Guide to Top Online Nursing Degree Programs in TX
If you live in Texas and are interested in pursuing or advancing your registered nursing career, aspiring registered nurses (RNs) will have a variety of degree options from which to choose, but earning a nursing degree online could be your best option. Learn more about your program options, Texas licensing requirements, see our ranking of top schools, and gain insights into salary and career prospects in this guide from EduMed.
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Exploring Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Online RN programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with classroom work and hands-on clinicals. Many of the more academically-oriented courses take place online, while group and/or patient-centered activities — including your school’s clinical requirements — occur at medical facilities. This combination makes online RN programs “hybrid” or “blended” in nature. While some post-licensure programs can be taken fully online, nearly all pre-licensure nursing programs with an online component are partially online.
Which nursing pathway is best for you? Below, learn more about the diverse menu of online nursing programs you’ll find in Texas — from entry-level certifications to undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as post-graduate certification options.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
Texas offers a range of undergraduate nursing degree options, ideal for students who are wanting to try out the nursing profession without a serious investment of time or money. You’ll find a description of these certificates, licenses, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees below.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If you’re interested in an entry-level healthcare career, you’ll find the lowest investment of time and money when you study to become a CNA. CNAs are instrumental in providing patients with their basic care needs in a range of healthcare settings. In this role, you’ll be supervised by RNs and other medical professionals.
Example: Navarro College Certified Nurse Aide
- Cost: $778 (tuition + fees)
- Length: Approximately 4 weeks
- Mode: Hybrid
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Many prospective nurses decide to go down the certification path with an LPN program, sometimes called LVN (Licensed Vocational Nursing) programs. LPNs have many of the same duties as CNAs and entry-level nurses, and you may even supervise CNAs due to your extra education. Becoming an LPN/LVN means you’ll perform basic patient care duties such as monitoring vitals, communicating with patients and other members of the healthcare team, and interacting with patients and their families.
Example: North Central Texas College LVN
- Cost: $8,559 – $17,169, depending on residency status and campus location
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Hybrid or in person
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
ADN programs in Texas provide students with basic nursing competencies and qualify graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). ADN programs include general education course requirements and typically require two years of full-time study to complete. While online ADN programs aren’t common in Texas, many schools offer general education courses that can be taken online.
Example: Blinn College District Associate Degree in Nursing
- Cost: $11,372.34
- Length: 2 years
- Mode: Mostly in person, but some theory courses throughout the program are blended and/or online
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
If you’re thinking of a more traditional path toward nursing education, a BSN is a standard undergraduate degree that prepares future nurses for practice as an RN. You’ll take a combination of core and nursing classes, giving you a well-rounded education. Hybrid programs are common, with many of your core coursework bring offered completed online with nursing-specific topics mostly covered in more hands-on lab settings.
Example: Chamberlain University BSN
- Cost: $705 to $755 per credit, depending on campus
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Online, hybrid, or in person
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
The best accelerated BSN programs are structured to allow pre-licensure students to earn a BSN in less time than the four years typically required. There are two basic types of accelerated BSN programs available in Texas that feature online coursework: One program is for students who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major, while the other is for students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree but have earned a substantial number of transferable college credits.
Example: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Second Degree BSN Accelerated Program
- Cost: $222.43 per credit (tuition only) for residents, $632.43 per credit, per credit (tuition only) for non-residents
- Length: 3 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
If you’re interested in a graduate or post-graduate nursing program, you may be coming into it with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but it’s also possible to pursue these advanced programs with a degree in a completely unrelated field. You may likely want to specialize your nursing education, or you’re looking to earn more money by receiving an advanced degree. Regardless of where you’re at, explore master’s degrees, doctorates, and post-master’s certificate programs below.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Looking to establish yourself in nurse administration, healthcare leadership, or as a nurse educator? You may want to consider an MSN. Graduates of these programs can specialize as a consultant, forensic nurse, nurse manager and more. In one to three years, you’ll have a graduate degree in hand and the credentials to set yourself apart from your nursing peers.
Example: Tarleton State University Online MSN
- Cost: $509.27 to $775.37 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 12 to 24 months
- Mode: Online with two mandatory practicums
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
If you’re considering advanced education, you can choose between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Both are terminal degrees, but nurses who receive a DNP are usually interested in working in practice with patients, while PhD nurses often prefer research or educational roles.
Example: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley DNP
- Cost: $749.40 to $1,159.40 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 2.5 to 4 years, depending on part- or full-time status
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
If you already have your master’s degree but are looking to specialize in a particular area to either advance your skills or earn more money, post-graduate certificates are an ideal solution. These programs are typically shorter in duration than degrees, subsequently costing you less money. Another major perk is that post-master’s programs give you specialized skills that may make you more attractive to employers.
