Best Nursing Schools in Austin, TX: Online & Campus
Launch a new nursing career or take your current one to the next level with a degree from one of the best nursing schools in Austin, TX. With thousands of new nursing jobs available over the next several years, now’s the time to take your next step.
Maybe you already have an established nursing career. Or perhaps you’re considering entering the nursing field for the first time. You might be a licensed vocational nurse interested in advancement, a professional transitioning from a different industry, or a registered nurse ready for a more advanced degree. No matter your goals or prior training, nursing schools in Austin, Texas have programs to meet your needs.
The purpose of this guide is to help you find not just the best program for your professional goals, but also a program that is affordable and provide you with learning flexibility. You’ll find a list of top programs, information about education pathways (including convenient online program options), details on how they work and what they offer, and specifics on the ways they prepare you for licensure. It also examines the job outlook and salary trends for graduates of the best nursing schools in Austin. With excellent job prospects and continued high demand, you’ll find that this is a great time to be in the field of nursing.
Best Nursing Schools in Austin, Texas
As you size up your educational options, take a look at these best-in-class nursing schools in Austin, Texas. They all get top marks for accreditation and state approval, affordability, diversity in course offerings, and the student resources you need to succeed.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Austin, TX
Most institutions have multiple pathways that accommodate students at different points in their career (including those just beginning). Whether you’re a freshman, a licensed nurse looking for advancement, or a professional coming from a different field, the best nursing schools in Austin, Texas, offer a starting point. Here are some of the most common options.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Austin
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
These entry-level programs provide basic nursing training and satisfy requirements for initial licensure. They typically provide a path to graduation in 24 months or less and prepare you for supervised work in clinics, physician’s offices, and other treatment centers. The best nursing programs in Austin consist of around 60 credits, including academic courses and clinicals.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Traditional BSN programs result in a standard undergraduate degree that students usually complete in four years. BSN programs provide a more comprehensive education experience, including liberal arts instruction and core nursing coursework that builds key skills in pathophysiology and nursing practice. Students also receive NCLEX preparation and supervised clinical placements.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated programs of this type offer an expedited path to a BSN designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The best nursing schools in Austin with accelerated BSN programs focus on foundational nursing competencies–through academic classes and clinical hours–typically delivered on a 15-month timetable. To enroll in an accelerated program, students must meet the prerequisite course requirements, which can include various classes in science and anatomy.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Texas A&M University, Round Rock
Concordia University, Texas
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
This option often caters to aspiring nurses with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. It offers a pathway to graduate-level credentials that covers core nursing competencies and opportunities for specialization (e.g., adult gerontology and mental health practitioner). Programs at the best nursing schools in Austin, Texas, qualify students for licensure in addition to advanced registered nurse practice.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Austin, Texas for Current Nurses
LVN to RN and LVN to BSN Programs
Often referred to as bridge programs, these options at nursing schools in Austin, Texas, help licensed vocational nurses advance their careers by expanding their skills. Program components typically involve nursing theory classes, lab simulations, and hands-on clinical studies. These programs recognize previous experience and prepare LVNs for the professional transition to becoming RNs.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN Programs
Active nurses with an ADN and RN license can broaden their professional status through this pathway to a bachelor’s degree. It opens the door to further education at the graduate level. It can also lead to greater job opportunities with greater responsibility. Students with enough transfer credit or prerequisites can finish in one year or less.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to MSN Programs
These programs offer a bridge for RNs seeking a master’s degree in nursing without having to first complete a BSN program. RN to MSN programs use a similar structure as RN to BSN options but require additional courses and more clinical hours. As a result, graduates come away with a comprehensive nursing knowledge base and specialized clinical skills.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Austin, Texas
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
This pathway results in the same master’s degree as other options but attracts students who already hold a BSN. Programs focus on developing further competency in research methods, evidence-based practice, and primary care. Full-time students usually graduate two to three years fully qualified for advanced clinical and supervisory positions.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
Doctoral nursing degrees are designed for nursing professionals interested in working at the highest level of nursing, teaching the next generation of nursing, or conducting medical research. Given the specific reasons for earning either terminal degree, most nursing schools in Austin offering either degree often provide for individualized plans of study.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
The University of Texas at Austin: DNP
The University of Texas at Austin: PhD
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Certificate programs are a great option for graduate-level nurses who want to add more specializations to their skills but don’t want to spend the time and money to earn another degree. If your MSN focused on adult gerontology, for example, you can earn a certificate from a nursing school in Austin in mental health or pediatrics, broadening the scope of your practice.
