Nursing School Requirements in Texas (2026)

A complete guide to nursing school admission requirements in Texas: GPA, prerequisite courses, application steps, and what to expect after graduation — including NCLEX and RN licensure.

Texas: admissions context

The Texas Department of State Health Services runs the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies (TCNWS), which maintains dashboards and reports on nursing education, employment, and supply–demand using licensure and survey data. Statewide workforce studies routinely highlight rapid population growth, rural access gaps, and capacity limits in nursing education as long-run pressure points for RN staffing.

In our program directory we currently surface 190 accredited nursing programs tied to Texas (the tables on this page show up to 50 at a time). Cross-check each school’s published prerequisite list and any waitlist or points-based ranking rules — Texas community college ADN programs are especially likely to use competitive entry.

What our Texas program sample looks like

By degree type in the first 50 programs we show: DNP 46%; BSN 40%; ADN 8%; MSN 6%.

By delivery in that same sample: 58% online, 10% hybrid, 32% on-campus.

LPN Programs

ADN Programs

BSN Programs

RN-to-BSN

MSN / DNP

RNs in Texas earn $91,690/year on average with 12.1% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS).

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Nursing School Requirements in Texas: The Basics

Nursing school admission requirements in Texas vary by degree level, but all accredited programs share a common foundation: prerequisite science courses, a competitive GPA, and a clean background check. After graduation from any pre-licensure program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a license from the Texas Board of Nursing before practicing.

The most important lever applicants control is their prerequisite GPA. Science courses — particularly Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology — are heavily weighted by admissions committees. Retaking a course to improve a C to a B or higher can make the difference in competitive programs.

Admission Requirements by Degree Level

LPN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

9–18 months

Key Prerequisites

High school diploma or GED
English
Basic math
Biology (some programs)

The fastest entry point into nursing. Many programs accept students directly from high school.

ADN

Typical GPA

2.7–3.2

Program Length

18–24 months

Key Prerequisites

Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
English Composition
Psychology
Statistics or Math

Community college programs. Many have waitlists — applying early and maintaining a high GPA is critical.

BSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

3–4 years (direct-entry) or 2 years (RN-to-BSN)

Key Prerequisites

Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
Chemistry
Statistics
Psychology
Sociology
English Composition

University programs. Highly competitive — top programs often require 3.5+ GPA and healthcare experience.

RN-BSN

Typical GPA

2.5–3.0

Program Length

12–18 months (online)

Key Prerequisites

Active, unencumbered RN license
ADN or diploma in nursing

Designed for working RNs. No additional clinical hours required. Most programs are fully online.

MSN

Typical GPA

3.0–3.5

Program Length

2–3 years

Key Prerequisites

BSN from an accredited program
Active RN license
Statistics course
Professional letters of recommendation

Graduate-level admission. Many programs require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.

Which prerequisites do you still need?

Use the prerequisite finder to compare your completed courses with typical Texas nursing program requirements, then see course options if you have gaps.

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How to Get Into Nursing School in Texas: Step by Step

1
Research program types and choose a degree level
Decide whether you are pursuing an LPN certificate, ADN, BSN, or RN-to-BSN. Each has different admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes. Texas has 50 accredited programs across all degree levels.
2
Complete prerequisite courses
Most nursing programs require Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and English Composition at a minimum. Complete these at a community college if needed before applying.
3
Maintain a competitive GPA
ADN programs typically require a 2.7+ GPA; BSN programs require 3.0–3.5. Retaking a science prerequisite to improve your grade can significantly strengthen your application.
4
Prepare application materials
Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, etc.). Many programs weigh clinical experience heavily.
5
Submit your application
Apply to 3–5 programs. ADN programs at community colleges often use a points-based ranking system. BSN programs use holistic review. Apply as early as possible — many programs have rolling admissions.
6
Complete the program and pass the NCLEX
After graduation, apply for RN licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing (https://www.bon.texas.gov). Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive your license and begin practicing.

After Graduation: NCLEX and Texas RN Licensing

Completing an accredited nursing program is only the first step. To practice as an RN in Texas, you must:

Apply for licensure with the Texas Board of Nursing
Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE
Pass the NCLEX-RN (national first-time U.S.-educated rate 86.7% in 2025; 91.2% in 2024, NCSBN)
Receive your Texas RN license and begin practicing

Texas License Details

License Renewal

2 years

CE Hours

20 hours per renewal

NLC Compact

Yes — practice in 40+ compact states

Accredited Programs in Texas

Programs in Texas start as low as $14,560 in total tuition (ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)).

See all 190 nursing programs in Texas →

What GPA do you need for nursing school in Texas?

GPA requirements vary by degree level. LPN programs typically require a 2.5 minimum; ADN programs at community colleges require 2.7–3.2; BSN programs at universities usually require 3.0–3.5, with competitive programs often accepting students with 3.5+. Texas has programs across all levels — higher-demand programs tend to have higher effective GPAs due to waitlists and competitive applicant pools.

What prerequisites do you need for nursing school in Texas?

For most ADN and BSN programs in Texas, you will need Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, English Composition, and introductory Psychology or Sociology. Many BSN programs also require Chemistry and Statistics. Complete these at an accredited community college if you haven't already — grades matter, so retake a course if you scored below a B.

How long does it take to become a nurse in Texas?

The fastest path is an LPN certificate (9–18 months). An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 18–24 months. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes 3–4 years (or 12–18 months if you're already an RN pursuing the RN-to-BSN). Time-to-degree depends on prerequisite completion, part-time vs. full-time enrollment, and whether the program has a waitlist.

Do you need healthcare experience to get into nursing school in Texas?

Most nursing programs prefer but don't require prior healthcare experience for ADN admission. BSN programs at competitive universities often weigh healthcare experience (CNA, medical scribe, EMT, hospital volunteering) heavily in holistic review. LPN programs typically accept applicants directly from high school. Graduate programs (MSN, DNP) usually require 1–2 years of clinical RN experience.

How do you apply to nursing school in Texas?

For community college ADN programs: submit a general college application, complete required prerequisites, and submit the nursing program-specific application (usually a separate form with GPA ranking or points system). For university BSN programs: apply through the university admissions process, then apply separately to the College of Nursing. Apply early — many Texas programs have rolling admissions and fill quickly.

What is the NCLEX exam for nursing in Texas?

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardized exam all RN graduates must pass to receive a license in Texas. After graduating from an accredited nursing program, you apply to the Texas Board of Nursing (https://www.bon.texas.gov) for licensure, register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, and pass the exam. The national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7% in 2025 (NCSBN), down from 91.2% in 2024.

Is nursing school hard to get into in Texas?

Competitiveness varies significantly by program type. LPN programs are generally accessible for prepared students. ADN programs at community colleges often have waitlists — your GPA and prerequisites determine your place in the ranking. BSN programs at major universities are the most competitive. The key levers: maintain a 3.0+ GPA in prerequisites, gain clinical experience, and apply to multiple programs at different selectivity levels.

Compare nursing programs in Texas

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