Nursing in Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas is one of the world's leading medical communities. Home to the Texas Medical Center (TCM), the largest such facility on the globe, Houston boasts an additional 85 hospitals. As such, the area sees millions of patients a year and employs a vast workforce of medical professionals. In May 2019, Texas employed 218,090 nurses, with 54,780 of those in the Houston region. The number of medical professionals, hospitals, and training opportunities make RN programs in Houston a great choice for nursing students. The region also offers great potential for future employment due to a nursing shortage in the area.
Nursing Degrees
Students looking to earn a nursing degree may select from several degree choices. An Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) is typically earned through an eighteen-month program. Although a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often a four-year degree, it may be completed more quickly if the student has a previous degree in another field. Current RNs may enter a program specifically to complete the necessary courses to complete a bachelor's; this program is called an RN to BSN program. At the master's degree level, RNs pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) which qualifies them as an advance practice registered nurse (APRN) qualified to handle duties beyond those of a RN like diagnosis, referrals, and test evaluation.
RN Programs in Houston, Texas
Students who want to earn a degree to work as a registered nurse (RN) have several RN schools in Houston, Texas from which to choose. There are three schools within 18 minutes of downtown that offer registered nursing programs. This article includes information about each school's programs, followed by a table comparing school attributes such as tuition, concluding with a brief paragraph about other area school options.
- Houston Community College is a 2-year public school located 2 miles from downtown, offering an associate's degree in registered nursing.
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a 4-year public school. This school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and is located seven miles from downtown.
- Offering a bachelor's degree in nursing, Houston Baptist University is a private college located 13 miles from downtown.
Nursing Schools in Houston, Texas: Comparison
School size and tuition may be important considerations for nursing students. The following table compares information for the schools included in this article.
| Houston Community College | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston Baptist University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 2-year; public | 4-year; public | 4-year; private |
| Total Enrollment (2020) | 56,151* | 5,317* | 3,741* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2019-2020) | $1,848 in-district, $4,152 in-state, $5,268 out-of-state* | $7,728 in-state, $32,235 out-of-state* | $33,450* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College has approximately 20 campuses in the Houston area and offers students the opportunity to pursue careers through several degree and certificate programs. Students at Houston Community College have the option of pursuing a licensed vocational nursing certificate and associate's degree in registered nursing.
Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing
Prior to enrolling in this RN program, students must have completed classes in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, composition and psychology. Classes comprising this RN program include growth and development of the lifespan, nursing skills, professional nursing management and caring for childbearing families. Upon successfully completing this RN degree program, graduates may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The School of Nursing at The University of Texas' Health Science Center at Houston offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing. Nursing programs are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Students at the university can also pursue programs in biomedical sciences, medicine, dentistry, public health and biomedical informatics.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The bachelor's degree in nursing is designed to train students to care for the health of individual patients and communities. Students enrolled in this RN program take classes in pathophysiology, research methods, gerontologic nursing and community healthcare. Prior to enrollment, students must have CPR certification for healthcare providers, immigration clearance, immunizations and drug screenings.
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Current RNs who wish to earn a bachelor's degree also have an accelerated option. Classes for this program are taught online as well as in traditional classroom and lab settings. Students enrolled in this program take classes in RN role transition, community health practices and research methods.
Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school features programs in business, Christian thought, education, fine arts, humanities, allied health, science and liberal arts. The Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a nursing honors program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are able to complete all courses on-campus. Clinical experiences take place in hospitals through the Texas Medical Center. Opportunities are available to work in trauma or burn centers, public health organizations and long-term health facilities. Students work about 24 hours a month and receive compensation and scholarship support. In order to graduate, students must complete 125 credits. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for the Texas State Board Examination for RN licensure.
More School Options
Students looking for RN nursing schools in Texas, in the Houston area, can also pursue registered nursing programs at San Jacinto College and Alvin Community College. Both schools offer an associate's degree in nursing and are within 25 miles of Houston.
