12-Month ABSN Programs in Texas: Accelerated Nursing Online
Explore leading 12-month ABSN programs in Texas and accelerate your nursing career with flexible online and hybrid pathways to earn your degree efficiently.
A career change to nursing is a great path for those seeking to work in a profession where they can make a difference in people's lives. There are many 12-month accelerated nursing programs that offer a swift and, many times, cost-effective path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
As a Texas resident, you can find several well-regarded accelerated BSN programs if you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline. If you are seeking efficiency and adaptable learning, fast-track nursing programs online offer an attractive choice. Keep reading to discover the fastest way to become a nurse and get started on your degree.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
A 12-month accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a specialized academic track for people who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. These programs condense the comprehensive curriculum of a traditional four-year BSN into a significantly shorter timeframe, usually between 12 and 18 months, with many specifically structured for completion in a single year.
The intensive nature of these programs means you cover the same rigorous material as traditional BSN students, but at a much faster pace, so you'll need to be dedicated and have strong time management skills.
The primary objective of a 12-month ABSN program is to provide a concentrated and efficient pathway for career changers or those looking to expand their professional qualifications to become a registered nurse. This includes preparing students for advanced roles and certifications once they enter practice.
For instance, after gaining experience as a registered nurse, you may pursue further specialization and become a certified registered nurse in a specific area of nursing. The curriculum typically integrates online didactic coursework with extensive hands-on laboratory simulations and diverse clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
These accelerated programs use your prior college education, allowing you to bypass general education requirements and focus directly on core nursing competencies.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAny12MonthABSNProgramsInTexas">Are There Any 12-Month ABSN Programs in Texas?</h2><p>Yes, Texas offers several accredited 12-month ABSN programs. These programs are specifically designed for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and are looking to transition into the nursing profession quickly. While some programs may be slightly longer, such as 15 or 16 months, true 12-month options exist, providing a very fast route to earning a BSN.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInTexas">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas</h2><p>The following list highlights some of the top 1-year accelerated nursing programs online. Compare the program length, tuition, and unique features at each school to find the right ABSN program in Texas.
</p><h3 id="section---1.BaylorUniversity">1. Baylor University</h3><p>Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a demanding, yet rewarding, distance post-baccalaureate accelerated BSN program. This full-time program combines online courses with essential clinical and lab experiences, along with hybrid interactive learning. It is for students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. They will complete 62 hours of specialized nursing coursework.
</p><p>The curriculum prepares graduates for professional nursing practice, incorporating Christian principles and a human needs framework. This particular program finishes in just one year, providing a quick way to earn a BSN. Two on-campus visits are required, followed by clinicals in the field.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $68,100
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> A variety of financial aid, including federal student loans, is available after completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If nursing is your second undergraduate degree, your financial aid will primarily be in the form of private student loans.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</p><h3 id="section---2.TexasTechUniversity">2. Texas Tech University</h3><p>The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing offers a Second Degree BSN accelerated program to students who already have a bachelor's degree. This 12-month program includes online classes and clinical instruction. Clinical hours are overseen by experienced coaches and nurse-educators in various Texas communities.
</p><p>Upon finishing prerequisite courses, students will complete 61 semester credit hours. This program is very intense, so it's recommended that students avoid working while enrolled.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $222.43 per credit hour
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Loans, grants, and scholarships are available to qualified applicants who complete the FAFSA. The School of Nursing requires a FAFSA on file for scholarship eligibility.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfSt.ThomasHouston">3. University of St. Thomas, Houston</h3><p>The University of St. Thomas, Houston offers a hybrid online accelerated nursing program. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 12 months. This program uses a student's prior college experience, giving an efficient path for those interested in changing careers. It brings together online coursework with essential on-site skills labs and clinical rotations.
</p><p>The ABSN sites are in the Woodlands (Shenandoah), Sugar Land, and the main campus in downtown Houston. The university offers three start dates per year: You can begin this program in January, May, or August.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $63,800
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> You may be eligible for federal funding through loans and grants by completing the FAFSA. You may also consider state or university grants, scholarships, private loans, and third-party scholarships.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs_houston.html">Accelerated Nursing Programs in Houston</a>
</p><h3 id="section---4.UTHealthHouston">4. UTHealth Houston</h3><p>The Pacesetter BSN track at UTHealth Houston's Cizik School of Nursing is an accelerated option that takes just 15 months to complete. This program is considered the number one BSN program in Houston and is also one of the most affordable in the state. To qualify, you need to have completed 60 hours of undergraduate prerequisites.
</p><p>The ABSN program includes 900 hours of clinical experience, starting in the first semester. Courses are offered online, on campus, and in hybrid formats, so you can complete your degree in a flexible format.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $4,365
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> UTHealth Houston offers low tuition as a state-supported university, and the Future Nurses Fund provides supplemental financial aid to make tuition and fees free for full-time BSN students earning less than $100,000 annually in gross adjusted income.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><h3 id="section---5.TheUniversityOfTexasAtArlington">5. The University of Texas at Arlington</h3><p>The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) offers an accessible online BSN program. It helps prepare graduates for various healthcare employment opportunities, including roles in community hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, trauma centers, and home health agencies. This accelerated program requires 51 credit hours, which you can finish it in as few as 15 months.
