Accelerated Nursing Programs in Houston- ABSN Online

If you want to start a nursing career in Houston, Texas, but have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degrees can help. These accelerated nursing programs apply previously earned credits toward a nursing degree, enabling students to graduate in less time.

Among ABSN degrees available in Texas are 12-month accelerated nursing programs. Keep reading to discover where to find fast track nursing programs online and on-campus.

What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?

A 12-month ABSN is often considered the fastest way to become a nurse for students without a nursing background. These programs provide similar nursing coursework and clinical experiences as the traditional BSN.

A major difference is that students in accelerated programs receive credit for courses already taken at another institution. If you're interested in a 12-month ABSN, you can find these fast-track nursing programs online and on campus in Houston and other parts of Texas.

Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in the Houston Area?

Yes, you can find online ABSN programs in the Houston area. The ABSN from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a 15-month degree offering on-campus courses with some online and hybrid courses. Students looking to become a certified registered nurse in a faster timeframe can pursue a 12-month online ABSN from the University of St. Thomas, Houston.

Top Accelerated BSN Programs Near Houston

If you're interested in pursuing an ABSN, you can find several accredited programs in and around Houston. Review the following list to find schools preparing students for careers as registered nurses (RNs) in as little as 12 months.

1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is home to the Pacesetter ABSN, helping students graduate in just 15 months. This program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), has been ranked the top program in Houston by U.S. News & World Report.

Coursework explores adult healthcare, mental health, professional nursing, and beyond. Classes are offered on campus; however, some are delivered online and in a hybrid format. Students also gain 900 hours of clinical experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $291 per credit (in-state); $1,161 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Students receive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to full tuition. Grants, loans, and other aid are available to reduce costs.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Houston

At the University of Houston, the second-degree BSN track prepares enrollees for RN licensure in as little as 12 months. Admission to this full-time, CCNE-accredited program is open to applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree in a field other than nursing who want to pursue a new career.

Clinical requirements for this program include 900 clock hours of lab work and time working in community health, pediatrics, medicine, mental health, and beyond. Courses explore pharmacology, clinical nursing practice, nursing research, and collaborative practice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $484.82 per credit hour (in-state); $1,020.57 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: 12 months
• Financial aid: The university offers scholarships, loans, work-study opportunities, and other aid to increase affordability.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Texas Lutheran University

Texas Lutheran University's Houston campus offers a 60-credit ABSN program for students ready to start new nursing careers. Coursework helps enrollees grow their knowledge of evidence-based professional nursing, community health nursing, and nursing research as they prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Learners also gain hands-on training through 945 hours of clinical experience. Students can complete this program in 16 months and start an RN career or pursue an advanced degree such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

• Estimated tuition cost: $875 per credit
• Program length: 16 months
• Financial aid: The nursing school offers eligible BSN students a $6,000 scholarship. Federal loans can also help learners lower costs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of St. Thomas, Houston

Students looking for 1-year accelerated nursing programs online can find a CCNE-accredited BSN at the University of St. Thomas, Houston's Woodlands (Shenandoah), Sugar Land, and main campuses. To help learners graduate in 12 months, the institution offers three start dates per year and flexible online coursework that can be completed anywhere, anytime.

Before enrolling, applicants must complete prerequisite courses, including Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Microbiology. Admission requirements also include earning a passing score on the HESI or the TEAS admission assessment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $66,815 total
• Program length: 12 months
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans are available to make tuition more affordable.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Other ABSN Programs in Texas

Do you want to expand your search beyond Houston? Explore the schools below to find ABSN programs in other parts of the state.

Texas A&M University

At the Texas A&M University College of Nursing, the second-degree BSN program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in 15 months. Enrollees take face-to-face courses and receive training through simulation activities, team teaching, and clinical experiences.

Coursework explores health promotion across the lifespan, writing for nursing professionals, health advocacy, and interprofessional practice. To gain admission, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Completing 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical, and behavioral science is also recommended.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,775.35 per semester (in-state); $19,673 per semester (out-of-state)
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans can help enrollees save.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

The BSN accelerated track at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a full-time, continuous program helping enrollees begin their RN careers in just 15 months. Applicants interested in admission should have a baccalaureate degree or higher in a non-nursing field and have completed 51 of the 60 hours in prerequisite courses.

