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 171 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: RN-BSN 48%; BSN 34%; ADN 8%; LPN 4%.
By delivery in that same sample: 70% online, 2% hybrid, 28% on-campus.
2
LPN Programs
4
ADN Programs
17
BSN Programs
24
RN-to-BSN
3
MSN / DNP
RNs in Texas earn $79,120/year on average with 12.1% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS).
Find programs →Compare Accredited Programs in Texas
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.
Ready to Find Programs That Fit Your Profile in Texas?
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 pass rate ≈ 87%)
- 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 $8,100 in total tuition (RN to BSN).
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