A baccalaureate degree in nursing opens new doors for your career as a registered nurse. The move from an associate degree or diploma in nursing will always be a positive career move – even when factoring in the cost of the degree, commitment of time, and impact on your current employment. The RN to BSN program seeks to minimize inconveniences by offering flexible schedules and the convenience of online learning. Since RN students already possess pre-license clinical skills, the program’s content will focus on the professional elements of nursing, including leadership, management, research, health policy, and community health. Core courses amount to 30 to 35 credit hours of the BSN degree requirements. Students may transfer upwards of 65 credit hours to reduce the cost of training and replication of coursework completed in the registered nurse programs. The availability of management and leadership positions – reserved for BSN and MSN nurses- makes the small sacrifice well worth the while.
University of Houston
The RN to BSN track offered at the University of Houston includes face-to-face and web-enhanced classes or hybrid or hybrid online. The program is designed to work around the busy schedule of professional nurses. The theoretical coursework will be delivered online. Lab and clinical course requirements will be conducted face-to-face for practice and demonstration to fulfill accreditation requirements. Students will earn a BSN degree that will increase their career and educational opportunities. Graduates will have a broader understanding of the professional and will be prepared to use the concepts learned in their place of work. They will also be prepared to assumes leadership and management roles within their organization.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120 credits (including 33 transferred credits)
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – First Year Writing I, First Year Writing II, College Algebra, Introduction to Human Nutrition, Foundations of Chemistry, Philosophy and Culture, The United States to 1877, The United States Since 1877, US and Texas Constitution and Politics, US Gov: Congress, President and Courts, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Writing in the Disciplines, Introduction to Human Development and Intervention, Pre-nursing Microbiology & Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II
Core courses – Professional Role Development & Practice Issues, Health Assessment Across the Life Span, Pathophysiology, Leadership & Management in Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Research, Policy and Ethics in Professional Nursing Practice, Concept Integration in Patient Care Management, Community Health Nursing, Informatics in Health Care
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program. Applicants who have completed an international nursing diploma program that is not affiliated to a university may not have satisfied the Associate Degree requirements for admission to the RN to BSN track
- Must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license
- Must meet the university core requirements for an undergraduate degree, general education courses, and requirement BSN required course work before enrolling in the UH RN to BSN program
- Must complete an online application through NursingCAS
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Must be sent directly to NursingCAS at least one month prior to the deadline date
- Must have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5 or above and a GPA of 2.5 or above in natural, physical and behavioral sciences
- Must complete the Annual Clinical Passport before the first-time course registration
- Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
- Must undergo a criminal background check
- Must submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to program application deadline
- 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 undergo a urine drug screen test through a designated vendor
Program Cost:
The cost of the program is approximately $14,775. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://www.uh.edu/
- Address: Houston, Texas 77204
- Phone: (713) 743-2255
Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth
The RN to BSN program at Cizik School of Nursing offers flexibly to fit nurses schedule. The program may be completed in just two to three semesters with an option to extend to five semesters depending on students’ schedules and goals. The content is delivered in a hybrid format. Students enrolled in the program will have diverse clinical opportunities at the Texas Medical Center or complete the clinical requirements at a hospital in their local area. Clinical experiences begin in the first semester as a BSN student. Lab experiences will be covered by practicing nurses, giving students the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners. The school offers affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, online lectures, and real-world experiences. Graduates will be ready for new management, leadership, and advancement opportunities. They may also expand their knowledge through the master’s level and doctoral level graduate programs. Generous need-based and academic scholarships are available to nursing students. New students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
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
- Must personally reside in Texas before the first day of class
- Must have an active Texas RN license or ability to secure a license in the first semester of enrollment
- 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 submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to program application deadline
- 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 undergo a urine drug screen test through a designated vendor
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
Houston Baptist University
Students enrolled in the RN to BSN degree at Houston Baptist University will master the skills and knowledge necessary to take on new and expanded leadership roles as a nurse. The online
RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses who are unable to travel to class. The flexible curriculum is designed to expand knowledge and skills beyond the clinical aspects of nursing so graduates will be prepared to function as leaders within the healthcare community. The program is delivered 100 percent online using user friendly technology and emphasizing weekly one-on-one instructor-student coaching. The program is designed to be completed within on to two years, consisting of 8 upper-level nursing courses and foundational general education courses. Students will achieve the BSN requirements through the program’s online courses, courses transferred from the ADN program, and undergraduate credits earned before enrolling in the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Art Appreciation, Rhetoric and Public Speaking, Introduction to Philosophy, General Psychology, Great Works of Literature I or II, Composition and Literature I, Natural Science Requirements: Anatomy and Physiology or Introduction to Chemistry, Composition and Literature II, Western Civilization I, History Requirement, American and Texas Government I, Math for Critical Thinking, Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, Introduction to Bible Theology
Core courses – Perspectives on the Healthcare System, Pharmacology for Nurses, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology for Health Care, Care of Vulnerable Populations, Applied Nursing Research, Nurses in the Community: Nursing The Community, Health Care Administration for Nurses
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from associate degree in nursing program
- Must have an unencumbered RN license
- Work experience as an RN is preferred
- Must have a 2.75 GPA – with no grade less than C in the nursing courses
- Must have membership in a nursing professional organization (such as TNA or specialty) preferred
- Must obtain a clear criminal background check and no evidence of drug or alcohol use/abuse
- Complete hospital orientation modules, including any specific orientation requirements for assigned clinical agency
- Current CPR for health care providers, including newborn, infant, pediatrics and adult, and AED training.
