RN Programs in Texas 2026
Texas had 132 BON-approved prelicensure RN programs as of 2024, split between associate degree programs at community colleges and baccalaureate programs at universities. Both prepare graduates for the same NCLEX-RN exam and lead to the same Texas RN license. The Texas Board of Nursing sets approval standards for all of them.
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Choosing an RN program in Texas comes down to a few concrete decisions: degree level, admission process, and program costs. Texas is one of the largest nursing education markets in the country, with options ranging from low-cost ADN programs at community colleges to BSN programs at major research universities. This guide covers what to look for at each step.
Use the links below to jump to degree options, admission requirements, NCLEX pass rate data, and cost information.
- ADN vs. BSN: Choosing Your Degree Path
- Texas BON Approval and Accreditation
- Getting Into a Texas RN Program
- NCLEX Pass Rates: How to Use the Data
- Program Costs and Financial Aid
- What RNs Earn in Texas
ADN vs. BSN: Choosing Your Degree Path
Texas RN programs come in two main degree formats: the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both qualify graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for a Texas RN license. The differences show up in program length, cost, and where you’ll be positioned on the job market after graduation.
ADN programs are typically offered at community colleges and take about two years of nursing coursework to complete. Prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and related subjects are required before students enter the clinical nursing sequence, so the total time in school is often three years or more. BSN programs at four-year universities include those same prerequisites integrated into the degree plan, with additional coursework in public health, nursing research, and leadership.
| Factor | ADN Program | BSN Program |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing coursework | 16–28 months | 2 years (within a 4-year degree) |
| Typical school type | Community college | University |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN |
| Employment outlook | Some hospitals prefer BSN for new grads | Broader range of employment settings |
| Pathway to BSN | RN-to-BSN bridge programs available | Already holds a BSN |
If you’re already working as an LVN in Texas, a third option exists: LVN-to-RN bridge programs. These allow licensed vocational nurses to enter an ADN or BSN program with credit for prior clinical training, typically shortening the time to RN licensure. Several Texas community colleges and universities offer this track. See Texas LVN license requirements for details on the vocational nursing credential.
On the employment side, Texas hospital systems have increasingly moved toward BSN-preferred hiring for new graduates, particularly at larger facilities. That doesn’t close the door on ADN graduates, but it’s a factor worth weighing against program costs and time.
Texas BON Approval and Program Accreditation
Every prelicensure RN program in Texas must be approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. BON approval is what makes graduates eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Texas. It is not the same thing as national accreditation, and the distinction matters.
National accreditation comes from two bodies: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation by either organization is voluntary and signals that a program has met rigorous national quality standards. It’s worth checking for when applying to graduate programs, since many MSN and DNP programs require applicants to hold degrees from CCNE- or ACEN-accredited schools.
BON approval is the floor. National accreditation is above it. A program can hold BON approval without national accreditation. When researching programs, verify both: confirm the program is on the Texas BON’s approved schools list, and check whether it holds CCNE or ACEN accreditation if graduate school is part of your long-term plan.
The Texas BON maintains the current list of approved RN programs on its website at bon.texas.gov. Once you’ve identified programs, review the Texas RN licensing requirements to understand the full application process after graduation.
Getting Into a Texas RN Program
Texas nursing programs set their own admission requirements, and the process varies more than in many other states. The Texas BON does not standardize admission criteria, so students may encounter different prerequisite tests, GPA thresholds, and selection methods depending on the school.
Many programs use entrance exams during the selection process. Common exams include the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), the HESI A2, and the NLN PAX. Some programs use a points-based ranking system that factors in GPA, test scores, and prior healthcare experience. A small number add an essay or interview to the process.
Admission timelines are worth asking about early. Many Texas programs admit students once or twice per year and select from a ranked pool of eligible applicants. Applying in one cycle without being selected doesn’t bar you from reapplying in the next, but it does affect your timeline. Find out whether a program has a waitlist, when it accepts applications, and how many students it admits per cohort.
Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and English composition at a minimum. Most programs require a C or better in each course before students enter the nursing sequence, and some set the bar higher.
NCLEX Pass Rates: How to Use the Data
Texas RN programs are required to maintain a minimum NCLEX-RN first-attempt pass rate of 80%. The Texas BON publishes annual pass rate data by program at bon.texas.gov, covering five years of results. It’s one of the most useful data points available to prospective students.
