Accelerated BSN Programs in Dallas, TX - Online & Campus
Students in Dallas looking to earn a BSN quickly and affordably should consider an accelerated program. Check out the options for accelerated BSN programs Dallas offers.
There are many great reasons to become a nurse — and many ways to do so in Dallas. From community college associate degree and certificate programs to an undergraduate degree in nursing to a post-college career shift, you can’t go wrong in Texas, which ranks as one of the best states for nurses in the U.S. Even so, it’s common knowledge among nursing professionals that the most prestigious undergraduate qualification is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). So, whether you graduated college with a different degree or are ready to build on your past nursing education and experience in the greater Dallas area, an accelerated BSN could be right for you.
An accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your BSN through a period of study more intensive than traditional bachelor’s programs, which vary in how long they take to reach graduation, offered by nursing schools in Dallas, TX. For those with previous nursing qualifications, this means building on the knowledge you already have. For those coming from other disciplines, there are options for you as well. What’s more, many programs are offered in an online or hybrid format, saving you time and money. Here’s a look at some of the best accelerated BSN programs Dallas has to offer and what it might be like to go through one.
Inside Accelerated Online & Hybrid BSN Programs in Dallas
Dallas offers many accelerated BSN programs, including several facilitated in online and hybrid formats. While the best program for you is a personal decision, it’s important to know what’s available. To get you started in your research check out the high-quality online and hybrid programs detailed below.
Baylor University
Baylor University, a private Christian school, offers one of the highest-ranked online accelerated BSN programs Dallas and Fort Worth (DFW) students can find tailored especially for Dallas-area nursing students. Although this Distance Accelerated BSN is fully online, it’s designed for Texas students in the DFW area. This program boasts an impressive 98% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It can be completed in just one year and is a post-baccalaureate program intended for students who have bachelor’s degrees in other subjects.
Baylor’s nursing curriculum is taught through a Christian worldview. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline with a 3.0 GPA or higher on prerequisite courses and a 2.75 GPA or higher on non-prerequisite courses. They must also submit Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) scores.
Concordia University
At Concordia University, also a private Christian school, you can pursue one of the hybrid, accelerated BSN programs Dallas hospitals and other clinical settings regularly partner with for clinical experiences. In this Accelerated BSN program, which can be completed in sixteen months, you take lecture-style courses online, go to campus for labs, and travel to clinical sites across Central Texas for hands-on experiences. The program is offered at Concordia’s Dallas campus as well as in Austin for maximum convenience.
This program does not require a bachelor’s degree or prior healthcare experience. It has an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.13%. While sixteen months is the minimum amount of time to complete the program, a longer timeframe may be arranged if necessary.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University, a public university and the flagship of the five schools that make up the Texas Tech system, offers a post-baccalaureate Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing. This one-year online degree is one of the largest accelerated BSN programs Dallas and other Texas cities collaborate with. Students choose from six different Texas regions to partner with for a clinical site for supervised experiences.
Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The minimum undergraduate GPA requirement is 2.5, both overall and in the sciences, but students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. You must complete certified nurse assistant training before the program starts if admitted to prepare for your clinical work. You must also be CPR certified through the BLS/American Heart Association.
Inside Traditional Accelerated Dallas BSN Programs
In-person accelerated BSN programs in Dallas allow students to enjoy the resources and camaraderie of a traditional campus experience. There are a variety of colleges and universities in and around Dallas, many of which — including those profiled below — offer high-quality accelerated BSN programs. Use these as a starting point for your search.
Arizona College of Nursing – Dallas Campus
While this may surprise you, the Arizona College of Nursing has a campus in Dallas where you can earn an accelerated BSN in three years or less for transfer students with qualified credits. This program includes options for evening classes, is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE), and includes both general and nursing-specific courses in a traditional format and guided lab experiences. It also comes with an NCLEX prep course built into the program from the first day of class. You also complete hands-on clinical experiences in your final year at their partner sites.
Prospective students should contact the Arizona College of Nursing for further information about their accelerated BSN programs in Dallas, as they have multiple campuses offering the program. Applicants do not need prior nursing experience, and transfer students with existing college credits are encouraged to apply.
