2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Aspiring nurses can explore and compare the best online nursing degrees in Texas for 2023 below. Our list highlights schools offering fully remote and hybrid programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Online nursing courses have become a popular option for students with busy lives seeking a flexible and convenient option that allows them to pursue a higher education. Earning a nursing degree in Texas can also benefit those who are interested in working elsewhere, as Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) that allows licensed nurses to more easily receive multi-state licenses to practice in other compact states.
Our 2023 list includes colleges in Texas that offer online nursing programs and have available NCLEX data, so you can easily find out which online nursing programs result in graduates with the best pass rate.
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2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Texas
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State University | 100.0% | 3,562 |
| St Philip's College | 100.0% | 6,112 |
| Texas A&M University - Texarkana | 100.0% | 733 |
| The University of Texas Medical Branch | 98.43% | 496 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | 97.28% | 3,395 |
| University of Houston | 96.88% | 6,224 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | 95.88% | 3,739 |
| Sam Houston State University | 94.7% | 5,252 |
| West Texas A&M University | 94.0% | 3,808 |
| Panola College | 94.12% | 705 |
Becoming a Nurse in Texas
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulates the state's nursing workforce, overseeing nursing certification, licensure, and continuing education requirements for licensees. Texas recognizes several types of nurses, including licensed vocational nurses (LVN), registered nurses (RN), advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), and certified nursing aides (CNA).
To become a nurse in Texas, applicants will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or present an endorsement from another state. The Texas BON doesn't approve out-of-state nursing education programs, including online courses and programs. The BON does, however, recognize nursing programs approved by other state boards, which can provide eligibility to take the NCLEX in Texas even if an applicants education was completed out-of-state.
With the demand for nurses in Texas projected to grow in every category over the next decade, there are plenty of job opportunities for graduates of online nursing programs. Read on to learn more about the requirements for each type of nursing license in the Lone Star State.
To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Become a Certified Nurse Aide In Texas
Applicants must first complete a nurse aide training program to become a CNA in Texas. The Texas Health and Human Services department provides a list of accredited online nursing programs in Texas for the CNA career path. After completing an approved program, candidates must take a competency evaluation program examination, which they have three attempts to pass before having to retake coursework.
Candidates must take a competency evaluation program examination, which they have three attempts to pass before having to retake coursework.
Even students who haven't completed one of the many online nursing programs in Texas can still have the opportunity to work in the state. Aspiring CNAs may be placed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry via a waiver acknowledging relevant previous experience or reciprocity agreements with other compact states.
CNA Certification Renewals
Unlike other Texas nursing licenses, CNAs don't have specific expiration dates on their certificates. However, they are required to contact the Nurse Aide Registry every two years to verify employment.
How To Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse In Texas
To become an LVN in Texas, applicants must graduate from an approved training program, which includes Texas online nursing programs, before applying for licensure. Upon graduation, they should request that their school directly send the Texas Board of Nursing a notification of their degree completion. All applicants must pay an application fee and undergo a criminal background check.
A prospective LVN must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and NCLEX-LN exams to obtain their license.
After submitting their application materials, graduates will receive authorization to test. Regardless of which program they attended, a prospective LVN must pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence and NCLEX-LN exams to obtain their license.
LVN License Renewals
Texas LVNs renew their credentials every two years after completing the required continuing education, which include 20 contact hours. The renewal fee and application must be submitted a month before the license expiration date in order to avoid late fees.
How To Become a Registered Nurse In Texas
Candidates interested in becoming a registered nurse must graduate from an approved nursing program, which includes online RN programs in Texas. After graduation, the school should send an affidavit of graduation directly to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Applicants will also need to provide fingerprints for a criminal background check and pass both the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam and NCLEX-RN.
After completing a relevant program, aspiring RNs can then submit an application along with the application fee. Applicants will also need to provide fingerprints for a criminal background check and pass both the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam and NCLEX-RN.
RN License Renewals
Texas RNs must renew their license every two years to continue practicing, which involves completing 20 contact hours of nursing education in the RN's area of practice. In addition to completing these continuing education requirements, registered nurses must pay a renewal fee every two years.
How To Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse In Texas
APRN applicants need an RN license from Texas or a state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants must also finish a graduate-level APRN educational program — such as a master's in nursing (MSN) — that has been approved by the Texas BON. Finally, an applicant must be nationally certified in the role and population focus area that matches their program.
Aspiring APRNs must complete at least 400 hours in an advanced nursing practice role within two years of completing their education as well as a minimum of 20 contact hours.
After meeting these requirements, aspiring APRNs must complete at least 400 hours in an advanced nursing practice role within two years of completing their education as well as a minimum of 20 contact hours. Applicants may then submit an application along with the normal application fee. A larger application fee will be required for APRNs looking to receive prescriptive authority.
APRN License Renewals
Renewal for Texas APRNs happens every two years. Licensees must pay a renewal fee and maintain national certification in order to keep their APRN license active for the next renewal period.
A career in nursing can take many pathways. For more information about potential careers in this field, visit our guides on becoming a nurse anesthetist, travel nurse, pediatric nurse, or neonatal nurse.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Texas
Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online In Texas?
With many schools offering distance learning programs, Texas students can find a hybrid or online nursing degree that fits their needs. While both of these program options offer online courses, each requires that nursing students complete clinical hours in-person at a hospital or other relevant healthcare setting. Despite the required in-person hours, online programs may be ideal for individuals who work or have other commitments as they allow part-time and self-paced learning.
How Do I Know If A Program Is Accredited?
Several organizations accredit online nursing programs, including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, a national body that evaluates bachelor's degrees and graduate programs in the field.
What Is the Fastest Way to Become a Nurse In Texas?
Earning a state-approved associate degree in nursing (ADN) takes roughly two years, and it's the quickest educational path to becoming a CNA, LVN, or RN in Texas. Depending on an individual's chosen career path, they also need to pass the relevant National Council of State Boards of Nursing exam, gain clinical experience, and apply for state licensure. This entire process can take two to four years, and it should be noted that some employers may require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a master's degree in the field for positions in administration or nurse education.
How Many Nursing Schools Are in Texas?
Texas has an impressive number of online nursing schools. There are 56 in total which span across all areas of the state, including major cities — such as San Antonio, Houston, and Austin — as well as smaller locales like Odessa, Corpus Christi, and Abilene.
How Long Is a Nursing Program in Texas?
The length of a nursing program largely depends on the type of program a student is attending. A BSN usually takes four years. However, the program will be shortened if a student has previously completed an ADN. A CNA, on the other hand, can be finished in as little as 12 weeks.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the NCLEX in Texas?
According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the NCLEX exam costs $200, and it must be completed 30 days prior to graduation. Students can take a practice exam on the NCLEX website to prepare for the final test.
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