Example: University of Texas at Arlington’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Post-Master’s)
- Cost: $654 per credit
- Length: 6 months to 2 years, depending on scheduling
- Mode: Online
Bridge Degree Programs
If you’re looking to level-up your nursing experience and education, RN bridge programs allow you to use your previous school and work experience toward your next degree level. This means you’ll spend less time (and money) than starting from scratch. Review the following bridge program options to see if one fits your education and background.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
If you’re already an LPN, let your experience and education work for you by joining either an LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge program. In these bridge programs, you’ll earn the credentials you need to qualify for an RN license and a wide range of BSN-level nursing positions.
Example: Tarleton State University LVN to BSN
- Cost: $423.59 to $709.88 per credit, depending on residency
- Length: 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed to provide currently employed RNs who’ve already earned a nursing associate degree or diploma a convenient and time-saving way to earn their bachelor’s degree. Coursework for these programs is often completed entirely online with clinical requirements completed through the student’s current employment.
Example: Sam Houston State University RN to BSN
- Cost: $741.85 per credit (tuition only) for Texas residents, $1,151.85 per credit for non-residents
- Length: 2 to 4 years, depending on background
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
Online RN to MSN bridge degree programs are designed for currently licensed RNs who are interested in streamlining their education and moving quickly into advanced practice and leadership positions. Most RN to MSN programs essentially act as combined BSN/MSN programs, where students are awarded the BSN credential upon completion of either the program’s undergraduate requirements or at the end of the entire degree program alongside the MSN.
Example: University of Texas at Arlington online RN to MSN
- Cost: $19,500 to $38,308, depending on specialization
- Length: 36 to 42 months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
In today’s resource-lacking healthcare landscape, nurse practitioners are in high demand. Online BSN to DNP programs prepare BSN-holding nurses with the skills to sit for national certification to become a Family Nurse Practitioner upon completion of the DNP degree.
Example: Texas Tech University BSN to DNP
- Cost: $2,385 to $6,165 per semester, depending on residency
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are ideal for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders to ascend to an advanced level of nursing relatively quickly. This option allows students to essentially bypass the need of earning a BSN by acquiring the skills and knowledge they’ll need to pursue higher nursing roles in a more condensed format. It’s important to note that there are no online direct-entry MSN programs available in Texas, so the featured school below is conducted in-person.
Example: Texas Lutheran University Master of Science in Nursing (Direct-Entry)
- Cost: $825 per credit hour
- Length: 5 months
- Mode: In-person
Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in Texas
There is more than one path that you can take to becoming a fully licensed RN in Texas. It doesn’t make a difference if the program is completed online or on campus, as long it is properly accredited and prepares you to meet all of the state’s RN licensing requirements. Here’s a look at the key steps that online nursing degree students need to follow to reach their goal of becoming a Texas RN.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
The first step toward becoming a licensed RN in Texas is to enroll in a properly accredited nursing degree or diploma program that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. The degree program must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Your Texas online degree program should additionally be approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN is a written exam consisting of between 75 and 365 multiple-choice questions covering four major nursing-practice categories and eight subcategories. The exam must be taken in-person at one of over 240 Pearson Professional Centers located throughout the U.S. Passing the exam is a requirement for Texas RN licensure. For more information on the NCLEX-RN exam and useful advice and tips for passing it, check out our Beginner’s Guide to the NCLEX and our Essential Study Skills Guide for Healthcare Students.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
Before beginning any nursing degree or diploma program leading to Texas RN licensure, be sure you clearly understand exactly what will be required of you to obtain your license. All states have different licensing requirements. In Texas, initial RN licensing and licensing renewals in Texas are administered through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Below, find a quick overview of the major requirements for obtaining a Texas RN license.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
The initial RN licensure period in Texas is between six and 29 months, depending on the license holder’s birthdate. Subsequent license periods are two years in length. License renewal requires the holder to either demonstrate maintenance of a BON-approved national nursing certification or, more commonly, complete a minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in the holder’s area of practice. A clean criminal record during the licensing period must also be maintained. Detailed information on RN continuing education and license renewal requirements can be found on the BON Education – Continuing Competency Requirements webpage.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Some aspiring nurses choose to specialize in order to focus on specific areas of interest, set themselves apart from their peers, and potentially make more money. The first step is determining your nursing niche, which then could lead you down the path toward a specialization such as cardiac, clinical nursing, pediatric nursing, and many more.
Salary & Career Path for Registered Nurses in Texas
The data on Registered Nurses (RNs) in Texas reveals promising salary potential and job growth. RNs in Texas earn an average of $85,110 annually, with the 10th percentile earning around $64,580 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $115,740. Salary ranges vary significantly by location, with cities like Austin and Dallas offering higher wages, especially for experienced nurses. For instance, RNs in Austin earn a median salary of $93,470, while those in rural areas like Brownsville-Harlingen make a median of $72,830.
