Students who are passionate about nursing deserve to learn from the best in an environment that fosters achievement, excellence, and collaboration. For this reason, we’ll be looking at the best nursing schools in Houston, Texas.
Choosing the right nursing school in Houston, TX, might not be an easy task. This is because, choosing a standard nursing school that satisfies a whole lot of qualities like accreditation, high NCLEX pass rates, a reasonable teacher-to-student ratio, a high acceptance rate, and other vital features demands intense research.
To make it easier, The World Scholarship Forum has compiled a list of the top nursing schools in Houston that meets the aforementioned qualities. Stay with me!
With over 60,000 nursing professionals in Houston and more than 80 hospitals in Harris County, nurses in Houston can work in this fast-paced environment and earn a quality education in the field.
Before we go on to list the best nursing schools in Houston Texas, it’s important you know the reasons why you should study nursing in Houston, right? Carefully read through.
See the table of contents below for a cursory look at this article.
Table of contents
- Why Should I Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
- What Are The Requirements To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
- How Long Does It Take To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
- How Much Does It Cost To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
- How Much Do Nurses In Houston Texas Earn? Salary and Job Outlook
- What Are The Available Nursing Programs Offered In Houston Texas?
- Are There Nursing Schools In Houston Texas?
- Best Nursing Schools In Houston Texas
- #10 Texas Woman’s University Houston Center
- #9 San Jacinto College
- #8 Houston Community College
- #7 The University of Houston – Clear Lake
- #6 Lone Star College Montgomery
- #5 Lee College
- #4 The University of Texas Health Science Center
- #3 Houston Baptist University
- #2 The University of St. Thomas Houston
- #1 The University of Houston
- Are There Online Nursing Programs In Houston Texas?
- Conclusion
- FAQs On Best Nursing Schools In Houston Texas | Requirements, Cost
- References
- We Also Recommend
Why Should I Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
With over 60,000 nursing professionals in Houston and more than 80 hospitals in Harris County, nurses in Houston can work in this fast-paced environment and earn a quality education in the field.
Due to the high demand for nurses in Houston Texas, excellent qualification is the watchword. Therefore, standards for nursing schools have taken a leap, thus, including an eight-hour day for students, three-year courses in all schools of nursing, raised entrance requirements, uniform curriculum, and better preparation for teaching and supervision.
Furthermore, Nursing Schools in Houston, Texas offer excellent and flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs through RN to BSN, Second Degree BSN, and MSN degree programs.
These programs offer students a committed approach to learning, supporting lifelong learning, advancing excellence in regional and global healthcare.
Students pursuing nursing certification, a doctorate degree, or any degree in between, can find nursing schools in Houston that satisfy their needs in our list of best Nursing schools in Houston Texas.
What Are The Requirements To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
Caring for others for a living is a career choice that demands dedication, skill, and knowledge. To study Nursing in Houston, there are certain requirements and steps to be taken. See the details below…
- Complete an online application through NursingCAS.
- Applicants must submit official transcript(s) at least one month before the submission deadline from EACH college or university attended. You can send it directly from each institution to NursingCAS. The mailing address is NursingCAS P.O. Box 9201 Watertown, MA 02471.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5, and 2.5 or above GPA in natural, physical, and behavioral sciences is required.
How Long Does It Take To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
The number of years you can study Nursing in Houston, Texas differs according to the nature of the program.
To be a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you have to complete a one-year diploma or certificate program. Similarly, to be an RN (Registered Nurse), you need to complete a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN).
How Much Does It Cost To Study Nursing In Houston Texas?
The cost of Nursing programs seems not to be the same amongst institutions due to varying schools and programs and many other factors.
However, striving nursing professionals can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 for a public school certificate program to $30,000 per semester for a private school.
Additionally, housing costs should also be put into consideration. Students living on campus can expect to pay more than those shuttling from home.
Other expenses include $200 to $1,000 per semester for books and supplies; $2,500 to $10,000 per year for required health insurance and other living expenses; and $186 for nursing exams and licenses in the state of Texas.
How Much Do Nurses In Houston Texas Earn? Salary and Job Outlook
Of all the exciting professions to pursue in Texas, the nursing career is one of the best and most lucrative. The average annual registered nurse salary in Texas is $72,890.
The job outlook is also amazing in Houston, Tx, with anticipated growth of 14.48% over the next five years.
According to indeed.com, the average salary for a registered nurse is $$35.03 per hour in Texas and $13,250 additional compensation overtime per year.
What Are The Available Nursing Programs Offered In Houston Texas?
The nursing program is diverse such that intending students can choose from a variety of Undergraduate degree and graduate degree programs based on their qualifications and intent.