- Provide record of updated required immunizations including annual TB screening
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $465 per credit. Books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://onlinenursing.hbu.edu/
- Address: 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX 77074
- Phone: 281-241-5412
Texas Woman’s University
TWU’s RN-BSN program is open to registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. It prepares them to earn their bachelor’s degrees to advance their nursing career. The program is delivered 100% online so students can continue to work full time while completing 7-week courses. Courses that require clinical components are completed through class projects and capstone projects with a preceptor. Graduates will be prepared to assume advanced roles in leadership and management and continue their education to the master’s level or doctoral level in nursing.
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 have graduated from an associate degree in nursing program
- Must have current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S.
- 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
- Must complete the admissions process and be accepted by the University
- Submit an application for entry into the RN to BSN program through NursingCAS
- Complete 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
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $284 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
University of Houston-Victoria
The RN to BSN program at the University of Houston prepares nurses to enhance their nursing practice while building upon and advancing current skills and abilities. The online program provides the experience and credentials needed to open doors to advanced nursing positions and leadership roles as well as graduate studies. Coursework is delivered 100 percent online and includes embedded Practice Learning Experiences and Experiential Learning Practicums. Experienced faculty will emphasize quality and safety in patient care and the importance of culturally appropriate strategies for health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention across the life span. Graduates will be capable of using clinical judgment and decision-making skills when assessing the health status of individuals and families and evaluating their response to healthcare. New students are admitted five times per year.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, US History I, US History II, Political Science – Federal and State, Language, Philosophy and Culture, Speech, Technology and Problem Solving, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Visual/Performing Arts, Statistics or Equivalent, Chemistry or Physical Science, , Introduction to Human Nutrition, Foundations of Chemistry, Philosophy and Culture, The Microbiology & Lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
Core courses – Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice, Transition to the BSN Role, Comprehensive Health Assessment, Foundations of Comprehensive Pathophysiology in Nursing, Global Health Nursing, Healthcare Organizations and Informatics, Ethics in Healthcare, Leadership Roles, Population Focused Community Health, Capstone Project
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program
- Must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current US Registered Nurse license
- Must meet the university core requirements for an undergraduate degree, general education courses, and requirement BSN required course work before enrolling in the UH RN to BSN program
- Must complete an application for undergraduate admission
- Must complete an online application through NursingCAS
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Must be sent directly to UH-Victoria
- Must have a minimum ADN program GPA of 2.0
- Must have a minimum science GPA of 2.5
- Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
- Must undergo a criminal background check
- Must submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to program application deadline
- 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 undergo a urine drug screen test through a designated vendor
Program Cost:
The cost of the program is estimated to be $8,068.20 based on the completion of 30 credit hours at a rate of $268.94 per credit. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://online.uhv.edu/
- Address: 3007 N. Ben Wilson St., Victoria, TX 77901
- Phone: 888-728-6625
Sam Houston State University
The online RN to BSN program at SHSU is designed for the registered nurse who holds a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse and wishes to obtain the baccalaureate degree. The program is delivered 100 percent online to accommodate the schedule of working nurses. It covers 10 nursing courses in one year – 7.5-week courses in the Fall and Spring semesters and a 3-week mini semester and 10-week courses in the summer semesters. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership and management roles within their place of work and to pursue graduate studies at the masters and doctoral levels. Full-time and part-time options are available. New students are admitted in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Communication, Mathematics, Life and Physical Science, Language, Philosophy and Culture, Creative Arts, U.S. History, Political Science/Government, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Component Area Option, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Intro Applied Microbiology, Inorganic and Environmental Chemistry, Nutrition, Algebra, Elementary Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Core courses – Older Adult Management, Introduction to Research, RN to BSN Role Transition, Community Nursing, Leadership and Management, RN to BSN Capstone, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Informatics, Rural Health Nursing, Nursing Genetics and Genomics
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program
- Must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current US Registered Nurse license
- Must complete an application for undergraduate admission
- Must complete an online application for admission to the nursing program
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 – overall and prerequisite GPA
- Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
