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Nursing Schools in Austin, Texas with Degree Program Overviews

Feb 22, 2023

Austin, Texas, Nursing Schools

Austin, Texas, has three school options for people interested in studying nursing at the undergraduate or graduate level. This article looks at those schools, all within a half-hour of downtown Austin, and the nursing programs they provide. Information such as tuition, school size, graduation rate and the availability of financial aid, are presented in a table that makes it easy to compare these institutions. The name of one other school, a bit more distant, is presented at the end of the article.

  • The University of Texas at Austin is less than two miles from downtown and offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in nursing.
  • About two miles from the city center, Austin Community College District offers associate's degree programs and a vocational nursing certificate program.
  • Concordia University - Texas has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This school is 11 miles from downtown Austin.

Comparison of Schools

The following table presents information about the schools that could be useful to aspiring nursing students.

The University of Texas at Austin Austin Community College District Concordia University - Texas
School Type 4-year, public 2-year, public 4-year, private not-for-profit
Total Enrollment (2021) 51,991* 35,609* 2,137*
Campus Setting Large city Large city Large city
Annual Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) $11,752, in-state; $40,996, out-of-state* $2,550, in-district; $8,580, in-state; $10,590, out-of-state* $34,500*
% of First-Year Students Receiving Any Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) 71%* 60%* 100%*
Acceptance Rate (2021) 29%* N/A - Open admissions* 89%*
Full-time Student Retention Rate (2020-2021) 96%* N/A- Not reported* 56%*
Undergraduate Graduation Rate 96% (students began Fall 2015)* 9% (students began Fall 2018)* 56% (students began Fall 2015)*

Source: *NCES College Navigator.

The University of Texas at Austin

Located on a 431-acre campus, The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883 and has grown to become one of the largest public universities in the nation, with research centers and satellite campuses throughout Texas. U.S. News & World Report ranked The University of Texas at Austin 42nd among the nation's best national schools in 2021.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This comprehensive course of study combines nursing practice and theory. Students learn to work in clinical settings while completing the groundwork needed to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. The program consists of both pre-professional and professional credit hours. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Master of Science in Nursing

Students in this program pursue advanced education in specific areas of nursing and related sciences to qualify for specialized professional practice. Applicants must have a BSN or a non-nursing bachelor's degree with either a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing. They also must be registered nurses (RNs). This program allows enrollees to choose from five areas of concentration, including pediatric nursing, family nursing, adult/gerontology health or leadership.

Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing (AE MSN)

This graduate program is for individuals with degrees in non-nursing fields of study who want to sit for the NCLEX-RN while earning a Master of Science in Nursing. The program requires the completion of seven prerequisite courses prior to enrollment; these include microbiology, pharmacology and nutrition. Once enrolled, students choose from three concentrations: adult/gerontology, leadership or psychiatric/mental health nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Applicants must hold a master's or bachelor's degree in nursing to qualify for enrollment. Students choose a specific area of study based on their career interests. Topics in this program are determined by the student's area of study, which also serves as a research topic for a dissertation. All students devote studies to nursing research methodology and the importance of health care delivery. An integrated scholarly portfolio must also be completed.

Alternate Entry Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (AE Ph.D.)

This program is for those with non-nursing graduate or baccalaureate degrees who want to earn a Ph.D. in Nursing. Students prepare for advanced careers in nursing research and leadership. The educational format of this program includes seminar discussions, graduate-level coursework and original dissertation research.

Austin Community College District

For more than 36 years, Austin Community College has been providing students with higher education. Enrollees can choose from certificate, degree, adult education and distance learning programs.

Vocational Nursing Certificate

This entry-level nursing program trains students to become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). These professionals work under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians and physician's assistants. Equivalent to the licensed practical nurse designation, licensed vocational nurse is a title used only in Texas and California. Students in this program complete 43-45 credit hours consisting of laboratory work, clinical training and classroom lessons. Upon completion, graduates receive a vocational nursing certificate and are qualified to sit for state and national licensing exams.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing - Traditional Track

Students who choose to complete the traditional track associate degree program must take 24 credit hours of non-nursing courses and 36 credit hours of nursing courses. Courses are offered both online and on campus. This degree program is for those who do not have a nursing license.

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing- Mobility Track

This program is designed for those with licensing or certification in various health care areas, such as paramedic, LVN, dental hygienist or physical therapist assistant. The curriculum includes a three-part series of courses covering nursing concepts for articulating students as well as courses in nursing leadership and clinical RN practices.

Concordia University - Texas

Founded in 1926, Concordia University has six schools and colleges with 21 undergraduate majors and boasts a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This undergraduate program takes four years, as well as a summer semester, to complete. Students are required to take pre-nursing courses as freshmen and sophomores and then a professional sequence of courses as juniors and seniors. Nursing coursework might include global health, adult health theory, pharmacology, family-centered care and behavioral health. Accelerated BSN and RN-BSN programs are also offered.

Other School Option

Texas State University - San Marcos, located about 45 miles from downtown Austin, offers a BSN program for aspiring registered nurses.

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