Abilene Christian University Nursing School Review
Abilene Christian University (ACU) was founded in 1906 as The Childers Classical Institute, with the financial help of the congregation of the Church of Christ in Abilene. The name was changed to Abilene Christian College in 1920, and then to ACU in 1976.
ACU currently enrolls about 4700 students each year. Students may choose from 67 undergraduate degrees, 25 master’s degrees, and one doctoral program. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16 to 1. The city of Abilene has a population of 115,000 and is an All-America City.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for entry-level nurses. Students will, upon graduation, be allowed to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Students will complete at least 131 credit hours for this degree program and will be required to pass an exit exam.
Students will enter Abilene Christian University and spend the first two years in the Pre-Nursing program. During this time, they need to complete the core nursing prerequisite courses, earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, get two faculty recommendations, successfully complete the nursing entrance exam, supply proof of their CPR certification, and be in good physical health to be considered for the nursing program.
Students must complete the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Pathophysiology with a grade of at least a B before they may begin the nursing program. They are also required to take Intro to Nursing, or they may earn a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certificate instead to qualify.
Once in the program, all upper-level nursing courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, or the student will not be allowed to stay in the program. They must also have health insurance and professional liability insurance, and maintain their CPR certification.
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN program at ACU is designed to train students to become advanced practice nurses and assume leadership roles in the profession.
To be eligible to apply, students must have an RN license, at least one year of nursing experience, letters of recommendation, Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification, up-to-date immunizations, and have an interview with the program director. Students will also need to supply their transcripts and GRE scores.
This is a 38 credit hour program, with a functional major in administration and education. Students also have the option of taking the 44 credit Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students are required to finish their degree program within six years of starting it.
ACU also offers students a Post-Master Advanced Practice Nurse Certification. Applicants must have an MSN degree and will meet with the program director and the dean of the School of Nursing to determine their course of study.
Body and Soul Program
This is a program at ACU designed to help students enter health-related professional schools. Nursing students may participate in a variety of programs, including shadowing RNs in hospitals and private practice, visits to Nurse Practitioner and DNP programs, medical mission trips, and career advising.
Pursuit Program
Nursing students may assist nursing faculty by serving as research assistants, or perform faculty-guided research under the Pursuit Program. Pursuit gives students the opportunity for hands-on experience in research and creative expression.
Contact:
Abilene Christian University
1600 Campus Court,
Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: (325) 674-2000
Alvin Community College Nursing Program Review
Alvin Community College (ACC) was founded in 1948 as part of the Alvin Independent School District. It moved to its current location in 1963 and became a standalone community college in 1972. In 1998, the Pearland College Center was added as a remote campus.
ACC enrolls over 4000 students each semester and offers classes in the local high schools of Alvin, Manvel, Pearland, and Dawson, in addition to the two campus locations.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
This program provides the educational foundation for students wishing to enter the field of nursing. Students that successfully complete the program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Alvin Community College graduates consistently have a pass rate on the NCLEX that is higher than both the state and national averages.
The ADN program is designed to be completed in two years, after finishing prerequisite classes. The prerequisites for the program are Composition I, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Students may also take other general education courses in the program prior to actually entering the program. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 70 credit hours. Students are admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters. All students applying to the program must submit their ACT or SAT scores.
Students will perform their clinical rotations at local hospitals, and at the world renowned Texas Medical Center in Houston.
The ADN program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
LVN to ADN Transition Program
This program is designed to allow a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to continue their education, earn their ADN degree, take the NCLEX, and become a Registered Nurse (RN). This is a one year program (three semesters, including summer) that admits new students in May of each year.
To be eligible for the program, students must have taken Composition I, General Psychology, Life Span Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology.
Applicants must have a current LVN license or be scheduled to graduate from an LVN program. If they graduated over a year prior, they must have recent LVN work experience. Once accepted into the program, students will take two Concepts of Nursing Practice for Articulating Students courses. After completing these courses, students will receive 14 credit hours for prior nursing coursework.
LVN Program
Students interested in becoming an LVN may apply to this program. This course of study takes one year (three semesters, including summer) to complete and starts in June of each year. This is an intense, 44 credit hour program that will teach students the basic nursing skills required for an entry level nurse.
Graduates will receive a Vocational Nursing Certificate and are allowed to sit for the state licensing exam for LVNs.
Nurse Refresher Continuing Education
This program complies with the Texas Board of Nursing curriculum requirements for nurses who have been out of the workforce and wish to re-enter the profession. Nurses that have been out of clinical practice for over four years and have allowed their license to expire must take a refresher course to return to work as a nurse.
This program consists of six weeks of online theory class work, 80 hours of patient care under direct RN/LVN supervision at area hospitals or clinical locations, and an on-campus skills lab, which is held at the Alvin Community College main campus.
To apply, students must have a background check, be current on their vaccinations, and be in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs work closely with nurses and provide hands-on patient care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health care situations. They are an important part of any health care team.
The CNA program is divided into three sections: Nurse Aide for Health Care-Lecture, Nurse Aide for Health Care-Clinical, and Nurse Aide for Health Care-Skills Lab. These courses are taken concurrently during one semester.
To be able to apply to the program, students must be at least 16 years old, CPR certified, and able to read and write in English. They will need to apply to the program, submit to a background investigation, and test negative for TB.
Graduates of the program may take the standardized exam of skills and knowledge. When they pass the exam, they will be put on the Texas Registry as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Contact:
Alvin Community College
3110 Mustang Road,
Alvin, TX 77511
Amarillo College Nursing Program Review
Amarillo College (AC) is a public community college that was founded in 1929 to serve the West Texas area. The school has six campuses and an outreach center, to cover a three county area. AC enrolls nearly 12,000 academic students and almost 28,000 continuing education students each semester.
Nursing Programs
Pre-Nursing Associate of Science (AS)
AC offers an AS degree in Pre-Nursing. This degree program is designed to parallel the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program at a four year school. This allows the student to transfer seamlessly into a four year program.
In the Pre-Nursing curriculum at AC, students will take 42 hours of general education courses and 17 hours of major course requirements. They will also receive advisement as to what electives to take, based on what school they plan on transferring to.
Traditional Generic ADN Program (Associate Degree Nursing -ADN)
This program is designed to teach students the basics of the nursing profession, so that they may enter the workforce after graduation. This program takes five semesters or 28 months to complete. After graduation, students will be eligible to take the state’s Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Graduates of this ADN program will be conferred a Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing.
Admission to the ADN program is based on a point system, and is limited to the number of spaces available in the program each fall and spring semester. Applicants are ranked based on their GPA in the general education courses they’ve taken, their score on the HESI Admission Assessment exam, how many general education courses they’ve completed with a grade of C or higher, and whether or not they are a resident of one of the 26 Texas panhandle counties.
The general education courses for this degree program are Speech, Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Contemporary Mathematics, General Psychology, and Principles of Nutrition.
Fast Forward ADN
This program allows students to take an accelerated path through the ADN program. Students that enroll in this course of study will graduate 18 months after admission into the program. This program begins once a year during the second summer session.
To apply, students must have completed the general education courses for the ADN program (except Speech and Humanities), take the HESI exam, have a GPA of 3.0 or better, and be a resident of one of the Texas panhandle counties.
Fast Forward Transition (LVN to RN Program)
This program is an advanced placement option for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who wish to earn their AAS degree and become RNs. It takes approximately 12 months to complete the program, which begins once a year during the first summer session.
Students must have an active LVN license and LVN work experience in the past four years, or have been enrolled in an LVN program during that time. They must complete the same general education courses required for the Fast Forward program, and take the HESI exam.
Vocational Nursing Program
The Vocational Nursing Certificate is a one year program to prepare a student to become aLicensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Students will take a total of 44 credit hours to complete this program. Graduates will be eilligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) so as to become licensed vocational nurses.
To be eligible to apply to the program, students must be high school graduates or equivalent, and take the prerequisites of Anatomy and Physiology I and Principles of Nutrition.
Nursing Continuing Education
AC has a Center for Continuing Healthcare Education that offers Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) courses. Nurses must take 20 hours of CNE courses every two years to maintain their licenses.
The Center also offers a program in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for interested students. This entry level program can be finished in 12 weeks or less. Students will need to show proof of current immunizations, and complete a criminal background check to be able to enroll. The CNA classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends.
Contact:
Amarillo College
1314 S Polk Street,
Amarillo, TX 79101
Angelo State University Nursing School Review
Angelo State University (ASU) is a part of the Texas Tech University system and was founded in 1928. It is located in San Angelo, a West Texas community with a population of 100,000.
ASU enrolls just over 7000 students each semester. The University offers over 100 majors, with 67 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With a student to faculty ratio of just 19 to 1, ASU is a public school with a private school feel.
Nursing Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN)
This Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is for students who want to earn an AASN degree and take the state licensing exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The program requires a minimum of 67 credit hours to complete.
To be eligible to apply, students must take the TEAS V nursing entrance exam, complete a background check and drug screening, have a minimum 2.5 GPA and have earned at least a C in all math and science courses, and submit their ACT or SAT scores.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Transition Programs
This program is for LVNs who are seeking an AASN degree and want to become RNs. Students have two options of study.
The first option is to take the traditional program, which has a combination of classroom and online courses. Students will take the Transitions course, and then take the remainder of the AASN program courses.
The second option is the LVN-RN Hospital Affiliate Program. This accelerated program focuses on mental health, pediatric, and maternal-child nursing through clinical experience, online courses, and printed study materials. It also includes a capstone clinical experience.
To be eligible to apply, students must have a current LVN license and take the TEAS V exam. Students applying to the Hospital Affiliate Program must be practicing in an acute care situation.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program trains beginning nurses in the basics of patient care. Graduates of this program will receive a BSN degree and be eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
Students take general education courses during their first two years of study at ASU, and are admitted into the nursing program their junior year. To be eligible to apply, students must take the TEAS V nursing entrance exam, complete a background check and drug screening, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have earned at least a C in all math and science courses, and submit their ACT or SAT scores.
This program has been approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
RN to BSN Program
This program is for students that have completed the AASN program at ASU or another accredited program and now want to earn their BSN degree. Students must have a current RN license, a GPA of at least 2.5, a completed background check, and two professional letters of reference to apply.
Transfer student may apply up to 66 credit hours of courses to their BSN program. Students must take their last 30 credit hours at ASU in order to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN program at ASU is offered through Blackboard, an online course delivery system. Clinical time is done at the nearest clinical site to the student’s city of residence, and required time on campus is kept to a minimum.
MSN students can choose the following areas of specialization: Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator. They may also choose the Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program, which is offered with Texas Tech. This program allows them to specialize in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.
To apply to the program, students must have a BSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, have taken Statistics and Pathophysiology with a C or better, demonstrate computer literacy, submit letters of recommendation, an essay, and show proof of a current RN license.
RN to MSN
Students with an AASN degree from an accredited nursing program may apply to this program. This is also an online program, and the specializations are the same as for the MSN program above.
Students that want to earn their BSN degree in addition to their MSN may do so by completing an additional 9 credit hours of courses toward the BSN program.
Students may apply to the program if they have an AASN degree from an accredited program, a 3.0 GPA, have taken Statistics and Pathophysiology with a C or better, demonstrate computer literacy, submit letters of recommendation, an essay, and show proof of a current RN license. They must also complete 90 undergraduate credit hours prior to starting their graduate level classes.
Post Master’s Certificate
This program is also delivered online. Students may specialize as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Family Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, or Registered Nurse First Assistants.
To apply to the program, students must have an RN license, letters of recommendation, CPR certification, updated immunizations, and a background check. Students must have either an MSN degree or an RN license and a non-nursing masters degree, depending on the program they wish to follow.
Contact:
Angelo State University
2601 W. Avenue N,
San Angelo, TX 76909
Austin Community College District Nursing Program Review
Austin Community College District (ACC), founded in 1973, has grown into the main institution for higher education for eight counties in Texas. Currently the college has eight campuses and two more in progress, along with 11 educational centers and numerous other locations. ACC serves an area of 7100 square miles, and enrolls over 45,000 credit students each semester.
With over 235 degrees and certificate programs, ACC has something to offer everyone. The college has strong minority enrollment, and scholarship awards are at a record high. It is also a top transfer college, and its students do as well or better, on average, than four-year university freshmen. Nationwide, ACC ranks in the top ten of all community colleges for Associate Degrees awarded in both health-related professions, and in registered nursing.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Traditional Track
The ADN Traditional Track program provides basic nursing education for an unlicensed student. Classes are offered in the classroom or online. Students will take 33 credit hours of non-nursing classes, followed by 38 credit hours of nursing specific classes. The program begins each Fall and Spring semester.
To be eligible to apply to the program, students must be admitted to ACC, have current immunizations, complete the prerequisite courses with a 2.7 GPA or higher, and take the HESI Admission Assessment exam. The prerequisites for this program are Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology for Health Professionals, and college level Math. All of these courses must have a grade of C or higher to be accepted.
Students that successfully complete this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. They will also be allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX). The NCLEX pass rate for ACC graduates is 98%.
ADN, Mobility Track
This program is for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic), Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapist Assistants, Surgical Technologists, Medical Lab Technologists, Respiratory Therapy Assistants, Dental Hygienists, or students who are graduates of a Radiology or Sonography program. Students must be licensed or board certified in their field, and must maintain this license throughout the course of their ADN studies.
The mobility track program is 36 credit hours of general education courses, and 26 credit hours of nursing classes. To be eligible to apply, students need to meet the same criteria as for the Traditional ADN program, as well as take Intro to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Speech, and a Humanities elective. This program begins once a year in the Fall semester.
ADN, Alternate Entry
This program is for LVNs who graduated from the ACC LVN program in the prior 14 months. Students will need to meet the same criteria as for the Traditional ADN program to be able to apply. They will also need to take Intro to Psychology and Human Growth and Development. They do not need to have a current LVN license. Students will be accepted into the program if space is available. Once accepted, they will skip the Level 1 classes and begin in Level 2.
LVNs that do not meet the entry criteria for the Alternate Entry program may apply for the Traditional or Mobility Track programs.
Vocational Nursing
The Vocational Nursing program is a four semester, 53 credit hour program that trains unlicensed students to become entry level nurses. Graduates of the program are allowed to take the LVN licensing exam.
Students must complete the prerequisite courses of Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Essentials of Medical Terminology, and Pharmacology for Health Professionals with a C grade or higher. Students will need to verify they are up to date in their immunizations, and meet TSI (testing) requirements or take the COMPASS test if exempt. An advisor will determine the testing requirements for each student.
Texas Tech Accelerated Bachelor’s Program
ACC has an articulation agreement with Texas Tech for ADN students who wish to transfer and complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. ADN graduates that meet the admission requirements at Texas Tech will automatically be admitted into their BSN program.
ADN graduates from ACC that already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field may enter Texas Tech’s Second Degree Web-Based BSN program. This program takes 12 months to complete, and students may remain in Austin while they take it.
ACC also has articulation agreements with other area universities for those interested in transferring after completing their ADN degree.
Continuing Education
ACC has a variety of course offerings in their Continuing Education Health Professions Institute, including Nursing Re-Entry, Certified Nurse’s Aide, LVN Refresher Theory, CPR for Healthcare Professionals, and many others. These courses are held in various campus locations. Students may register for these courses through ACC.
Contact:
Austin Community College District
5930 Middle Fiskville Road,
Austin, TX 78752-4390
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions Nursing Program Review
The Baptist Health System is a large healthcare provider in South Texas and the San Antonio area. It has many facilities, includes five acute-care hospitals, a regional children’s center and women’s health center, rehabilitation services and imaging centers, in addition to the School of Health Professions. The Baptist Health System School of Health Professions (BHSSHP) is commonly referred to as the Baptist School of Health Professions (BSHP).
In 1903, the Baptist Health System started the Department of Professional Nursing, a nursing school. This was followed in later years by other health sciences schools, such as Surgical Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, and Vocational Nursing. These programs evolved into what is now known as the School of Health Professions.
Nursing Programs
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing
The AAS program is a five semester, 65 semester credit program. Students are admitted to the program in January and August.
To be eligible to apply to the program, students must have taken the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology with a lab, Introduction to Psychology, and Microbiology with a lab.
Students that apply to this program will need to fill out an online application and email the Admissions Advisor to verify receipt. They will also need to pass the TEAS V admission exam, submit high school or GED transcripts or diploma/certificate, take the Gallup survey, and submit proof of having taken the prerequisite courses with a C or better grade.
Admission is based on the student’s GPA, TEAS V score, and results of the Gallup survey. This program is popular and not all students that apply will be admitted.
Students that successfully complete this program will graduate with an AAS degree, and will be eligible for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
Vocational Nurse
The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program is for students wishing to begin a career in nursing at the entry level. This program takes one year to complete.
To apply to the program, students must be at least 18 years old.They will need to apply online to the program, take the TEAS V exam, complete the Gallup survey and submit their high school or GED diploma or certificate.
Students will also need to complete the prerequisites of Anatomy and Physiology, and Growth and Development. If they plan on continuing their education in the future, it is advised to also take the Anatomy and Physiology lab at this time.
LVN to RN Advanced Placement
This program is available for LVNs who wish to earn their AAS degree and become licensed as RNs.
Advanced placement is offered to LVNs that have met the entry requirements and taken the prerequisite courses for the AAS program. They must also hold a current Texas LVN license, and have three months of LVN work experience in the last year, or 6 months of work experience in the last two years. Students that don’t have recent work experience may take a refresher course.
If admitted into the program, LVNs will begin during the second semester of the AAS program.
This program is designed to reduce cost and time for the student by recognizing nursing courses they have already finished and eliminating the need to repeat them.
Perioperative Nursing
This program is for the RN who wants to be a part of the surgical team and care for surgical patients. This program is part of the Department of Surgical Technology, and takes 20 weeks to complete 17 semester credits. Graduates will earn a Certificate of Perioperative Nursing, and be eligible to earn certification by taking the Certification Board Perioperative Nursing CNOR exam.
To apply, students must be licensed RNs, or be eligible to take the NCLEX licensing exam. In order to receive their certificate of completion for the program, students that don’t already have their RN exam must pass the test before the end of the course.
Contact:
Baptist Health System – School of Health Professions
8400 Datapoint Drive,
San Antonio, TX 78229
Baylor University Nursing School Review
Baylor University (BU) is the oldest continually operating university in Texas, having been founded in 1845 by Baptist pioneers. A private, Christian school, Baylor enrolls over 15,000 students today. The University offers 151 undergraduate degrees, 76 master’s degrees, and 33 doctoral programs. Baylor’s main campus is in Waco, and the Louise Herrington School of Nursing is located in Dallas, less than two hours away.
Students at Baylor have an active social life. The campus boasts 260 different organizations and clubs, as well as 42 national and local fraternities and sororities. Baylor also has 19 varsity sports, and is a member of NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.
The Master’s Degree program at Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing is ranked by US News and World Report as 64th in the country.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for the unlicensed student who wants to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Students will take their first two years of pre-nursing courses at Baylor’s Waco campus or another approved university, and the final two years of the nursing program is located at the School of Nursing in Dallas. Students that complete this program will earn a BSN degree and will be able to take the state licensing exam (NCLEX) to become an RN.
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive, and priority is given to applicants that have taken at least 32 credits of their 66 credits of general education classes at Baylor in Waco. To be eligible to apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA, with all grades being at least a C. Students must also have completed at least 44 credits of their general education classes, including at least two of the four Science courses.
To apply, students will need to submit a Nursing application, transcripts from any schools other than Baylor, and their HESI admission test scores. Students are admitted into the program in the Spring and Fall semesters.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Students may pursue their MSN degree with a major in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Advanced Neonatal Nursing (NNP).
Students who wish to follow the FNP program must be licensed as an RN, have a bachelor’s degree in any course of study, a GPA of at least 3.0, at least one year of work as an RN, GRE or MAT scores, a writing sample, and have taken an undergraduate statistics course. The FNP program requires 39 credit hours to complete, and graduates may take the exam for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
The NNP admission requirements are the same, except students must have at least two years of neonatal critical care nursing. This is a 37 credit hour program, and graduates will be allowed to take the national certification exam for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners.
Both of these majors also have Post-Master’s Certificate options available, for students who already hold a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
This program is for students interested in advanced practice in Nurse Midwifery (NM). This is a 75 credit hour, eight semester program of study. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board certification exam.
To apply, students must have a current RN license in Texas, a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 GPA or better, letters of recommendation, have an interview, a writing sample, and GRE scores from the last five years. It is also preferred, though not required, for students to have one year of Labor and Delivery clinical experience, experience in observing birth, or training and experience as a doula.
Gerontological Nursing Initiative (GNI)
This is a program started by Baylor University to expand gerontology education for RNs who care for older adults. The GNI will host continuing education opportunities throughout the year, and will develop and provide online education for caregivers to better care for the geriatric population. All classes will provide contact hours toward Continuing Nursing Education (CNE).
