As a registered nurse holding an associate degree or diploma in nursing, your role may be limited to bedside care. You can improve your career outlook and opportunities by enrolling an RN to BSN program to obtain a baccalaureate of science in nursing. BSN-prepared nurses are eligible for positions in leadership and community health due to their expanded knowledge and skillset obtained in the BSN program. The RN to BSN program awards credit to registered nurses for their prior learning and experience in patient care, giving you the opportunity to earn the degree in 12 months or less. The program will focus on research and evidence-based practice, leadership, population health, community health, health promotion, disease prevention, and trends in nursing. Although job opportunities for all nurses are projected to remain positive over the next decade, BSN-prepared nurses provide a broader range of services and receive higher salaries than nurses prepared at the associate’s level. According to the US Department of Labor, BSN nurses can earn as much as 22 percent more than the median annual salary for all nurses.
San Antonio College
The RN-BSN Bridge program at San Antonio College allows graduates from the school’s Associate Degree in Nursing who have obtained licensure, to begin working, and continue higher education while working in the community. The program is offered in two tracks – hybrid and online. The online track delivers the course content remotely. Students will also need to complete a clinical. The clinical courses are project based and lets students utilize their work-based experiences to identify a problem and use research to support change. Key areas of study are leadership, community health, research, and ethics. Students will acquire essential tools to become a nurse leader and transition into the role of a Baccalaureate-prepared nurse. The coursework will provide a foundation for students interested in advancing education and leadership opportunities.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120 credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Hybrid/Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology and Pathology, Composition I, Introduction to Ethics, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development, Elementary Statistical Methods, US History I, US History II, Texas State and Local Government, Interpersonal Communication, Intro to Chemistry, Nutrition Introduction
Core courses – Pathophysiology, Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing, Research and Evidenced Based Nursing Practice, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare, Leadership and Management Clinical, Leadership and Management Principles for Nursing, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Informatics and Technology in Healthcare, Community and Public Health Clinical, Community and Public Health, Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree in nursing program
- Must provide evidence of an unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license – photocopy of license and verification of license status on the state Board of Nursing website required
- Must complete the core requirements for an undergraduate degree, general education courses, and BSN required course work before enrolling in the RN to BSN program
- Provide two letters of recommendation from a current or previous employer on official letterhead
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended. Must be sent directly to Admissions and Records
- Must be fully enrolled in San Antonio College – applications should be submitted through the Apply Texas website
- Must apply for admission to the Nursing Program
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above and a C or higher on each prerequisite course
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $99 per semester credit hour for in-district students and $215 per semester credit hour for those out of district. Expenses for books and supplies must be added to the final program costs.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/sac/
- Address: 1819 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212
- Phone: (210) 486-1217
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions
The RN to BSN program at the School of Health Professions is a post licensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree completion program for Registered Nurses who hold a current nursing license and have completed a diploma or associate degree nursing program. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The curriculum builds upon knowledge and competencies obtained in the registered nursing degree or diploma program and experiences as a practicing RN. Students will gain a more advanced knowledge of the physical and social sciences, humanities, nursing research, nursing leadership and management, and community health nursing. They will also develop an appreciation for the many social, cultural, economic and political issues that impact patients and influence healthcare.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120 credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Hybrid/Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Intro to Psychology, Science/Humanities
General education courses – Lifespan Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, Drugs in Society, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Philosophy, Elementary Statistical Methods, College Algebra, Medical Law and Ethics for Health Professionals, Composition I, Introduction to Computing
Core courses – Health Assessment in Professional Nursing, Pathophysiology for Nurses, Health Promotion, Professional Nursing Issues and the Health Care Delivery System, Nursing Research, Community Health Nursing Community Health Nursing Practicum, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Information Management, Nursing Leadership and Management, Nursing Leadership and Management Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma RN program
- Must provide evidence of an active, unencumbered Texas or Compact State Registered Nurse license – photocopy of license and verification of license status on the state Board of Nursing website required
- Must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the RN program – at least 18 credit hours
- Complete the online application and submit the $15 application fee for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program online
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above and a C or higher on each prerequisite course
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED certificate
- Email the Admissions Advisor to verify the application has been properly submitted and to request a degree audit
- Must provide driver’s license and social security card for verification
Program Cost:
The program cost of $34,200 includes tuition, fees, and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.bshp.edu/home
- Address: 8400 Datapoint Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: (877) 493-8238
Hallmark University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program (BSN for RNs) at Hallmark University is designed for registered nurses to expand their knowledge in the areas of research, theory, leadership, community concepts, healthcare policy, therapeutic interventions, and current trends in healthcare. The coursework is delivered online and seeks to increase students’ understanding of advanced nursing roles. Students will complete the requirements in nearly half the time of other universities, and from anywhere in the U.S. The program is open for admissions three times per year. Registered nurses will receive as much as 57 credit hours toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hallmark University.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120 credits
Duration: 10 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Intro to Psychology, Science/Humanities, Microbiology, Speech, Math
General education courses – Lifespan Growth and Development, Introduction to Sociology, Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Philosophy, College Algebra, Medical Law and Ethics for Health Professionals, Composition I
Core courses – Healthcare Informatics, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Cultural Health, Health Promotion and Nutrition, Pathophysiology, Community Health Nursing with Clinical, Leadership for Health Professions, Management of Care, Healthcare Policy, Current Trends in Healthcare
Admission criteria:
- Must have an official high school diploma or transcript indicating high school graduation date
- Attend an interview with Admission Professional
- Submit a signed Enrollment Agreement