</p><p>The total tuition for the program is $21,675. This works out to $425 per credit hour for upper-division courses. UTA aims to provide a quality, affordable education with pay-by-the-course options.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $21,675
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Students in UTA's Accelerated Online program who meet FAFSA eligibility requirements can receive financial aid. This may include Federal Pell Grants. The Office of Financial Aid encourages students to enroll in all courses at the beginning of each term for full Pell Grant funding.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><h3 id="section---6.ConcordiaUniversityTexas">6. Concordia University Texas</h3><p>You can earn your BSN in 16 months at Concordia University Texas. This program is created for people who want to become nurses but have no prior healthcare experience. Throughout the program, you'll learn to provide compassionate care, move confidently through clinical settings, lead effectively, and work well with healthcare teams. After finishing, graduates are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam, a key step for getting licensed.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $69,200
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> Concordia Texas offers a $10,000 Nursing Workforce Development Scholarship to incoming ABSN students. This scholarship is given out in parts throughout the 16-month program.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><h3 id="section---7.UniversityOfTheIncarnateWord">7. University of the Incarnate Word</h3><p>The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) offers an online-based ABSN track lasting 16 months. It is specifically for non-nurses who already have a bachelor's degree or 60 college credits from an accredited school in a non-nursing field. The curriculum is thorough and includes 62 credit hours of online didactic coursework, hands-on learning labs at their San Antonio center, and clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. The program also provides the convenience of three start dates each year.
</p><p><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $68,200
</p><p><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</p><p><b>Financial aid:</b> UIW's Office of Financial Assistance can help you apply for financial aid available through the FAFSA.
</p><p><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</p><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>When we put together our list of top accelerated BSN programs, we look at several important things. This helps us make sure we are highlighting quality educational choices.
</p><p><b>*Accreditation:</b> We mainly consider programs that have accreditation from recognized nursing accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This means the program meets strict national standards for nursing education.
</p><p><b>*Online format:</b> We focus on programs that offer online coursework, which provides flexibility for students. It's important to know that while classes can be online, all BSN programs require in-person clinical experience.
</p><p><b>*Program reputation:</b> We consider the overall standing of the university and its nursing school. Factors like rankings, faculty expertise, and student outcomes all contribute to a program's reputation.
</p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>Below, we'll answer some of the most common inquiries regarding program structure, cost, admission requirements, and career outlook for those interested in pursuing a fast-track nursing degree.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCost">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost?</h3><p>The cost of an online ABSN program varies significantly based on the institution, program length, and whether the school is public or private. Tuition can range from $20,000 to over $60,000 for the entire program.
</p><p>It is important to consider all fees, including technology fees, clinical fees, and books, when calculating the total expense. Many students seek financial assistance, and numerous institutions offer pathways to help, including various types of aid for students attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_texas.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a>. Contacting the financial aid office at prospective schools can provide specific details on scholarships, grants, and loan options.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoYouNeedToBeANurse">What Education Do You Need To Be a Nurse?</h3><p>The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> typically include earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While an ADN allows you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin practicing, a BSN is increasingly preferred by healthcare employers and offers broader career advancement opportunities.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheAdmissionsRequirementsForOnlineABSNPrograms">What Are the Admissions Requirements for Online ABSN Programs?</h3><p>Generally, you'll need to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any field other than nursing. Most programs also require a minimum GPA from your previous undergraduate studies, often around 2.5 to 3.0 or higher. You will likely need to complete a set of prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics, which must meet specific grade requirements.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToCompleteAnAcceleratedBSNProgram">How Long Does It Take To Complete an Accelerated BSN Program?</h3><p>The duration of an accelerated BSN program can vary, but many are designed for completion in 12 to 18 months. Programs specifically structured as 12-month ABSN programs aim to deliver the full BSN curriculum within one year. This condensed timeline requires a demanding, full-time commitment from students.
</p><p>The exact length depends on the program's credit hours, whether it operates on a quarter or semester system, and the number of clinical hours required.
</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get a BSN Without an RN?</a>.
</p><h3 id="section---AreOnlineABSNProgramsFullyOnline">Are Online ABSN Programs Fully Online?</h3><p>Accelerated online ABSN programs are generally not fully online due to the hands-on nature of nursing education. While the theoretical or didactic portions of the curriculum are often delivered through online coursework, all ABSN programs require mandatory in-person components.
</p><p>These typically include hands-on skills labs where students practice nursing procedures in a controlled environment, and extensive clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities.
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>You can find both an affordable and accessible way to earn your BSN by exploring accelerated degree programs in your area. Browse our database of online and hybrid nursing programs featured here on Learn.org and contact a school directly for more information.</p>