Getting your degree from one of the best nursing schools in Houston is a game-changer in your continuous efforts to kick-start a nursing career. By securing quality education and training from an institution that focuses on merit, values, and community, you’re equipping yourself with indispensable knowledge and skills in the field of nursing.
It’s also welcome news for aspiring nurses in Houston that the demand for nursing jobs in this particular city continues to rise. Hence, pursuing a nursing career in Houston may be the right direction if you’re an advocate for better healthcare.
Employment for registered nurses (RNs) in Texas is already high, but it’s also projected to increase by 17% from 2020 to 2030, growing from 220,980 to 258,720 positions.This means the projected job openings in Houston will also be promising. If being a nurse has always been a lifelong dream or a career path you’re keen on taking, Houston, Texas is one of the best cities to do it.
Below are some of the best nursing schools in Houston to consider:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has one of Houston’s highest NCLEX pass rates. It’s definitely the nursing school you should look into if you want to be fully prepared in entering the profession.
For those interested in taking the school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, there are two pathways offered: Pacesetter BSN, a 15-month accelerated program, and RN to BSN, the hybrid pathway for registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Depending on your career plans and aspirations, the university also offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), and Post-Graduate programs.
Apart from the school’s complete programs, the university is widely favored for its incredibly affordable tuition fee. Its BSN program, for example, approximately costs $291 per credit for residents. To get a clearer idea of the tuition and fees by program, you can click this link. Academic and need-based scholarship opportunities are also being offered.
Chamberlain University – Houston
Chamberlain University – Houston has an impressive on-site Simcare Center. This facility allows students to gain clinical skills under the supervision of highly experienced and trained educators and nurses.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program lasts three years, allowing students to begin their nursing careers faster than others. It consists of 56 credit hours in general education and 66 credit hours in the nursing major, a total of 122 hours.
It’s easier to get into the school as well, with no prerequisites required to begin your nursing journey and no wait lists. For flexibility, students can choose between a traditional or an evening/weekend program. Students can also complete the course either through the standard hybrid option (onsite and online) or full online learning.
Plus, you can easily transfer your credits from your previous college to save time and money. Speaking of saving, the university is also waiving the $95 application fee for those keen on taking the BSN Hybrid or Online Program.
The school has relatively low tuition fees and there are financial aids available to make them even more affordable for you. To know more about that, you can check out the details here.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from the school:
University of St. Thomas – Texas
The University of St. Thomas – Texas offers a variety of programs to help you advance your career in nursing. Currently, the programs offered are: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Minor in Health Services, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Post-Graduate Certificate for PMHNP, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll find a program that will cater to your needs.
The BSN program is a four-year course, its strength coming from the school’s solid curriculum consisting of specific pre-nursing and major nursing courses. If you’re a freshman, there are eligibility requirements. You’ll also need to submit HESI A2 or TEAS scores and an essay on why you’re choosing a career in nursing.
For transfer students, some of the requirements are a 3.0 overall college GPA, based on a 4.0 scale, 3.0 science GPA, HESI A2 scores of 80% or above, and a personal statement about your passion for nursing.
Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University has programs that will cost more than similar courses offered by other nursing schools in this list. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that the university’s nursing programs, which are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, provide a certain quality of education that meets the highest standards.
Moreover, the low student-to-teacher ratio is commendable as it allows its faculty to provide utmost focus on their students. It also helps to know that the school offers financial aid to offset the costs of its programs. Apart from that, its NCLEX pass rate is quite impressive as well.
The university’s department of nursing, the Linda Dunham School of Nursing, has the following programs available: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). There’s also the Online RN to MSN Program designed for ADN nurses whose goal is to get both their BSN and MSN degrees, allowing them to advance their careers fast. Full-time workers enrolled in this program can complete 60 credit hours online.
For freshmen students interested in the school’s BSN degree program, you will need to pass the general undergraduate admission process, have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, attend the Nursing Information Session, and pass the HESI entrance exam. To view the complete list of requirements of the school program, you can click here.
Texas Woman’s University Houston Center
Texas Woman’s University Houston Center is a great option for its facilities. It has a “campus in one building” setting that gives students access to its simulation centers, labs, lecture halls, and more.
The school is also a good option if you’re looking for affordable programs that offer flexibility. For instance, its RN-BS program can be completely taken online. This gives you the opportunity to continue working full time as you advance your nursing career.
The requirements for the online program will depend on your previous education, which you can know more about here.
For the traditional BSN program, undergraduate students interested in getting admission are required to fill up the university’s application form, pay the application fee, official transcripts from previous schools, and standardized test scores. Find out more about the complete list of requirements here.
University of Houston
University of Houston’s Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing has an extensive nursing educational options, consisting of programs to match your nursing plans and goals. First is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which offers the following options: Traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN, and RN to BSN.
If you’re seeking admission to take one of the school’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, your options are MSN Administration, MSN Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, Post Master’s Certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. The DNP program offers two tracks: Post Master’s DNP Administration Track and Post Master’s FNP DNP Track.
With a comprehensive nursing education program, the university is ideal for a lot of students in different stages of their nursing careers. With an all-encompassing curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities, every student will get the education they need and deserve at UH’s College of Nursing.
For aspiring nurses who need more information on the university’s traditional BSN requirements, you can find them here.
Prairie View A&M University
One of the oldest nursing schools in Houston (established in 1918), Prairie View A&M University’s College of Nursing is respected in the field for its combination of quality education and reputable experience.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has the following requirements: 3.0 Cumulative GPA and Support Area GPA on a 4.0 scale, license to practice as a LVN in Texas, Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement, and $40 application fee, just to name a few. You can find the complete list of requirements for the school’s BSN program here.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, on the other hand, offers three specialty track options—Nurse Administration, Nurse Education, and Nurse Practitioner. An RN-BSN Program is also available and is offered online.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College is known for its affordable Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs and HCC LVN graduates are given priority admission into the LVN-to-ADN transition program. To get started, you just need to submit an online application. The school’s Vocational Nursing Program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). Find out more about HCC’s LVN program here.
Conclusion
The first step to beginning a nursing career is getting a degree from a reputable institution. If you’re from Houston or starting anew in the city, it has plenty of universities and colleges with commendable nursing programs. When choosing the right school for you, consider your location, budget, educational preferences and expectations, schedule, and the career trajectory you’re looking to have.