Mission and Parish Nursing
The School of Nursing offers faith-based missionary and parish nursing opportunities for interested students. These are anything from a few hours of local community outreach, to a multiple week trip overseas.
Contact:
Baylor University
700 S. University Parks Drive,
Waco, TX 76706
Blinn College Nursing Program Review
Blinn College (BC) in Texas was established in 1883. The Brenham Campus, 90 miles east of Austin, was the first location. Blinn has three other campuses in Bryan, Schulenburg, and Sealy, and serves a 13 county area. Started as a private Methodist college, Blinn eventually became a public junior college in 1937. The college enrolls almost 18,000 students, and is one of the largest community colleges in Texas.
For students looking to further their education at a four year institution, Blinn has one of the highest transfer rates in the state. Almost 75% of all transfer students from Blinn go on to Texas A&M University, but students also transfer to the other top universities in the state, as well.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program for Blinn College is offered at the Bryan Campus, in the Texas A & M Health Science Center. This program is for unlicensed students and takes two years to complete, after completing a semester of prerequisite courses. Students are admitted to the program twice a year, in the Fall and Spring Semesters.
To apply, students must first apply to and be accepted by Blinn College, and then apply to the ADN program. Students must supply any college transcripts, proof of computer literacy, take the TEAS exam, submit an essay, and show proof of Hepatitis B vaccination.
The prerequisites for this program are College Algebra or Mathematic Analysis I, General Biology I, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and a Social or Behavioral Science Elective.
Students that graduate the program and earn at least a C grade or higher in all courses are eligible to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by taking the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Transition Option
This program is offered at the Texas A & M Health Science Center in Bryan, as well as at the Schulenburg Campus. Students must have a current LVN license, and at least one year of nursing experience. Applicants are admitted to the program once a year in the Summer semester. It takes one year to complete this program.
Students will need to complete the same prerequisite courses as the ADN program, plus English Composition & Rhetoric, Lifespan Growth and Development, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.
Vocational Nursing Program
Blinn College offers the Vocational Nursing Program at the Bryan and Brenham Campuses. This program trains students to become entry-level LVNs. This program is 12 months long, and starts in the Fall semester.
Students may apply to the program by applying to Blinn College, attending a mandatory information session, taking the TEAS exam, completing their Hepatitis B vaccination series, and applying to the Allied Health Program.
Students that graduate from this program will earn a Certificate of Vocational Nursing. They will also be allowed to take the licensing exam for LVNs, and the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE). Once they have passed both exams, they may practice as LVNs.
Continuing Education
The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program is part of the Continuing Education Health Care Professionals series at Blinn College. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion for the CNA program.After completing the program, the student is eligible for the Texas Certified Nurse Aide Registry exam.
The prerequisite for this program is a high school diploma or GED. Students will take a total of 104 contact hours of courses, labs, and clinical training. Classes are held on campus, and clinical sessions are supervised by RNs or LVNs at local long-term healthcare facilities.
After becoming a registered CNA, students have the option of studying to become a Certified Medication Aide, who may then administer medications under supervision. This program requires 140 contact hours of training, and graduates are eligible to take the exam for the Texas Certified Medication Aide Registry.
Articulation Agreements
Blinn College has entered into a number of articulation agreements with area four-year universities. Students that complete the ADN program and want to go on to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may do so based on the terms of the agreement. Blinn has agreements for BSN transfers to Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M Corpus Christi and HSC Universities, the University of Texas at Austin, Tyler, Houston, and Brownsville, Stephen S. Austin State University, and West Texas A&M University.
Contact:
Blinn College
902 College Avenue,
Brenham, TX 77833
Brookhaven College Nursing Program Review
Brookhaven College (BHC) is one of seven colleges in the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). It was founded in 1978 to serve the Northwest part of Dallas County. The school enrolls almost 13,000 degree students, and over 8000 continuing education students.
Brookhaven has a Core Curriculum that allows students to take at least 42 credit hours that will transfer as a block to any public Texas college or university. This program makes it easy for students to begin their studies at Brookhaven in an affordable environment, and then continue on at a four year institution. The Core Curriculum also allows students to earn an associate degree by taking an additional 19 credit hours.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
This is an accelerated program. Students will attend class for 16 months, including summers, and will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates will be eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX). Since the program’s inception in 2004, Brookhaven students have a better than 90% pass rate on the NCLEX.
Brookhaven admits about 60 students into the ADN program each fall, and about 40 each spring. Admission to the program is competitive. Students are given a numerical score based on their admission materials, and ranked according to their score. Students with the top scores will be invited to interview. The score from the interview is then added to the student’s previous score, for their final admission score.
The admission score is based on having a GPA of 2.75 or higher, at least a C grade in all prerequisites, the required courses that have been completed, and the HESI A2 exam score, plus the interview score.
The prerequisites for this program are English Composition I, Introductory Chemistry I or General Chemistry I, Anatomy and Physiology I or Applied Anatomy and Physiology I, and General Psychology. Students are also recommended to complete as many of the support courses as possible, as these are included in the point system for admission. These include Anatomy and Physiology II or Applied Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Dosage Calculations for Nursing, Lifespan Growth and Development, End of Life Issues, and a Humanities/Fine Arts elective.
Students accepted into the program will be required to complete a background check and drug screen before they may begin their clinical course work.
Continuing Education
The Workforce and Continuing Education Division is dedicated to providing individual and corporate training to suit the needs of students and companies.
The Health Care Careers Program offers a Home Health Care and Hospice Aide program. To apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students will complete 80 contact hours of course work, and will learn basic skills of patient care and be able to apply their knowledge to the home care setting. After completing the program, students will be allowed to take the National Home Health Care Aide certification exam.
Students that are Certified Home Health Care Aides may continue on to the Nurse Aide Certification course. To qualify, will also need to have had three doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine, have taken Basic Cardiac Life Support for Healthcare Providers, and undergo a background check.
This course is aimed at those who plan to work in long-term care. Students will complete 88 hours of classes, 60 hours of lab and lecture, 24 hours of clinical, and four hours of makeup/remedial time. After completing this course, students may take the state certification exam for Nurse Aides.
Articulation Agreements
Brookhaven College has articulation agreements with the nursing programs at Texas Tech University and the University of Texas, Arlington. Students transferring to these four year universities to pursue their BSN degree will receive credit for prior coursework and experience.
According to the articulation agreement with Texas Tech, ADN students will receive 28 credit hours in transfer credit toward their general education courses, and 41 credit hours for advanced placement in the BSN program. That leaves the Brookhaven graduate with an additional 51 credit hours left to ear toward their degree.
According to the agreement with the University of Texas, Arlington, students from Brookhaven many begin earning their BSN while still at Brookhaven. Students will complete the Pathways Program Participant Form during their first year of nursing classes at Brookhaven, and in their last year they will apply to UT Arlington’s Professional Nursing Pathways program.
After they finish their ADN degree, they will be admitted to UT Arlington’s BSN program. They may finish their BSN degree in as little as 13 months.
Contact:
Brookhaven College
3939 Valley View Lane,
Farmers Branch, TX 75244-4997
Central Texas College Nursing Program Review
Central Texas College (CTC) began in 1967 as a community college to serve an 11 county area, in addition to Fort Hood and the correctional facilities in Gatesville. It began programs on-site at Fort Hood in 1970, and in 1974 expanded overseas to Europe. The success of these moves led to greater expansion to military personnel around the world in 1976 and again in 1980.
CTC also pioneered broadcasting telecourses to students in 1970, and moved into videoconferencing in the 1990s. In 1998, CTC offered its first online course, and continues to expand its online offerings today.
The college has administrative areas that are called campuses. Three of these, Central (main), Fort Hood, and Service Area (other Texas locations), are in Texas. The remaining campuses, Continental, Europe, Navy, and Pacific Far East, are located throughout the world.
CTC enrolls over 50,000 civilians, military personnel, and incarcerated students in degree, certificate, and training programs.
Nursing Programs
Nursing Associate Degree (ADN)
This program provides the instruction and clinical practice needed for students to become ready to practice in various healthcare settings. It is two years long, and admits students in the fall and spring semesters. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and are allowed to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
To apply to the ADN program, students must first be admitted to CTC. After being admitted to the college they should complete the prerequisites for the program, which are Introduction to Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology I, General Biology, and Composition I. They must earn a grade of C or higher in these classes. Students may also complete Pharmacology, lab science courses, and other non-nursing degree courses during this time if they wish.
Students may apply to the ADN program by submitting transcripts for all colleges attended previously, completing the HESI A2 admission assessment exam, completing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam, having a GPA of at least 2.5, schedule an appointment at CTC for degree counseling, and scheduling a mandatory Small Group Interview Meeting.
Students admitted into the program must be up to date on their immunizations, be certified in CPR, and have a negative background check and a negative drug screen.
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission has accredited this program, and it is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Transition
This program is for LVNs who wish to earn an AAS degree in nursing and become RNs. It takes three semesters to complete after all prerequisites are met, and students may enter in the fall or spring semesters.
Students must meet the requirements listed above for the ADN program. They must also hold a current LVN license, have one year of full time or two years of part time work experience as a nurse, and provide work references. The experience requirement may be waived if students graduated from an accredited LVN program with at least a B average, have a current license, have a letter from the director of their LVN program recommending a waiver, and have completed all LVN Transition prerequisites.
The prerequisite courses for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Biology I, Composition I, General Psychology and Microbiology.
Once admitted into the program, students will take Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing and Clinical Nursing – LVN Transition. After completing these two classes, students will receive 16 credit hours for prior nursing coursework.
Paramedic to ADN
This program admits students once a year in the spring. Students will earn an AAS degree after three semesters of study, not including prerequisites.
To be eligible to apply to this program, students must have been employed full time in the past year or part time in the past two years as a Paramedic. They will need to submit two work references, including one from their current supervisor. Students will also need to meet the requirements listed above for the ADN program.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Biology I, Composition I, General Psychology, Microbiology and Pharmacology.
Once admitted to the program, students will take Concepts of Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students, and Clinical Nursing for Articulating Students. Once these are complete, they will receive 8 credit hours for previous studies.
Vocational Nursing
This program is a 12 month certificate program that prepares students to be licensed as an LVN, and begin practicing entry-level nursing. Classes are offered at Central Campus, and clinical locations are in the surrounding areas. Students are admitted into the program in the fall and spring semesters.
To apply to the program, students will need to submit transcripts from high school or the equivalent, and any colleges attended. They will also need to complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exam, or if exempt, the THEA (TASP), ASSET, ACT Accuplacer, or COMPASS. They also need to take the HESI admission exam, and attend a small group meeting with the Nursing Coordinator.
Certified Nurse Aide
This is a program that takes about four months to complete, and includes evenings and weekends. Students will take 64 hours of classes and 24 hours of clinical time to earn a Certificate of Completion. They will then be allowed to take the state certification exam.
To be admitted, students must be high school graduates or equivalent, be current on immunizations, submit two references, and complete a background check.
Emergency Medical Technology Program
This program of study is under the Department of Nursing, and offers students the chance to earn an AAS degree. This is a two year, six semester, 69 credit hour course of study.
After finishing the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic and Clinical courses during the first semester of the program, students are able to take the certification exam to become an EMT Basic.
Students that continue on with the program are eligible for the EMT Advanced certification exam after completing Introduction to Advanced Practice, Trauma Management, Patient Assessment and Airway Management, and the EMT Practicum.
Students may take the certification exam for Paramedics after continuing the program and completing Cardiology, Medical Emergencies, Special Populations, Assessment Based Management, EMS Operations, and two more EMT Practicum.
Those that would like to become Paramedics without earning their AAS degree may follow the curriculum for the EMT Certificate of Completion, which takes four semesters and 33 credit hours to complete. They may also take selected parts of the curriculum to obtain the classes needed to become certified as EMT Basic or EMT Advanced.
To apply to the program, students must have completed a CPR course within the last year, submit a copy of high school, GED, or college transcripts, take the HESI admission exam, document their TSI status, have up to date immunizations, have a physical exam within the last six months, and pass a drug screening and background investigation.
Contact:
Central Texas College
P.O. Box 1800,
Killeen, TX 76540-1800
Cisco College Nursing Program Review
Cisco College (CC) is the third school to be opened in Cisco, Texas, after the Britton Training Institute closed in World War I, and Randolph College closed its doors in 1936. Cisco College began as part of the Cisco Independent School District in 1940. It became successful and was separated from the public schools in 1956.
Today Cisco enrolls almost 5000 students. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, guaranteeing students the personalized attention they desire. This is an affordable option for higher education, and Cisco offers associate degrees as well as certificate programs.
Cisco College has two campuses. The main one in Cisco is located about 150 miles from Fort Worth. The Abilene Educational Center is located about 40 miles away in Abilene.
Nursing Programs
The nursing programs are only available at the Abilene Campus.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program is for students wishing to become Registered Nurses (RNs). This is a two year program, after completing the prerequisite courses, and graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. They will also be allowed to take the licensing exam for RNs.
Prerequisites for this program are English, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Life Span Growth and Development, Government, College Algebra or Elementary Statistics, and a Humanities or Fine Arts elective.
To apply, students must first be admitted to Cisco College. They must submit their high school or GED transcripts, have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a C, be current on their immunizations, and take the ACCUPLACER pre-entrance test.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Option
This program is for people already practicing as LVNs, who want to earn their AAS degree in nursing and become an RN. This is a one year program, and graduates will be able to take the RN licensing exam.
The prerequisites for this program are the same as for the ADN program. In addition, students in this program will need to take Concepts of Nursing Practice in order to continue on with the ADN program classes.
Vocational Nursing
This is an entry level program designed to prepare students to become LVNs. The program takes three semesters to finish, after prerequisites are complete. Graduates will receive a Vocational Nursing Certificate, and be eligible to take the licensing exam for practical/vocational nurses. Licenses are granted by the Texas Board of Nursing.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Lifespan Growth and Development.
To apply to the program, students must first be admitted to Cisco College. They must submit their high school or GED transcripts, be current on their immunizations, and take the ACCUPLACER pre-entrance test.
Students will be admitted to the program based on the number of nursing related courses they have already completed, the cumulative GPA of the courses completed, whether or not they have at least a 2.5 GPA, and what the date is on their application. Students are admitted into the program twice a year, in the fall and spring, and admission is competitive.
Other Allied Health Department Programs
Cisco offers AAS degree programs in Medical Assisting and Respiratory Therapy. Students that are interested in a certificate program may study Pharmacy Technician or Surgical Technician.
Contact:
Cisco College
101 College Heights,
Cisco, TX 76437
College of the Mainland Nursing Program Review
College of the Mainland (COM) began educating students in temporary quarters in 1967, and moved into its current location in 1970. COM enrolls over 5000 students each year in degree, workforce development, and continuing education programs. The college offers almost 70 different degree and certificate programs to students.
In addition to the main campus in Texas City, COM holds classes at Clear Springs High School, North County Campus, and the Allied Health Center in League City, as well as the Delmar Campus, Cosmetology Lab, and COM Cast Center in LaMarque. The COM Learning Center is also in LaMarque, to serve the North County area.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program is for students wishing to begin their career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The ADN program requires completion of 72 credit hours, and students who complete it will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. They will also be prepared to take the licensing exam to become RNs.
Students are admitted to COM as Pre-Nursing. They must take the prerequisite courses of English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology with grades of at least a C, and a GPA of at least 2.8, to be able to apply to the program. It is also recommended that students take Composition II, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Fundamentals of Fitness and Wellness, Medical Terminology, Health Assessment, and a Humanities or Fine Arts elective, as these courses are also used to rank applicants.
To apply, students must have a GPA of at least 2.8 on all nursing curriculum classes, no more than one D or F in a science class, take the TEAS exam, be eligible to take College Algebra, meet the TSI requirements, and meet with an advisor to create an Educational Development Plan (EDP).
Applicants to the ADN program are ranked by an Applicant Placement System, and are admitted into the program in rank order as space is available. The ranking is based upon students’ TEAS scores, how many nursing science courses they’ve completed and what grades they’ve earned, as well as how many support classes they’ve taken and what grades they’ve received.
Certificate of Vocational Nursing
This program prepares students to enter nursing as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and takes three semesters to complete. Students that complete the program will receive a Certificate of Vocational Nursing and be able to take the licensing exam to become an LVN. This program admits students once a year in January.
To be able to apply to this program, students must have a high school or equivalent diploma, meet the TSI requirements, be eligible to take Intermediate Algebra, complete an online orientation, fill out an EDP and have it signed by an advisor, be current on immunizations, and have a current CPR certification.
The prerequisites for this program are Vocational Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Essentials of Medication Administration, Basic Nursing Skills, Gerontology, Advanced Nursing Skills, and Introductory Clinical – Practical Nurse.
LVN to RN Transitional Track
This program allows LVNs to continue their education and bridge to the ADN program, where they may earn their AAS degree and become RNs. To be eligible, students must hold a current LVN license, be currently employed as a nurse, or have graduated from their LVN program within the last year. They must also meet all of the entry requirements for the ADN program.
The prerequisites for this program are Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Pharmacology, and Foundations of Fitness and Wellness.
Once admitted to the program, students will take Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing, and the Clinical that goes with it. Once they have successfully completed these two classes, they will receive advance standing and be given 11 credit hours for prior nursing studies.
Continuing Education
COM offers several Continuing Education programs in health care. Students must apply for Continuing Education through the Public Service Careers Building, which is across the street from the main campus. They will need a driver’s license or photo ID, a Social Security card, physical examination form and proof of immunizations, and criminal history and background check to apply.
- Nurse Aid for Healthcare I and II – This is the classroom and clinical for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, and is a total of 82 contact hours. Students must complete both to be able to take the state CNA exam. Course tuition includes CPR certification and malpractice insurance.
- CNA Refresher – This course is for former CNAs who wish to become recertified. Students will be able to attend any ongoing CNA course or clinical, to be able to pick up what they need to refresh their skills and knowledge. Students must provide proof of former CNA certification, and have a letter from the Department of Aging and Disability (DAD) showing they have permission to retest.
- Medication Aide – This program prepares students to take the state exam to become Certified Medication Aides. It requires 142 contact hours to complete. There is also a Medication Aid Update course available for students wishing to update their certification.
High School Articulated Credit
High school students may get a head start on their college careers by earning college credit before graduation. Students may earn credit toward an AAS degree in Nursing.
To begin the process, high school students will complete a Petition for Award of Articulated Credit and file it with the Director of Educators Alliance for Articulated Credit at COM. They will also need to file a copy of their official high school transcript.
Students will be given credit for any college equivalent course they complete in high school. Once they enter COM, their credits will appear on their transcript. If they took a course that does not apply to their AAS major, it will show up as an elective.
Contact:
College of the Mainland
1200 Amburn Road,
Texas City, TX 77591
Collin College Nursing Program Review
Collin College (CC) in Texas, previously called Collin County Community College District (CCCCD, CCCC) began by teaching classes at area high schools in 1985. It has grown to become the only public college in the county. It currently has over 100 degree and certificate programs, and enrolls over 53,000 students.
The college offers classes at its network of campuses, area businesses, or online. Campuses are located in McKinney (Central Park Campus and the Collin Higher Education Center-CHEC), Plano (Courtyard Center and Spring Creek Campus, Frisco (Preston Ridge Campus), Allen (Allen Center), and Rockwall (Rockwall Center).
Nursing Programs
Collin College is the only Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in the state of Texas. This designation has been given by the National League for Nursing to only 19 of the more than 1800 nursing programs in the country.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program is for unlicensed students who want to become practicing Registered Nurses (RNs). Courses for the ADN program are only offered at the Central Park Campus. Students are admitted to the program in the fall and in the spring. Students that complete this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to take the RN licensing exam.
To be able to apply to the ADN program, students need to take the prerequisite classes of Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Microbiology, with a 2.5 GPA. They also need to submit their transcripts and TSI test results, take the PSB Nursing School Aptitude exam, and show proof of immunizations.
Applicants are assigned points based on the grades they received in their biology and math courses, their GPA in prerequisite courses, their cumulative GPA, and their results on the PSB Nursing School Aptitude Exam. Applicants will be ranked based on the points they receive.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)/Paramedic Bridge Program
This program is for students who are already either an LVN or a Paramedic. Students must have at least one year of work experience in their field. There are two tracks for this program.
Track I allows students to enter the ADN program in the second semester. Students in this track will sit for the Nursing Accelerated Challenge Exam (NACE) – PN to RN. After passing this exam, they will show their knowledge of first semester nursing competencies, and take Transition from Vocational/Paramedic to Professional Nursing. Once they finish the transition course, they will receive credit for the Integrated Nursing Skills I and Introduction to Professional Nursing for Integrated Programs classes. If students fail any of these requirements, they may apply to enter the standard ADN program.