Undergraduate degree
In an undergraduate study, Nurses can take advantage of LVN to RN, ADN, and BSN programs in Houston, Texas to move forward in their careers.
We’ll be taking the programs one after the other to give you a clear insight into the programs.
LVN to RN Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurses spend a lot of time caring for patients’ bedsides. LVNs who want to have a greater influence on patient care can become Registered Nurses. Accelerated LVN to RN bridge programs, such as the one at Lone Star College in Houston, TX, allow vocational nurses to seek their Associate Degree in Nursing in three semesters. Because of the intensive, full-time design of the program, most students can only work part-time while undergoing the program. The LVN to RN option equips students for the NCLEX exam.
ADN Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies nurses to provide direct care to patients. The ADN program can be completed in two years or less for students with limited transfer credits. Most colleges have clinical affiliations with community healthcare facilities as well as the prestigious Texas Medical Center in Houston.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Securing a nursing career with a BSN increases your warning quotient from the start. A bachelor’s degree of science in nursing (BSN) program provides theoretical and clinical instruction, so students graduate ready to enter the workforce.
It is a four-year program for students who seek to become registered nurses or those who already are registered nurses and have an associate’s degree in nursing.
Many RNs will enroll in BSN programs to advance their education in the nursing field from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Programs
Graduate program in nursing comprises of Master’s of Science in Nursing and Doctoral degree.
Master’s of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers nurses a chance to pursue direct or indirect patient care. There are a whole lot of specializations to choose from. Generally, the program aims to improve the quality of patient care, develop innovations and apply them to healthcare practices, use education to lead other nurses, and improve the overall health of patients and communities.
You can choose any of the following programs in a master’s degree; Nursing Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Health Systems Management, a Post M.S Certificate Program.
Doctoral Degree
A full-time BSN to DNP program typically takes three to four years to complete. Students pursuing the program on a part-time basis may be able to earn their doctorate in four years, but often have up to six or seven years to complete their studies.
The doctoral programs—DNP and PhD—prepare clinical and research leaders individually to promote the practice of nursing and enhance health locally and globally.
The DNP and PhD program offered in various nursing schools in Houston, Texas has a whole lot of specializations students can choose from.
Are There Nursing Schools In Houston Texas?
There are a whole lot of nursing schools in Houston, Texas, but for the sake of this article, we’ll be listing only the top 10 nursing schools in Houston, TX.
Stay with me!
Best Nursing Schools In Houston Texas
To become a nurse in Houston, you have to earn a degree and obtain a license to practice. This can only be achieved through getting the prerequisite education in an accredited nursing school in Texas.
So, whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, our list of best nursing schools is here to satisfy your academic desires.
These schools were selected based on the following ranking criteria;
Accreditation – The accreditation status of a program shows that the school is fit to offer such a program and can admit and graduate qualified students. The schools offering a nursing degree in our list are all accredited.
Reputation – The schools on our list are ranking across top educational websites.
#10 Texas Woman’s University Houston Center
TWU offers undergraduate and graduates nursing programs in three formats: face-to-face, online, or a hybrid of both. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, and a Doctor of a Nursing Practice degree program at Texas Woman’s University.
The university teaches students the best care for patients by pushing beyond the classroom. The faculty and students regularly engage in research to enhance evidence-based care in a variety of settings.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
#9 San Jacinto College
The university offers the following programs; generic ADN program, RN-BSN program, LVN/Paramedic – ADN Transition program, Vocational Nursing program.
At San Jacinto College Nursing school, the mission is to ensure Nursing students succeed and achieve their goals.
The San Jacinto Community College District holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#8 Houston Community College
HCC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing Program. Students in the Associate Degree Nursing Program are taught the knowledge and skills needed to work with patients and their families in a variety of health-care settings.
The faculty equips the Associate Degree nursing student in the practice of nursing using a general education curriculum with experiences planned in diverse health care settings. Furthermore, the nursing program aims to build on each student’s prior experience.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON).
#7 The University of Houston – Clear Lake
The Nursing program offers an RN-BSN degree. This program is a degree completion program for nurses who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing or a diploma in Nursing from an accredited institution.
Therefore, if you have a desire to advance as a nurse leader and/or manager, the RN-BSN program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is the program for you.
The nursing program curriculum focuses on subjects on; research related to evidence-based practice, patient safety, legal issues, ethical standards, technology integration, health care systems, and policies.
The RN-BSN program offers courses in three distinct tracks. So, If you desire to return to school full-time, three quarters, or half-time UCHL has a program for you.
