Nursing Schools in Texas
The rate at which employment for nursing is expected to grow is faster than many other occupations - an impressive 26 percent rise is anticipated between 2010 and 2020. An aging population, advancements in technology, and an increasing importance of preventative healthcare are all leading to an increase in the demand for nurses. Similar to other states in the US, Texas requires nurses to have a professional degree as well as a license to practice. Professional nursing, like medicine, dentistry, and other medical professions, is regulated by state law. There are several choices for interested students to obtain a degree by enrolling in one of the many nursing schools in Texas.
Texas is the second biggest employer of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. RNs have witnessed a consistent employment growth in the state from 2010 to 2013. In 2010, there were 176,330 RNs in the state that increased to 190,090 in 2013.
Availability and Options
There are four paths to becoming a registered nurse: an associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor's degree in nursing, through a hospital-based diploma program from an approved nursing program, or a master's degree in nursing.
Associate's Degree
Most associate's degrees are offered by technical and community colleges. An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) offers a mix of general studies and nursing education as well as clinical experiences. Sixty-nine institutes in Texas offer approved associate's degrees in nursing. Although some ADN curriculums are designed to be compatible with a bachelor's degree, students should not expect a total transfer of credits. In such a scenario, many nursing schools in Texas offer "LVN-to-RN" (licensed vocational nurses to registered nurse) programs.
Bachelor's Degree
Students in Texas who are interested in pursuing a baccalaureate degree can choose from over 44 nursing programs. A bachelor's degree in nursing usually takes four years; during which students take courses in nursing theory, the practice of nursing, biological and behavioral sciences, as well as the humanities. Clinical experience at hospitals or healthcare facilities is also a part of the curriculum. A bachelor's degree in nursing not only equips a student to be a registered nurse, but lays the foundation for a student to pursue a graduate degree in nursing.
Diploma Programs
A few diploma education programs are also available, but these are usually hospital-based. The course work includes the biological, physical, and social sciences; and these courses may be taken at a nearby university or college. Diploma education courses are not equivalent to ADN or BSN programs.
Master's Degree
Thirty-five schools in Texas offer master's degrees in nursing, which allows registered nurses to increase their qualifications as well as specialize in a specific area such as administration, education, or management. A master's degree is also a pre-requisite for entry into doctoral programs. A career in nursing attracts a variety of people from high school graduates to stay at home moms looking for a new career. Students can apply to Texas nursing schools as soon as they graduate from high school, or they can enroll in a program to begin their second career as a nurse. As many as 23 Texas nursing schools offer accelerated programs for students who holding an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than nursing. These programs include master's degrees as well as Doctoral degrees.