Top Ten Nursing Schools in Texas
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nursing is the fastest-growing profession in the nation. If you are considering a nursing career—or if you are a registered nurse interested in advanced studies—a Texas college or university may be right for you.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nursing is the fastest-growing profession in the nation. If you are considering a nursing career—or if you are a registered nurse interested in advanced studies—a Texas college or university may be right for you. Two helpful starting points for selecting a nursing school are the 2007 "U.S. News & World Report" listing of the top 250 graduate nursing schools in the country, and for entry-level students, the school's first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the 2009 average pass rate for state schools of nursing was 91 percent.
University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston
According to "U.S. News & World Report," seven nursing schools, including the University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, tied for No. 19 in the country in 2007. Degrees offered include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.); and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2009 was 97.89 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
University of Texas-Austin
The School of Nursing at the Austin campus of the University of Texas was ranked No. 19 by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2007. The school offers BSN, MSN, and Ph.D. programs. Alternate-entry programs are available at all levels. The NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2009 was 94.29 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio, Texas
Ranked No. 40 in the United States by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2007, the San Antonio campus of the University of Texas Health Science Center offers BSN, MSN, and Ph.D. programs, as well as alternate-entry programs. A DNP will be offered in the future. The 2009 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 88.38 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Texas Women’s University-Denton
Texas Women's University, ranked No. 54 nationally by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2007, offers a BSN, MSN, Ph.D., and DNP. Alternate-entry programs, an on-line RN-BSN, and a weekend program for second-degree students are available. The NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2009 was 94.36 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston
In 2007, the Galveston campus of the University of Texas Medical Branch was ranked No. 63 in the United States by "U.S. News & World Report." Programs include BSN, MSN, Ph.D., and alternate-entry programs. The 2009 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94.03 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Baylor University-Dallas
In 2007, Baylor University School of Nursing tied with 22 other nursing schools at No. 72 in the nation, according to "U.S. News & World Report." The school offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2009 was 96.43 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
University of Texas-Arlington
In 2007, the School of Nursing at the University of Texas-Arlington was one of 22 schools ranked No. 72 in the United States by "U.S. News & World Report." The school offers BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Ph.D., and DNP programs. The 2009 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 92.52 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Texas Christian University-Fort Worth
In 2007, Texas Christian University College of Nursing and Health Sciences was ranked, along with 19 other schools, No. 95 nationally by "U.S. News & World Report." BSN, MSN, DNP, and alternate-entry degrees programs are offered. In 2009, the NCLEX-RN pass rate was 92.54 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
Texas Tech University Health Science Center-Lubbock
In 2007, Texas Tech University Health Science Center was ranked, along with 19 others, at No. 95 in the nation by "U.S. News & World Report." BSN, MSN, Ph.D., and DNP programs are offered. On-line and alternate-entry options are available. The 2009 NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84.43 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.
University of Texas-Tyler
The University of Texas-Tyler School of Nursing was ranked No. 115 in the country by "U.S. News & World Report" in 2007. The school offers BSN, MSN, and Ph.D. programs. Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) may be interested in an alternate-entry program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2009, the NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94.36 percent, according to the Texas Board of Nursing.