Fastest Nursing Programs in Texas (2026)
The fastest accredited nursing program in Texas takes 9 months. Compare accelerated BSN (12–18 months), ADN (18–24 months), and LPN/LVN (9–12 months) pathways below — then request free info from programs accepting applications now.
9 mo
Shortest Program
80
Accredited Programs
$79K
Avg RN Salary
67
Online / Hybrid
11
Entry-Level RN
2
LPN / LVN
Salary source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023
Key takeaways
- Fastest accredited program in Texas: 9 months.
- Prioritize NCLEX pass rates over raw speed — a longer program with 95% outcomes beats a fast program with 70%.
- Texas offers 11 entry-level RN programs, 2 LPN/LVN programs, and 39 bridge/transition programs.
- Total tuition across Texas programs ranges from $8,100 to $86,000.
- Registered nurses in Texas earn $79,120/year on average (BLS May 2023).
Choose your pathway
Compare Fastest Programs Accepting Applications in Texas
Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only
Advertiser DisclosureThese accredited programs are currently enrolling Texas residents. Request free tuition and start-date information — no obligation, accredited programs only.
Fastest ABSN & ADN Programs
Accelerated BSN and ADN pathways — the fastest routes to full RN licensure.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Galen College of Nursing
Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.
Concordia University Texas – Nursing
Concordia University Texas offers an in-person ABSN in Austin, TX for students with 60+ credits from a regionally accredited institution. Requires 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 in prerequisite natural s…
University of Texas at Arlington
Accelerated BSN. On Campus format.
Texas Lutheran University – Nursing
Texas Lutheran University's ABSN at the Houston campus is an in-person accelerated program for students who hold a non-nursing degree. Requires 3.0 GPA, ATI TEAS composite of 70+, and official transc…
Texas Lutheran University – Nursing
Texas Lutheran University's ABSN at the New Braunfels campus is an in-person accelerated program for students who hold a non-nursing degree. Requires 3.0 GPA, ATI TEAS composite of 70+, and official…
Excelsior University
The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program at Excelsior University is delivered 100% online, making it ideal for those seeking flexibility in their education. This 60-credit program can be complet…
Fastest LPN / LVN Programs
LPN and LVN certificates — typically the fastest nursing credential (9–12 months). Showing matches near ZIP 43215.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Concorde Career College
LPN (Practical Nursing). On Campus format.
Lincoln College of Technology
LPN (Practical Nursing). On Campus format.
Get Matched with Fast Programs in Texas
RNs in Texas earn $79,120/year on average. Tell us your timeline and we'll match you with programs you can start this year — free, ~30 seconds.
Quick Picks by Situation
Our analysis of Texas programs — matched to the most common student goals.
Fastest path to any nursing credential
LPN program — 11 months
Concorde Career College. Entry-level; graduates work under RN supervision.
Fastest path to RN licensure
ABSN — 15 months
Galen College of Nursing. Full RN license; eligible for hospital employment.
Lowest debt while becoming an RN
Community college ADN — from $14,560
Excelsior University. Longer waitlists are common; plan 1–2 years ahead.
Best for working adults
Online program — 9 months
Chamberlain University. Flexible didactic schedule; clinical hours remain on-site.
| Your situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest path to any nursing credential | LPN program — 11 months | Concorde Career College. Entry-level; graduates work under RN supervision. |
| Fastest path to RN licensure | ABSN — 15 months | Galen College of Nursing. Full RN license; eligible for hospital employment. |
| Lowest debt while becoming an RN | Community college ADN — from $14,560 | Excelsior University. Longer waitlists are common; plan 1–2 years ahead. |
| Best for working adults | Online program — 9 months | Chamberlain University. Flexible didactic schedule; clinical hours remain on-site. |
What most students overlook
A 9-month program is not automatically better. Programs with weak clinical rotations, poor NCLEX prep, or high attrition rates can cost you more time in the long run. We recommend prioritizing: NCLEX outcomes → clinical quality → accreditation → then speed — not just duration.
RN-to-BSN & Bridge Programs in Texas
Free info packetsNo obligationAccredited programs only
Advertiser DisclosureAlready licensed as an RN? Compare accredited bridge programs completing your BSN or MSN in 12–18 months — many accept working nurses.