Coursework focuses on pharmacotherapeutics, mental health nursing, population-focused health, and pathophysiology. Clinical rotations and labs provide necessary hands-on training.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,240 per year (resident): $44,792 per year (non-resident)
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: The university offers over 40 scholarship opportunities to increase affordability.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of Texas at Arlington

Learners interested in pursuing roles as public health nurses, case managers, health educators, and school nurses can get the necessary training through the University of Texas at Arlington's online accelerated BSN. This CCNE-accredited program offers online coursework and supervised clinical experiences at partner sites to prepare enrollees for these exciting careers.

Admission requirements include at least 24 credit hours of transfer work. Students must also complete lower-division prerequisite courses and four mandatory science prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,675 total
• Program length: 15 months
• Financial aid: Students enrolled in the accelerated online BSN program are eligible for a limited number of scholarships and grant funds.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Baylor University

The distance accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an online ABSN for learners with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline. Enrollees complete 62 hours of nursing coursework in an intensive full-time format, enabling them to graduate in one year.

In this CCNE-accredited program, students gain clinical experience by working with underserved communities. To gain admission, applicants must complete 52 prerequisite credits, have a 3.0 GPA on prerequisite courses, and earn a 2.75 GPA on science prerequisite courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $68,100 total
• Program length: One year
• Financial aid: Online learners at Baylor University can save on tuition and fees with federal student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Concordia University Texas

Concordia University Texas's accelerated BSN track is a 16-month program offering a combination of virtual and in-person learning. Students take online courses in adult health, professionalism in nursing, child and family nursing theory, community and global health theory, and nursing leadership and management.

On-site skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations in Dallas healthcare facilities provide hands-on training in patient care. Graduates of this CCNE-accredited program have a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 97.18%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,300 per semester
• Program length: 16 months
• Financial aid: The school of nursing offers a $10,000 Nursing Workforce Development Scholarship to incoming ABSN track students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word offers an ABSN with a hybrid track for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or 60 non-nursing college credits from an accredited school. A full-time intensive learning format helps self-motivated students complete their studies in 16 months.

While enrolled, learners complete 62 hours of online didactic coursework and gain hands-on experiences at the school's accelerated BSN learning center. Clinical experiences are acquired in various healthcare settings with patients of all ages.

• Estimated tuition cost: $68,200 total
• Program length: 16 months
• Financial aid: University of the Incarnate Word enrollees can apply for federal student aid to boost savings.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to verify that they all meet the following criteria for delivering a quality educational experience:

• Accreditation: All institutions are accredited by the SACSCOC, a nationally recognized organization.
• Program reputation: These schools have quality reputations with nursing programs accredited by the CCNE.
• Program cost: Colleges and universities above offer affordable tuition rates or scholarships and other financial aid to help learners save.

FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs

Are you ready to enroll in an online accelerated BSN in Houston or another city in Texas? Explore the following FAQs to learn more about this degree.

How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Houston?

The cost of an ABSN online in Houston varies based on factors like residency and enrollment status. However, one of the most affordable programs is the ABSN from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. As one of several cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA, in-state students save with financial aid and a tuition rate of $291 per credit.

Who Should Consider a 12-Month ABSN Program?

Students with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing who are ready to become RNs as quickly as possible are the best candidates for 12-month ABSN programs. These degrees use credits from previous college coursework to meet general education and some prerequisite courses. Other nursing courses and clinical experiences are completed in a one-year timeframe.

Learn More: Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online ABSN Programs?

To gain admission to an online ABSN program, students generally need a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. They should have also earned a minimum GPA and completed specific prerequisite courses, as determined by their chosen program. After enrolling, educational requirements for nurses include completing online nursing courses and in-person clinical experiences (lab hours and clinicals in healthcare facilities).

Find an Online Nursing Degree

Take the next step toward a rewarding nursing career by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to find out how they can assist you in reaching your goals.