Uncover Top Online RN to MSN Programs in TX
If you’re a registered nurse and are curious about working as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator, earning your master’s in nursing (MSN) could be an excellent move. Fortunately, there are plenty of great RN to MSN bridge programs in Texas. This guide will provide you with all the preliminary knowledge about curriculum, cost, and duration to help you find the perfect program. Keep reading for useful tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Profiles of Online RN to MSN Degrees in Texas
There are many reasons why getting a MSN is appealing. For one, it gives you the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of nursing, providing more job opportunities and access to leadership roles. Another major benefit to earning a graduate degree in nursing is the increase in your earning power. On average, nurse practitioners earn around $34,000 more per year than registered nurses. Plus, Texas employs the highest number of nurse practitioners in the country.
But what if you don’t possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)? How can you earn an MSN without having a BSN? That is where RN to MSN bridge programs come into play. These programs allow RNs with an associate degree level education to skip the BSN and directly earn their MSN. Bridge programs count your years of experience as an RN as credit towards an MSN, which immensely shortens the duration of your education. The expedited education is designed with the working RN in mind, offering practical curriculums and more flexible study schedules than traditional MSN programs. To give you a better idea of the different program formats, check out the three spotlighted schools below.
University of St. Thomas Houston
The University of St. Thomas (UST) Houston offers an excellent online RN to MSN program in Texas. Experienced nurses who hold an associate degree and meet graduate-level admission standards can apply for the program. All coursework is offered online, with simulation labs held at UST’s Center for Science and Health Professions. UST offers three concentrations that allow you to personalize your educational experience: nursing education, healthcare and nursing simulation, and nursing leadership. It’s important to note the program is open to RNs with an associate or a bachelor’s degrees, though candidates with an associate degree may take longer to complete the program.
Duration: 2-3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $300 per credit hour for core courses | $500 per credit hour for specialty courses
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed UST application
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate work (and graduate work, if any) documenting, at a minimum, the award of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program
- A 500-word essay describing personal and professional reasons for seeking enrollment in this program of study
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing coursework
- Current résumé describing prior work experiences
- Proof of professional RN licensure in the United States; for matriculation, a valid Texas RN license
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Holistic Nursing Practice for RNs
- Clinical Inquiry
- The Art and Science of Holistic Nursing
- Holistic Nursing: Caring for the Community
- Holistic Nursing: Foundations for Clinical Leadership
- Transition to Advanced Professional Role
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
- Clinical Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice
- Nursing Ethics, Law, and Policy
- Community Dynamics in Healthcare
- Quality, Safety, and Information Management
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Arizona State University
PROGRAM:
Nursing (Nursing Education), RN to MS
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Arizona State University offers 300+ top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs online. As an online student, you'll have access to the same robust curriculum designed and taught by the ASU's award-winning and globally acclaimed faculty. Always pushing the boundaries of education, ASU is repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation in the U.S. for making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students and technology. That's a degree better.
Grand Canyon University
PROGRAM:
M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
Grand Canyon University's flexible online degree programs provide the skills and credentials you need to advance your career on your time. GCU offers affordable tuition as well as special rates and scholarship opportunities for military members and their families. Over 200 accredited programs to choose from, plus specialized technical and career support for online students. Find your GCU online program today.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington offers one of the fastest online RN to MSN programs in Texas. This degree is designed for registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN and continue their education to an MSN. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 36 months, with several classes that count toward a dual degree. Plus, all coursework is online. In the program, you’ll have the option to pursue nursing education or administration as a specialization—giving you the skills you need to step into a leadership position. Students also will be qualified for a family nurse practitioner certification.
Duration: 36-42 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $19,500-$38,308, depending on chosen specialization
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
- Co-Op Nursing Work Experience
- Human Factors in Healthcare
- The Legacy of the Family
- Medical Terminology
- Holistic Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Holistic Care of Older Adults
- RN to BSN Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
- Role Transition to Professional Nursing
- Health Policy and Legal Aspects of Professional Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Care of Vulnerable Populations Across the Lifespan
- Capstone Course
- Principles of Research in Nursing
- Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice
Lamar University
Lamar University offers an online RN to MSN program that busy working nurses can begin on their timeline, as four start dates are possible. Students can finish the program in as little as 36 months. Unlike other programs in the state, Lamar’s is 100% online with no in-person components. The school also offers multiple paths to pursue, including options to become a clinical nurse leader, certified nurse educator, or public health nurse. The school’s bridge program means registered nurses can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees by taking dual-credit courses. The program offers two official tracks: administration and education.