Track II lets students enter the ADN program in the second year. Students must be able to complete all the requirements for Track I, and have work experience in medical/surgical and mental health. Students will need to complete the Nursing Care of Adults I and the Comprehensive Psychiatric Nursing exams, and show their competency in second semester nursing skills. Students will then receive credit for the courses of Integrated Nursing Skills II and Integrated Care of the Client with Common Health Care Needs.
To qualify for either of these tracks, students must meet the selection criteria for the ADN program, and be eligible for admission based on the point system used. They must also take the prerequisites of Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Composition/Rhetoric I, Statistics, General Psychology, and Life Span Psychology.
Enhanced Skills Certificate (ESC) – Healthcare Case Management
This certificate introduces students to specialized topics and practice with healthcare case management. This program is nine credit hours. Students must have an AAS in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or be licensed in a healthcare field.
Certified Nurse Assistant
Collin College offers a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA)/Marketable skills course. This course is a combination of lecture, skills, and clinical time. Students will earn a Marketable Skills Achievement Award, and be allowed to sit for the CNA licensing exam.
This is a 14 credit hour course. To apply, students must have a high school or equivalent diploma, be 17 years old, have a driver’s license, health insurance, and CPR certification, be up to date on immunizations, have a clean drug screen, and submit the forms for a background check.
There is a non-credit version of this class available through Collin College’s Continuing Education program.
Associate of Arts (AA) Nursing Field of Study (FOS)
This is a program designed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to set up a curriculum for the lower level BSN courses. The curriculum will meet the lower level BSN requirements of all public, four year Texas institutions. Students that complete the 38 credit hour program will be awarded a certificate stating they are ready to transition to a BSN program.
While taking the FOS program, students at Collin are admitted to the ADN program, but will not earn an AAS degree or be allowed to take the RN licensing exam. To earn the AA degree, students must take an additional 28 credit hours of general education classes.
Texas Tech Concurrent Admission
Students that want to earn their AAS degree and then transfer to a four year university may consider the Texas Tech Concurrent Admission program. This articulation agreement allows students to declare their intent to transfer to the Texas Tech University Health Science Center and take the RN to BSN program. By doing this, students have provisional admission to the School of Nursing.
To apply, students in the ADN program must have a GPA of at least 2.5, and have earned at least a C in all pre-nursing classes. They must also have completed at least 52 credit hours of general education courses. If they are already ADN graduates, they must be licensed as RNs.
Contact:
Central Park Campus
2200 W. University Drive
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: 972-548-6790
Spring Creek Campus
2800 E.Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: 972-881-5790
Collin Higher Education Center
Northeast corner Hwy 121 and 75 Central
3452 Spur 399
McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 972-599-3100
Allen Center
300 Rivercrest Boulevard
Allen, TX 75002
Phone: 972-377-1060
Courtyard Center
4800 Preston Park Boulevard
Plano, TX 75093~
Phone: 972-985-3790
Rockwall Center
2610 Observation Trail
Rockwall, TX 75032
Phone: 214-771-4573
Preston Ridge Campus
9700 Wade Boulevard
Frisco, TX 75035
Phone: 972-377-1790
Covenant School of Nursing Program Review
The Covenant School of Nursing (CSN, CSON) was founded in 1918 as the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. Covenant has graduated over 3700 students in the past 90+ years, and is the oldest nursing school in the South Plains area of Texas.
The School of Nursing is affiliated with Covenant Health System, a comprehensive health organization serving West Texas and East New Mexico, an area covering 62 counties with a population of 1.2 million.
Students at Covenant have the opportunity to join the Texas Nursing Students Association (TNSA) and the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) while attending school. Both of these organizations foster networking and mentoring in the field of nursing, and provide aimed at improving health care in the state and the nation.
Nursing Programs
Pre-Nursing Status
Before students may enter the diploma program at the School of Nursing, they must complete prerequisite classes at an accredited university or college. These courses are English I and II, or English I and either Speech or Spanish, Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Nutrition, US History I, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, US Government, and an Elective.
Students must earn at least a C grade in each of these classes, and their GPA must be at least 2.5.
Diploma Program
Applicants to the nursing program must take the TEAS pre-entrance exam, and submit an application with an autobiography, official transcript from high school or equivalent, official college transcripts, entrance exam scores, and five references. Students may have to have an interview with the nursing careers counselor.
Applicants are admitted into the program starting in January and in August. If they aren’t selected, they will be placed on an alternate list.
The diploma program takes 76 weeks to finish. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn a Diploma in Nursing and be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Advanced Credit Program
This program is for LVNs who wish to earn their Diploma in Nursing and become licensed RNs. Depending on their ATI testing scores, students may have their curriculum shortened from 76 weeks to 38 to 57 weeks. Students with a prior GPA of less than 3.0 will be required to complete at least 57 weeks, regardless of their ATI score.
Students interested in this program will need to meet the requirements for the Diploma program, including the pre-entrance testing and prerequisite courses required. Students must also have graduated from an accredited LVN program and be currently licensed. If they graduated within the last two years, there is no work experience required. Otherwise, they must have at least one year of LVN work experience within the last three to five years.
Transfer Students
Students wishing to transfer into the Covenant Nursing Program must meet the same requirements as for the Diploma program. They also need a letter from their old school stating they were in good standing, as well as documentation of the courses they have taken.
Transfer students are required to complete one semester of classes at Covenant before their prior nursing courses are transferred, and they must complete at least 38 weeks of the program in order to be eligible for the Diploma.
Partnership with Lubbock Christian University (LCU)
Graduates of Covenant’s diploma program are able to take advantage of a streamlined transfer process to LCU, where they may earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students must first pass the NCLEX and become employed as a nurse to enter the program. They must also have taken Stats, Genetics, Bible, and Intro to BSN in a summer semester during their diploma program.
Generally, students will start at LCU within three months of graduating from Covenant. Once they enter LCU, they will take two semesters of courses designed to fit into a working nurse’s schedule. Students that complete these courses will earn their BSN degree.
Shadowing
Anyone who thinks they may be interested in a career in nursing, but isn’t certain, may make arrangements to shadow a nurse at Covenant Health System. This opportunity to observe a real patient care setting is designed to help in the decision-making process for adults and high school students.
Other Healthcare Related Programs
In addition to the School of Nursing, Covenant also has a School of Radiology and a School of Surgical Technology. The Covenant Medical Library is also available to nursing students, as well as physicians, nurses, and staff.
Contact:
Covenant School of Nursing
Covenant Health Systems,
2002 W. Loop 289 Suite 120,
Lubbock, Texas 79407-1704
Del Mar College Nursing Program Review
Del Mar College (DMC) has over 22,000 students enrolled, and serves the Texas Coastal Bend area. DMC has two campuses, East and West, and two centers, and has been educating students since 1935.
Almost half of DMC’s students are age 25 or older, and just over half of them are women. The college offers over 190 degree and certificated programs to students. According to state data, 88% of all DMC students were either employed or attending school within a year of graduation.
Nursing Programs
Pre-Nursing
This two year program is for students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution and complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students should contact the school they plan to transfer to, and make sure this program matches their requirements.
Students that complete this program will graduate with an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.
Registered Nurse (RN) Education
Students in this program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing. They will also be eligible to take the state RN licensing exam. This program is delivered on campus at the West Campus, or online through the e-Learning program.
To be eligible to apply to this program, students must have completed the prerequisite classes with a grade of C or higher. They must also have a GPA of 2.5 or better, and take the HESI assessment exam.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Essentials of Medical Terminology, Basic Health Profession Skills, and Pharmacology.
Applicants to the program will be ranked based on their GPA and HESI scores. The program admits students in the fall and spring, and those not admitted will be placed on an alternate list.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Bridge
LVNs that wish to earn their AAS degree and become licensed as RNs have three options at DMC. They may enter the regular AAS program and complete the courses. They may submit a letter requesting entrance to the RN program based on space available, if they are graduates of the DMC LVN program and were licensed within the last two years and have completed all the prerequisite classes. Or they may apply to the LVN to RN Bridge program.
Students who take the Bridge program will take Transitional LVN-RN and a clinical course. After successfully completing these two classes, they will earn 15 credit hours for previous nursing education, and will articulate into the third semester of the RN program.
To be eligible for the Bridge program, students must be licensed as LVNs and have met the entrance criteria for the RN program, including completing the prerequisite courses. They must also be CPR certified, and have at least 2000 hours of LVN work experience in the past three years if they graduated from their LVN program within the last five years. If they graduated over five years ago, then they must have been employed during the prior six months as an LVN, as part of the 2000 hours. If they graduated within the last three years, the work requirement is waived.
The prerequisites for this program are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Psychology, Basic Chemistry, Lifespan Growth and Development, Microbiology and Clinical Pathology, Composition I and II, Introduction to Ethics, Medical Terminology, Basic Health Profession Skills, Speech, and Pharmacology.
Vocational Nursing (VN)
Students that wish to become LVNs may take this program to earn a Certificate of Vocational Nursing and be allowed to take the LVN licensing exam. The VN program takes three semesters to complete.
To apply to this program, students must have completed the prerequisite classes of Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Essentials of Medical Terminology, Basic Health Profession Skills, and Pharmacology, with a grade of C or higher. They must also have a GPA of 2.5 or better, and take the HESI assessment exam.
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
This program gives students the education required to prepare for the state CNA certification exam. Students will take the Certified Nurse Aide and Clinical courses concurrently.
To be able to apply, students must be proficient in English reading, writing, and speaking, have up to date immunizations, and complete a background check.
Contact:
Del Mar College
101 Baldwin Blvd.,
Corpus Christi, TX 78404-3897
East Texas Baptist University Nursing School Review
East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) is located in the community of Marshall, a historic town of 25,000, which is just outside of Longview, TX and Shreveport, LA. Located in a recreational and tourist region, ETBU is also near the Caddo Lake State Park and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, with public areas for fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. The area features many other outdoor recreational activities, festivals, and events.
The university has been part of the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1912. ETBU has over 40 programs of study, and currently enrolls 1200 students. The student to faculty ratio is 16 to 1, and the average class size is 20 students. Of the full-time faculty, over 85% have earned doctorate or terminal degrees.
ETBU has its own living mascot, a 500 lb Siberian Tiger named Sarge that lives at a big cat sanctuary at the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Nursing Programs
Pre-Nursing
Freshmen students wishing to study nursing at ETBU are enrolled in the Pre-Nursing program. For two years, they will take 60 credit hours of general education courses, in preparation for the professional nursing program.
Students may take their general education classes at another college or university and transfer credit to ETBU. Due to variations in curriculum from school to school, students are not guaranteed that all courses will transfer. The transfer of credit for nursing courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Professional Nursing Program
Students may apply to the Professional Nursing Program during the second semester of their sophomore year.
To be able to apply, students must already have been accepted into ETBU. They must complete the application for the School of Nursing, complete a one page narrative on why they want to be a professional nurse, and submit a two inch square headshot photo. They must also submit a recommendation from a former teacher either in high school or college, and a personal recommendation. In addition, they will need to submit an ETBU health information form, their CPR and immunization record, and consent to a criminal background check.
Students will also need to take the TEAS preadmission assessment exam and earn a qualifying score, and have a GPA of at least 2.8 in their Pre-Nursing courses, with grades of at least a C in their behavioral and natural sciences, English, statistics, and Introduction to Nursing classes.
Once students successfully complete this program, they will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. They will also be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). ETBU has a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. More than 90% of all ETBU RN program students find employment before graduation.
The nursing program at ETBU has been approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Butterfield Memorial Foundation
ETBU was recently awarded a grant from the Butterfield Memorial Foundation, to fund scholarships for students in the School of Nursing. The grant will benefit students enrolled in the upper level nursing classes, and scholarships will help encourage students to complete the program and graduate.
The Butterfield Memorial Foundation chose ETBU for this grant because of the success of the program in retention, graduation, and licensing, and also because of student demographics and the integration of Christian faith into the nursing curriculum.
Contact:
East Texas Baptist University
One Tiger Drive,
Marshall, TX 75670
El Centro College Nursing Program Review
El Centro College (ECC) was first opened in 1966, and is the flagship college of the Dallas County Community College District. Its name reflects its central location in downtown Dallas. It is made up of the El Centro Downtown Campus, the Bill J. Priest Campus, and the West Dallas Campus. El Centro enrolls over 9000 students each semester.
El Centro was the first college in the district to offer nursing classes to students. With its established hospital relationships, students will have the opportunity to take their clinical rotations in the finest healthcare facilities in the area.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Students who take this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. This program is 71 credit hours and takes two years to complete. After graduation, students will be able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
The ADN program accepts about 60 students each fall and spring at El Centro and also at North Lake College, which is a satellite campus for the program. Students that take their ADN classes at North Lake will receive their degree from El Centro.
To apply to this program, students must first be admitted by El Centro College, take the prerequisite courses, and take the HESI A2 test. The prerequisite courses for the ADN program are Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, College Algebra, Introduction to Psychology, and Basic Health Profession Skills I. Students must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and have earned a C grade or higher in these courses. Students may also take support courses before they are admitted into the nursing program.
Students are assigned points that are used for ranking and admission to the program. The points are assigned based on the GPA of their prerequisites, the GPA of their support courses, their HESI A2 scores, and their previous health care experience.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Bridge
LVNs may continue their education, earn their AAS degree, and become licensed RNs through the Bridge program. Students are admitted into this program twice a year.
To be eligible to apply to this program, students must be currently licensed LVNs, and must have at least six months of recent nursing experience. They must also have been admitted to El Centro College, complete the prerequisite courses with grades of at least C, take the HESI A2 exam, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and take the Continuing Education nursing skills and math review course.
The prerequisites for this program are Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, College Algebra, and Basic Health Profession Skills I. These courses must be completed with a GPA of at least 2.5. In addition, students must take Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II or Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, and Intro to Speech Communications, all completed with a grade of C or better.
Applicants will be rated by point system based on GPA, prerequisite grades, and HESI test scores. Once accepted into the program, students will take three bridge courses concurrently, made up of lecture, skills, and clinical practice. When they successfully complete those courses, they will enter the third semester (second year) of the ADN program. When they finish the program, they will receive an additional 14 credit hours for previous nursing coursework.
Enhanced Skills Certificate – Perioperative Nursing
This two semester internship teaches nurses the theory and skills to care for patients in a surgical setting, with an emphasis on scrub and circulating roles. Students that are current licensed RNs and who are CPR certified are eligible for this program. After completing the internship, students receive an Enhanced Skills Certificate.
Applicants must be admitted to El Centro, submit official transcripts, complete the Physical Examination and Immunizations Record form, show CPR and RN license documentation, and have health insurance. Applicants are admitted into the program on a first come, first served basis.
Vocational Nursing
Students interested in entry level nursing may take this program and earn a certificate of completion. Those who successfully finish will also be eligible to take the licensing exam to become LVNs. About 30 students are admitted to this program each fall semester.
To apply to the Vocational Nursing program, students must have graduated from high school or have a GED, be admitted to El Centro, complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements, finish the prerequisite courses, attend an informational session, and take the HESI A2 exam.
The prerequisites for this program are Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, and Introduction to Speech Communications or Fundamentals of Public Speaking. These courses must be completed with a GPA of at least 3.0. It is also recommended that students take Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology II or Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Basic Health Profession Skills I, and Pharmacology for Health Care Professions.
Applicants are selected based on the GPA of their prerequisites, support courses, HESI scores, and prior healthcare experience.
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
This program is offered through Continuing Education. To apply, students must score at least 35 on the Test of Adult Basic Education. They must also have a valid photo ID and Social Security card, up to date immunizations, and CPR certification. If they aren’t CPR certified, they will be required to take CPR for the Healthcare Provider during the program.
This program is 60 hours of lecture and lab time, and 40 hours of clinical time. After finishing the program, students are able to take the state skills and written exam for CNAs. Those that pass will be listed on the Texas Certified Nurse Aide Registry.
The Continuing Education department also offers refresher courses for CNAs, LVNs, and RNs.
Contact:
El Centro College
801 Main Street,
Dallas, TX 75202
El Paso Community College Nursing Program Review
El Paso Community College (EPCC) began enrolling students in 1971. EPCC currently enrolls over 27,000 credit students and over 8000 continuing education students each year.
The college has over 130 degree or certificate programs of study, as well as continuing education, distance education, and dual credit for high school students. EPCC has six campuses around the El Paso area to serve its students.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
This program is for students who want to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Students that complete this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to take the state licensing exam for RNs. Applicants are admitted into this four-semester program in the fall and spring semesters.
To be eligible to apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete the ACCUPLACER tests, take the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher, have a GPA of at least 2.5, attend a Health Careers Orientation, and submit all transcripts. The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course. It is also recommended that students take Microorganisms and Disease, as this class is used in the applicant ranking process.
Students must also be CPR and first aid certified, have current immunizations, complete a physical exam, and attend an online orientation before their application will be considered. Students will be ranked on their GPA for their prerequisites, excluding math, plus Microorganisms and Disease.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN Transition Program
This program is for LVNs who want to earn their associate degree in nursing and become licensed RNs. Once students are admitted into the program, they will receive credit for their LVN coursework under the Texas Nursing Articulation Plan, and will enter the ADN program in the third semester. This program begins every fall and spring semester, and in the summer if faculty are available.
To apply, students need to have an active LVN license and be currently employed as a nurse, have a minimum of 6 months full time or 1 year part time LVN experience, and have a reference from their current employer. They must also complete the following prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, Microorganisms and Disease, Human Growth and Development, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course.Students will also need to take the Health Assessment course before being admitted.
Applicants are ranked and admitted based on their GPA of the prerequisite classes.
Paramedic to RN Transition
This program is for licensed Paramedics who want to become RNs. This program admits students in the fall semester.
Students must be currently employed as a Paramedic, have a letter from their current employer, and have at least six months of full time or one year of part time work experience in the field. They must also complete the following prerequisite classes with a grade of C or higher: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, Microorganisms and Disease, Introduction to Psychology, Expository English Composition, and Introductory Math or a higher level math course. It is recommended that students also take Human Growth and Development, Business Computer Applications or other computer course, and Fundamentals of Effective Speech or Organization and Professional Communications.
Applicants are ranked and placed in the program based on their cumulative GPA on their prerequisite courses.
LVN Nursing
This is a three semester program designed to prepare students for a Vocational Nurse Certificate of Completion, and to take the licensing exam to become an LVN. Students are admitted into the program each fall and spring semester.
To apply, students must be enrolled in EPCC, take the ACCUPLACER tests, attend the Health Careers Orientation, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit all transcripts.
Students will also need to take the following prerequisites with a grade of at least C and a minimum 2.5 GPA: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Pharmacology, and Introductory Math or higher.
Applicants need to have a CPR certificate, first aid certificate, current immunizations, a physical exam, the Physical Technical Standard form, and take an online nursing orientation before they will be ranked. Ranking is based on students’ GPA in the prerequisite classes, excluding math.
It is recommended students also take Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and an elective prior to starting the program.
Nursing Assistant
This is a seven week program offered through Continuing Education. Students will take class every day on campus for four weeks, and have clinical experiences for three weeks. After that, they will take the Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
In order to be admitted to this program, students must be at least 17 years old, be CPR certified by an American Hearth Association Healthcare provider, have certification in first aid, have at least an 8th grade reading comprehension, have a physical exam, be current on immunizations, have a negative TB test, and have a background and drug screen.
Contact:
El Paso Community College,
9050 Viscount Blvd.,
El Paso, TX 79925
Galveston College Nursing Program Review
Open to students since 1967, Galveston College (GC) is dedicated to providing quality education to the residents of Galveston Island, as well as the surrounding communities. GC enrolls about 2400 credit students and almost 5000 continuing education students each semester.
Galveston Island is 32 miles long and just 2.5 miles wide, and has some of the best preserved Victorian architecture in the nation. It also features miles of beautiful beaches, restaurants, hotels, and shopping, and is just 40 miles away from Houston, the fourth largest city in the nation.
Nursing Program
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
This program begins in the fall semester. Students will take a two year course of study, with 72 credit hours, and will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing. They will also be prepared to take the licensing exam (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses (RNs).
Admission to this program is competitive. Students will be awarded points based on their GPA, entrance scores, prerequisites and science classes, and general education courses taken.
To apply, students must be admitted to the college, have current immunizations, a clear background investigation, submit all transcripts, satisfy the Texas Success Initiative (TSI), complete or be enrolled in all prerequisites, and submit an application to the program. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 as well as a 2.5 GPA in their prerequisite classes.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I, Introduction to Chemistry I, Essentials of Medical Terminology, General Psychology, and Introduction to Algebra or a higher math class.
The recommended general education courses that will also be used in admission ranking are Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Science Majors, Composition I, Lifespan Growth and Development, Computers in Healthcare, and a Humanities or Arts elective.
Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) to ADN Transition Program (EMT to ADN/ Paramadic to ADN)
Licensed Paramedics may take this program to earn an AAS in Nursing and become RNs. Students that meet the admission criteria will enter the ADN program during a summer session, and will complete it within a year.
