Barry PhilipsTexas is home to many respected nursing schools offering programs for students who want to become registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. With options ranging from community colleges to major universities, prospective nursing students can choose a program that fits their academic background, career goals, and budget.
In this guide, we highlight 50 nursing schools in Texas and their general admission requirements, including ADN, BSN, LVN, and graduate-level pathways where applicable. Requirements can vary by program and admission cycle, so applicants should always confirm the current requirements with their chosen school.
Top 50 Nursing Schools in Texas and Requirements
1. University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing
The University of Texas at Austin offers undergraduate and graduate nursing education through its School of Nursing. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for students preparing for professional nursing practice.
Common requirements: High school completion or equivalent, prerequisite courses, competitive grades, application materials, and completion of required nursing prerequisites. Additional requirements may apply to transfer and graduate applicants.
2. Texas A&M University School of Nursing
Texas A&M University offers nursing education through its School of Nursing, with programs designed for students entering and advancing in the nursing profession.
Common requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite coursework, competitive academic performance, application submission, and any required testing or documentation.
3. Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas provides undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Its BSN pathway prepares students for professional nursing practice and licensure.
Common requirements: Completion of prerequisite courses, strong academic performance, high school or college transcripts, application materials, and program-specific admission requirements.
4. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing
UTHealth Houston School of Nursing offers several pathways into nursing, including undergraduate and advanced nursing programs.
Common requirements: Appropriate previous education, prerequisite courses, transcripts, application forms, and program-specific academic requirements. Graduate programs may require a nursing degree and RN licensure.
5. University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation
The University of Texas at Arlington is known for its wide range of nursing programs, including BSN, RN-to-BSN, graduate, and doctoral options.
Common requirements: Prerequisite coursework, academic transcripts, minimum grades, application materials, and, for some programs, current RN licensure.
6. University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing
UTMB in Galveston provides nursing education at undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can pursue professional nursing education within a major academic health institution.
Common requirements: Required prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, competitive GPA, application, and additional program-specific requirements.
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers nursing programs at multiple locations and educational levels.
Common requirements: Completion of prerequisites, qualifying academic record, transcripts, application, and other requirements established by the selected nursing program.
8. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing
UT Health San Antonio offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing education.
Common requirements: Prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, required GPA, application materials, and program-specific qualifications. Advanced programs may require RN licensure.
9. University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing
UT Tyler offers nursing programs designed for traditional students, registered nurses, and advanced nursing students.
Common requirements: Required prerequisite courses, transcripts, minimum academic standards, application, and any clinical or professional requirements associated with the program.
10. University of Houston Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
The University of Houston offers undergraduate and graduate nursing education through its College of Nursing.
Common requirements: Completion of prerequisite courses, satisfactory grades, academic transcripts, application materials, and program-specific requirements.
11. Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing
Texas Woman’s University offers nursing programs at multiple educational levels, including undergraduate and graduate pathways.
Common requirements: Appropriate academic preparation, prerequisite coursework, transcripts, application, and program-specific admission criteria.
12. University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing
UTEP provides nursing education serving students in the El Paso region. Its programs include pathways for aspiring registered nurses and advanced nursing professionals.
Common requirements: High school or college prerequisites depending on the program, acceptable GPA, transcripts, application, and required nursing prerequisites.
13. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Nursing
UTRGV provides nursing education for students in South Texas and offers undergraduate and graduate pathways.
Common requirements: Prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, competitive grades, application materials, and other requirements specific to the selected program.
14. University of Texas at Arlington – Accelerated BSN Pathway
UT Arlington also provides accelerated options for eligible students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.
Common requirements: Previous bachelor’s degree, prerequisite science courses, competitive academic record, application, and completion of other program requirements.
15. Texas State University St. David’s School of Nursing
Texas State University offers nursing education through its St. David’s School of Nursing.
Common requirements: Required prerequisites, satisfactory academic performance, transcripts, application materials, and completion of nursing admission requirements.
16. Texas Christian University Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offers nursing education through its Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
Common requirements: Secondary or postsecondary education, prerequisite coursework where applicable, academic records, application, and other university or nursing-school requirements.