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma RN program
- Must provide evidence of an active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the United States
- Must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the RN program – at least 18 credit hours
- Must complete the general requirements for admission to Hallmark University
- Must submit a typed essay stating the purpose for pursuing a bachelor’s degree, personal goals as a student in the program, and as a future graduate
- Submit an online application for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program online
- Must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above and a C or higher on each prerequisite course
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED certificate
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $530 per credit hour. The cost of books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://hallmarkuniversity.edu/
- Address: 9855 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78251
- Phone: 800.880.6600
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
The School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN degree program for registered nurses to meet the complex challenges within the health care system and fulfil their potential as professional nurses. The online program provides flexibility to complete the degree on their own terms. Courses are accessible on the web, but students will need to complete a clinical component of the program to obtain the BSN degree. Experienced faculty are committed to students’ success and build on students’ experience by examining new trends and theories, exploring critical issues, emphasizing applicable professional nursing practices and incorporating concepts of holistic care.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 2 to 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite/general education courses – Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I w/Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II w/Lab, General Psychology, Life Span Human Development, Statistics, Nutrition, History of the US to 1877, History of the US since 1877, American Govt Organization, American Public Policy, English I, English II, Creative Arts, Elective
Core courses – Art of the Human Experience, Incorporation of Evidence into Practice, Foundations of Nursing Knowledge, Management & Leadership: Bedside to Boardroom, Healthcare Information Technology, Community and Public Health Nursing, Evaluating Risk in Healthcare, Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics, Integrating BSN Concepts, Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better
- Must be a registered nurse upon application to the program – provide a current RN license that is active and in good standing without any restrictions or stipulations
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must have NCLEX results prior to enrollment
- Submit official transcripts documenting completion of general education requirements
- Submit an online application for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program online
- Must be fully COVID-19 vaccinated – required by clinical partners
Program Cost:
Tuition and fees cost $5,170.50 for 15 credit hours for Texas residents. The cost of books and supplies are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/
- Address: 3601 4th Street, Lubbock TX 79430
- Phone: 806.743.1000
Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth
The RN to BSN program at Cizik School of Nursing offers includes online coursework as well as clinical experiences to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication. Clinical rotations are scheduled at the Texas Medical Center or at a hospital is the students’ local area. Students can commence the clinical sessions in the first semester. The program is designed to be completed in as little as two semesters but students have the option to extend their studies to five semesters based on their existing commitments and personal and professional goals. The School of Nursing benefits include affordability, hands-on practice and feedback, flexibility, and accessibility of courses online. Graduates will be prepared to manage complex cases within the healthcare system and continue their education to the master’s level and doctoral level graduate programs. Scholarship opportunities are available to eligible students. The program admits new students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – American Government, Texas Government, US History, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction Sociology, Human Growth and Development (Lifespan), Statistics Math, Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Lab, Microbiology Lecture and Lab, Chemistry Lecture and Lab, Nutrition, English, Introduction to Philosophy, Visual Performing Arts, Electives
Core courses – Health Assessment, Professional Nursing Practice, Introduction to Applied Health Informatics, Management and Leadership, Issues in Professional Practice, Research Critique and Utilization, Synthesis: Application for Change in Practice for RNs, Role Transition for RNs, Community Health Practice for RNs, Community Health Projects for RNs Clinical
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Must personally reside in Texas before the first day of class
- Must have an active Texas RN license or ability to secure a license in the first semester of enrollment
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required 60 hours of nursing prerequisites
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the required science prerequisites
- Must have earned at least 40 of the prerequisites at the time of application – 8 of the 40 hours must be from science prerequisites of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, or Chemistry
- Submit a completed online application and non-refundable $60 application fee
- Submit official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Complete immunization screening as required by the Texas Department of Health
- Must undergo a criminal background check
- Must submit a non-expired copy of CPR certification prior to program application deadline
- Must carry health insurance and provide a copy of the policy or insurance card prior to the program admission
- Must receive malpractice insurance through the University for clinical education while enrolled in the clinical course
- Must undergo a urine drug screen test through a designated vendor
Program Cost:
The estimated cost of the program is $10,577. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://nursing.uth.edu/home/default.htm
- Address: 6901 Bertner, Houston, TX 77030
- Phone: 713-500-2100
- Fax: 713-500-2107
The University of Texas at Tyler
The RN-BSN track at the University of Texas at Tyler is designed for registered nurses who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing to bridge to the baccalaureate degree in nursing. The curriculum is builds on the prior learning and professional experiences of the registered nurse. The program is delivered fully online to help nurses achieve their educational goals while working. The required clinical experiences are structured to enhance previous learning and develop higher levels of critical thinking as a BSN prepared registered nurse. Students must complete 30 semester hours of upper division courses in Nursing to earn a BSN degree. Students seeking to graduate with honors must complete an additional 15 SCH to meet the University requirement of completing 45 SCH at UT Tyler to graduate with honors.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – English, Philosophy, Creative Arts, Speech, US History I, US History II, US Government, Texas Government, Math Statistics, Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Lifespan Growth and Development, Introductory Psychology
Core courses – Pathophysiology, Health Assessment for Registered Nurses, Professional Development for the Registered Nurse, Evidence-Based Decision Making, Care Coordination for the Registered Nurse, Nursing Leadership and Management, Wellness and Health Promotion, Community and Population Focused Nursing
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for admission to UTT and choose the RN-BSN program when prompted
- Request official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended to be sent to the Office of Admissions
- Must be Texas Core Complete
- Must have 90 transfer credit hours before beginning the RN to BSN track
- Submit a copy of current RN license number
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $859 per credit for Texas residents and $1,344 for non-residents. Students will incur additional costs for fees, books, and supplies.