Applicants to the program are selected competitively, using the same criteria as for the traditional ADN program. EMT-P Transition students must show proof of licensure, have at least one year of part time work experience as a Paramedic or have been a full time student while working part time, have a background check, be up to date on all immunizations, be admitted to the college, submit transcripts, satisfy TSI requirements, and take all prerequisites. They must also have a 2.5 GPA both cumulatively and in their prerequisite courses.
The prerequisites for the Transition program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology for Science Majors, Introduction to Chemistry I, Composition I, a Humanities or Arts elective, Essentials of Medical Terminology, General Psychology, Health Assessment, and Introduction to Algebra or a higher math class.
General education courses used in ranking students are Lifespan Growth and Development, Computers in Healthcare, and Pharmacology. It is recommended, but not required, that students take these before applying.
After admission to the program, students will take Nursing Skills for Articulating Students and the clinical course, and Transition to Nursing Practice. When they successfully complete these courses, students will receive 14 credit hours for prior education and experience.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to ADN Transition Program
Nurses with an LVN license may apply to this program to earn their AAS degree and become licensed RNs.
Entrance to this program is competitive, and applicants are ranked using the same criteria as for the traditional ADN program. LVN Transition students must have proof of licensure, have worked at least part time for one year as an LVN or have worked part time while a full time student, have a background investigation, have current immunizations, be admitted to the college, submit transcripts, satisfy TSI requirements, and complete all prerequisites. They must have a cumulative 2.5 GPA, and also a 2.5 GPA in their prerequisite courses.
The prerequisites for the Transition program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology for Science Majors, Introduction to Chemistry I, Composition I, a Humanities or Arts elective, Essentials of Medical Terminology, General Psychology, and Health Assessment. They must also either test out of or take Introduction to Algebra or a higher math class.
In addition, students are recommended to take these general education courses, as they are used in ranking applicants for admission: Lifespan Growth and Development, Computers in Healthcare, and Pharmacology.
Once admitted to the program, students will take a Medical-Surgical Clinical and Transition to Nursing Practice. When these have been completed, students will be awarded 14 credit hours for prior education and experience.
Vocational Nursing Certificate
Galveston College offers a program for students wishing to become entry-level nurses. The Vocational Nursing Certificate program is one year long, and after completing it students may take the state licensing exam to become LVNs.
To apply, students must be admitted to the college, have current immunizations, a background check, submit all transcripts, satisfy the TSI, complete or be enrolled in all prerequisites, and submit an application to the program. They must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in their prerequisite classes, as well as a cumulative 2.5 GPA.
The prerequisites for this program are Essentials of Medical Terminology, Essentials of Medication Administration, and Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Heath. Students will also need to test out of or take Introductory Algebra or a higher math class. In addition, it is recommended that students take Nutrition or Nutrition and Diet Therapy I, Essentials of Medial Law/Ethics for Health Professionals, and Pharmacology. These general education requirements are used in the ranking process for program applicants.
Any student that is not selected and applies the following year is automatically given two more ranking points.
Continuing Education
Nurse Aide for Health Care
This is a Continuing Education program for entry-level nursing assistants. To apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students will take 86 hours of coursework and clinical practice, and will also be required to become certified in CPR for Health Care Providers.
Clinical-Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide (CNA Program)
Students that want to become Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) may enroll concurrently in this program while taking the Nursing Assistant courses. This program is an additional 24 hours of classroom and clinical time. Once students finish this program, they will be eligible to take the state certification exam.
Medication Aide
Medication Aides may administer certain medications to patients. CNAs that are currently employed in long-term care facilities are eligible to take this course. This is a 140 hour program, and after completing it students will be able to take the state licensing exam.
Contact:
Galveston College
4015 Avenue Q,
Galveston, TX 77550
Grayson College Nursing Program Review
Grayson College (GC), also sometimes called Grayson County College (GCC), was founded over forty years ago to serve the area around Denison. The college enrolls over 5000 students each semester, and offers over 70 degrees and certificates.
Grayson has three campuses: the Main campus in Denison, South campus in Van Alstyne, and West Extension in Denison.
Nursing Programs
Nursing, Associate Degree
Students that take the classes in this program in sequence will complete the education requirements to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates are then eligible to take the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Admission to this program is competitive, and admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the program.
Students wishing to apply to the program must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a college cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, one college math course or 2 years of high school math with a grade of C or higher, college level Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a C grade or better, take the Evolve Admission test, and have a complete immunization record.
It is also recommended that students take the general education courses of Microbiology, English Composition I and II, General Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, Sociology, Speech, and College Algebra or Elementary Statistics. These courses will be used in ranking, and need to have a grade of C or higher.
Applicants will be ranked for selection based on whether their application is complete, their grades on their prerequisites and any completed general education courses, their Evolve test score, and their district residency.
This nursing program has been fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLCAC), and is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to RN
LVNs may take this program to gain advanced placement into the traditional associate degree nursing program. This will allow them to earn their AAS degree and take the RN licensing exam. It takes about a year to finish this program.
Once admitted into the program, students will take two transitional entry classes, Transition from Vocational to Professional Nursing and Care of Clients with Common Needs. Once they have completed these courses, they will receive 14 credit hours for their prior nursing education and experience, and will then enter the traditional program in the third semester.
To apply, students must be currently licensed as an LVN, have a letter from their current nursing employer detailing their work history, have a high school diploma or equivalent, proof of graduation from an LVN program, a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher, take the Evolve Admission test, and have a complete immunization record. They must also have taken one college math course or 2 years of high school math with a grade of C or higher, college level Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, General Psychology, Child & Lifespan Development, English I, and Sociology, all with a C grade or better.
Applicants are accepted into the program based on a numerical ranking system. Points are assigned for grades on prerequisite and any completed general education courses, Evolve test scores, and residency in the district.
University Transfer Pre-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students who are interested in transferring to a four-year institution and earning a BSN degree may be interested in the Pre-BSN program. This curriculum is designed to replicate the first two years of a BSN program. Students will take 64 credit hours of classes and earn an AAS degree. It is not guaranteed that the curriculum will fulfill the requirements at all four-year universities.
Certified Nurse Aide
This program is available through the Center For Workplace Learning. This 80 hour program combines class time with clinical experience. Students will be required to have a background check and be up to date on their immunizations. Students that complete the program may take the state certification exam.
Contact:
Grayson College
6101 Grayson Drive (Hwy. 691),
Denison, TX 75020
Hardin-Simmons University Nursing School Review
Founded in 1891 as Abilene Baptist College, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is a private university, and has been affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941. The campus sits on over 200 acres in Abilene.
HSU enrolls almost 2500 students each semester. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, giving students the opportunity to get to know their professors. Though located in a large metropolitan area with a population of 133,000, HSU has a small town feel.
Nursing Programs
The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) is a group of schools made up of HSU, Abilene Christian University, and McMurry University. This program is the only one of its kind, and is a model for other programs looking to provide a professional nursing program that is both efficient and of high quality.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students in this program will graduate with a bachelor’s degree and will be eligible to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam. Students will take prerequisite classes their first two years, and will be admitted to the nursing program at the beginning of their junior year.
The prerequisites for this program are Introduction to Chemistry I and II, College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Life Span Development, Microbiology, Statistics, Introduction to Nursing Skills, and Pathophysiology.
Students are eligible to apply to the program if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, have earned at least a C in all nursing core classes and a B in Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Pathophysiology, taken the HESI nursing entrance exam, have two references from nursing instructors, and completed all prerequisites.
RN to BSN
This program is for students who have completed an associate or diploma in nursing from an accredited program and have an RN license. Once they enter the program in the fall, students will be able to complete it in two semesters.
RN to BSN students must take the same general education courses as traditional BSN students. To apply to the program, they must be admitted to HSU, and have completed at least 45 semester hours of prerequisites.
Students will need to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) RN Mobility Exam (ACE II). When they successfully complete the exam, they will be awarded 29 semester hours for upper-division nursing classes. Students may also test for credit in Health Assessment, Mental Health, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
This is a two year Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students will complete 44 semester hours of classes, including 20 hours of core classes. FNP students will also complete 778 hours of clinical practice.
To apply for this program, students must have a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school. They will need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, a 3.0 GPA in their nursing courses, and GRE scores. Students must also be licensed RNs, have at least one year of clinical practice experience, three letters of recommendation, a completed PHSSN application, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Education and Administration
This is a two year MSN program. Students will complete 33 semester hours of classes, including 20 hours of core classes. Education and Administration students will also take 180 hours of clinical practice.
To apply to the program, students must meet the same requirements as for the FNP master’s track.
Post-Masters Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Certificate
This is a two year Post-Master’s program, with an FNP focus. Students will complete at least 21 semester hours of classes.
To be able to apply, students need to have an MSN degree from an accredited nursing school and a current RN license. They will need to meet with the program director to determine the courses needed for their program.
To graduate, they will need to have a GPA of at least 3.0, and finish all designated classes. Students are required to complete this program within six years of being accepted.
Contact:
Hardin-Simmons University
2200 Hickory,
Abilene, TX 79698
Houston Baptist University Nursing School Review
Houston Baptist University (HBU) opened its doors in 1963 after many years of work and planning by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It currently has six colleges, offers over 40 majors, and has 2500 students enrolled.
HBU’s first 50 years have been chronicled in a book, An Act of Providence, written by Vice President Emeritus Dr. Don Looser. This book has won the History Writing Award for Institutional History, given by the Texas Baptist Historical Society.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is designed to prepare students to care for families, individuals, and communities. Students that successfully complete the program will graduate with a BSN degree, and will be able to take the state Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.
To be able to apply students must be admitted to HBU, have attended a nursing information session, have at least a 3.0 GPA in their science courses and cumulatively, complete the HESI entrance exam, complete all prerequisites with a grade of C or higher, complete the HBU proficiencies in Writing, Math, Computer, and Reading, and have a clear background check.
The prerequisites for this program are Writing for Wisdom I and II, Introduction to Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Introductory Chemistry, Math for Critical Thinking (or a higher level Math course), General Psychology, Introductory Statistics for Behavioral Science, Human Growth and Development, American and Texas Government I, Christianity, and Humanities and Fine Art electives.
The program is a total of 127 semester hours. To graduate, students may not earn a grade lower than a C in their nursing core courses. They must also maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.
BSN – Honors
This is a program for students who have been selected into the Honors College (HC). It combines classes from the HC curriculum with the BSN program. Students will meet with an advisor to receive their course information.
RN to BSN
This program is for RNs that want to earn their bachelor’s degree. It allows students with a nursing background to document their previous education and experience. This will allow them to enter the BSN program with advanced placement.
Students must be currently licensed as an RN, and have at least six months work experience as a nurse. They will need to meet the eligibility requirements for the BSN program, be certified both in CPR and AED, have health insurance and a recent physical exam, meet with the Dean or an advisor, have a GPA of at least 3.0, take the HESI admission exam, pass the Math for Nurses test, and meet HBU’s requirements for proficiency in Math, Writing, Reading, and Computer.
RNs will also take the HESI exit exam. If they score above a 900, they will be awarded 25 semester hours of credit for prior courses. If they do not achieve a 900 on the test, they will have to enroll in the courses that they are deficient in.
Students will also have to take the following prerequisites: Pathophysiology, Care of Individuals III, Care of Vulnerable Populations, Nurses in the Community and Nursing in the Community, Senior Seminar: Applied Nursing Research and Externship, and Professional Issues and Nurse Leadership.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to BSN
This program is for LVNs that wish to earn a bachelor’s degree and become licensed RNs. Students applying must be currently licensed as LVNs, and have at least six months of recent LVN work experience. They will also need to meet the eligibility requirements for the BSN program, be certified in CPR and AED, have a recent physical exam and health insurance, meet with the Dean or an advisor, have a GPA of at least 3.0, take the HESI admission exam, pass the Math for Nurses test, and meet the HBU requirements for proficiency in Reading, Math, Writing, and Computer.
Students applying under this program will be allowed to challenge Care of Individuals I and II for credit. Otherwise, they will need to meet the remainder of the BSN program’s requirements for classes.
Transfer and Re-Entry Students
Students that are transferring from another program or re-entering HBU’s nursing program are allowed to challenge any nursing courses that they have received a grade of at least a C in. Students will need to be admitted to HBU, and submit course descriptions and syllabi for any course they wish to challenge to the Dean. Once approved, students will be allowed to take a challenge exam for each course they wish to transfer. Those who score a 75% or above on the challenge exam will have their transfer credit accepted.
Nursing Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to students enrolled in nursing or health related programs. While many are available through outside organizations and are open to students at other schools, there are several that are only open to HBU nursing students. These include:
- Margaret C. Clendenin
- C. Gus Glasscock, Jr. Nursing Scholarship
- Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship
- Memorial Hermann School of Nursing Alumni
- Gwen A. and Michael J. Mellinger Endowed Scholarship for Nursing
- Myrtle Heiman Endowed Scholarship
- The Reverend D.R. Pevoto Scholarship
Contact:
Houston Baptist University
7502 Fondren Road,
Houston, TX 77074
Howard College Nursing Program Review
Howard College (HC) educated its first students in 1946 in what had been the hospital of the former Army Air Force Bombardier School in Big Spring. A few years later the college was moved to its current location in the southeast part of town.
The college currently has four campuses, including the main one in Big Springs, Lamesa, San Angelo, and the Southwest College Institute for the Deaf (SWCID). HC also offers classes for incarcerated students in facilities provided by the Big Springs Federal Correctional Institution and the Eden Detention Center. HC serves 13 counties in West Texas, an area covering 13,000 square miles, and enrolls over 4000 students each semester.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Registered Nurse (RN)
This is a two year program designed to train beginning nurses to care for patients. Students who successfully complete this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree, and will be eligible to take the RN licensing exam and become a professional nurse. This program is only offered at the Big Spring campus. During the second year of this program, students will take their lecture classes online.
To be able to apply for this program, students must be admitted to the college, complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of at least a C, submit a copy of their Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) certificate or transcript, take the TEAS V entrance exam, have a background check, and be up to date on immunizations.
The prerequisites for this program are taking the CNA course, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Freshman Composition I, and Microbiology. Students will also need to take Business Computer Applications before they may begin their online courses during their second year.
Students may also take the general education courses required for the degree prior to entering the ADN program.
Admission to this program is competitive. Students will be assigned points based on their grades in the prerequisite courses, their TEAS scores, and be ranked based on their total points.
HC has articulation agreements with two West Texas universities. After graduation, students may choose to transfer to one of them and continue their nursing education.
Accelerated (Transition) ADN Program
This is a 12 month program for those who have gone through the vocational nursing program, and who want to become RNs. This program is only offered at the Big Spring campus. Students are admitted to this program in the Summer I semester. All of the lecture courses for this program are taken online.
To apply to the program, students will need to be admitted to the college, show an official transcript showing grades of C or better for all prerequisites, provide their transcripts from their vocational nursing education, take the TEAS V exam, have a background check, and have up to date immunizations.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Nutrition, Lifespan/Growth and Development, and Business Computer Applications.
Vocational Nursing
This is a 12 month program that prepares students to provide care to patients under the supervision of an RN or physician. This program is offered at the Big Spring and San Angelo campuses. Students that finish this program will receive a Certificate of Vocational Nursing, and will be allowed to take the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) state exam.
To be able to apply to the program, students must be admitted to the college, take the pre-THEA reading exam, take the prerequisite classes with a C grade or better, take the PSB Aptitude Exam for Practical Nursing, show proof of immunizations, and have a background check.
The prerequisites for this program are to be a licensed CNA, and take Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nutrition, and Lifespan/Growth and Development. It is also recommended that students take Microbiology prior to starting the program, due to potential scheduling conflicts.
Certified Nurse Aide
Completion of this program is required before students may apply to the ADN or vocational nursing programs.
Students applying to this program must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. They must also have a background check, a social security card, driver’s license, and shot records showing current immunizations.
This course is 90 hours, and may be taken in the daytime or in the evenings. Classes are offered at the Big Spring campus.
Contact:
Howard College
1001 Birdwell Lane,
Big Spring, TX 79720
Kilgore College Nursing Program Review
After oil was discovered in the area, the town of Kilgore was incorporated in 1931, and Kilgore College (KC) soon followed in 1935. The school enrolls 12,000 students each semester at both the main campus in Kilgore and the Longview campus. The college also has a Police and Fire Training Facility, and the Overton Agricultural Center.
Kilgore College is home to the East Texas Oil Museum, detailing the history of the independent oil producers that founded the area. It also sponsors the annual Texas Shakespeare Festival, which has been bringing professional theatrical productions to the area each summer for over 25 years.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program will teach students the basics of patient care. Students who successfully complete this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.
This program is 16 months long, including one summer session. Students are admitted into the program every fall and spring semester. About 60 students are admitted each semester.
To apply, students must complete the prerequisite courses, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, take the TEAS V admission test, and read at a 13th grade level or above. All prerequisites must have a grade of C or better. Students will also have to complete a background and drug test before being admitted. Admission to the program is competitive, and is based on prerequisite class grades and admission test scores.
The prerequisite classes for this program are Chemistry for Health Sciences, Grammar and Composition, Nutrition, Introductory Psychology, and Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Students may also take as many non-nursing support classes as they want before applying.
This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN).
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
This program is designed to prepare students to perform basic nursing skills as a part of the nursing team. The course of study is three semesters over the course of 12 months, and students will complete 47 credit hours of classes. Applicants are accepted in the fall and spring semesters. Students who successfully finish the program will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be allowed to take the state LVN licensing exam.
To be able to apply, students will need to pass the Accuplacer exam, have a high school diploma or equivalent, be in good mental and physical health, have their Hepatitis B injections, and have a clear background and drug screening.
Students will also need to take a five-day course, Communication Skills for the Workplace, prior to being accepted. They may also take the Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health and Nutrition classes prior to applying. While these are not required for admission, the grades earned will be used in ranking applicants, and will increase the chances of acceptance. Students will also receive additional ranking points for attending a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) class before applying.
CNA
CNAs provide direct patient care under the supervision of a nurse. Students must be at least 16 years old to take this course, and have a background investigation. Classes are available either during the day or evening. After completing the program, students are allowed to take the state certification exam for CNAs.
Contact:
Kilgore College,
1100 Broadway,
Kilgore TX 75662-3204
Lamar University Nursing School Review
Lamar University (LU) is one of the fastest growing universities in Texas. It enrolls 14,000 students each semester, and offers 100 programs of study. Founded as South Park Junior College in 1923, it became Lamar College in 1932, and a state supported four year college in 1951. It became Lamar University in 1991, and entered the University of Texas system in 1995.
Lamar University has a 19 to 1 student to faculty ratio, was awarded an A for the quality of its core curriculum, and has been named a doctoral research university by the Carnegie Foundation.
The JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing is the first endowed program at the university.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program is designed to train students to become beginning nursing practitioners. The program is two years long, and a total of 69 credit hours. Students that successfully complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to take the state Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.
To apply to the program, students will need to be admitted to Lamar University, take the HESI entrance exam, meet the TSI requirement, complete all prerequisite classes with a grade of at least a C, and have a GPA of at least 2.5 both cumulatively and in science courses.
The prerequisites for this program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, English Composition, and College Algebra. It is also recommended that students take the class Nursing as a Profession prior to admission.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students are admitted into this four year program every fall and spring semester. To apply, students must take Pathophysiology and Theories in Nursing, as well as all prerequisite classes, have at least a C in all prerequisites, a 2.5 GPA or higher in all prerequisites and in all science courses, and take the HESI admission test.
The prerequisites for the BSN program are Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition I and II, Nutrition, College Algebra, Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences, Philosophy of Knowledge, Lifespan Development, and US History I and II.
Students will begin their nursing core courses in their sophomore year of studies.
RN to BSN
This program is for nurses who already have an ADN degree and are currently licensed RNs. Students’ ADN transcripts will be evaluated prior to admission in the program, to determine where they are in the BSN sequence.
RN students applying to the BSN program must meet the same entrance requirements as traditional BSN students. The prerequisites for this program are the same, except RN students are not required to take American History.
RN students are given 32 credit hours of upper division classes in escrow that will be added to their transcript in the last semester of the program.
Masters Degree in Nursing (MSN)
The masters program at Lamar University has two tracks, Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. Both of these tracks are available online.
Nursing Administration is designed to prepare nurses to be leaders in the rapidly changing healthcare field. This program is a total of 37 credit hours, and may be taken either full time or part time.
Nursing Education is for nurses who wish to become nursing faculty. This is also a 37 credit hour program that may be taken full or part time.
To be able to apply for either program, students must have taken an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of C or higher, have a GPA of at least 3.0 for all previous college coursework, GRE or MAT scores from within the last five years, a current RN license, and a background check.
There are also Post-Master’s certificates in both Nursing Administration and Education. Each program requires 20 credit hours of study, and students must have an MSN degree, a 3.0 GPA, a clear background check, and an RN license to be able to apply.