17. University of St. Thomas Houston School of Nursing
The University of St. Thomas offers nursing education in Houston and provides pathways for students pursuing professional nursing careers.
Common requirements: Required prerequisites, academic transcripts, application materials, acceptable academic performance, and program-specific requirements.
18. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi offers nursing programs serving students in the Coastal Bend region.
Common requirements: Prerequisite courses, transcripts, competitive GPA, application, and completion of required academic and professional criteria.
19. Abilene Christian University School of Nursing
Abilene Christian University offers nursing education with a focus on preparing students for professional practice.
Common requirements: University admission, nursing prerequisites, transcripts, satisfactory grades, application materials, and other nursing-program requirements.
20. Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine is a major health sciences institution in Houston. While it is particularly recognized for medical and health sciences education, prospective nursing students should distinguish its programs from traditional undergraduate BSN programs.
Requirements: Requirements vary considerably by program, so applicants should review the specific program they intend to pursue.
21. Texas Woman’s University Houston Center
Texas Woman’s University provides nursing education in the Houston area through its nursing facilities and programs.
Common requirements: Relevant prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, application, satisfactory grades, and program-specific admission criteria.
22. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Cizik School of Nursing
Cizik School of Nursing is one of Houston’s prominent nursing education institutions.
Common requirements: Prerequisite coursework, competitive academic performance, transcripts, application materials, and additional requirements depending on the nursing pathway.
23. Houston Christian University School of Nursing
Houston Christian University offers nursing education for students seeking preparation for professional nursing practice.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, acceptable academic performance, transcripts, application materials, and nursing-specific requirements.
24. University of the Incarnate Word Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing
The University of the Incarnate Word offers nursing programs in San Antonio through its nursing school.
Common requirements: Required prerequisites, academic transcripts, competitive grades, application, and completion of program-specific requirements.
25. Schreiner University Department of Nursing
Schreiner University in Kerrville offers nursing education through its undergraduate programs.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, satisfactory academic performance, transcripts, and nursing-program application requirements.
26. West Texas A&M University Department of Nursing
West Texas A&M University provides nursing education in Canyon and serves students across the Texas Panhandle.
Common requirements: Prerequisite coursework, transcripts, competitive GPA, university admission, and nursing-program application requirements.
27. Angelo State University Department of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences
Angelo State University offers nursing programs designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice.
Common requirements: Required prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, satisfactory GPA, application, and program-specific requirements.
28. Midwestern State University Wilson School of Nursing
Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls offers nursing education at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Common requirements: Prerequisites, academic transcripts, required GPA, university application, and additional nursing-program requirements.
29. Stephen F. Austin State University School of Nursing
Stephen F. Austin State University provides undergraduate nursing education in Nacogdoches.
Common requirements: Required prerequisite courses, academic records, competitive grades, application, and completion of nursing admission requirements.
30. Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing
Lamar University in Beaumont offers nursing programs for students preparing for professional practice.
Common requirements: Prerequisite courses, transcripts, satisfactory GPA, application, and nursing-specific admission criteria.
31. Sam Houston State University School of Nursing
Sam Houston State University offers nursing education through undergraduate and graduate programs.
Common requirements: Required prerequisites, academic transcripts, minimum grades, application materials, and program-specific requirements.
32. University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler School of Nursing
UT Tyler’s nursing education provides opportunities for students entering nursing as well as registered nurses seeking additional qualifications.
Common requirements: Prerequisites, transcripts, application, academic qualifications, and applicable professional credentials.
33. East Texas Baptist University School of Nursing
East Texas Baptist University in Marshall offers nursing education for students pursuing professional nursing careers.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, satisfactory grades, and program-specific nursing requirements.
34. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Scott and White School of Nursing
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers nursing education in Belton and works within a healthcare-focused educational environment.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, academic records, application, and nursing-specific requirements.
35. Concordia University Texas School of Nursing
Concordia University Texas offers nursing education in Austin.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite courses, satisfactory academic performance, transcripts, and completion of program-specific requirements.
