Phillip EdwinTexas offers a robust and growing range of accelerated nursing programs, designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition quickly into nursing. These programs compress the standard nursing curriculum into a fast-paced format, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or, in some cases, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 12 to 15 months.
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 9% job growth for registered nurses over the next decade, these accelerated pathways provide an efficient route to a stable and rewarding career.
Top 15 Nursing Schools In Texas With Accelerated Programs
1. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
Cizik School of Nursing offers a 15-month Pacesetter Accelerated BSN program that includes 900 hours of clinical experience beginning in the first semester. Students learn in world-renowned hospitals and institutions within the Texas Medical Center, and the program offers free tuition through the UTHealth Houston Future Nurses Fund for full-time BSN students earning less than $100,000 annually. The program admits students in fall, spring, and summer terms and is among the most affordable in Texas.
2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC’s School of Nursing was ranked the No. 1 Accelerated BSN program in Texas by RegisteredNursing.org. This 12-month hybrid program is designed for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree and combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences across multiple Texas locations, including Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Lubbock, Odessa, and San Antonio. Since its launch in 2005, the program has graduated over 1,000 nurses and emphasizes practice-ready skills .
3. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M offers a 15-month Second Degree BSN track at its Round Rock campus for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program utilizes traditional, face-to-face instruction along with simulation activities, clinical experiences, team teaching, and video conferencing of lectures. This program is part of the Texas A&M College of Nursing’s commitment to preparing students for professional nursing practice.
4. University of St. Thomas (Houston)
The Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing at the University of St. Thomas offers an Accelerated BSN program that can be completed in as few as 12 months. Designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the program requires a minimum of 60 transferable college credits or a prior bachelor’s degree, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and successful completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better. The program emphasizes caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
5. University of Houston
The University of Houston’s Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing offers a Second Degree BSN track at the Sugar Land campus. This 12-month intensive, full-time program is designed for individuals holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in other fields who want to become registered nurses. Admission to this fast track occurs every spring semester, and the program is designed to facilitate a career change for more mature and experienced students.
6. St. Edward’s University (Austin)
St. Edward’s University offers an Accelerated BSN program designed for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree. The 51-credit curriculum is designed to be completed in three semesters (13 months) of full-time study and does not require entrance exams such as the TEAS or HESI. Applications are accepted for fall semester admission, with a deadline of May 15, and the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
7. Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas offers an Accelerated BSN program in Austin and Dallas with a 16-month completion time. The program features a hybrid learning format combining online coursework with on-campus skills and simulation labs at high-fidelity facilities. Students benefit from a 97.18% NCLEX pass rate and three start dates annually, making it a flexible option for career changers.
8. Herzing University
Herzing University offers a Direct-Entry MSN program for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders in Texas. This program allows students to earn both a BSN and an MSN while preparing for RN licensure, providing a pathway to advanced nursing practice and leadership roles. The program combines foundational nursing education with graduate-level coursework in areas such as healthcare leadership, nursing research, healthcare policy, and population health.
9. University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington offers an accelerated online BSN program that can be completed in 15 months. The CCNE-accredited program features blended online and clinical learning with a total tuition of approximately $21,675. The program offers competitive admissions, high NCLEX pass rates, and diverse clinical settings for hands-on training.
10. Baylor University
Baylor University’s Distance Accelerated BSN program offers a 1-year completion time with a hybrid format combining online coursework and on-campus visits. The program requires 62 credit hours and features clinical placement support within a Christian worldview integration. Students benefit from two on-campus visits during the program and comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.
11. University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler offers an accelerated BSN program for second-degree students seeking to enter the nursing profession quickly. The program provides a rigorous curriculum with clinical experiences in East Texas healthcare settings. UT Tyler is known for its affordable tuition and supportive learning environment.
12. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University offers accelerated BSN options for career changers at multiple campuses. The program is designed to prepare students for RN licensure in a condensed timeframe, with a focus on holistic patient care. TWU’s nursing programs are highly regarded for their commitment to nursing education and student success.
13. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M offers accelerated nursing pathways for second-degree students seeking to enter the nursing profession. The program serves the Texas Panhandle region and emphasizes rural healthcare needs. WTAMU’s nursing programs provide accessible education for students in West Texas.
14. Texas State University
Texas State University offers accelerated BSN options through its St. David’s School of Nursing. The program is designed for second-degree students seeking a fast-paced pathway to RN licensure. Texas State’s nursing programs are known for their strong clinical training and high NCLEX pass rates.
15. Angelo State University
Angelo State University offers accelerated BSN programs for second-degree students seeking a career change into nursing. The program serves the West Texas region and emphasizes primary care and community health. Angelo State offers affordable tuition and a supportive learning environment for nursing students.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Type | Approx. Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston | Houston | ABSN | 15 months | Free tuition option, Texas Medical Center access |
| 2 | TTUHSC School of Nursing | Multiple locations | ABSN | 12 months | #1 ranked in TX, hybrid format |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | Round Rock | Second Degree BSN | 15 months | Face-to-face instruction, simulation activities |
| 4 | University of St. Thomas | Houston | ABSN | 12 months | Whole-person care focus, 3.0 GPA minimum |
| 5 | University of Houston | Sugar Land | Second Degree BSN | 12 months | Spring admission, career changer focused |
| 6 | St. Edward’s University | Austin | ABSN | 13 months | No entrance exam required, CCNE accredited |
| 7 | Concordia University Texas | Austin, Dallas | ABSN | 16 months | Hybrid format, 97.18% NCLEX pass rate |
| 8 | Herzing University | Online/Texas | Direct-Entry MSN | Varies | Earn both BSN and MSN, leadership focus |
| 9 | UT Arlington | Arlington | ABSN | 15 months | $21,675 total tuition, high NCLEX pass rates |
| 10 | Baylor University | Waco | Distance ABSN | 12 months | Christian worldview, clinical placement support |
| 11 | UT Tyler | Tyler | ABSN | Varies | Affordable tuition, East Texas focus |
| 12 | Texas Woman’s University | Multiple | ABSN | Varies | Multiple campuses, holistic care focus |
| 13 | West Texas A&M University | Canyon | ABSN | Varies | Panhandle region, rural healthcare focus |
| 14 | Texas State University | San Marcos | ABSN | Varies | Strong clinical training, high NCLEX pass rates |
| 15 | Angelo State University | San Angelo | ABSN | Varies | Affordable tuition, West Texas focus |
Success Tips for Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program
Start by assessing the program length and structure; accelerated BSN programs typically range from 12 to 15 months, while direct-entry MSN programs may take up to three years.
Consider whether you prefer a fully in-person program or a hybrid model combining online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences.
Research each program’s prerequisite requirements, as most require a prior bachelor’s degree and completion of specific science courses with a minimum GPA.
Check if the program offers financial aid options; Cizik School of Nursing offers free tuition for qualifying students earning less than $100,000 annually.
Finally, evaluate clinical training opportunities, as programs with strong hospital partnerships provide valuable hands-on experience.
Closing
Texas offers a variety of high-quality accelerated nursing programs, from the top-ranked TTUHSC ABSN to the fast-paced 12-month options at the University of St. Thomas and the University of Houston. These programs provide an efficient pathway for career changers to enter the nursing profession, with strong clinical training, flexible formats, and financial aid opportunities. Whether you choose an ABSN or a direct-entry MSN, Texas nursing schools prepare graduates for success on the NCLEX-RN and in the workforce. Note that all information, including program details and deadlines, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.