Texas A&M University
The Second-Degree BSN program at Texas A&M University (TAMU), one of the largest public universities in Texas and the U.S., is a second-degree program intended for those who have bachelor’s degrees in another discipline. This 15-month program allows you to skip general education requirements and focus solely on nursing-specific classes, including classes in community health, mental health nursing, pediatric and family nursing, and more.
While TAMU does not have official undergraduate GPA requirements for this program, it is recommended that applicants have a 3.0 or higher GPA of 3.0 in their accredited bachelor’s degree. They must also submit HESI scores and will be evaluated on their prior community service record and academic history (withdrawals, etc.) in addition to more traditional admissions metrics.
Timeline of an Accelerated BSN Program in Dallas
Your accelerated BSN comes at you fast, so it’s good to be prepared. While timelines for programs vary, there are a few milestones you can expect before, during, and after your accelerated BSN studies.
Six Months Before
If you’re applying for a post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN, you should have finished your undergraduate degree. Make sure you’ve taken all your prerequisites, especially those in the sciences and any health and safety training courses. Make a list of programs you’re interested in and compile a list of requirements, take the HESI if needed, be mindful of application deadlines, and begin looking into funding opportunities.
First Six Months
During the first six months of your accelerated BSN studies, you’ll likely focus on traditional coursework. These could take place in a classroom or via video call in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Either way, these classes usually consist of lectures, small group discussions, and exams. You might also spend time preparing for clinical experiences in a hospital or other setting. While every school is different, this might involve health and safety training or meeting with an advisor to determine your placement.
Last Six Months
During your last six months, you might focus on clinical experiences and other hands-on training as you prepare to graduate and begin your BSN career. You may also start studying for the NCLEX. Some programs include NCLEX prep as part of the program. The last six months of your program are also a good time to consider the job market and what positions you’d like to apply for.
Six Months After
The six months following graduation is likely to be a busy time. You’ll take your NCLEX and become qualified to work as a nurse. If you haven’t already, you’ll also look for jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor’s offices, and other clinical settings. During this time and beyond, be sure to keep up with your BSN classmates to help expand your professional network and compare challenges and opportunities with one another.
Benefits & Challenges of Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-Nurses
You’re probably already excited about your accelerated BSN program, but it’s natural to be a little nervous, too. Studying for your BSN can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it isn’t without its challenges. Below are just a few of the challenges and rewards accelerated BSN students often experience.
Benefit: High Return on Investment
An accelerated nursing program is a great way to have a rewarding and potentially lucrative nursing career while also saving time and money, especially if you understand the cost ahead of time and seek out financial aid. Because your program is shorter, you pay less in tuition while still earning the same qualifications as a four-year BSN student.
Benefit: Fast Track to Nursing Career
If you’re excited to begin your nursing career, an accelerated nursing program is the right place to be. You’ll earn a highly respected nursing qualification that lets you hit the ground running and start working as a nurse, possibly in as little as a year. This is especially true with direct-entry BSN nursing programs.
Benefit: Preparation for Advanced Degrees
If you have big academic ambitions for your nursing career, an accelerated BSN might only be the beginning. As a high-quality academic nursing qualification, a BSN is an ideal steppingstone to specialized nursing credentials and more advanced nursing degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a nursing doctorate (PhD).
Challenge: Adaptation to Nursing Culture
For those who have never worked in healthcare, it can be a major adjustment. Clinical settings are different from most other types of work environments, and the dynamics of being part of a medical team and interacting with patients can take some getting used to.
Challenge: Intensive Pace
An accelerated BSN nursing program is an intensive program since it fits an entire bachelor’s degree into a shortened time frame. Be mindful of this and practice self-care throughout your program to avoid the burnout that many nurses and nursing students experience.
Challenge: Transition & Preparation for Licensing Exams
If you’re new to nursing, you may not be aware of the licensing process and that you’ll have to prepare and sit for a licensing exam. Your school should explain the process and may even help you prepare. Ultimately, though, it’s in your hands to do the work and ensure you’re ready on exam day.
