Rn Programs in Texas

A registered nurse (RN) is a highly qualified medical professional who works in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor or physician. The nurse is responsible for providing primary healthcare to the patients, monitor their progress, and perform pre- and post-operative procedures. For residents of the Lone Star state, becoming a registered nurse involves enrolling into one of the many RN programs in Texas. These programs involve one of two possible educational paths:
 

• A Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a four year program involving training in nursing skills and some coursework in humanities and social sciences
• An associate's degree in nursing (ADN), which is a two year program, focuses solely on the nursing skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Both of these degrees have their own advantages. While the associate's degree allows you to enter the workforce much faster and provides you with a specific skill set, there is a limitation to your career growth. The bachelor's degree, on the other hand, entails a holistic approach; involving developing nursing skills and biological knowledge, and covering topics in humanities and the social sciences. Armed with the additional knowledge of subjects like psychology, sociology, statistics, and critical thinking, you can assume greater responsibility in the workplace.

RN programs in Texas: Requirements
The basic requirements you must fulfill to become eligible for nursing programs are to have a high school diploma or have passed the general education degree (GED) test, and be at least 18 years of age. The exact academic requirements and costs of a school's program will vary based on the school you choose to attend. Some of these programs can be highly competitive, requiring high GPAs in order to be accepted.

Online Program Options
Some students may not have easy access to a school which offers a registered nurse program. To facilitate this need, many RN programs in Texas are now available to be completed online. Prospective students who are working part-time or full-time jobs and cannot make the time to attend regular classes can work through these online programs and complete their degrees in a convenient and flexible manner. Regardless of the path you choose, the core training you will undergo will enable you to effectively handle a variety of hospital equipment. You will also gain more knowledge about human anatomy, and will be able to aid doctors in identifying symptoms and arriving at diagnoses. A competent nursing staff is important to the smooth functioning of a hospital, since these individuals interact with the patients on a regular basis and act as a bridge between doctors and patients. As a registered nurse, you will be responsible for a group of nurses, and you will manage them to help run the department assigned to you. Completing the RN program will make you eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Passing this will let you practice your profession legally in Texas.

RN Career Outlook

Prospective registered nurses in Texas may have a challenging and promising career ahead of them. In 2013, the state employed 190,090 RNs and they earned a median annual salary of $67,860. O*NET OnLine predicts 28% positive employment change for the RNs in Texas between 2012 and 2022.