The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
#6 Lone Star College Montgomery
LSC-Montgomery offers training to become a Vocational Nurse (LVN), and two options to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The Nursing Programs of LSC seeks to provide a quality education that prepares competent, caring, ethical nurses to function as members of the health care team in the dynamic health care environment.
The coursework from LSCM, among the best nursing schools in Houston TX, included an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with an integrated curriculum, a bridge program from LVN to ADN plus a Licensed Vocation Nursing program.
All nursing programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston have received accreditation from ACEN. Previous NCLEX -RN examination results in passing rates that exceed 98%.
Lone Star College System’s Nursing Programs are approved and regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing.
#5 Lee College
Lee College Nursing Division is dedicated to lifelong learning and encourage students to continue their education.
The purpose of the Associate Degree Nursing Program in Lee college is to prepare students with the necessary knowledge needed to practice as a registered nurse upon successful writing of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
Lee College Nursing Division has joint agreements for RN-BSN programs with Lamar University, Texas Tech University, and Chamberlain University.
Once the Associate Degree Nursing graduate passes the NCLEX-RN exam, they are eligible to move to a BSN program.
The program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
#4 The University of Texas Health Science Center
The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center is another popular nursing school in Houston.
It offers a wide variety of programs designed to provide each aspiring nurse with the precise education he or she needs to achieve his or her career goals.
Each of these programs combines a core curriculum with nursing-specific courses and practicums held in some of the region’s most prestigious medical facilities.
When you complete one of these programs, you can feel confident that you are prepared to think, act, and make critical nursing decisions in any setting.
With a nursing degree from Cizik School of Nursing, you will have the best nursing educations and learning experiences anywhere. According to, U.S. News & World Report, the Cizik School of Nursing is one of the highest-ranked in the state.
The School of Nursing curriculum is flexible and offers opportunities for both web-based and on-campus learning experiences.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at the Cizik School of Nursing are approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
#3 Houston Baptist University
The School of Nursing and Allied Health offers a knowledge-intensive nursing curriculum that includes academic and clinical performance requirements.
The BSN degree prepares students as generalists, capable of working in various settings. In addition, students are prepared for graduate studies in nursing.
Houston Baptist University offers opportunities for students to be selected for work-study programs. Approximately 10 students per school are hired by the hospital, and they work about 24 hours per month. Students are paid for their work, and, in addition, receive scholarship support from the institution.
This program is approved by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
#2 The University of St. Thomas Houston
The University of St Thomas – Houston’s Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing offers several nursing programs as one of the best nursing schools in Houston TX.
Students can opt for a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, a graduate degree in nursing (MSN), plus a DNP – a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
The University offers on-campus and online learning options.
The nursing degree programs offered by one of the best nursing schools in Houston holds accreditation from CCNE – the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
#1 The University of Houston
On top of our list of best nursing schools in Houston, Texas is the University of Houston College. The nursing school is dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing.
They offer excellent and flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs for those who seek to advance their nursing career. Students who already have a university degree can become an after undergoing a Second Degree program in UH.
UH, College of Nursing boasts a 100% NCLEX – RN and FNP pass rate for several of the past years. placing the program in the top 5 percent in the nation. More so, the RSN-BN graduates boast of an 87% employment rate.
UH has received full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and an Academic progression school in Texas.
Are There Online Nursing Programs In Houston Texas?
Online nursing schools in Houston offer advantages to anyone who needs schedule flexibility. With the availability of online study options, students who work full time or care for children often prefer distance learning because they can study at their own pearl.
Most of the online RN programs in Texas offer accelerated options, allowing students to graduate more quickly than the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree track. However, online learners who enroll part-time generally take an extra year (or longer) to complete their degrees.
Here’s a list of school’s that offer distance learning RN programs in Houston…
- Houston Baptist University
- Houston Community College
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- The University of St. Thomas
Conclusion
The choice to venture into the healthcare world with a focus on nursing as a profession is a nice one that needs to be backed with the best of education.
Therefore, our list of the best nursing schools in Houston, Texas is here to help you make a choice of nursing school in Houston. Remember, the level of awareness and academic exposure you get reflects in your individual and professional life. Good luck!
FAQs On Best Nursing Schools In Houston Texas | Requirements, Cost
To be a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you have to complete a one-year diploma or certificate program. Similarly, to be an RN (Registered Nurse), you need to complete a two-year associate’s degree (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree (BSN).
The average annual registered nurse salary in Texas is $72,890.
Yes, some schools offer online nursing programs in Houston. Most of the online RN programs in Texas offer accelerated options, allowing students to graduate more quickly than the traditional four-year bachelor’s degree track.
References
- https://www.toprntobsn.com/
- https://www.registerednursing.org/schools/
- https://www.nursing.org/online-programs/
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