36. Texas Lutheran University Nursing Program
Texas Lutheran University in Seguin offers nursing education for students preparing for professional nursing practice.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, acceptable grades, transcripts, and nursing-program requirements.
37. University of Dallas
The University of Dallas offers health-related educational opportunities, although students should carefully distinguish its nursing-related pathways from dedicated BSN nursing schools.
Requirements: Requirements depend on the specific program and academic pathway selected.
38. University of Texas Permian Basin
UT Permian Basin provides nursing education serving students in West Texas.
Common requirements: Prerequisite courses, academic transcripts, satisfactory GPA, application, and program-specific admission requirements.
39. Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing
Prairie View A&M University offers nursing education in Texas and provides pathways for students pursuing professional nursing careers.
Common requirements: Prerequisites, academic transcripts, competitive grades, application materials, and program-specific nursing requirements.
40. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University in Houston offers healthcare-related education and nursing pathways.
Common requirements: University admission, required prerequisite courses, transcripts, satisfactory academic performance, and program-specific requirements.
41. Houston Community College Nursing Program
Houston Community College offers nursing education that can provide an accessible pathway toward professional nursing practice.
Common requirements: Admission to the college, prerequisite courses, satisfactory grades, background screening where applicable, health documentation, and completion of nursing admission requirements.
42. Lone Star College Nursing Program
Lone Star College operates multiple campuses in the Houston area and offers nursing education through its healthcare programs.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite coursework, required GPA, entrance or selection requirements, immunization documentation, background checks, and clinical eligibility.
43. Austin Community College Nursing Program
Austin Community College offers nursing programs designed to prepare students for professional nursing careers.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite courses, minimum grades, nursing application, health requirements, and eligibility for clinical education.
44. Dallas College Nursing Program
Dallas College offers nursing education through its healthcare programs and provides pathways toward nursing licensure.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite coursework, academic requirements, nursing application, background screening, immunizations, and other clinical requirements.
45. Tarrant County College Nursing Program
Tarrant County College provides nursing education in the Fort Worth area.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite courses, required GPA, nursing application, health documentation, background check, and clinical eligibility.
46. Collin College Nursing Program
Collin College offers nursing education for students in the North Texas region.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite coursework, acceptable grades, application, health requirements, and eligibility for clinical placement.
47. El Paso Community College Nursing Program
El Paso Community College offers nursing pathways designed to prepare students for entry into professional nursing.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite courses, required academic performance, nursing application, health documentation, and clinical eligibility.
48. San Jacinto College Nursing Program
San Jacinto College provides nursing education in the Houston-area region.
Common requirements: College admission, prerequisite courses, competitive grades, application, health requirements, background screening, and clinical requirements.
49. Dallas Baptist University College of Nursing
Dallas Baptist University offers nursing education within a Christian university environment.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, academic transcripts, satisfactory grades, application materials, and nursing-specific requirements.
50. University of St. Thomas – Houston Nursing Programs
The University of St. Thomas provides nursing education for students pursuing professional nursing careers in the Houston area.
Common requirements: University admission, prerequisite coursework, transcripts, satisfactory academic performance, nursing application, and program-specific requirements.
General Requirements for Nursing Schools in Texas
Although admission requirements differ from one institution to another, students applying to nursing schools in Texas commonly need several of the following:
High School Diploma or GED
Traditional undergraduate applicants generally need a high school diploma or recognized equivalent. Competitive nursing programs may also consider the strength of a student’s high school academic record.
Prerequisite Courses
Common prerequisites can include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, statistics, English composition, and other general education courses.
Minimum GPA
Most nursing programs establish a minimum GPA for admission. However, meeting the minimum does not necessarily guarantee admission because many nursing programs use competitive selection.
TEAS or Other Admission Examination
Some nursing schools require applicants to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or another assessment. Requirements vary by institution.
Transcripts
Applicants generally need to submit official transcripts showing previous academic work. Transfer students may have additional transcript requirements.
Background Check
Because nursing students work with patients during clinical education, schools commonly require criminal background screening before students enter clinical placements.