Examples of Austin, TX Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Look at Online Nursing Schools in Austin, Texas
Students attending online nursing schools in Austin can expect to complete a hybrid course of study. Programs typically use online options in the early stages of study, making it easy for students to complete academic classes and any prerequisites. These virtual courses increase flexibility and accommodate a wide variety of schedules and circumstances.
These online classes may involve synchronous experiences, asynchronous assignments, or some combination of the two depending on which online nursing school in Austin, Texas, you attend. Some programs use virtual lab simulations for applied skills; others require in-person attendance for that component. Either way, students can expect a transition to face-to-face learning near the end of their studies. This is when they’ll complete all the capstone, practicum, and clinical rotation requirements at Austin’s online nursing schools.
Best Online Nursing Schools in Austin, TX
FAQs About Online Nursing Schools in Austin, Texas
Can I earn my nursing degree in Austin completely online?
For most online nursing programs in the Austin area, you will still need to complete certain in-person requirements, such as clinical training hours. These may be completed with clinicals or practicums, depending on the program. Most online nursing programs in Austin, Texas use hybrid delivery methods that combine hands-on capstone or practicum components with online instruction in a virtual learning environment.
Will my online Austin nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Not at all. Online nursing schools in Austin offer the same high-quality education and training as a traditional course of study. Most employers know this and the ones that don’t will know your online degree is just as good as a “traditional” degree as long as you graduate from an accredited and state-approved nursing program. Therefore, it’s very important that aspiring nurses only attend online/hybrid programs that are accredited by an appropriate accrediting body (like the ACEN or CCNE) and approved by the state of Texas.
Are online nursing programs in Austin more affordable than campus programs?
Not always, but they can be. Most online nursing schools in Austin charge the same tuition rates for online and in-person programs. Online programs eliminate some indirect costs, however, sometimes making them more affordable. Consider, for example, the money you will save by not commuting to and from campus on a regular basis.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Austin, Texas
Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid can help defray many of the tuition-related expenses you will incur in your nursing program in Austin, Texas. Ideally, you’ll want to use scholarships and grants, as they don’t need to be paid back. The best nursing schools in Austin often extend multiple scholarship opportunities to new and returning students based on financial need and academic merit. Other stakeholders and professional organizations like the Texas Nurses Association also offer opportunities for financial assistance. If you’re an active nurse it’s worth inquiring whether your employer has incentives, like scholarship programs or tuition waivers. Our nursing scholarship guide provides more information on this as does our main financial aid page.
How to Become an RN in Austin, Texas: Licensing Requirements
The Texas Board of Nursing enumerates all the requirements for licensure in the Lone Star State. Aspiring nurses must complete these requirements in sequence before they can begin practice or obtain employment. Candidates must first complete an approved education program and then successfully pass the NCLEX, a national exam that assesses core areas of nursing competency. Once these steps are complete, aspiring nurses can apply for initial licensure and submit any other required materials (fingerprints, a background check, etc.).
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Austin?
Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Austin-Round Rock, TX area earn a competitive salary, with a median annual income of $93,470. The 10th percentile earns around $69,600, while the 90th percentile can make up to $117,990 per year. These figures are above the state average for Texas, where the median salary is $85,110, with the 10th percentile earning $64,580 and the 90th percentile reaching $115,740. Austin's higher earnings reflect its cost of living, which is relatively higher than in other regions of Texas. This makes Austin an attractive option for RNs seeking better pay opportunities, especially as they gain experience and move up to higher percentiles in the profession.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $69,600 | $93,470 | $117,990 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Resources for Nursing Students and Professionals in Austin, Texas
Established in 1930, this entity advocates for nursing leadership and quality healthcare throughout Texas. It publishes a magazine with industry news, hosts conferences and professional development opportunities, and supports public policy that enhances quality care.
Overseeing the licensure process, this government organization promotes nursing welfare in Texas. If you have any questions about the professional conduct, continuing education, or licensing requirements of nurses in Texas, this is where to get answers. It also provides additional resources for nursing students.
Located in the heart of Austin, the Texas Nurses Association engages in policy advocacy efforts and sponsors professional development events. It hosts an annual meeting for members, recognizes outstanding nursing leadership, and supports local professionals through district charters.
Texas Nursing Students’ Association
This association represents over 3,000 aspiring nurses throughout the Lone Star State, working to provide them with resources for initial licensure. It maintains an active career center for recent graduates, offers scholarships and other financial aid, and shares recent news in the profession.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Bookmark this useful list of nursing practice resources. You’ll find a directory of professional organizations, scope of practice guides, and further information on nursing rules and regulations.