MSN/Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree
This program is for nurse executives who want to become well-rounded leaders with a background in business, finance, nursing administration, and managerial roles. Students that wish to pursue this degree program will need advising by both departments. This program requires 61 credits to complete. The admission requirements are the same as for the other MSN programs.
The Caring Place
This is an initiative started by the Department of Nursing, designed to support nursing students and help them achieve success in their programs. It provides a central place for information about the programs and courses, offers facilitated learning, and helps students take an active role in their own learning.
The Caring Place is located in the Mamie McFadden Ward Health Sciences Building, and selected resources are also available online at the Virtual Caring Place.
Contact:
Lamar University
4400 S M L King Jr. Parkway,
Beaumont, TX 77710
Laredo Community College Nursing Program Review
Laredo Community College’s 200 acre campus is located on the banks of the Rio Grande River in downtown Laredo, TX. The college was founded in 1947, and is located on the site of historic Fort McIntosh.
Today Laredo Community College (LCC) has a second campus, South Campus, in South Laredo, which opened in 2004 and features the latest in technology and architecture. More than 12,000 students enroll in the College each semester
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
This program trains students to care for patients in a variety of settings. This is a two year program, and students who successfully complete it will graduate with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates will also be eligible to sit for the state Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam.
Students that wish to apply to the ADN program will need to take placement assessment tests or meet the TSI requirements, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, complete the prerequisite classes with a grade of at least a C, take a standardized nursing pre-admission exam, have a background check, and be up to date on their immunizations.
The ADN prerequisites are Composition I, Life Span Growth and Development, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Introduction to the Profession of Nursing.
This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
ADN – Transition Program
The ADN Transition program is a way for those already working in health care to continue their education and become licensed RNs. This program can be finished in as little as three semesters, and students will graduate with an AAS degree.
To qualify for this program, students need to be a graduate of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program, a licensed Emergency Medical Services Paramedic with an AAS degree, or a Health Professional and graduate of an associate, bachelor, or master program, with experience in direct patient care. Documentation of the student’s degree, license, and a recommendation are required.
Students will also need to take placement assessment tests or meet the TSI requirements, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, complete the prerequisite classes with a grade of at least a C, take a standardized nursing pre-admission exam, have a background check, and be up to date on their immunizations.
The prerequisite classes for this program are Composition I, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Life Span Growth and Development, Introduction to Computing, and Introduction to the Profession of Nursing.
Once students complete the transition courses, they will receive 9 credit hours for past courses and experience.
Vocational Nursing
This is an intensive one year course with classroom and clinical components, designed to train students to practice basic patient care. Upon finishing, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be allowed to take the state licensing exam for LVNs.
To be eligible to apply, students will need to take the Compass test, demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math, have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, complete all prerequisites with a grade of at least C, and take a pre-entrance exam.
The Vocational Nursing prerequisite classes are Lifespan Growth and Development and Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants. Students may opt to take Anatomy and Physiology I and II in place of A & P for Medical Assistants.
Nursing Assistant
Students who wish to learn the entry-level skills required to be a nursing assistant may take this program. This is a one semester certificate program. This program is also offered as dual enrollment for high school students.
The prerequisites for this program are to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and to have a tenth grade or higher reading level. In addition, students will need to submit all transcripts, a letter of reference, and apply for admission to the program.
Once students complete the program, they will be allowed to take the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities exam for certification.
Contact:
Laredo Community College
West End Washington Street,
Laredo, TX 78040
Lee College Nursing Program Review
Lee College (LC) was established in 1934, and graduated its first four students the following year. The college grew and expanded over the next few decades, increasing enrollment and programs offered. Today over 9000 students are enrolled in degree, vocational, and continuing education programs. Lee College is considered one of the nation’s fastest growing community colleges.
Students can take classes from Lee College at the main campus, the McNair Center, Liberty County school district sites, the San Jacinto Mall, and through the Texas Department of Corrections.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
This program prepares students for beginning practice in patient care. Students that complete this program successfully will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Graduates will then be able to take the state licensing exam for Registered Nurses (RNs).
This program takes a total of five semesters to complete once students have taken the prerequisite courses.
To apply to the ADN program, students need to be admitted to Lee College and submit all transcripts. They must not have any grades of D or lower, and must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in their prerequisites and in their science courses. They must also have a background check, and be up to date on their immunizations.
The prerequisites for this program are Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Pharmacology, English Composition I and Introduction to Psychology. It is also recommended that students take as many general education courses as possible prior to applying to the ADN program.
For graduation, students must earn at least a C in all courses, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the program.
Since 1987, Lee College has had an agreement with the University of Texas, Galveston, for ADN graduates who wish to transfer and earn their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
RN Transitional Entry
The Transitional Entry program is designed to facilitate the continuing education of Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), allowing them to earn their AAS degree and become licensed as RNs. This program takes four semesters to complete once students have taken the prerequisite courses.
In addition to meeting the admission requirements for the traditional ADN program, students must also have a current LVN license. The prerequisite courses for the Transitional Entry program are Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Integrated Software Applications I, English Composition I and Introduction to Psychology.
After being admitted into the program, students will take Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Care of Children and Families, and two Registered Nurse Training Clinicals. After successfully completing these courses, students will receive 10 credit hours for past nursing education and experience.
Vocational Nursing
This one year program trains students in basic patient care. Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, and will be eligible to take the state Practical Nurse licensing exam, to become LVNs.
Students applying to this program need to be high school graduates or have a GED, and have a 13th grade reading level. They will need to take Allied Health Math with a grade of C or higher, and attend a mandatory applicant information session for the Vocational Nursing program.
It is recommended that students take the following classes prior to starting the program: The Human Body, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Medical Terminology, Integrated Software Applications I, and College Study Skills. All science courses must be taken with a grade of B or higher, and all others must have a grade of C or higher.
Certified Nurse Aid (CNA)
This is a 96 hour classroom and clinical program offered through Continuing Education. Students will learn basic care of patients in long term care facilities. To be eligible to enroll, students must have a Social Security number, be able to read and write English, and have an online background investigation. They will also need to be current on immunizations, and bring proof of their shots when registering.
Students will receive a certificate of completion upon finishing, and will be able to take the state nurse aid exam, offered by the Nurse Aid Competency Evaluation System.
Contact:
Lee College
200 Lee Drive,
Baytown, TX 77520
Lone Star College CyFair Nursing Program Review
The Lone Star College System (LSCS) is the fastest growing community college system in Texas, and enrolls over 85,000 students at its multiple locations around the Houston area. The College was founded in 1972.
Lone Star College CyFair (LSC-CyFair, LSCC) is the newest college in the Lone Star College System. It has a main campus on Barker Cypress Road, and a full-service satellite campus, LSC-Fairbanks Center, located on Highway 290. LSC-CyFair offers 2 year degrees, transfer programs to four-year colleges, and programs to improve job skills or for personal growth.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This program is for students who wish to begin a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). Students that complete the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and will be allowed to sit for the state RN licensing exam.
Students that wish to apply to this program must first be admitted to LSC-CyFair. They will need to submit official transcripts from every university or college attended, complete all college-level writing, reading, and math prerequisites, take the program prerequisites with a GPA of at least 2.5, earn a C or better in all ADN courses, take the HESI exam, and have proof of Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers.
The ADN prerequisites are Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Psychology, and English Composition and Rhetoric I. Students are also recommended to take the following general admission courses prior to applying: Medical Microbiology, Lifespan Growth and Development, Principles of Sociology, Interpersonal Communication or Intro to Speech Communication, a Physical Activity course, and a Fine Arts or Humanities elective.
This is a competitive program and students will be ranked for admission based on points earned for their GPA, total credits completed, and entrance exam scores.
The ADN program at CyFair has been approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Vocational Nursing
Students also have the option of the Vocational Nursing program at CyFair. Graduates of this program will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be allowed to take the state licensing exam to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Students wishing to apply to this program must be enrolled in LSC-CyFair. They will also need to submit official transcripts from every university or college attended, complete all college-level writing, reading, and math prerequisites, take Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology with a grade of C or better, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all other courses, take the HESI exam, and have proof of Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers.
Nurse Aide
The Nurse Aide program is offered at LSC-CyFair through the Continuing Education program. Students will take 88 hours of classroom and clinical practice. After completing the courses, they will be eligible to take the state Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) exam.
To apply, students must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security card, a Texas driver’s license or ID, and a background check. They must also be up to date on their immunizations.
Articulation Agreements
The LSC-CyFair nursing program has articulation agreements for students who graduate with an ADN and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The schools with agreements are Prairie View A & M, University of Texas El Paso, University of Phoenix, UT Health Science Center, Capella University, Kaplan University, Texas Women’s University, University of Houston Victoria, Lamar University, UT Arlington, and Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Contact:
Lone Star College -CyFair Campus,
9191 Barker Cypress Road,
Cypress, TX 77433
Lone Star College System Nursing Program Review
The Lone Star College System (LSCS, LSC) is growing and is now the chief higher education organization in the Houston area. Founded almost forty years ago, LSCS is the fastest growing community college system in the state of Texas. The college system is made up of five colleges located in Cyress, Kingwood, Conroe, Houston and Tomball and nursing programs are offered in four out of the five cities.
LSCS has associate and certification degrees in various subjects and partnerships with several universities. The tuition is affordable and there are several faculties that offer both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. At LSCS, you can use your Nursing courses toward an Associate of Arts academic degree or enter the workforce.
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Transition to Professional nursing for Articulating Students programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Selection Criteria For All Programs:
All of the different nursing programs at LSCS have slightly varied application periods throughout the year.Admission to a program is based on the total number of points earned by an applicant, which is based on a scoring sheet.
Students are then ranked according to their scores. If an applicant achieves a high score, then he or she is accepted into a program or potentially placed on another list. If a student is accepted, he or she will be informed of their status via mail. Those applicants placed on the other list will receive a letter of acceptance. If an applicant is not accepted, he or she will then be sent a letter of non-acceptance into the nursing program. There is no waiting list for nursing program at LSCS, but applicants who are not admitted are welcome to re-apply at any time during the application period.
Prior to admission, all applicants must submit a background test, a HESI test, SSI, Hepatitis B and Meningitis (HIB) immunization records, program prerequisites, a clear criminal history, and sign a FERPA. After being admitted to the program, candidates must go through drug screening, a physical exam, an English proficiency test, CPR certification, TB test, MMR, Tdap, and Varicella immunizations and purchase malpractice/liability insurance.
Offerings for Nursing:
Associate of Applied Science Degrees:
LSCS offers four Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The curriculum for this degree becomes progressively more difficult, and learning is content-driven in subjects from children and family care to adult health.
Nursing Credit Certificates:
Graduates of the Nursing Credit Certificate are prepared to provide nursing care for clients with an expected diagnosis in various health care settings. This certificate is ideal for students interested a career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or a nursing assistant.
Nursing Continuing Education:
Lone Star College offers certificates in both medication aid and nurse’s aid. Additionally, Lone Star has individual course offerings for nursing professionals.
Nursing Bachelor’s Degree:
Upon completion of your initial two years of college coursework at a Lone Start College System campus, students may be interested in continuing education at a university level. Students can also obtain a bachelor’s degree at LSC-University Center and after attaining a bachelor’s degree, students will be far more noticeable to a prospective employer and have an increased earning potential.
Bachelor of Science for Nursing (BSN):
Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Science for Nursing degree (BSN), graduates can take the National Council Licensure Examination and can become licensed for practical nursing. If students are interested in starting their career as a nurse generalist, the BSN is the perfect course. Graduates of the BSN are trained to meet community and state needs for nurses who can assume leadership roles in the delivery of health care. Graduates of the nurse generalist program can go on to take up positions in the field of nursing and continue into further nursing study. If a student is already a registered nurse, he or she is also required to obtain the same prerequisites and requirements as other applicants. However, applicants interested in entering the Registered Nurse – Bachelor of Science for Nursing (RN-BSN) degree are only admitted for the Fall semester.
In order to apply to the BSN program as an RN, applicants must have completed all pre-clinical requirements with a minimum “C” grade, and a GPA of 2.50.2. Applicants must also documentation proving he or she is licensed to practice nursing in Texas and have an associate degree in nursing from a Texas nursing associate degree program. Applicants must also prove employment in nursing of at least six months full-time, or part time for one year. Alternatively, applicants must prove he or she has been enrolled in a refresher course with a clinical module within the last two years.
Nursing Master’s Degree:
LSC-University Center also has several master’s degrees available at six partner institutions. Interested students should have already earned a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is obligatory for some management positions in nursing as well as teaching at a college level.
Contact:
Lone Star College System
Campuses:
Kingwood:
20000 Kingwood Drive
Kingwood, TX 77339
281-312-1600
Montgomery:
3200 College Park Drive
Conroe, TX 77384
936-273-7000
North Harris:
2700 W.W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073-3499
281-618-5400
Tomball:
30555 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, TX 77375
281-351-3300
Lubbock Christian University Nursing School Review
Lubbock Christian University (LCU) is a small school that prides itself on the student to faculty ratio of 15:1. The campus is safe, welcoming and intimate. Lubbock Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate’s degrees, Bachelors degrees and Masters degrees.
The Nursing degrees offered at Lubbock Christian University include; the Pre-Nursing Program, a partnership program with Covenant School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).
The RN to BSN program was established 20 years ago and the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program was developed in 2005. The goal of the MSN program is to ensure registered nurses are prepared for advanced service and potentially to work as instructors in education.The RN-BSN and MSN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission Inc.
Currently Lubbock Christian University has a partnership with the Covenant School of Nursing, which allows students to complete the BSN degree in only two to three semesters.During the RN to BSN program, students must complete 12 core courses and then apply to the Covenant School of Nursing for four semesters. Students can then enroll in additional courses like, Genetics and Statistics. Upon graduation from the Covenant School of Nursing, graduates will begin the RN-BSN courses. Once BSN courses are completed in one year or less, the graduate can then apply to the MSN program.Financial assistance is available throughout the four year program, and students work full time as RN’s while working to complete the RN-BSN courses.
Registered Nurse – Bachelor of Science (RN-BSN) Program
Graduates of Associate Degree and Diploma nursing programs can apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Lubbock Christian University. Learning is self-directed and teaches students to provide holistic care to patients, apply research findings, and communicate with other members of the health care profession.In order to complete the BSN degree, students must complete a minimum of 39 semester hours.
In order to apply to the RN program, students must apply online at the LCU website. Applicants must then arrange for an interview with the program coordinator and present official transcripts from his or her college or university. Applicants must then complete the FAFSA online and complete a criminal background check, prove liability insurance, share a copy of his or her CPR Card and have graduated from an approved nursing school with a minimum of a “C” grade in any pre-requisite courses with a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants do not have to have completed core courses like History or Genetics because RN-BSN students can take those courses at the same time as their nursing courses.
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
The MSN degree is a 35-hour degree without a thesis that must be completed in 18-24 months. Nurses can complete the course while working full-time. Students must already have a BSN or a baccalaureate degree that the university has accepted as suitable. The MSN degree includes research, health care policy, ethics, theoretical foundations of nursing practice, and social issues among several other components.
Contact:
Lubbock Christian University
5601 19th Street, Lubbock,
TX 79407-2099, United States
(806) 796-8800
McLennan Community College Nursing Program Review
Established in 1965 and located on 200 acres in Waco, Texas, McLennan Community College (MCC) has 9,500 students enrolled per semester. Half of the students are in arts and sciences and the other half are enrolled in workforce programs. Eighty-six percent of students say that they would recommend McLennan Community College. McLennan Community College also owns Highlander Ranch, which is a horse farm located in Bosqueville.
Students at MCC can take part in courses that will lead to four-year university or technical career training. Training is available in over 40 technical fields, computer fields, commercial music, health careers, emergency services and veterinary programs. MCC also offers their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online, through four-year universities
Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)
McLennan Community College’s one-year Licensed Vocational Nursing program is established through classroom teaching, lab work and clinical rotations.Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) are responsible for beside patient care like, taking vital signs, applying dressings and administering prescribed medications. LVNs are also in-charge of reporting on symptoms, treatment and medication reactions and patient progress. Upon successful completion of the Licensed Vocational Nursing program at MCC, graduates are able to apply for vocational nurse licensure.
MCC’s Vocational Nursing Program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Individuals who complete the LVN program, often go on to apply to baccalaureate programs at accredited institutions, in order to further their nursing career and obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and work as a Registered Nurse in various healthcare institutions.
The Curriculum
The Vocational Nursing Program is comprised of four academic courses and 13 nursing courses. Courses include Essentials of Medication Administration, Basic Nursing Skills, Pediatrics, and Maternal-Neonatal Nursing among others. In order to continue in the Vocational Nursing program, students have to pass the theory and clinical parts of every course. Students must also be registered in a clinical and theory course in every semester.
Admission Criteria
Points are assigned for ranking applications by using categories A+B+C+D – HESI Admission/Assessment Test, GPA, prerequisite course grades and “proof of residence.” Prospective students can apply to McLennan Community College online. Transcripts from any college or university must be submitted and a $20 fee is mandatory. The Fall admission deadline is June 15th and Spring admission deadline is October 15th. After applying, prospective students can attend the Vocational Nursing General Information session.Students will then need to complete the HESI Admission/Assessment Test with a reading score of 75, and a math score of 75.
Students will then be required to show proof of a complete immunizations and CPR certification. Students must be immunized against Hepatitis B, varicella, mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria/tetanus and tuberculosis skin test or chest x-ray. Students must also pass a drug screen and a criminal background test.
Contact:
McLennan Community College
1400 College Drive,
Waco, TX 76708
McMurry University Nursing School Review
McMurry University (McM) is a liberal arts school that offers bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, education, nursing and business. McMurry University was founded in 1923, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is home to 1400 students. The school is located on 40 acres of land in Abilene, Texas, which has a population of 115,930 and is safe and convenient. The mission statement of McMurry University is to provide Christian liberal arts and professional education that prepares students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service.
McMurry University’s academic programs include; the Honors program, School of Arts & Letters, School of Business, School of Natural and Computational Sciences, the School of Education, the School of Sciences and Religion and the School of Nursing.
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
At the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN), students will learn arts and sciences and will complete their course load at one of three of McMurry University’s consortium universities. The students can apply for a place at PHSSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses at an entry level for a nursing career with a Christian focus. The courses in the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at McMurry University cover legal and ethical issues in both a classroom setting and clinical setting and helps students prepare for graduate education.
In order to take courses at PHSSN, students must be accepted by one of the three consortium universities; Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University or McMurry University. Then students must fill out a separate application for PHSSN. Prospective students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the lower division nursing curriculum, based on a 4.00 scale. Core nursing courses must have been completed with a letter grade of ‘C’ or higher. Prospective students must also have passed the HESI – nursing entrance exam, and completed all prerequisite courses. Upon acceptance, students must submit a physical health exam, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis B immunizations, evidence of Rubella screening and a negative tuberculosis test.
The application fee is $45, and can be submitted online.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing also offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification. The programs provide advanced nursing study. Those students, who complete all requirements, will receive their graduation certificate from Abilene Christian University or Hardin-Simmons University with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The graduate of the MSN program will become a leader in careers such as a Family Nurse Practitioner, administrator or patient care manager. These graduates are also then able to take the national certification exam.
For admission to the MSN program, students must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with an 850 minimum verbal and quantitative score. Students must also hold a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate nursing coursework. Students must also have health insurance coverage and three letters of recommendation, proof of RN licensure in the State of Texas and proof of ACLS Provider Certification. Prospective students must also provide a transcript from university in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. If a student is admitted to the MSN program, this does not guarantee he or she will be admitted to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.
Contact:
McMurry University
2149 Hickory Street
Abilene, TX 79601
Tel. 325-671-2399
Midland College Nursing Program Review
Midland College (MC) was established in 1969 and expanded in 1972. Today the current student population is 7,000. As well as a college, the school also runs an Advanced Technology Center, Cogdell Learning Center, an Aviation Maintenance Technology Hangar, Professional Pilot Preparation Hanger, Child Care Center, and the Petroleum Professional Development Center in the community. Midland College has over fifty associate degree and certificate options. Students studying at Midland College can receive upper-level degrees on campus from four-year universities.
The degrees available at Midland College are; Bachelor of Applied Technology, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Science in General Studies, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
At Midland College, students can take a two-year nursing program, which eventually leads to the degree of associate of applied science. There is also a transition option for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) to take the Associate Degree Nursing program (LVN-ADN Transition Program). Upon completion of the course, students can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse.
Admission
The admission criteria consists of the Health Sciences Application, transcripts from college courses, proof of TSI requirements, copy of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores, proof of C.N.A. certification, proof of all three Hepatitis immunizations a criminal history background check and TOEFL scores for students applying internationally.
Vocational Nursing Program
The Vocational Nursing Program is one-year long and leads to a certificate. Once the program is completed, the student can apply to the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN), which will permit the individual to practice as a vocational nurse. After graduation, you will be able to work in an acute or long-term care facility, physician’s office or nursing agency.
