[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right nursing school in Texas can feel overwhelming, especially with so many programs, degrees, and admission paths available. Let’s break down what aspiring nurses need to know to make informed decisions about their career path.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]From [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate programs[/hen-ui-link] to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] and beyond, we’ll explain how to choose a program, why accreditation is crucial, and the steps to becoming a nurse in Texas. You’ll also learn about nursing salary and career outlooks for the state, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on this subject.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your career, read this guide to help you find the right fit, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate Texas nursing schools with clarity and confidence.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking was last updated prior to 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing a nursing program in Texas starts with understanding program structure and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/online-nursing-programs-overview/”]curriculum design[/hen-ui-link]. Prospective [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] must complete an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), which typically take two and four years to complete, respectively. Licensed RNs may pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctoral program[/hen-ui-link] to become an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/np-vs-aprn/”]advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each of these degrees has different timeframes and clinical and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/common-courses-you-will-take-for-your-rn-degree/”]coursework requirements[/hen-ui-link]. Courses typically include anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and hands-on clinical training. Some programs offer flexible formats, while others follow a fast-paced, full-time schedule. It’s important to consider how the curriculum aligns with your career goals and schedule.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To assess program quality, you should review [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link] pass rates, which are available on school websites or through the Texas Board of Nursing. Accreditation status, faculty experience, and available clinical partnerships are also key factors to compare. Choosing the right program can shape your career path and readiness for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a nurse in Texas, you must complete an approved education program, meet background check requirements, and pass exams that include a state-specific jurisprudence test.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for RN licensure, candidates must graduate from an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and submit an application to the Texas Board of Nursing. Additional steps include completing an FBI fingerprint-based background check and passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_nursing_jurisprudence.asp.html” target=”_blank”]Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam[/hen-ui-link], which tests knowledge of state laws and professional responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of out-of-state programs located in NLC states can apply for Texas licensure by endorsement. This process requires submission of an online application, successful completion of the jurisprudence exam, and payment of applicable fees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must hold at least an MSN degree, with [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna//”]nurse anesthetists[/hen-ui-link] required to earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/np-vs-aprn/”]APRN applicants[/hen-ui-link] must graduate from an accredited program, pass national board certification exams, complete a background check, and take the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Texas Board of Nursing website provides detailed APRN licensure guidelines, including scope of practice, prescriptive authority, and continuing education requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Program Accreditation Important for Nursing Programs in Texas?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing program accreditation[/hen-ui-link] ensures that nursing programs in Texas meet established standards for academic quality, clinical training, and faculty qualifications. Programs are typically accredited by national agencies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited programs are essential for licensure eligibility, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]federal financial aid[/hen-ui-link], and credit transfer. All nursing programs listed in this ranking are accredited, offering students confidence in the education they receive and ensuring they meet Texas Board of Nursing requirements for professional practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Nursing Schools and Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the number one nursing school in Texas?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The University of Texas at Austin holds the top spot in NurseJournal’s program rankings.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse in Texas?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse in Texas usually takes between 2 to 4 years. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) usually takes two years to complete, while a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes approximately 4 years. You can complete an accelerated BSN program with a bachelor’s degree in another field within 16 to 18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the easiest nursing schools to get into in Texas?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several nursing programs in Texas have higher acceptance rates, making them more accessible to prospective students. These programs typically require prerequisite courses like anatomy, microbiology, and chemistry. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/the-university-of-texas-el-paso-3661/applying” target=”_blank”]University of Texas at El Paso[/hen-ui-link] boasts a 100% acceptance rate for its nursing program, with graduates achieving NCLEX-RN pass rates above the national average[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many questions is the Texas jurisprudence nursing program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE) is a mandatory online assessment for nurses who are applying for their initial license or license by endorsement in the state. It is 50 multiple-choice questions, which you must answer at least 75% correctly to pass. The test evaluates your understanding of the legal and ethical standards governing nursing practice within the state.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]