- Must undergo a criminal background check
- Must submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to program application deadline
- Must carry health insurance and provide a copy of the policy or insurance card prior to the program admission
- Must receive liability insurance for clinical education while enrolled in the clinical course
- Must undergo a urine drug screen test through a designated vendor
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $526.40 per credit hour for Texas residents and $1,033.40 for non residents. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://www.shsu.edu/
- Address: Huntsville, Texas 77341
- Phone: 936.294.1111
University of Houston-Clear Lake
University of Houston-Clear Lake’s accredited RN-BSN program provides a new HyFlex learning option that gives students the added flexibility to register for required Nursing courses and choose whether to attend face-to-face or online, synchronously or asynchronously, all within the same course. Students will complete the program in 30 upper nursing credit hours to graduate in 2 to 3 semesters. UHCL offers small class sizes, qualified faculty who are prepared up to the doctoral level, and scholarship opportunities. A full-time track is available for students who can complete a full semester load of 12 to 15 credit hours. The part-time track is an option for working nurses who cannot commit to a full workload. They will complete 6 to 9 credit hours per semester. Graduates will understand evidence-based practice, legal and ethical standards, technology integration, public and community health, and healthcare management.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – Composition I, Composition II, Introduction to Professional Writing, College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Philosophy, World Art Survey I, US History I, US History II, Federal Government, Texas Government, Introduction to Psychology, Public Speaking, Learning Framework, Lab for Anatomy and Physiology I, Lab for Anatomy and Physiology II, lab for Microbiology for Science Majors, Microbiology for Science Majors
Core courses – Role Transition, Legal and Ethical Issues, History and Theories of Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Trends and Issues in Nursing Practices, Community Health Nursing Project, Nursing Research, Advanced Leadership and Management, Advanced Leadership and Management Practicum, Nonexperimental Methods and Statistics
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all college coursework attempted
- Must complete Anatomy and Physiology I, II and Microbiology with a grade C or better and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license or must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN by the end of the first semester with only 6 nursing credit hours allowed the first semester
- Must complete an application for undergraduate admission as a transfer student
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $45 (domestic) or $75 (international)
- Must attend a nursing information session or Open House event for a $45 fee waiver
- Submit official transcripts from every college attended
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $9,460 per year for full-time Texas residents. Books and supplies are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.uhcl.edu/
- Address: Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058
- Phone: 281-283-7600 2700
Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing
The RN to BSN program at Prairie View is open to Registered Nurses who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing and prepares them for the acquisition of the BSN degree in 12 months. Applicants must complete 63 credit hours of general studies and liberal arts courses – most of which would have been completed during the RN degree program. Students must fulfil the same prerequisites and degree requirements as generic students. The clinical studies (upper division) must be completed within five years of the initial admission date. The program is offered as an online program with 100 percent online courses supported by communication tools provided by the University’s eCourse learning management system.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry Lab, Life Span, Ecology of Human Nutrition, Statistics for Psychology I, General Sociology, Microbiology
Transfer courses (credit awarded): Basic Concepts of Nursing, Basic Concepts of Nursing Practicum, Intro Pharmacology, Adult Health Nursing I/Practicum, Childbearing Family Nursing/Practicum, Child Health Nursing/Practicum, Mental Health Nursing/Practicum, Adult Health Nursing II/Practicum
Core courses – Community Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing Practicum, Intro to Nursing Research, Nursing Elective, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Leadership and Management in Nursing Practicum, Nursing Elective, Concepts of Nursing Practice, Individual Health Assessment, Basic Pathophysiology
Admission criteria:
- Must be a graduate of a nursing diploma or associate degree program that is accredited by the ACEN
- Must have a current license as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or application for licensure in progress
- Must complete the requisite lower division courses (63 credit hours) including core and support courses with a minimum grade of C per course and a cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Provide documentation of recent nursing practice experience of at least 6 months full-time or one year part-time or a refresher course with clinical component within the last two years
- Provide official documentation of a negative criminal background check and a drug screening test
- Complete the Texas Common Application and print a copy
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of $25
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended to be mailed to the Main Campus
- Must be admitted to the University before being accepted into the College of Nursing
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $489.56 per credit for resident students. Books and supplies are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.pvamu.edu/
- Address: 6436 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
- Phone: 713-797-7000
- Toll Free: 1-877-797-9600
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.