Sponsored · Disclosure
Chamberlain University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to enhance their academic credentials. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be completed in just…
Texas State University – St. David's School of Nursing
Texas State University's CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN at St. David's School of Nursing is completable in as few as 10 months. 30 credit hours of upper-division nursing coursework at $404/credit (…
Ohio State University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses who want to advance their education. Delivered entirely online, this 12-month program requires 30 credits and provides a convenient…
University of Cincinnati
The RN to BSN completion program at the University of Cincinnati allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online. Designed for registered nurses, this program requires 30 credi…
Florida State University
The RN to BSN completion program at FSU is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered 100% online, this program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in just 1…
University of Michigan — Flint
Our RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses looking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered entirely online, you can complete this 30-credit program in just 12 months, allow…
Indiana State University
The RN to BSN completion program at Indiana State University is a 100% online degree designed for registered nurses looking to elevate their qualifications. This program requires 30 credits and can b…
Grand Canyon University
The RN to BSN completion program at GCU is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this program requires 30 credits and can be…
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The RN to BSN completion program at UAB is a 100% online option designed for registered nurses looking to advance their education. This 12-month program requires 30 credits and offers flexibility, al…
University of Texas at Arlington
The RN to BSN program at UTA is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Offered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can…
Lamar University – Department of Nursing
Lamar University's ACEN-accredited online RN-to-BSN is one of the most affordable nationally at $278/credit ($8,340 for 30 nursing credits). Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Compl…
Texas A&M University
The RN to BSN completion program at Texas A&M is a 100% online course designed for working nurses looking to earn their bachelor's degree in just 15 months. With 30 credits, this program offers a fle…
Michigan State University
The RN to BSN completion program at Michigan State University is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Offered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be co…
University of Maryland — Baltimore
The RN to BSN completion program at UMB is a fully online option that allows registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 15 months. This 30-credit program is designed for w…
Arizona State University
The RN to BSN program at Arizona State University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered entirely online, this 30-credit…
University of South Florida
USF's RN to BSN completion program is fully online and designed for registered nurses looking to enhance their qualifications. Over 15 months, you will complete 30 credits, gaining vital skills and k…
Southern New Hampshire University
The RN to BSN completion program at SNHU is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can be completed in just 15…
American Public University System
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This 100% online program can be completed in just 15 months and requires 30 cr…
Aspen University
The RN to BSN completion program at Aspen University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their education. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be completed…
Texas A&M International University – Nursing
Texas A&M International University's online RN-to-BSN is designed for working RNs seeking BSN completion with affordable Texas A&M System tuition. Fully online format serving the Laredo, TX region an…
Penn State World Campus
The RN to BSN completion program allows you to advance your nursing career by earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online. Designed for registered nurses, this program consists of 30…
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
RN to BSN. Online format.
National University
The RN to BSN completion program at National University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their credentials. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can be comp…
Purdue University Global
The RN to BSN program at Purdue University Global allows registered nurses to complete their bachelor's degree entirely online. With a duration of 18 months and 36 credits required, this program is p…
Maryville University
The RN to BSN completion program at Maryville University allows you to advance your nursing career with a 100% online format. Completing 30 credits in just 18 months, this program is ideal for regist…
George Washington University
The RN to BSN completion program at George Washington University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered 100% online, this 30-credit program can be comple…
Herzing University
The RN to BSN completion program at Herzing University is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits and can be co…
Liberty University
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications. Delivered entirely online, this program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in just…
Drexel University
The RN to BSN completion program at Drexel University allows you to advance your nursing career with a 100% online format. Comprising 30 credits, this program can be completed in just 18 months, maki…
Seton Hall University
Designed for registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications, the RN to BSN completion program is 100% online and takes just 18 months to complete. With 30 credits required, you can advance…
Excelsior University
Excelsior's RN to BSN completion program is offered entirely online, allowing registered nurses to advance their education conveniently. Comprising 30 credits, this program can be completed in 18 mon…
Sacred Heart University
The RN to BSN completion program is a 100% online option designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. This 18-month program requires 30 credits and offers a flexible, affordable…
Gonzaga University
The RN to BSN completion program at Gonzaga University is designed for registered nurses seeking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 30 credits…
Regis College
The RN to BSN completion program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. Delivered entirely online, this 30-credit program can be completed in just 18 months, allowing y…
Western Governors University
The RN to BSN completion program at WGU is designed for registered nurses who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Delivered 100% online, this program requires 36 credits and can…
Capella University
The RN to BSN (FlexPath) program is designed for working nurses who want to complete their degree quickly and flexibly. Delivered 100% online, this 44-credit program can be completed in as little as…
How to choose a fast nursing program in Texas
Texas is one of the few states where the community-college ADN route is still the most rational way into nursing for most prospective students. Hospital systems in DFW, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin will hire ADN-prepared RNs and pay for the RN-to-BSN, often with a contractual service commitment. The trap is the waitlist: many public community college programs use points-based or randomized entry, and a 'cheap' program can quietly cost you 18 months of waiting for a cohort seat.
Texas student checklist
- Community college ADN + employer-funded RN-to-BSN is the lowest total cost path in Texas for most students; private accelerated BSNs are only worth it if you already have a bachelor's.
