The Best LVN-to-BSN Programs in Texas
- Program Overview
- Applying to an LVN-to-BSN Program
- Program Accreditation
- Best LVN-to-BSN Programs and Schools
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Bo Zaunders / Corbis Documentary / Getty ImagesEarning a bachelor’s in nursing degree (BSN) can be a quick career boost for a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). A Texas LVN-to-BSN degree can lead to more money, greater responsibility, and a new nursing title: registered nurse (RN). A BSN also offers a direct pathway to earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree if you decide to pursue a career as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Take the first step to become an RN by exploring the best LVN-to-BSN in Texas programs on this page and learn what you need to apply.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best Texas LVN-to-BSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
How Do Texas LVN-to-BSN Programs Work?
Texas LVN-to-BSN degree programs acknowledge past nursing experience and provide advanced placement credits that let you graduate quicker. Nursing schools offer fully online BSN degrees, hybrid degrees, or on-campus programs.
Courses cover health assessments, pharmacology, nursing theories and research, leadership and management, and ethical and legal issues. Lessons may function asynchronously with no scheduled class times, or synchronously where you meet online or in person.
Regardless of the format, you must complete the practicum experiences in person. Texas requires that RNs complete 500 clinical hours under direct supervision.
Texas LVN-to-BSN programs take about two years to complete.
Featured Online RN-to-BSN in Nursing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to a Texas LVN-to-BSN Program
Most Texas LVN-to-BSN programs share similar admission criteria. For instance, you need at least a valid LVN license to enter a program. All applicants must complete an online application and submit a fee, if applicable. Other requirements vary.
Admission Materials
Most Texas LVN-to-BSN degrees require incoming students to have at least 60 transferable credits after completing an accredited program. They may also need to complete a pre-nursing entrance exam. Finally, nursing programs require the completion of prerequisites, such as human anatomy, statistics, and developmental psychology.GPA Requirement
Typically, nursing programs want incoming students to have at least a 3.0 GPA. Candidates need to submit official transcripts.Other Requirement
Because you will need to complete clinical rotations, you must pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Why Is Texas LVN-to-BSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation matters in all industries, but particularly in nursing, where patients could suffer if a nurse does not receive quality education and training.
What exactly is accreditation? Independent agencies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, recognize nursing programs that meet academic and industry standards. This demonstration of program quality allows students to transfer credits toward a higher degree, qualify for certifications, and find future employment.
All LVN-to-BSN programs included on this page are accredited —not to be confused with state board approval, which simply allows a nursing program to function.
Learn More About the Best Texas LVN-to-BSN Programs and Schools
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,448
- Out-of-state$40,032
- In-State$12,028
- Out-of-state$22,886
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled50,476
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,233
- Out-of-state$17,049
- In-State$6,458
- Out-of-state$13,820
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled32,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled8,525
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona College-Dallas
- Dallas, TX
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$18,880
- Out-of-state$18,880
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled177
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationNo
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,449
- Out-of-state$20,665
- In-State$8,539
- Out-of-state$17,681
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled47,090
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas LVN-to-BSN Programs
How long does it take to go from LVN to RN in Texas?
LVN-to-RN Texas programs offer a faster pathway to a BSN degree. Programs generally comprise 113-129 credits. The duration of a program depends on the pace and whether you study full or part time, with degrees taking about 18-24 months to complete.
Can an LVN-to-BSN program be completed online in Texas?
Yes, you can complete a Texas LVN-to-BSN degree completely online. You may need to meet online weekly at a specific time for lectures and discussions, or you may complete self-paced coursework on your own time. However, the clinical practicum experience must take place in person within a healthcare setting.
Is it worth it for an LVN to get a BSN?
Yes. With around 217,630 RNs working in the state, Texas ranks second for states with the highest employment level for RNs. Earning a BSN can be professionally fulfilling and lead to a higher salary. RNs in Texas made an average annual income of $79,120 as of 2021, or $38.04 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 90% of RNs in Texas earn $99,070. Nationally, RNs make a mean annual salary of $82,750.
What can I do with a BSN in Texas?
Most RNs work in hospitals, physician offices, home health care services, outpatient care centers, and nursing care facilities. Nationwide, about 1.7 million RNs work in hospitals, according to the BLS. With a BSN in Texas, you can work in some of the top-paying cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or Killeen. A BSN also sets the foundation to earn an MSN degree.