- Website: https://www.uttyler.edu/
- Address: 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75799
- Phone: 800 UT TYLER
Schreiner University
The online RN to BSN program at Schreiner University prepares registered nurses to take the next step in their career. The school provides individualized attention, small class sizes, and courses structured for working nurses. The program is delivered 100 percent online with 5 start dates for the year and no requirement for chemistry or statistics. Students enrolled in the program will obtain education and skills needed to advance their career and meet the ever-changing needs of the nursing profession. The innovative curriculum that is interwoven with ethical principles to help students achieve their professional goals. The acceleration online RN to BSN degree program provides students with the flexibility to maintain their nursing career while they pursue the BSN degree. Students have the option to complete several elective nursing courses in addition to the required coursework.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, College Algebra, Communication, Literature and Composition, World Civilizations to 1600, World Civilizations from 1600, Introduction to Psychology, United States History Through the Civil War, United States History Since the Civil War, The Creative Experience, Advanced Composition
Core courses – Nursing Research, Transitions to Professional Nursing, Holistic Health Care Across Lifespan, Nursing Leadership and Management, Community Health Nursing, Holistic Health Assessment, Nursing Capstone, Pathophysiology, Nursing Informatics, Politics and Policy in Healthcare, Global Health, Independent Study
Admission criteria:
- Submit an online application
- Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher (provisional admission considered if below a 2.5)
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a regionally accredited college/university
- Must have official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended sent to admissions
- Must have a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the United States
- Pay the application fee of $25
Program Cost:
Tuition for the nursing courses is $9,219 (after a $2,000 tuition discount) for students employed with one the Schreiner’s partner healthcare providers. The cost covers tuition and fees. Books and supplies must be added to the cost.
- Website: https://schreiner.edu/
- Address: 2100 Memorial Blvd. Kerrville, TX 78028-5611
- Phone: 830.896.5411
San Jacinto College
San Jacinto College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program prepares students for leadership positions in nursing. The program, designed with working registered nurses in mind, equips students with the skills to respond better to the demands of today’s evolving health care system. The curriculum follows an eight-week course model, building on students’ previous education and experience. It includes face-to-face and distance learning opportunities that accommodate an employed RN’s schedule. The primary concepts covered include community health nursing, nursing research, public and global health policy, informatics, and leadership. Students earn 34 transfer credit hours for the ADN courses and must complete 10 credit hours of prerequisite BSN courses and 45 credit hours of general education courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Health Science Majors, Composition I, Composition II, Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics), Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics), United States History I, United States History II, Lifespan Growth and Development, General Psychology, Interpersonal Communication Nutrition and Diet Therapy, General Chemistry
Core courses – Transitions to Baccalaureate Nursing, Issues and Trends in Nursing, Theoretical Principles of Nursing, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Community Health Nursing, Public & Global Health Policy, Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Informatics and Technology in Healthcare, Legal and Ethical Considerations in Nursing, Leadership and Management
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a regionally accredited college/university
- Must hold an unencumbered, Texas RN license and must be valid through the program duration
- Must be employed as a professional nurse (letter from employer required)
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Must have a minimum grade C in all previous nursing and science transfer courses
- Must submit one recommendation letter from employer supervisor or former nursing faculty
- Must obtain admission to SJC
- Must apply for admission to the nursing program
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $78 per credit hour for Texas residents and $135 per credit hour for non-residents. The program is eligible for financial aid.
- Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/
- Address: 8060 Spencer Hwy., Pasadena, TX 77505
- Phone: 281-998-6150
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.