- If your goal is a Houston Med Center or Dallas hospital job, confirm the program's clinical partnerships in that metro — Texas clinical placements are competitive and geography matters.
- Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which is meaningful if you live near the Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico border.
- Watch published NCLEX-RN first-attempt pass rates by program rather than school-level rates — Texas programs vary widely cohort to cohort.
- Online-only RN-to-BSN is well-suited to Texas's shift-work culture; verify the program is authorized for Texas residents before paying any deposit.
Editorial note: Texas community college ADN programs with multi-year waitlists are often a worse deal than a slightly more expensive private ADN that starts in 90 days — the foregone RN salary dwarfs the tuition gap.
What Students in Texas Should Know
Speed vs. NCLEX outcomes — a real trade-off
Accelerated programs compress the same curriculum into a shorter timeframe — often 40+ hours per week. Before committing, always ask the program for its three-year first-time NCLEX pass rate. A program with a 72% pass rate and 12-month timeline may leave you spending months and hundreds of dollars on retakes, offsetting any time gained.
Public vs. private programs: the cost spectrum
In Texas, program tuition ranges from $8,100 to $86,000 total. Community college ADN programs are the most affordable option — sometimes under $15,000 total — but often have waitlists of 1–2 years. Private accelerated programs have more immediate availability but can exceed $60,000. Factor your total cost of attendance (including living expenses during the program) against your expected starting RN salary when comparing.
Online and hybrid options in Texas
67 programs in Texas offer online or hybrid scheduling. Online programs handle didactic coursework remotely but still require on-site clinical hours. For working adults who cannot commit to full-time on-campus attendance, these can extend the program by a few months while keeping it compatible with part-time employment.
Choosing an Accelerated Nursing Program in Texas
Before choosing the fastest option, weigh these factors in order:
- NCLEX pass rate — look for first-time rates above 85%.
- Clinical placement quality — schools with hospital partnerships provide more reliable rotations.
- Accreditation — CCNE or ACEN required. Unaccredited programs may not qualify for NCLEX or financial aid.
- Total cost — include tuition, fees, and cost of living during the program.
- Timeline to start — fast programs with 18-month waitlists are not actually faster.
Typical duration by pathway
| Pathway | Typical duration | License / credential |
|---|---|---|
| LPN / LVN Certificate | 9–12 months | LPN/LVN — practice under RN supervision |
| ADN (Associate Degree) | 18–24 months | RN license (NCLEX-RN) |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 12–18 months | RN license (NCLEX-RN) |
| RN-to-BSN | 12–18 months | BSN completion for licensed RNs |
Fastest Nursing Programs in Texas — FAQ
How fast can I complete a nursing program in Texas?
The fastest accredited nursing programs in Texas can be completed in as little as 9 months. Accelerated BSN programs typically run 12–18 months for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
What is the fastest nursing degree I can get in Texas?
LPN certificate programs are typically the fastest pathway (9–12 months), followed by ADN programs (18–24 months). Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs can be completed in 12–18 months for career changers with prior college credits.
What is the fastest LPN or LVN program in Texas?
Among programs in our directory, the shortest LPN/LVN pathway in Texas is 11 months at Concorde Career College. Vocational schools often offer 9–12 month certificates even when community colleges run longer ADN waitlists.
Which accelerated nursing programs in Texas are accepting students now?
The sponsored program matches at the top of this page show accredited ABSN, ADN, and LPN/LVN programs currently accepting applications from Texas residents. Request free information to compare start dates, tuition, and clinical placement options — no obligation.
How much do registered nurses earn in Texas?
Registered nurses in Texas earn an average of $79,120 per year ($38/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Texas is projected to grow 12.1% through 2032.
Are fast nursing programs in Texas accredited?
Yes — every program in our listing is accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or holds state board approval. Accreditation is required to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam and to qualify for federal financial aid.
Do fast nursing programs have lower NCLEX pass rates?
Not necessarily. Many accelerated programs maintain NCLEX pass rates above 90%, particularly those that use rigorous selection criteria and integrated simulation labs. Always ask a program for its three-year NCLEX pass rate before enrolling.
Should I prioritize speed or NCLEX outcomes when choosing a program?
Prioritize NCLEX outcomes first. A program that finishes two months sooner but has a 70% first-time pass rate will likely cost you more time overall than a program with a 95% rate. Speed matters, but not more than your licensing success.
Can I use a Texas nursing license in other states?
Yes — Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Once Texas is your primary state of residence, a multistate license may allow you to practice in other compact states without separate endorsements.
Get Matched with Accredited Nursing Programs
Tell us your zip code and program preference, and we’ll connect you with top nursing schools that match your goals — tuition budget, schedule, and location.
Find Programs Near You
Enter your details to see matching programs.