The job outlook for RNs in Texas is also robust, with a projected 14.6% growth in RN positions, adding over 34,000 new jobs by 2031. This growth is significantly higher than the national average of 5.6%, suggesting a strong demand for RNs in the state. With a high number of annual openings (16,900), Texas offers substantial opportunities for individuals pursuing a nursing career.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Abilene, TX | $63,510 | $73,610 | $84,370 |
| Amarillo, TX | $64,830 | $80,680 | $105,890 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $69,600 | $93,470 | $117,990 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $62,600 | $80,180 | $102,330 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $52,430 | $72,830 | $94,750 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $63,290 | $80,300 | $94,640 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $61,050 | $79,840 | $100,190 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $66,560 | $93,300 | $117,390 |
| El Paso, TX | $60,570 | $77,950 | $113,690 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $67,810 | $93,330 | $115,460 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $62,400 | $85,380 | $109,410 |
| Laredo, TX | $59,090 | $74,650 | $91,240 |
| Longview, TX | $60,720 | $78,160 | $99,900 |
| Lubbock, TX | $63,790 | $76,780 | $98,920 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $59,180 | $76,160 | $93,270 |
| Midland, TX | $63,530 | $81,790 | $102,740 |
| Odessa, TX | $58,330 | $80,850 | $103,870 |
| San Angelo, TX | $63,720 | $77,690 | $93,850 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $63,480 | $83,740 | $108,660 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $65,750 | $77,710 | $95,900 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $51,660 | $75,220 | $101,510 |
| Tyler, TX | $63,230 | $78,050 | $94,690 |
| Victoria, TX | $61,620 | $80,900 | $96,130 |
| Waco, TX | $62,650 | $79,740 | $104,060 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,700 | $83,820 | $85,460 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top-Rated Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Ready to review our list of the top online four-year and two-year nursing programs in Texas? The following analysis uses data from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). With this data, our team of data scientists ranked schools based on diverse metrics, some of which include:
- Number of online programs in the subject area
- Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
- Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
- Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
- Student/faculty ratio
Review the rankings below to see if your program of interest made the list.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in nursing, including nurse midwifery and psychiatric mental health.
- The TTUHSC School of Nursing provides innovative educational routes with online and accelerated learning options.
- The school boasts high NCLEX scores and excellent student retention rates, ensuring well-prepared graduates.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,665
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course81%
- % of Students Receiving an AwardN/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley:
- The UTRGV nursing program emphasizes community engagement and cultural diversity in healthcare.
- The curriculum focuses on developing advanced critical thinking and inter-collaborative skills for holistic care.
- The program prepares students for dynamic healthcare needs in a multicultural and multilingual society.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,857
- Average Institutional Aid$2,116
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Why We Selected West Texas A & M University:
- The program offers an out-of-state tuition waiver for qualified students outside Texas.
- WTAMU provides multiple start terms for flexibility in program enrollment.
- The nursing programs are nationally recognized and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,211
- Average Institutional Aid$2,702
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University:
- Hands-on training with real-world clinical rotations in local hospitals and clinics.
- Small class sizes provide personalized attention from experienced faculty members.
- Transformative learning experiences foster holistic healthcare skills and lifelong learning.
Program Details
- AccreditationSFA
- Average In-State Tuition$7,842
- Average Institutional Aid$4,600
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award52%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Why We Selected Texas A & M University-College Station:
- The Texas A&M College of Nursing offers specialized career tracks in various healthcare settings.
- The program provides extensive clinical experiences through strategic partnerships and interprofessional collaborations.
- Faculty expertise and dedication support individual student needs, enhancing learning experiences.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,578
- Average Institutional Aid$7,398
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course42%
- % of Students Receiving an Award81%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas Permian Basin:
- The program offers a flexible, asynchronous online format, allowing students to control their learning pace.
- The University of Texas Permian Basin's RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring quality education.
- Students can pursue an optional Nurse Manager Certificate from Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society for enhanced career distinction.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,577
- Average Institutional Aid$5,077
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award40%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Why We Selected Lamar University:
- The program offers a provisional admission option, allowing students to complete courses before their NCLEX exam.
- Lamar University's RN to BSN program provides a project-based practicum experience without the need for clinical placements.
- The program is ACEN-accredited, ensuring high-quality education and a strong foundation for pursuing an MSN degree.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,228
- Average Institutional Aid$6,229
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award33%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
- The RN-BSN program offers a 100% online format, allowing students to work full-time while studying.
- The program allows for flexible completion of clinical components through class projects and capstone projects with a preceptor.
- Students can maintain their current employment while advancing their nursing careers through accelerated 7-week courses.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,616
- Average Institutional Aid$3,849
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course75%
- % of Students Receiving an Award43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Tyler:
- The program offers a high NCLEX-RN pass rate, exceeding state and national averages.
- The University of Texas at Tyler provides flexible degree options, including multiple campus locations and online courses.
- The nursing school is recognized as one of the largest and most respected in Texas, offering community-oriented education.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,020
- Average Institutional Aid$4,758
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas at Arlington:
- The UTA College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers a triple-designated National League of Nursing Center of Excellence status, enhancing student learning and professional development.
- UTA's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high-quality education standards.
- The college provides innovative programs like the Rural Residency Program, offering unique professional development opportunities in rural healthcare settings.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,206
- Average Institutional Aid$5,658
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
- % of Students Receiving an Award51%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