The BON uses a four-tier escalating oversight system when a program falls below 80%. In the first year below the threshold, the program must submit a Self-Study Report identifying causes and corrective actions. A second consecutive year below 80% results in a status change to Full Approval with Warning, and BON staff conduct an in-person site visit. A third consecutive year triggers Conditional Approval, a probationary status under which the program cannot admit new students. A fourth consecutive year below 80% can result in the BON withdrawing approval entirely.
When reviewing pass rates, look at trends rather than a single year. A program with one weaker year that rebounded consistently is a different picture from a program with declining rates over several cycles. Larger programs with bigger cohorts tend to produce more stable data year over year.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
ADN programs at Texas community colleges vary by district residency. In-district tuition for the nursing portion of the program typically runs from $5,000 to $10,000 per year, with total program costs across community colleges ranging roughly from $7,000 to $15,000 for the full nursing sequence. BSN programs at Texas public universities run higher, generally between $7,000 and $15,000 per year in tuition and fees for in-state students. These are approximate ranges. Actual costs depend on the institution, residency classification, and program length.
Private university BSN programs can run significantly higher, though they often carry more institutional scholarship funding. Factor in the total cost of attendance as well, including books, uniforms, liability insurance, and licensing fees, regardless of program type.
Federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to eligible students at both community colleges and universities. Texas also runs state-level financial aid programs through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), which administers grants, including the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, for students at two-year public institutions. The THECB website lists current state aid programs and eligibility requirements.
What RNs Earn in Texas
BLS data shows Texas registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $95,970 as of May 2025. That figure is just below the national median of $97,550, with the gap narrower than in prior years as Texas wages have grown.
| Area | Median Annual Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $95,970 | $95,380 |
| National | $97,550 | $101,420 |
Texas is also projected to add significant nursing jobs over the next decade. Projections Central estimates 14.6% employment growth for registered nurses in Texas between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 16,900 job openings per year. The state’s large and growing population, combined with an aging demographic, drives sustained demand for bedside RNs as well as nurses in community health and outpatient settings. For more on employment settings and specialties, see RN career paths in Texas.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BSN to work as an RN in Texas?
No. Texas licenses RNs based on NCLEX-RN passage and program completion, not degree level. Both ADN and BSN graduates qualify for the same license. That said, some hospital systems in Texas, particularly larger health networks, prefer or require a BSN for new graduate positions, so the degree level can affect where you’re hired.
How do I find out if a Texas RN program is BON-approved?
The Texas Board of Nursing publishes a current list of approved professional nursing education programs on its website at bon.texas.gov. Any prelicensure RN program you apply to should be on that list. If it isn’t, graduates from that program won’t be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Texas.
What’s the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation?
Both are nationally recognized accrediting bodies for nursing programs. CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) primarily accredits baccalaureate and graduate programs. ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) accredits programs at all levels, including diploma and associate degree programs. Neither is required for initial RN licensure in Texas, but accreditation by either body is often required for admission to graduate nursing programs.
Can I complete an RN program online in Texas?
Some Texas nursing programs offer hybrid delivery, where didactic coursework is available online and clinical hours are completed in local healthcare facilities. Fully online prelicensure RN programs are uncommon, since Texas BON requirements include direct patient care hours that must be completed in person. If a program advertises full online delivery without clinical components, verify its BON approval status carefully.
What is an LVN-to-RN bridge program?
An LVN-to-RN bridge program allows Texas-licensed vocational nurses to enter an RN program with credit for their prior clinical training and licensure. This typically reduces the total time needed to earn an ADN or BSN compared to entering as a first-time student. Eligibility requirements vary by program, but most require a current, unencumbered Texas LVN license and a minimum period of clinical practice.
Key Takeaways
- Two degree paths, one license — Both ADN and BSN graduates qualify for the Texas RN license through the same NCLEX-RN exam. Degree choice affects cost, timeline, and some employment settings.
- BON approval is required — Every prelicensure RN program must be approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. National accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) is separate and matters most for graduate school admission.
- Admission standards vary by school — Texas has no statewide standardized admission process. Entrance exams, GPA thresholds, and cohort sizes differ across programs.
- LVN-to-RN bridge programs exist — Licensed vocational nurses can often enter RN programs with credit for prior training, shortening the path to licensure.
- Texas RN wages have grown — The median annual salary for Texas RNs was $95,970 as of May 2025, according to the BLS, with 16,900 average annual job openings projected through 2032.
Use the search below to find BON-approved RN programs in Texas, compare degree options, and review application requirements.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.