Drug Screening
Some programs require drug screening as part of clinical eligibility requirements.
Immunization and Health Documentation
Nursing students commonly need evidence of required vaccinations, physical examinations, tuberculosis screening, CPR certification, and other health documentation before beginning clinical experiences.
CPR Certification
Many nursing programs require students to maintain an approved Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR certification before participating in clinical activities.
Clinical Requirements
Students must generally meet the school’s requirements for clinical placement. These may include health clearance, background checks, drug screening, immunizations, and completion of prerequisite courses.
RN Licensure Requirements
Students completing an approved pathway toward registered nursing generally need to meet the requirements of the Texas Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN examination after completing the appropriate educational program.
ADN vs BSN Nursing Programs in Texas
Students should understand the difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
An ADN generally takes less time and is commonly offered by community colleges. It can prepare graduates to pursue RN licensure.
A BSN generally provides a broader four-year nursing education and may include additional coursework in leadership, research, public health, and community nursing.
For students who already have an RN license, an RN-to-BSN program can provide a pathway to bachelor’s-level nursing education.
Comparison Table of Nursing Schools in Texas
| Nursing School | Location | Common Program Types | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | Austin | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts, competitive GPA |
| Texas A&M | College Station | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts, application |
| Baylor University | Dallas | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, academic record |
| UTHealth Houston | Houston | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| UT Arlington | Arlington | BSN, RN-BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA, application |
| UTMB | Galveston | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| Texas Tech HSC | Multiple locations | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, application |
| UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| UT Tyler | Tyler | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| University of Houston | Houston | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, academic record |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton/Houston | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| UTEP | El Paso | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| UTRGV | Edinburg | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| Texas State | San Marcos | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| TCU | Fort Worth | BSN, Graduate | University admission, prerequisites |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Corpus Christi | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| Prairie View A&M | Prairie View | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| West Texas A&M | Canyon | BSN | Prerequisites, GPA |
| Angelo State | San Angelo | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| Midwestern State | Wichita Falls | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| Stephen F. Austin State | Nacogdoches | BSN | Prerequisites, academic record |
| Lamar University | Beaumont | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| Sam Houston State | Huntsville | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| Houston Christian University | Houston | BSN | University admission, prerequisites |
| UIW | San Antonio | BSN, Graduate | Prerequisites, GPA |
| Schreiner University | Kerrville | BSN | Prerequisites, academic record |
| UMHB | Belton | BSN | Prerequisites, transcripts |
| Concordia University Texas | Austin | BSN | University admission, prerequisites |
| Houston Community College | Houston | ADN | Prerequisites, clinical clearance |
| Lone Star College | Houston area | ADN | Prerequisites, GPA, clinical requirements |
| Austin Community College | Austin | ADN | Prerequisites, application |
| Dallas College | Dallas | ADN | Prerequisites, health clearance |
| Tarrant County College | Fort Worth | ADN | Prerequisites, clinical clearance |
| Collin College | McKinney area | ADN | Prerequisites, application |
| El Paso Community College | El Paso | ADN | Prerequisites, GPA |
| San Jacinto College | Houston area | ADN | Prerequisites, clinical requirements |
| Dallas Baptist University | Dallas | BSN | University admission, prerequisites |
How to Choose a Nursing School in Texas
Choosing a nursing school involves more than looking at the school’s name. Students should consider program accreditation, NCLEX preparation, tuition, location, clinical opportunities, class size, program length, admission competitiveness, and available financial aid.
Students should also determine whether they want to pursue an ADN, traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, or graduate nursing program. The best program for one student may not be the most suitable option for another because educational background, career objectives, finances, and schedule can differ significantly.
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Conclusion
Texas offers a wide range of nursing education options, from major universities and health science centers to community colleges. The 50 nursing schools discussed above provide different pathways for students interested in becoming registered nurses or advancing their nursing education.
Before applying, prospective students should carefully review the current admission requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA expectations, application deadlines, clinical requirements, tuition, and licensure pathway of each program. Requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, so checking the latest information directly with the institution is essential.