The Vocational Nursing program at Midland Campus is offered through the Williams Regional Technical Training Center (WRTTC) in Ft. Stockton. In order to graduate, students must complete the courses with a minimum “C” grade, and completing the achievement test at the end of the course.
The curriculum is organized so that nurses will have a combination of theory and supervised practice. The cost of the program is currently roughly $6,000 and there are scholarships and grants available through the Midland College Financial Aid Office. Clinical experience is gained through hospitals, nursing homes and physician’s offices, as well as additional health care facilities. The Vocational Nursing program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing.
In order to apply to the Vocational Nursing program, students must complete a Health Science application to the Vocational Nursing program. Applicants must also submit a high school or college transcript with required courses. Applicants must also pass an entrance exam and can practice online before writing the test. The pre-entrance exams include the TSI, TEAS, and the TABE. Applications must be submitted by March 25 for the summer classes, by July 25 for the fall semester and by October 20 for the spring session. Upon being accepted into the Vocational Nursing program at Midland College the Health Science Division Health Form must be completed, as well as current immunizations, drug testing, CPR certification and health insurance must be purchased. A students Hepatitis B series must also be completed before he or she is able to begin the Vocational Nursing program.
Contact:
Midland College
3600 N. Garfield,
Midland, TX 79705
(432) 685-4500
Midwestern State University Nursing School Review
Midwestern State University (MSU, MWSU) is a public liberal arts university, which has undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and the professions. Midwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program takes place at the Wilson School of Nursing and is available to students who do not yet have a license to practice as a Registered Nurse. The program also provides a post-licensure RN to BSN program, for RN’s who currently hold associate degrees in nursing and who have previously graduated from hospital programs. The RN-BSN program is perfect for the working RN and can also be completed via distance learning, with clinical studies taking place in the students geographical area. The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
The program is 128 hours (60 hours nursing and 68 non-nursing hours) for students who do not yet have a license and 124 hours for the RN/BSN program. After graduating, the pre-licensure BSN are able to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
In order to be admitted into the BSN, Pre-licensure program, applicants must complete an MSU application to the university for a $25 fee. Admission is by July for fall admission and November for spring admission. Official transcripts from each of the students’ university’s/college’s attended must be submitted. Applicants must also complete a Nursing Entrance Test (NET) or HOBET, with a minimum “C” grade on all science courses. Applicants must also complete a physical examination, provide health insurance coverage and nursing student liability insurance as well as a CPR certification, criminal background check and Ten Panel Urine Drug Screen as well as Texas-mandated immunizations. The RN to Masters of Science in Nursing program (MSN) program allows RN’s to apply to complete a Masters degree.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
Midwestern State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program as well as an RN to MSN Program for nurses who have graduated from hospital based programs or 2 year associate degree programs. There is also a Post-Masters Certification Program. The MSN program has three tracks; Nurse Educators, Family Nurse Practitioner’s (FNP) and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses. Prior to admission to the graduate program, applicants must have a RN license to practice in Texas, a complete MSU Admissions application, a completed MSN Program application, transcripts from previous colleges/universities and a basic undergraduate statistics course. The applicant must also have a GRE score and complete a personal interview with the graduate coordinator on the specific program. Applicants must also have liability insurance, documentation of health insurance, an updated immunization record and CPR certification.
Programs for Registered Nurses – RN to BSN Option and RN to MSN Option
Registered nurses who have a diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and have a license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas can apply for one of MSU’s RN to BSN and RN to MSN options to help nurses expand their professional career. Applicants that hope to become a Nurse Educator, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner should apply for the RN to MSN option, but must have a BSN before applying.
Contact:
Midwestern State University
3410 Taft Blvd.,
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Navarro College Nursing Program Review
Navarro College (NC) is located on 103 acres west of downtown Corsicana on State Highway 31. The name Navarro College was adopted by the Board of Trustees in 1974. Navarro College has two permanent centers, the Navarro College South at Mexia and the Ellis County Center at Waxachie. There is also a third off-campus center in Midlothian. Navarro College also offers distance studies online. Navarro College has been named “The Fastest-Growing Public Two-Year College in the Nation” by Community College Week.
Navarro College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Registered Nurse – Associate Degree Nursing (ADN-RN)
The Registered Nurse Associate Degree Nursing program is a two-year 72 credit curriculum and leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The course allows the student to graduate and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once a student completes the examination, he or she will be able to practice as a registered nurse. The curriculum is made up of coursework on Navarro College campus, as well as clinical experience off campus. Individuals who complete the Associate Degree in Nursing program at Navarro University and successfully complete the NCLEX-RN examination, go on to work as a Registered Nurse in a variety of healthcare environments including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, physicians’ offices, and many more varied healthcare institutions.
In order to apply to the program, individuals must attend nursing information sessions in October or November. There is also an entrance test, which applicants must pass.
Additional Program Requirements
Students must pass all theory course prior to the RN course with a “C” or higher. Applicants must also pass drug screens, criminal background checks, provide CPR certification, health screenings and immunizations records.
Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nursing Bridge Option (LVN-RN)
The LVN to RN Bridge options allows LVNs to take summer courses to bridge into the RN program. LVNs must have 9-12 months of acute-care experience and must meet several admission requirements. Many individuals apply to the LVN to RN bridge program after having completed several years working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, and wish to expand their skills in order to begin working as a Registered Nurse.
Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Option
The Licensed Vocational Nursing program is a 12-month course that leads to a Certificate of Completion and aids graduates in being able to take the National council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Graduates of this program can provide beside nursing care, such as administering medication and other technical skills, learned both in on-campus work and off-campus practical work.
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) in Pre-Bachelor of Science In Nursing (BSN)
Students who plan on pursing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at a university level should enroll in the pre-bachelor Science in Nursing degree at Navarro College. Students graduate with an Associate in Science Degree (A.S.).
In order to apply to any of the nursing programs at Navarro University, individuals must hold CPR certification and must submit to a drug screening and criminal background check.
Contact:
Navarro College
3200 W. 7th Avenue ,
Corsicana, Texas 75110
1-800-NAVARRO
(903) 874-6501
North Central Texas College Nursing Program Review
Established in 1925, North Central Texas College (NCTC) is currently 87 years old. With a home campus in Gainesville, North Central Texas College offers courses to students in Denton and Montague counties. North Central Texas College offers programs that lead to associate degrees and certificates. North Central Texas College’s Division of Health Sciences has courses in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN).
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is offered at Gainesville Campus and is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and has full accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. There are two phases to gaining admission into the Associate Degree Nursing Program at North Central Texas College.
Phase one consists of three steps and, all steps must be completed by applicants before he or she will be admitted into the program. Step one is to complete transcripts from all previous educational institutions as well as standardized testing scores. The second step includes attending pre-nursing advisement/information sessions. The final step in phase one, is receiving an acceptance to the College by the Registrar’s Office and then registering for courses online.
Phase two of the application involves seeking admission to the ADN program, and applicants get ranked under the Priority Point Chart. Once students are selected for admission, he or she must submit a physical examination form, proof of CPR certification, an immunization record, proof of medical insurance coverage and proof of malpractice insurance. Students must also submit to drug and criminal reference checks.
Vocational (LVN) Nursing Program Certificate
The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing as a certificate program. Classes for the Vocational Nursing program are offered in the Fall semester at the Gainesville, Corinth, Bowie and Graham campuses and in the Spring at the Gainesville campus only. The program is 12 months long and when completed, graduates can write the National Council Licensing Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).
Students can also take the Vocational Nursing Program online, but only in the Spring semester. Clinical classes will then take place on the weekends. Licensed Vocational Nurses go on to work in various healthcare environments including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, nursing homes and many more. Licensed Vocational Nurses work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician.
Admission to the LVN Program
Students interested in the Vocational Nursing program must apply to North Central Texas College. Applicants need to attend an advisement session and then complete an application form. High school transcripts are required for applicants. If an applicant has previously been enrolled in another nursing program, he or she may be eligible for advanced placement into the second semester or North Central Texas College’s Vocational Nursing program. If a student wishes to apply for advanced placement, he or she must make a formal application and include transcripts from previous nursing programs and submit to an interview with the program director.
Contact:
North Central Texas College
1525 West California Street
Gainesville, TX 76240-4636
United States
(940) 668-7731
Odessa College Nursing Program Review
Odessa College (OC) was founded in 1946 and offers 45 associate degree programs and 70 certificate options to 6,000 students. Classes are available at Odessa College’s main campus in Odessa, as well as Pecos, Andres and Monahans. Students can also take classes online through OC Global. Odessa College also offers university parallel courses for students interested in completing four-year degrees at universities.
Odessa College offers an Associate Degree Nursing program, and a Vocational Nursing program.
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
At Odessa College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program, the college believes that the client is the central point of the nursing profession. The faculty train students to work with individuals and families and treat patients with dignity and respect.
The Associate Degree Nursing program at Odessa College is based on the client, the environment, caring, nursing, nursing education and health. The course teaches the nurse to work as a Provider of Care, Coordinator of Care, and Member of a Profession.
The curriculum at Odessa College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program allows graduates to work under the supervision of healthcare providers and after successfully completing the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, the graduate then becomes a Registered Nurse. There are two track options in the ADN program. Both tracks require students to complete non-nursing requirements, however, generic students who are not licensed as a licensed vocational nurse.
Odessa College also offers a transition option for the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Applicants must apply to the program through the Odessa College admissions department by downloading the link or going to the college’s admissions office. The admission deadline is May 20 for fall admission and September 20 for spring admission. The application deadline for transition students is May 1. Applicants are accepted based on their GPA and five prerequisite courses, as well as their score on the nursing entrance exam. Applicants must be high school graduates and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must also provide proof of immunizations, a CPR certificate and proof of health and accident insurance. In order to graduate, students must pass all coursework with a “C” grade.
The Nursing Curriculum requires students to take several non-nursing courses prior to admission. Two pre-requisite nursing courses are Pharmacology and Health Assessment and students have to have passed Biology prior to taking these courses.
Students must also pass a criminal background check and drug testing check after being admitted into the nursing program.
The Texas Board of Nursing approves all candidates for licensure.
Graduates of Odessa College’s ADN program must write an EXIT exam required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Graduates of the nursing program, who become Licensed Vocational Nurses, can work in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, home health care nurses, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals and hospice care.
After completing an associate degree in nursing, students can go on to complete a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at university to obtain an RN or BSN degree. Nurses can also earn master’s degrees as well as doctorate degrees.
Contact:
Odessa College
201 W. University
Odessa, TX 79764
432-335-6400
Panola College Nursing Program Review
Panola College (PC) was established in 1947 in order to allow students to earn the first two years of a baccalaureate. Panola College is located on 35-acres of land at the Texas state highway 315 and U.S, 79 in Carthage. The current student population is 1,800 and offers distance learning via Television and the Internet.
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
The Panola College Associate Degree Nursing program promotes healing, excellence in nursing and holistic health. The program is geared toward training individuals who would like a career as a registered nurse and to aid in the transition of the Licensed Vocational Nurse into a professional nurse. Once a student completes the program, the student can then complete the National Council Licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse. For students that are unable to attend classes during weekdays, there is an online option available. The program is approved by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. Upon completion of the program and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination, individuals become Registered Nurses and can work in various healthcare environments including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospices and many more.
In order to be admitted into the Associate Degree Nursing program at Panola College, applicants must complete the application process before the beginning of March for fall or October for spring admission. Students must have a minimum “C” grade in each course, with a 2.5 GPA in pre-requisite courses. Drug screening is also required.
Project Belize
During the Spring semester, Panola College AND students are offered an opportunity to apply for a course that will send them to Belize to offer health care to the Mayan Indians in village clinics, who would normally not receive care.
Registered Nurse Refresher Course (RN)
The RN Refresher Course at Panola College allows registered nurses to refresh their skills if they have been out of the nursing profession for a specific amount of time. If a nurse has let his or her license expire, this course will allow him or her to re-enter the nursing profession and become re-licensed.
Vocational Nursing Program (LVN)
Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and has two extension locations, one at the Carthage program, which begins in June with a March deadline, and another Center program, which commences in January, with an October application deadline. The program is currently not available online, as it is heavily clinically based.
Prerequisites for the LVN program include a current certified nurse aid license and a “C” grade in specific biology courses. All applicants will need to take the HESI A2 admission placement exam and achieve a score of 80 in Reading Comprehension and 75 in Grammar and Math.
Upon completion of the Vocational Nursing program, the graduate receives a certificate of completion. The certificate allows graduates to transfer to other colleges with technical programs, but is not a college credit.
Contact:
Panola College
1109 W. Panola,
Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-2000
Paris Junior College Nursing Program Review
Paris Junior College (PJC) was established in 1924 because the community nearby needed a higher learning institution. When the school opened, there were 91 students and seven faculty members.
The campus is currently located on 54 acres of land in Paris, Texas. The current Greenville campus is a 39,000 square foot building, which opened in 2008. The campus offers associate degrees in arts or sciences, as well as certification programs.
Paris Junior College offers a consolidated nursing program. PJC has a Vocational Nursing (LVN) program, and an Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program. The first year is the LVN program and if a student passes this initial year, the student can continue into the Associate Degree Nursing Program. After successful completion of the second year, graduates can then go on to become RNs.
Vocational Nurse (LVN) Programs
The LVN program can be completed in just one full year. After completing this initial year, the graduate can go on to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). The LVN program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing. Upon entry into the workforce, Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a variety of healthcare environments including hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, schools and physicians’ offices. Licensed Vocational Nurses must always work under supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician. Applications to the LVN program are available in January and must be submitted by February for the Summer semester. When applying, prospective students need too also submit college transcripts, references, immunization records, and CPR confirmation. Applicants must also have completed prerequisite courses.
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) or Transition Program Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN)
For nurses that want to become a professional nurse, Paris Junior College has a nursing program for vocational nurses. Upon graduation from this program, graduates will become Registered Nurses in clinics, doctor’s offices, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Graduates will receive the Associate in Applied Science Nursing Degree and can take the National Council Licensure Examination and become a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Admission Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) or Transition Program – Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN)
Applications for this program are due at the beginning of January and acceptance is sent out up until April for summer start. Applicants are also required to submit college transcripts, CPR documentation, immunization records and proof that the applicant is a trained Vocational Nurse. The application to the ADN or Transition program LVN to RN is dependent on prerequisite courses and GPA scores. References are also required for admission by the nursing department.
In order to be admitted into any of the nursing programs at Paris Junior College, individuals must hold CPR certification and must submit a criminal background check, drug screening, and immunization records. Individuals will not be admitted into any of the nursing programs until this information has been submitted to the admissions office of Paris Junior College.
Contact:
Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville Street,
Paris, TX 75460,
United States
(903) 785-7661
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing Program Review
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) is affiliated with Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University. Students must first complete prerequisite courses at one of the three universities, and then in the Spring, apply to the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Students will then take part in hands-on learning in clinical studies and classroom lectures, but cannot apply to PHSSN until they have completed courses at the affiliated universities.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses at an entry level for a nursing career with a Christian focus. The courses in the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at the affiliated universities cover legal and ethical issues in both a classroom setting and clinical setting and helps students prepare for graduate education.
Then students must fill out a separate application for PHSSN. Prospective students must have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in the lower division nursing curriculum, based on a 4.00 scale. Core nursing courses must have been completed with a letter grade of ‘C’ or higher. Prospective students must also have passed the HESI – nursing entrance exam, and completed all prerequisite courses. Upon acceptance, students must submit a physical health exam, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis B immunizations, evidence of Rubella screening and a negative tuberculosis test.
The application fee is $45, and can be submitted online.
Upon completion of the BSN program at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, individuals can go on to apply to write the NCLEX-RN examination, in order to begin practicing as a Registered Nurse. Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare environments including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospices and physicians’ offices.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program
The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing also offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN) a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification. The programs provide advanced nursing study. Those students, who complete all requirements, will receive their graduation certificate from Abilene Christian University or Hardin-Simmons University with a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The graduate of the MSN program will become a leader in careers such as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), administrator or patient care manager. These graduates are also then able to take the national certification exam in order to begin working in the field.
For admission to the Masters of Science in Nursing program, students must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with an 850 minimum verbal and quantitative score. Students must also hold a GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate nursing coursework. Students must also have health insurance coverage and three letters of recommendation, proof of RN licensure in the State of Texas and proof of ACLS Provider Certification. Prospective students must also provide a transcript from university in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. If a student is admitted to the MSN program, this does not guarantee he or she will be admitted to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.
Contact:
Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing
2149 Hickory Street,
Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: 325-671-2399
Prairie View A&M University Nursing School Review
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, natural sciences, education, humanities, agricultural studies, nursing, the social sciences, and many others. Prairie View also offers master’s degrees in nursing, social sciences, education, engineering, some social sciences, business and human sciences as well as offering doctoral programs in the future. The main area of study is in the Texas Gulf Coast Region and the Northwest Houston Corridor.
PVAMU College of Nursing
The Paris View A&M University College of Nursing is located in the Texas Medical Center and was opened in 1918. Graduates of PVAMU College of Nursing go on to become inventors, occupational health nurses, professors, and staff nurses to name but a few roles. The first male graduate of PVAMUs nursing program invented the “3C Tracheotomy and Nasal Suctioning Kit,” which is widely used countrywide.
Undergraduate Programs – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is four and a half years and is for students starting out in the field of nursing. Registered Nurses (RNs) can also apply to this program, in order to obtain their Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. This program targets students who are starting out in nursing, and RNs who already have a diploma or associate degree and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). All students will study the same curriculum, but the methodology differs for each student and their specific background. There are four different streams in the undergraduate program; Basic BSN Program, LVN-BSN Program, Pre-Nursing, and RN-BSN program and all require the same criteria for entry.
The Basic BSN program applicant must achieve all sections of the THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment), with a 230 in Reading, a 230 in Math and a 220 in Writing.
The LVN to BSN program applicant must be a graduate of an accredited college with a 3.0 GPA and hold a minimum of a “C” grade in each pre-requisite course. Two letters of recommendation must also be provided at application, and proof of nursing practice experience, or full-time LVN employment.
The RN to BSN program is offered at four of the campuses; Houston, The Woodlands, Bryan/College Station and Huntsville, but most students learn via distance studies and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Graduate Programs – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The graduate nursing program at PVAMU has three tracks; Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration and Nurse Education. Graduate program classes are available for the working RN in the evening and online.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program teaches students health system management skills, and client decision-making in regards to health.
The Nurse Administration stream allows graduates to work in managerial roles. Students must complete 12 credits in nursing administration, and 9 credits of electives in business courses or health informatics. Students must also complete 6 credits of a thesis or non-thesis option. This course will allow graduates to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s certification exam.
The Nurse Education stream educates students on how to teach in various environments, including teaching patients and families, nursing students and staff. Students must complete 12 credits in nurse education and 14 credits in core courses, and 10 credits in advanced practice core courses. Students must also complete 120 teaching hours and a thesis or non-thesis option, which constitutes six credits. In order to graduate, students must complete 42 credits.
Prairie View A&M University, also offers a post-master’s certificate for graduates who would like to complete a course that will lead to a national certification.
Contact:
Prairie View A&M University
6436 Fannin Street,
Houston, TX 77030
San Antonio College Nursing Program Review
San Antonio College (SAC) was established in 1925 and is part of the Alamo group of colleges. In 1951, the college moved to San Pedro Avenue, which is home to today’s campus. Current enrollment is 25,000 students, which includes students enrolled at the Northeast Lakeview location. San Antonio College offers several degrees; Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching and Associate of Science degrees in almost 50 fields, both technical and occupational fields.
San Antonio College Nursing Programs
Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN) Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS)
Generic Associate Degree in Applied Science (Generic AAS)
The Nursing program at San Antonio College is a two-year program. After graduation, students will be able to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN), with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Roughly 1,000 students per year are enrolled in the program. Students will learn the art and science of nursing. San Antonio College has a replicate hospital on campus and patient care in the hospital allows students to get hands on experience. After graduation, students will be able to write the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). When graduates pass the exam, he or she will be a Registered Nurse in Texas. Registered Nurses can work in various healthcare environments, including; hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, physicians’ offices and many more.
If a student wishes, he or she can transfer to a university program, in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as certain individuals wish to complete baccalaureate education, as well as nursing licensure. San Antonio College offers a full-time evening program, so that students can continue working while obtaining his or her Registered Nursing (RN) degree.
The Career Mobility – LVN to RN, AAS program requires students to complete a total of 61 credits, with courses including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Ethics, Lifespan Growth and Development, and Clinical Mental Health Nursing among others. The courses take place during two prerequisite semesters, and three regular semesters. This program is intended for individuals who are already Licensed Vocational Nurses, and wish to become Registered Nurses in order to advance their career.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) plan requires students to complete a total of 71 credit hours. Students must take two prerequisite semesters with courses in Human Anatomy and Introductory Chemistry. Students must then take four regular semesters, with courses in Management of Client Care, Transition to Nursing Practice and Clinical-Mental Health Nursing.