Duration: 1-2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $27,320
Admissions Requirements:
- Current associate nursing degree or diploma
- Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended
- 3.0 GPA or higher on previous coursework
- Current RN license
Curriculum:
- Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
- Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
- Nursing Practice: Compromised Multiple Health States
- Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
- Theoretical Foundations
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy
- Theoretical Foundations
- Nursing Research
- Advanced Nursing Issues & Health Policy
- Evidence-Based Project I
- Evidence-Based Project II
- Electives in chosen track: administration or education
Student Resources: FAQs About RN to MSN Online Programs
The spotlights above provide a birds-eye view of what a RN to MSN program looks like, but they don’t get into the nitty gritty details, like financial aid options or if programs are truly online. To help fill in some of those important details, check out the answers below.
What can you do with an MSN in Texas?
An MSN degree opens a wealth of opportunities that aren’t available to you as a registered nurse. An RN to MSN program in Texas prepares you for roles as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist, among others. You also can pursue a leadership or highly specialized role. An MSN might lead you to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), an advanced degree that equips you with research skills and can prepare you for a leadership role in healthcare.
Will I earn my bachelor’s degree during my RN to MSN program?
Some Texas RN to MSN programs allow you to earn your BSN degree in the process. Doubling up credits allows you to earn both degrees cost-effectively and efficiently. UT Arlington’s accelerated program is an example of a dual-degree program. If you want to become an advanced practice registered nurse, these programs will help you get there as quickly as possible. Some bridge programs do not grant a BSN degree in the RN to MSN program. Be sure to check the specific details of your school and the process for earning your degree.
What will I learn in an RN to MSN program in Texas?
RN to MSN students in Texas complete nursing topics focusing on theory and practice. In most RN to MSN programs in Texas, you’ll study key foundations, such as biostatistics, pharmacology, and ethics. Your degree will be broken into sections. You’ll likely encounter RN-BSN classes, like Nursing Research and Holistic Care of Older Adults, and MSN common courses, like Principles of Research in Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice. On top of core courses, most MSN students choose a specialized track, with the most popular being nursing education and nursing administration.
How much do RN to MSN programs in Texas cost?
Tuition costs can run high, with some RN to MSN programs in Texas costing over $20,000. That said, there are options that are more affordable, plus many schools offer financial aid. Financial aid options include nursing scholarships, grants, and fellowship programs. Students pursuing MSN degrees also may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, a low-interest loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government through select Texas state universities.
Can I get my RN to MSN online in Texas?
Many Texas nursing schools offer an online or hybrid-learning path to earning an MSN degree. That’s because much of the core curriculum in an MSN program can be taught virtually and in-person clinical hours aren’t always a requirement.
Online RN to MSN programs in Texas offer several learning benefits for students. The biggest advantage is that it gives you time and flexibility to complete your studies, allowing you to juggle other work and family commitments. You’ll communicate with your instructors, connect with fellow classmates, and work through course content using sophisticated online learning platforms.
Ranking the Top Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Texas
At EduMed, our data scientists evaluate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves to rank post-secondary programs of all levels and subjects. We specifically evaluate each program’s flexibility, affordability, and quality to give you a well-rounded picture of what you will potentially encounter in each program. Keep reading to review programs that truly stand out.
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $ | 1 | Texas A&M International offers an RN to MSN degree for nurses who have a Texas license, but didn't previously get their BSN. No work experience as a nurse is required to apply. Once enrolled, students take courses in nursing administration. Because most students work full-time while getting this master's degree, courses are offered at flexible times and all courses are offered virtually. However, there is an in-person clinical experience students must complete to graduate. Program Highlights: Master of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 | Online Student %82% |
Texas RN vs. MSN: A Comparison of Salary and Career Trends
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Texas | $98,160 | $126,580 | $165,340 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
