of all courses completed and any degrees conferred by a regionally or nationally accredited institution
- Must submit an application for entry into the RN to BSN program
- Must have completed the general education and support courses before applying to the 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
- Provide a valid social security number and photo identification
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
Texas A&M University-Commerce
The fully online RN to BSN program at Texas A&M University provides students with the flexibility to pursue their studies -even as working professionals. The core curriculum and nursing support courses can be completed at a local community college before transferring to the BSN program. Candidates who are still working toward their RN license, can take classes required for the RN-to-BSN program. The coursework is designed to meet the Texas Board of Nursing Differentiated Competencies for a BSN and expand nurses’ knowledge and skills. The curriculum will emphasize community, leadership and management, research, ethics, genetics, policy, informatics, older adults, and quality and safety.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 34-38 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Support courses – Survey of General Chemistry, Experimental Survey of General Chemistry: Laboratory Section, Lifespan Development, General Microbiology, US Human Anatomy/Physiology, Human Anatomy/Physiology II, Essentials of Statistics, Statistics and Research Design I
Core courses – Professional Role Development and Practice Issues, Quality Care and Patient Safety in Professional Nursing Practice, Older Adult Health Management, Policy and Ethics in Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Research for the RN, Informatics, Nursing Genetics and Genomics, Rural and Community Health Nursing for the RN Hours, Health Assessment for the RN, Leadership in Professional Nursing for the RN
Admission criteria:
- Must complete the admissions process and be accepted by the University
- Must have current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S.
- Must submit an application for entry into the RN to BSN program
- Must have completed the support courses with a minimum grade C
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on the required support 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 by a company designated by the College of Nursing
- Provide proof of personal health insurance – as required by clinical facilities
- Provide a valid social security number and photo identification
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,000 per 7-week term. Books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.tamuc.edu/
- Address: 2200 Campbell Street, Commerce, TX 75428
- Phone: 866.649.4919