Nursing Program Admissions
In order to apply to the Nursing programs at San Antonio College, prospective students must be in good academic standing, have a GPA of 2.0 and have completed a 4-hour college level course in Anatomy and Physiology. Upon acceptance to any of the San Antonio College nursing programs, prospective students must provide immunization records, CPR certification, and Career Mobility applicants must prove their LVN/LPN license and prove that is in good standing.
Contact:
San Antonio College
1300 San Pedro Avenue,
San Antonio, TX 78212-4299
210-486-0000
San Jacinto College Central Nursing Program Review
The San Jacinto College Central campus (SJC Central, SJCC) has been around for 50 years and currently has 13,000 students enrolled. San Jacinto is spread out over three campuses; North, South and Central. San Jacinto College offers 140 academic programs and several courses that can transfer to universities. San Jacinto College also offers evening, weekend and online classes during all semesters, so that students can continue seeking employment while studying.
San Jacinto College Central campus believes that the need for health care professionals is surpassing the supply of available professionals.Application periods of nursing at San Jacinto College are April through June for the Fall semester and September through November for the Spring semester.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) – Admission Criteria
Applicants must complete a San Jacinto application and an Associate Degree Nursing Program application, as well as submit official copies of transcripts to the college. Applicants must also complete all prerequisites, and submit scores of the HESI A2 admission test. After acceptance, applicants must submit to a Criminal background check and Drug Screening and applicants must prove CPR licensure prior to the program commencing. Applicants must score a minimum of 75% in math and an English language score of 75% in reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge and grammar. Students’ science score must be a minimum of 75%.
Associate Degree Transition Nursing Program (LVN – ADN Transition)
All of the requirements of the Associate Degree Transition Nursing program are the same as those of the Associate Degree Nursing program; however, applicants must hold Licensed Vocational Nursing licensure or Paramedic licensure in order to be admitted into the nursing programs and must provide a copy of his or her Licensed Vocational Nursing/Paramedic License when asked. Licensures must also be in good standing.
Nursing Programs Testing – San Jacinto College Central Nursing LVN-RN Transition Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science program allows students to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam, which is a requirement for all nursing candidates. The program offers hands-on experience in the community, which happens concurrently with theory courses. Upon completion of the program as well as the NCLEX-RN examination, individuals become licensed as Registered Nurses, and can go on to work in a variety of healthcare environments, including; physicians’ offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and many more.
Nursing-Paramedic-RN Transition Associate Applied Science (AAS) & Nursing (RN) Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Completion of the applied science degree courses allows students to complete the National Council License Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam. Graduates who pass this exam, will be able to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Texas.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Certificate of Technology
The Licensed Vocational Nurse Certificate of Technology combines in-class lectures and clinical practice. The program is approved by the Texas Education Agency and the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas and upon completion of the program, individuals can take the state board examinations. Prerequisites for this program are the same as the other nursing programs, however, individuals must also submit to a physical examination.
Contact:
San Jacinto College Central
8060 Spencer Hwy.,
Pasadena, TX 77505
281-476-1501
San Jacinto College South Nursing Program Review
San Jacinto College South Campus (SJC South, SJCS) is located near NASA and the Medical Center, which aids in the college’s science, engineering and health programs.
San Jacinto College’s South campus has been around for 50 years and currently has 13,000 students enrolled. San Jacinto is spread out over three campuses; North, South and Central. San Jacinto College offers 140 academic programs and several courses that can transfer to universities. San Jacinto College also offers evening, weekend and online classes during all semesters, so that students can continue seeking employment while studying.
San Jacinto College South campus believes that the need for health care professionals is surpassing the supply of available professionals.Application periods of nursing at San Jacinto College are April 1 through June 1 for the Fall semester and September 1 through November 1 for the Spring semester.
Vocational Nursing Program – Certificate of Technology
The Vocational Nursing (VN) program at San Jacinto College South is a one-year program, which leads students to a Certificate of Technology in Vocational Nursing. The program combines nursing skills training, clinical training around the Houston area and in-class lectures. Upon graduation, students will have 880 lab/clinical hours and 576 classroom hours. The Vocational Nursing Program is backed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Board of Nursing. Upon graduation, students can sit the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), in order to begin working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Licensed Vocational Nurses work under the direct supervision of Registered Nurses or physicians in a variety of healthcare institutions including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and many more. Individuals who complete their Licensed Vocational Nursing licensure often go on to pursue licensure as a Registered Nurse after a few years of employment.
The LVN Certificate of Technology combines nursing skills training, clinical experience and class lectures. Graduates of the program are able to apply to sit the State Board Examination and the program is certified by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas and by the Texas Education Agency. Applicants must be a high school graduate, pass the placement test, have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and pass a physical examination.
Nursing LVN-RN Mobility Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program is a one-year training program that allows students to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam, which is a requirement for all nursing candidates. The program offers hands-on experience in the community, which happens concurrently with theory courses.
Applicants must complete a San Jacinto application and an Associate Degree Nursing Program application, as well as official copies of transcripts. Applicants must also complete all prerequisites, and submit scores of the HESI A2 admission test. After acceptance, applicants must submit to a Criminal background check and Drug Screening. Applicants must score a minimum of 75% in Math and an English language score of 75% in reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge and grammar. Students’ science score must be a minimum of 75%.
Contact:
San Jacinto College – South
13735 Beamer Road,
Houston, TX 77089
281-484-1900
South Plains College Nursing Program Review
South Plains College (SPC) has over 9,000 full-time students and over 5,000 students enrolled in non-credit continuing education or workforce development programs per year. South Plains College is comprised of four campuses serving a 15-county area in West Texas. Most people refer to South Plains College as Levelland, but the campuses include Levelland, SPC Reese Center, Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center, and SPS Plainview Extension Center. Byron Martin and Plainview offer distance learning via TV and the Internet.
South Plains College has two nursing programs; Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Vocational Nursing.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in nursing is a two-year program, which consists of 71 credits. Upon graduation, students will have received the Associate of Applied Science degree and can then take the State Board Exam for Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-RN). In order to apply for the Associate Degree Nursing program applicants must take the Nursing Entrance Test (TEAS) and score a 58.7% on the Reading portion and the Math portion, in order to be excused from the Nursing Math Class. Students must then submit an official transcript from his or her previous high school and/or colleges and include TEAS test results. All science courses must have been completed within the last 10 years and have to submit a criminal background check. Deadline for application is September for Spring 2012 admission and March for Fall 2012 admission.
Vocational Nursing Program
The Vocational Nursing Program at South Plains College is taught at the Levelland Campus, the South Plains college Reese Center and the Plainview Extension Center. Students can also learning via distance learning at Muleshoe Campus and Denver City Campus, and an instructor is on site to help develop skills. Students of the Vocational Nursing Program learn through clinical experience at health care facilities in the area. The curriculum is 12 months long and students must obtain a minimum “C” grade in all coursework. The graduate can then write the State Board Licensure exam.
Entrance requirements for the LVN program require students to complete the LVN Accuplacer entrance exam. Students are not allowed to take the THEA, ASSET or COMPASS tests to apply for the Vocational Nursing Program. Students must first apply to South Plains College, and then after he or she has completed the test, college transcripts must be submitted. In order to apply, students must also submit immunization records, CPR certification and a criminal background check.
Levelland Campus Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse (LVN to RN) Transition Program
If students have previous nursing education and hold a Licensed Vocational Nursing certificate, they will be able to apply for advance placement and transition from Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse through the LVN-RN Transition program offered at South Plains College’s Levelland campus. Registered Nurses work in various healthcare environments including; hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, physicians’ offices, schools and many more. All of the nursing programs at South Plains College are conducted with a combination of in-class lectures, laboratory work and clinical practice in healthcare environments.
Contact:
South Plains College
1401 S. College Avenue,
Levelland, TX 79336,
Phone: (806) 894-9611
Stephen F. Austin University Nursing School Review
Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, Stephen F. Austin University (SFA, SFASU) has over 120 areas of study and 80 undergraduates majors. The university, which was established as a teachers’ college in 1923, also offers 60 graduate degrees and three PhD programs. There are six colleges that make up Stephen F. Austin University, which was named after one of Texas’ founding fathers. Stephen F. Austin University is not affiliated with Texas’ six university systems.
The College of Sciences and Mathematics is home to Stephen F. Austin State University’s Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing. Classes are taught in the Math and Nursing buildings, and community clinical agencies provide the clinical lectures and experiences. There are three programs offered at the School of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-Transition Track, and a Master’s in Nursing Program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is four years, with students completing mandatory pre-requisites in their first and second years. The third and fourth year consist of nursing programs and clinical experience in the community. After completion of this program, students can then apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam, in order to become a Registered Nurse. This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing and the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Stephen F Austin, individuals can go on to become a Registered Nurse after successfully completing the NCLEX-RN examination. Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare organizations including; hospitals, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, hospices and many more varied healthcare institutions.
RN-Transition Track
This program is ideal for individuals who currently have their associate degree or diploma in nursing, but would like to have an undergraduate degree in nursing. Applicants to this program must have passed the NCLEX-RN exam and be a licensed registered nurse. These courses are taught online, so that Registered Nurses who are currently working, can continue working and take classes to advance their career on their own time. In order to apply to the RN-Transition program, individuals must prove that they hold Registered Nurse licensure prior to being admitted into the program.
Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN)
This program is only offered at Galveston’s University of Texas Medical Branch, but students who attend the Stephen F. Austin State University, can take this program as distance learning.
Admission
Admission for the Fall semester happens between December 20 and February 1, and for the Spring semester from August 1 to Sepember 12. There are 60 students accepted to the School of Nursing each Fall and Spring. Admission is based on an applicant’s GPA, which must be at a minimum of 2.5 and a passing grade on the TEAS, Nursing Entrance test. When applying, individuals must include the completed application to the School of Nursing, official college transcripts, copies of TEAS scores, and a half page essay, which outlines why you are interested in a career as a nurse.
Contact:
Stephen F. Austin State University
1936 North Street,
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
Tarleton State University Nursing School Review
Tarleton State University (TSU) was established in 1899 as a private college and previously known as John Tarleton College. In 1917, Tarleton College became part of the Texas A&M University System and then in 1959 the school began offering four-year degrees. In 1973, Trenton College became a university. Trenton University’s main campus is in Stephenville, Texas – an hour from Forth Worth.
Nursing Programs
The Tarleton State University nursing program was established in 1976 and has graduated over 1,250 students. Tarleton University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), which allows graduates to apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing also offers a transition course for students interested in entering the BSN program as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The BSN program also allows students to work 12-hour shifts consecutively before graduation, so that they are familiar with nursing hours and schedules. The BSN degree also allows students to enter from a Generic point, rather than as an already trained Licensed Vocational Nurse. Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare organizations, including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, nursing homes and many more various healthcare institutions.
All nursing courses must be taken one after the other. It takes five semesters for the generic student to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and six semesters if an individual needs to take the pre-nursing course. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program takes a Licensed Vocational Nurse four semesters to complete.Generic students are required to complete 46 hours of credits before he or she can apply to the BSN program. LVN to BSN students must have completed a majority of the pre-requisite non-nursing courses before he or she can apply.
The School of Nursing offers hands-on patient experience under faculty direction in the second year of the program at hospitals, physician offices, and clinics in the neighboring areas and often quite a long commute is expected. The BSN program is composed of a combination of in-class lectures, laboratory work and clinical practice, giving students a complete understanding of the profession of nursing.
Admission for BSN Program and LVN to BSN Program
Tarleton University’s School of Nursing uses a points based system to admit applicants. Individuals applying to the School of Nursing must submit application materials and a TEAS score, and then their number of points will rank them in order.Students must apply between December 1st to March 1st for the Fall semester and between June 1st and September 1st for the Spring semester.
Other admission requirements include over a 2.75 GPA in pre-requisite English and Science courses and an above average TEAS score. Students must also have a minimum of a “C” grade on all prerequisite courses, prior to application. Applicants must also submit to a criminal background check by the Texas Board of Nursing.
The School of Nursing accepts 60 generic students each Fall and Spring semester and 20 LVN to BSN students in the Fall semester. As of 2009, Tarleton University’s nursing school no longer accepts RN to BSN students.
Contact:
Tarleton University
1333 W. Washington
Stephenville, TX 76402
Tarrant County College District Nursing Program Review
Tarrant County College District (TCCD), often called just Tarrant County College (TCC), was established 45 years ago and currently has 50,000 students enrolled in the college’s associate degree and technical programs. Tarrant County College is the seventh largest Texan College or University. Tarrant County College has five campuses; Northeast Campus in Hurst, Northwest, South and Trinity River campuses in Forth Worth and Southeast Campus in Arlington. The South Campus has had the most students enrolled at one time, at 4,772. The nursing program at Tarrant County College is only offered at the Trinity River Campus.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing (AAS)
The nursing program at Tarrant County College is an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, is two years in length, and includes a clinical component. Applicants to the program do not have to have had any previous experience in the nursing profession or in a medical background. Graduates of this program become a Graduate Nurse (GN) and then can take the NCLEX, state licensure exam. Once the student passes the NCLEX exam, he or she becomes a Registered Nurse. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Texas Board of Nursing. After completing the Associate Degree in Nursing at Tarrant County College, graduates often go on to four-year university programs, in order to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing through a university that offers a RN to BSN program. Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare organizations including; hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, nursing homes and various other healthcare organizations. The AAS program at Tarrant County College District prepares individuals for employment in these various healthcare environments through a combination of in-class learning, laboratory work and clinical practice.
Course Descriptions
The courses offered at Tarrant County College’s School of Nursing include; Nursing Skills, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Care of Child/Families Nursing, among many others.
Admissions
In order to apply to Tarrant County College’s nursing program, students must first be admitted to Tarrant County College based on his or her GPA scores. Applicants must have obtained a GPA of a minimum of 2.0, however, most applicants have a 3.4 or above. Applicants must then complete a Health Education System Inc. (HESI) test and meet program eligibility requirements, such as pre-requisite courses. After being admitted into the nursing program, students must then complete post-admission requirements, including proof of CPR certification, immunization records, a drug screening and a criminal background check.
Upon acceptance into the school of nursing at Tarrant County College, students must also prove they have health insurance for the duration of the program.
Alternative Course Methods
Not all courses in the school of nursing are taught in person – many are taught online or via videoconference, which enable students to continue working while obtaining their education. The school of nursing also offers a fast track option, which is targeted to paramedics or licensed vocational nurses. The fast track option allows students to complete the program in just 15 months, from the original two years.
Contact:
Tarrant County College District
1500 Houston Street,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Temple College in Texas Nursing Program Review
Temple College (TC) is located in Temple, Texas near the I-35. Temple College is spread over three campuses; Cameron Center, Downtown Center and Taylor Center.
The Nursing School at Temple College, offers three different programs; Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Vocational Degree in Nursing (VN) and the Licensed Vocational Nursing to Registered Nurse Bridge Program (LVN-RN).
Graduates from Temple College Nursing program, go on to work in the healthcare community in Texas. The Dell Martin Nursing Education Center is located in the Temple College east campus and even has a center, which has computerized manikins, so that students can practice patient care. Admission to all of the nursing programs offered at Temple College is very competitive.
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
The Associate Degree Nursing at Temple College is two years in length, and upon graduation, students can go on to apply to write the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse. Students can apply for the program, to begin in the Fall semester.
Students applying to the ADN program must have completed all pre-requisite courses with a minimum “C” grade. Official transcripts from previous colleges or high school courses must be submitted with the application
Clinical experience for the ADN program takes place at the Scott and White Healthcare, John’s Community Hospital and the Central Texas Veteran’s Health Care System.
Vocational Nursing Program (VN)
The Vocational Nursing program is 12 months long and can also be taken at Taylor Center. Upon graduation, students can apply to complete the licensing exam in the state of Texas to become an LVN. The program starts in the summer and ends in May of the following year.
In order to apply to the Vocational Nursing program, applicants must complete the HESI A2 exam and attain a composite score of 70 and submit transcripts from previous colleges courses. Upon acceptance into the program, students must submit to a criminal background check, a physical exam and provide proof of CPR certification.
Registered Nurse (RN) Bridge Program
The Registered Nurse Bridge Program allows licensed vocational nurses to enter the second year of the Associate Degree nursing program and gain their AAS degree and go on to complete the RN licensing exam.
In order to apply to this program, applicants must have completed prerequisite courses before the end of the Fall semester before you apply. Applicants must also provide proof of graduation from the Texas VN program and a Texas VN license. Applicants must also hold a minimum “C” grade in all Vocational Nursing course and any course that may apply to the ADN curriculum.
Applicants to the bridge program must possess six months full time or a year of part time nursing experience, as proven by an employer. Students coming into the program with a VN degree must have a minimum “C” grade in every course. Upon acceptance into the program, students must provide CPR certification and submit to a criminal background check and physical examination.
Contact:
Temple College
2600 S 1st Street,
Temple, TX 76504,
United States
(254) 298-8282
Texarkana College Nursing Program Review
Texarkana College, located in Texarkana, Texas, is a two-year community college and is home to over 5,000 students. Texarkana College offers courses in everything from community services to traditional academics. Texarkana College’s campus is 90 acres, and owns a 360 acre farm and two acre nature reserve. The college is located between Dallas/ Fort Worth and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree Nursing was established in 1959. The program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Originally, the program was to be finished in two years but now students tend to complete the program in three years, as students are required to complete their first year in general education. After graduating from the program, students can go on to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam, in order to become a licensed Registered Nurse.
Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, individuals can go on to practice as Registered Nurses in hospitals, clinics, hospices and schools among many other various healthcare organizations. Texarkana College has two tracks in the Associate Degree Nursing program – the basic and transition tracks. Students in the basic track are unlicensed and those in the transition track are licensed vocational nurses. Transfer students are also accepted, but they must apply through the Division Chair.
Basic, Transition and Transfer students must all satisfy the same admission requirements. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all college work. Applicants must also score a minimum of 75% on reading, math and grammar sections of the A-2 Admissions Assessment test. Students must also have completed high school chemistry with a “C grade or higher. Students must also provide a high school transcript. Upon acceptance, individuals must provide a current physical examination and provide proof of CPR certification.
Vocational Nursing Program (VN)
The Vocational Nursing program is currently four quarters, but may become three semesters, depending on approval from the Texas Board of Nursing. The 12-month Vocational Nursing program allows students to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), to begin practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Upon passing the exam, individuals can become LVNs in nursing homes, hospitals and home health care. Classes are admitted twice a year, in February and August. Vocational Nurses work in a variety of healthcare institutions as licensed individuals including; physicians’ offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, schools and many more various healthcare organizations.
In order to apply to the program, applicants must go through an interview with a college counseling staff member and meet the Texas Success Initiative requirements. Applicants must also submit a high school transcript and a CPR certificate. A physical exam, criminal background check and drug screen are also required for all of the nursing programs at Texarkana College. Applicants must also submit immunization records for all of the nursing programs via their application form directly to Texarkana College.
Contact:
Texarkana College,
2500 North Robison Road
Texarkana, TX 75599
Texas A&M International University Nursing School Review
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is located in Laredo, which is south of San Antonio, and at the entryway to Mexico. Laredo has been identified as one of Texas’ fastest growing communities and is a bilingual community. Texas A&M International University is made up of 7,000 students and offers baccalaureate and masters programs as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Business. Texas A&M International University is part of the Texas A&M University System.
Texas A&M International University’s nursing school is The Canesco School of Nursing. The Canesco School of Nursing is based on the idea that nurses should be trained to work in culturally diverse settings, which ws inspirsed by the community of Laredo. All programs at the Canesco School are fully accredited by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
The Canesco School of Nursing has three nursing programs; the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN), and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN) Program and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN)
In order to apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at The Canesco School of Nursing, students must first be accepted to the Texas A&M International University and state their major as nursing. Applicants must also have completed his or her pre-nursing courses and have completed all pre-requisites with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must also score baseline proficiency on he Nurse Entrance Exam in all subjects. Students must also submit to a drug test and criminal background screening and also provide proof of a physical examination, CPR certification and immunizations records.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program RN/BSN
Individuals who are already certified as a Registered Nurse, can be admitted into the Spring Semester at The Canesco School of Nursing. Individuals who choose to complete this program usually wish to complete a baccalaureate degree in order to potentially continue their education to a master’s or doctoral level. These applicants do not need to apply through Texas A&M International University, but can apply directly to the School of Nursing. Applicants must provide proof of licensure as a Registered Nurse in Texas and have a 2.5 GPA in all previous subjects and nursing coursework.Applicants may also require an interview with the admissions committee. Applicants must also submit to a drug and criminal background screening.
Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN)
In order to apply to the Master of Science in Nursing Program, applicants must provide an official college transcript and GRE scores. Applicants must also submit a student essay of 300 words, outlining career goals and a deadline for completion of the master’s degree. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation and complete a criminal background check and drug-screening test prior to admission. Upon acceptance, students must provide proof of CPR certification and immunization records.
Contact:
Texas A&M International University
5201 University Boulevard,
Laredo, TX 78041,
Phone: (956) 326-2001
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Nursing School Review
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC, or A&M-Corpus Christi, or A&M-CC) is located on its own island filled with palm trees and beautiful beaches. Located on 240 acres, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is home to over 10,000 students and is part of the Texas A&M University System. The five colleges have at the university offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Undergraduates Degrees in Nursing
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is home to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which includes undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate programs include the baccalaureate nursing program, which allows students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN) program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can be completed in three ways; lectures, online or a fast track option, which individuals can pursue if they already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. After completing the degree, graduates can go on to apply to complete the Registered Nurses licensing exam.
The RN/BSN program is geared toward Registered Nurses who have an ADN or diploma in nursing, who would like to complete their baccalaureate education.
Admission
In order to apply to the undergraduate nursing programs, applicants must first complete an application to the Texas Public Universities with all of his or her transcripts and SAT/ACT/TASP scores. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and no “D” or “F” courses are accepted for transfer to the university. Students must then complete the Nursing specific application online. The undergraduate nursing program takes two years to complete.
Individuals that wish to apply to the fast track option can complete their degree in 18 months. Courses students are required to take in the fast track option are the same as for normal program. In order to apply to the program, individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree in arts or science with a 3.0 GPA and have completed nursing pre-requisites.
Graduate Degrees in Nursing
The Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) is for individuals who are interested in leadership positions. Courses are offered online and clinical lectures take place in person in the students community. Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi also offers a PhD in Nursing Cooperative program, however, students must first be accepted into the Texas Woman’s University-Denton Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science in order to apply to this program.
Admission
The Graduate Degree in Nursing has two streams: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Leadership in Nursing Systems. Applicants who already have a BSN degree can apply for the Masters of Science in Nursing program. Registered Nurses who already have an AD in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in a major other than nursing, can apply to the RN-Bridge program. Registered Nurses who hold an AD degree, but no other education, can apply to the RN-MSN option. The final option is for those individuals who are RNs who hold graduate degrees in nursing – those people can complete the post-masters certification option. The School of Nursing also offers those pursuing graduate degrees the option of studying two minors. Individuals interested in this option must contact the Graduate Nursing Department Chair for information.
Contact:
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive,
Corpus Christi, TX
78412, United States
(361) 825-5700
Texas A&M University-Texarkana Nursing School Review
Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT) became a member of The Texas A&M University System. Texas A&M University in Texarkana is on the Texas and Arkansas border and offers four-year, graduate and doctoral degrees and offers some of the lowest tuition fees in the state of Texas. Texas A&M University – Texarkana has four colleges – the College of Business, the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Education and Liberal Arts and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Nursing Programs
Texas A&M University – Texarkana offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program both in person and online, as well as a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, online and in person.
Registered Nurse’s (RN) applying to the Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing degree have to complete the core courses of the curriculum as well as the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) courses that were already completed. The core courses for the BSN program can be completed at Texas A&M University – Texarkana, TC in Texarkana, CTC in Killeen, or TC in Temple. The exact core course can also be completed online for students learning from a distance. Programs can be completed in 15 months, as long as all Bachelor core courses have been completed.
Applying
In order to apply for the BSN and MSN degrees at Texas A&M University – Texarkana, individuals must already be certified as a Registered Nurse. Applicants can fill out an application online and must submit all transcripts from previous colleges into the admissions office. Individuals must submit their proof of Registered Nurse licensure when applying to the nursing programs at Texas A&M University Texarkana campus. Registered Nurses work in various healthcare organizations including; hospitals, physicians’ offices, hospices, long-term care facilities and many more healthcare facilities. Registered Nurses often wish to complete baccalaureate education; in order to potentially go on to complete additional education at a master’s of doctoral level in nursing. In order to be licensed as a Registered Nurse, an individual must have successfully completed the NCLEX-RN examination. Registered Nurses then go on to work in a variety of healthcare institutions.
The MSN degree can be completed in 24 months, but there are also options to complete the program slower if desired. Applicants must apply online and submit all previous college transcripts and all grades must satisfy Texas A&M University’s grade requirements.
In order to apply to the MSN program, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in previous 60 hours of an undergraduate degree. Applicants must also provide a personal letter outlining why he or she wishes to complete an MSN. Individuals must submit an acceptable GRE score, no older than five years as well as three letters of reference. Applicants must provide proof of a BSN degree or have met BSN requirements and have a minimum of one-year work experience as a certified Registered Nurse (RN). Finally, applicants must complete an interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee and complete a post interview write-up at the interview site.
Contact:
Texas A&M University – Texarkana
7101 University Avenue,
Texarkana, TX 75503
United States
(903) 223-3000
Texas Christian University Nursing School Review
Founded in 1897, Texas Christian University (TCU) is home to over 9,500 students. Texas Christian University offers over 130 undergraduate degrees, almost 50 masters degrees and 20 doctoral degrees.The Harris College of Nursing opened in 1946 and from that year until 2000, 3,500 BSN students graduated from the program.
In 2000, the Harris College of Nursing was renamed as the College of Health and Human Sciences, due to the Nursing school being joined by the Social Work, Communications Sciences and Disorders and Kinesiology departments. Again in 2004, the school changes its name to the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students at Texas Christian University must apply by October 1 for the Spring semester and February 1 for the Fall semester and nursing courses begin in the second semester of an individuals second year. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in order to remain a nursing major. In addition to filling out the application and maintaining a 2.5 GPA, applicants must also have a minimum of a “C” grade in all prerequisites courses and provide proof of CPR certification. Applicants must also provide immunization records and submit HESI/A2 Admission scores. Applicants must also provide a drug screen and criminal background check as well as proof of health insurance.
Texas Christian University also has an Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing, which requires applicants to hold a baccalaureate degree in any field, except for nursing. Applicants must have completed prerequisites and provide all transcripts, as well as a resume, A2 HESI scores and provide proof of a GPA of 3.00 or higher in his or her undergraduate degree or nursing prerequisites. Applicants must also provide an essay, which outlines why the individual has chosen to purse a career in nursing. The application deadline is November 15.
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers three majors in MSN; Clinical Nurse Specialist (adult/gerontology nursing or pediatric nursing), Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Education. The Adult/Gerontology Nursing curriculum is 31.5 hours of coursework and 8.5 hours of clinical practice, as is the Pediatric CNS major. The Nursing Education major curriculum is 33 hours of coursework, two hours of clinical practice and three hours of teaching practice. The Clinical Nurse Leader program is 26.5 hours of coursework and 6.5 hours of clinical practice and residency. The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences also offers a Post-Maser’s Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate, a Post Master’s Nursing Education Certificate and a Post Master’s Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is available to complete online. The degree is intended to educate students to take on leadership positions in business, healthcare, government and educational environments. This degree is ideal for individuals interested in using research in their daily career. The application deadline is November 15 for summer 2012 classes.
There are two tracks to the program offered at Harris College; Advanced Practice Nurses and Nurse Administrators. Advanced Practice Nurses must have a master’s degree and must provide certification and licensing board examinations. The Nurse Administrators degree requires individuals to possess a master’s degree and RN licensure in the state the individual wishes to practice. The DNP degree can be completed in two years, with the first year consisting of coursework and the second year filled with practical experience and final projects. Students may also study on a part-time basis. Students must sustain a 3.0 GPA.
Contact:
Texas Christian University
2800 South University Drive,
Fort Worth, TX 76129-0002,
United States
(817) 257-7000
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Nursing School Review
Established over 40 years ago, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has educated more than 10,000 health care professionals. Originally named the Texas Tech University of Medicine in 1969, today Texas Tech is comprised of seven schools with campuses in Abilene, Amarillo, El Paso, Odessa, Midland, Dallas/Fort Worth and Lubbock.
TTUHSCs, Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing, offers courses at the Abilene, Odessa, El Paso and Lubbock campuses, and trains over 1,000 students every year. The school opened in 1979 and the first students were accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program at the Lubbock campus in 1981. In 1985, RN to BSN students were accepted into the Permian Basin campus. The Master of Science program opened its doors three years later, and in 2008 the Nursing School started its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program.
Today the Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing offers online courses and master’s level courses and post-master’s certifications, as well as joint PhD programs with Texas Woman’s University. Students are also able to take their clinical practicum at the school’s Larry Combest Community Health and Wellness Center, which offers medical assistance to underserved residents of Lubbock Texas.
Undergraduate Programs
The Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing offers various undergraduate nursing degrees; the Traditional BSN program, the Second Degree BSN program and the TN to BSN web-based program. The Traditional BSN program is targeted to students who do not have their Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. This program can be completed in four semesters or 63 credit hours. The Second Degree BSN program awards a BSN to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field of study. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree can complete the BSN degree in 12 months. The RN to BSN web-based program is for registered nurses who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and can be completed in two semesters. All courses are completed online and clinical practice is completed in the individual’s hometown. In order to apply to the undergraduate programs, applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and a minimum “C” average in all prerequisites.
Graduate Programs
The Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing offers several Masters and Doctoral degrees including; RN-MSN, MSN Administration, MSN Education, MSN Nurse-Midwifery, MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, PM Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, PM Family Nurse Practitioner, PM Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing.
All masters level degrees require applicants to have a 3.0 GPA or higher and a Registered Nurse licensure and Post-Masters degrees require applicants to hold a masters degree. Almost all of the Masters and Post-Masters programs require letters of reference and personal essays for admission. The PhD in Nursing is a collaborative program with Texas Woman’s University and is offered at three campuses; Denton, Houston and Lubbock and classes begin in June of every year. Due to the fact that many students continue working while completing their PhD in Nursing, classes are offered online as well as in “executive sessions” three times every semester. These “executive sessions” run over 3 or 4 days from Thursday to Sunday at the Lubbock campus.
Contact:
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center,
1400 S Coulter Street,
Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone:(806) 354-5600
Texas Woman’s University Nursing School Review
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the country’s largest university mainly for women. With campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston, as well as online courses, Texas Woman’s University has graduated almost 15,000 students in 10 years. More healthcare professionals graduate from Texas Woman’s University than any other Texas-based university. Texas Woman’s University is also known for its research in diabetes and stroke, osteoporosis and childhood obesity.
Texas Woman’s University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, a PhD in Nursing and a Doctoral Program in Nursing Science, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program combining coursework and clinical practicum. Upon graduation, students are able to apply to write the licensure examination, which will award individuals with their Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, so that they can work in clinics, home health, public schools and hospitals. The Dallas campus offers weekend classes over six semesters, which is only for students who already hold a bachelors or masters degree in another field, but wish to become a Registered Nurse. All undergraduate programs are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education. The RN – BSN program is taught entirely online for RNs who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Many students wish to complete the program part-time, however, it can be completed in one year full-time. All prerequisites must be completed with a minimum of a “C” grade before applying and all applicants must hold a 3.0 GPA or higher. Deadline for application is May 1 for the Fall semester, September 15 for the Spring semester and February 1 for the Summer semester.
Master’s Programs
Texas Woman’s University offers several different Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs including; Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Nursing Education, Nursing Health Systems Management, RN MS, Post Baccalaureate RN MS, and Post MS Certificate.
The Nurse Practitioner program includes several different streams including; Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. GRE scores are required for all masters programs, as is an RN license, two letters of reference, a graduate-level research course and a graduate-level nursing course. Applicants must also complete a personal essay, which outlines why the applicant wants to purse a Masters of Science in Nursing degree, and hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Doctoral Programs
The PhD in Nursing is taught at the Denton and Houston campuses. At the Denton campus, the PhD is available online and offered in a combination of in-person and online courses at the Houston campus. Students can attend courses either full-time or part-time at both Denton and Houston, with a focus on women’s health issues. Graduates often go on to become teachers or researchers. The Doctor of Nurse Practice is higher education for Nurse Practitioners and Certified Nurse Midwives and builds on clinical expertise and healthcare informatics technologies.
Contact:
Texas Woman’s University
304 Administration Drive
,
P.O. Box 425589
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898.2000
Trinity Valley Community College Nursing Program Review
Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) was established in 1946 and is home to 6,500 students across four campuses, in Athens, Palestine, Terrell and Kaufman. Trinity Valley Community College offers classes both online through Virtual College of Texas and in-person, as well as Hybrid classes, which combine both online and in-person lectures in specific courses. Trinity Valley Community College is ideal for students who wish to complete college credits before transferring to university, as well as for students who wish to complete training in a career.
The Health Science Center is located at the Kaufman House campus, and offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Vocational Nursing (VN) and a Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing Program (Paramedic – ADN). Students in nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, also study at Kaufman House.
Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing Program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS). Classes take place three days a week during the first year, and four days each week during the second year. Upon graduation from the 70-hour curriculum, students can go on to apply to write the NCLEX-RN, in order to become a Registered Nurse. The ADN Program commences in the Fall Semester and applications must be submitted the previous year. Clinical practicum can be completed in many of the towns surrounding Athens and are most commonly done during the week but can be completed over the weekend. Registered Nurses go on to work in various healthcare institutions including; hospitals, physicians’ offices, hospices, long-term care facilities and various other healthcare organizations throughout the United States.
Licensed Vocational Nursing Transition Program (LVN)
As a Licensed Vocational Nurse, individuals can enter the Associate Degree Nursing Program through the transition option. Individuals must first complete the prerequisite courses in the summer prior to enrollment, and then they can enter the second year of the Associate Degree Nursing program. Upon graduation, individuals are able to apply to write the NCLEX-RN, in order to become a Registered Nurse.
Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program (Paramedic to ADN)
Licensed paramedics are able to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program through a transition program, which allows paramedics to join the second year of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, as long as the individual completes prerequisite courses in the summer prior to enrollment. Upon graduation, individuals will be able to apply to write the NCLEX-RN to become a Registered Nurse.
Vocational Nursing Program (VN)
The Vocational Nursing Program is a one-year program, which allows students to apply to write the NCLEX-PN upon graduation. The NCLEX-PN exam permits the graduate to practice as a Practical Nurse.
Students can apply to all programs online, and must provide official transcripts from all previous college or university education and must have a minimum “C” grade in all prerequisite courses. Students must also provide proof of CPR Certification, as well as a current immunization record on application.
Contact:
Trinity Valley Community College
100 Cardinal Drive,
Athens, TX
75751-3339, United States
(903) 675-6200
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Nursing School Review
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is located in Belton, Texas, which is about 60 miles north of Austin, and is home to almost 3,000 students. The Scott and White College of Nursing is based on Christian principles and includes a combination of in-class lectures and clinical practicum at a variety of locations in the community. The Scott and White College of Nursing offers a variety of nursing programs, from a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to a Registered Nurse (RN) licensure program and a BSN track for Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) educated nurses.
Roughly 25% of the students are individuals who already have a degree and have made a career change into nursing. Individuals who graduate from the programs, can apply to write the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The nursing programs at the Scott and White College or Nursing, are verified by the Texas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is the accreditation body for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination, individuals can go on to work as Registered Nurses in a variety of healthcare organizations.
Applications for Spring 2012 admissions must be submitted by October 1. The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) track students must submit an application by November 1 for the Spring semester.
In order to apply to the College of Nursing, students must first apply to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and indicate that he or she is interested in majoring in nursing. In order to complete a College of Nursing application, an individual must complete a specific number of nursing prerequisite credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and hold a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Undergraduate Programs
The College of Nursing offers an RN-BSN Program that can be completed in two semesters with the majority of the courses being taught online, so that RNs can continue to work in their profession in their hometown. Clinical experiences can also occur in the student’s hometown. Individuals must apply to the program through the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as well as to the College of Nursing. Individuals must have completed prerequisite courses such as English, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and Developmental Psychology with a minimum “C” grade. Individuals must also hold a minimum GPA of 3.00. Upon application, students are mandated by the College of Nursing to submit to a full physical examination. All applicants to the nursing programs at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor must submit to a drug screening,
The College of Nursing also offers an advanced placement option for Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses who already hold an Associate Degree in Nursing from a Texas university, who will be admitted into the College of Nursing based on GPA, prerequisite non-nursing courses and an escrow method. If an RN was educated outside of the state of Texas, the individual will be assessed based on whether their program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Contact:
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
900 College Street,
Belton, TX
76513, United States
(254) 295-8642
University of Texas at Arlington Nursing School Review
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA, UT Arlington) is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and has a student population of almost 34,000, making it the second largest university in the University of Texas college system. Research coming out of University of Texas at Arlington is at over $63 million since 2005. University of Texas at Arlington offers 81 Bachelor’s degrees, 75 Master’s degrees and 31 Doctoral degrees, with almost 17% Hispanic population, over 14% African American and over 9% Asian. Last year, the Fall enrollment was over 32,000, with over 25,000 students enrolled in undergraduate degrees and over 7,500 in graduate degrees.
University of Texas at Arlington – College of Nursing
Ranked in the top 15 biggest nursing schools in the United States, there are over 6,600 students enrolled in all of the nursing programs at any given time. The College of Nursing offers all levels of nursing education including; a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) track, a Masters in Nursing (MSN), a Post Masters in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a PhD program. The degree programs offered at the College of Nursing include a combination of in-class lectures and clinical practicum on manikins and actors. The College of Nursing also owns a Smart Hospital™, which is a simulated hospital for learning purposes.
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a four-year program, which graduates students who can go on to apply to complete their NCLEX-RN exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, individuals will hold an RN licensure. The College of Nursing also offers Academic Partnership BSN, which is a 15-month accelerated program taken online, and a RN to BSN Program, which is intended for RNs in the workforce, who wish to complete their BSN in two semesters using a combination of online and in-class lectures. There is also an accelerated Academic Partnership RN-BSN Program, which is completed online.
Masters & Doctoral Programs
The Masters programs at the College of Nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington, include a Masters Degree Nurse Practitioner and Post-Masters Certificate opportunities. The Nurse Practitioner tracks are varied and range from Family Psychiatric/Mental Health to Primary Pediatrics and Neonatal. Graduates of the program go on to become educators, Nurse Practitioners and Administrators. There is also a joint degree MSN in Administration, MSN and Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration and an MSN/MBA program. The College of Nursing also has MSN Educator and Administrator options as well as a PhD in Nursing stream, which graduates individuals who are interested in becoming nursing faculty and researchers. Other doctoral degrees include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Nursing BSN to PhD Doctor Bound with Administration, Clinical and Administrator tracks.The College of Nursing also offers several certificates in nursing including; Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nursing Educator Role Certificate, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Contact:
University of Texas at Arlington
701 South Nedderman Drive,
Arlington, TX 76019, United States
(817) 272-2011
University of Texas at Brownsville Nursing School Review
The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB, UT Brownsville), previously known as The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC), has been part of the University of Texas System for 20 years, when the Pan American at Brownsville campus parted ways with the University of Texas-Pan American and became the University of Texas at Brownsville. The Texas Legislature then allowed Texas Southmost College to join with the University of Texas at Brownsville.
The university’s total enrollment is over 15,000 students with 77% studying at an undergraduate level, 5% at a graduate level and 18% taking dual credit courses. The student population is 92% Hispanic, and is home to over 300 international students.
The College of Nursing at the University of Texas at Brownsville offers nursing programs in Vocational Nursing (VN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Baccalaureate Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students at the College of Nursing can also pursue a PhD in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) through the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Licensed Vocational Nursing Program (LVN)
Individuals interested in applying to the LVN program must complete prerequisites and pas the LVN Pre Entrance exam and TASP or THEA exam. The LVN program at the College of Nursing has two start dates, one in the Spring and another in the Fall, and both run for 12 months full-time. Forty students are accepted every semester, and the deadline for the Fall in June 1st and the Spring semester deadline is November 1st.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree in Nursing program takes two years to complete and individuals are only admitted in the Fall, with an application deadline of May 15th. There is an advanced placement track available for LVNs, which takes two semesters to complete. A lot of classes are available online and clinical practicum takes place in the areas surrounding the college. Upon completion of the ADN program, students can apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which will allow them to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
All students applying for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, must have an RN license. Applicants must also hold liability insurance and submit immunization records on application. The program is offered online and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses’ Certification Corporation. Applications for the Fall semester are due by March 1st and the Spring semester application deadline is October 1st.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
In order to apply to the Master of Science in Nursing program at the College of Nursing, students must first be accepted into the University of Texas at Brownsville. Applicants must go through an interview with the program director and complete an essay outlining reasons for application, future goal and relevant experience. Students must also submit a transcript from previous college courses and show a current RN license. Students must also have a current immunization records and have a GPA of 3.0 or above. If a student holds a baccalaureate degree in another field, he or she may apply to the MSN program after completing a nursing course at the graduate level.
Contact:
The University of Texas at Brownsville
80 Fort Brown,
Brownsville, TX 78520, United States
(956) 882-8200
