Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Texas 2026

<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>Before pursuing any nursing program, you must earn a high school diploma or GED. Courses in biology, chemistry, and math can help prepare you for nursing school and provide a strong academic foundation. </p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>Texas offers several educational paths for aspiring nurses, including vocational programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Each option prepares students for different nursing roles and responsibilities, which we'll explore in detail below. </p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>After completing your education, you must pass either the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) or the NCLEX for Registered Nurses (RN). These exams test your readiness to provide safe and effective patient care. </p><h3 id="section---TexasLicensureRequirements">Texas Licensure Requirements</h3><p>After completing your education and exams, you must apply for licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing. Requirements include submitting transcripts, passing the NCLEX, and undergoing a criminal background check. </p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInTexas">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in Texas</h2><p>You have several pathways to become a nurse, each offering different timeframes and career outcomes. Some are ideal for quick entry into the field, while others offer more advanced opportunities with further education. However, you must meet all <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a> no matter which option you choose. </p><h3 id="section---LVNProgram">LVN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months </li></ul><p>Licensed vocational nurse (LVN) programs prepare students for basic patient care, including checking vital signs and assisting with daily activities. Many <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a> offer a fast track to licensure, making it possible to start working in as little as a year. After completing the LVN program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, you can become a nurse and work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities. </p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year </li></ul><p>An accelerated Bachelor of Science (BSN) is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. It includes intensive coursework and clinical training, qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and become registered nurses (RNs). This career path opens doors to hospital jobs, management roles, and specialty roles. </p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>This program helps current registered nurses with an associate degree earn their BSN. It builds on existing experience and focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and public health. Graduates may qualify for higher-paying roles and advanced clinical positions. </p><h3 id="section---LVNToRNBridgeProgram">LVN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>LVN-to-RN programs allow vocational nurses to become registered nurses with additional coursework and clinical hours. After completing the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. This path expands your scope of practice, allowing you to provide more complex care and access better job opportunities. </p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years </li></ul><p>An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares students for careers in patient care, pharmacology, and clinical practice. After graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN, you can work as a registered nurse. This is a popular and cost-effective route to quickly enter the nursing profession in entry-level roles. </p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInTexas">Fastest Nursing Degrees in Texas</h2><p>Texas has many educational options for those pursuing an RN license. We'll explore several full-time programs that can help you quickly enter the profession. </p><h3 id="section---1.ConcordiaUniversityTexas">1. Concordia University Texas</h3><p>Concordia University Texas offers a 16-month accelerated BSN degree. Students must have a minimum of 60 credits from an accredited university and a 3.0 GPA to enter the program. It features online didactic coursework, hands-on simulation labs in Dallas, and in-person clinical rotations. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $17, 300 per term </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.TexasLutheranUniversity">2. Texas Lutheran University</h3><p>Texas Lutheran University offers a 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program designed for applicants with an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in another field. The 60-credit program includes 945 hours of lab and clinical experience. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $875 per credit </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.BaylorUniversity">3. Baylor University</h3><p>Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers a one-year accelerated BSN for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Coursework is fully online, though two on-campus visits are required. The rigorous program boasts a 96% NCLEX first-time pass rate. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $68,100 total cost </li><li><b>Program length:</b> One year </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.TexasAMUniversity">4. Texas A&amp;M University</h3><p>At Texas A&amp;M University's College of Nursing, students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field can get a second degree BSN in only four semesters. The degree program features over 600 hours of clinical experience in a healthcare setting. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,237.41 per semester </li><li><b>Program length:</b> Four semesters </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.TexasChristianUniversity">5. Texas Christian University</h3><p>Texas Christian University offers an accelerated BSN program. It includes over 800 clinical hours across four semesters. The Health Professions Learning Center also has cutting-edge simulation technology that prepares students for real-life nursing jobs. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $31,750 per term </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 19 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We rank schools based on several factors. Some of our considerations include: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> We chose schools that are fully accredited to ensure academic integrity. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All of the schools on this list have a strong academic reputation. This ensures students are adequately prepared for their careers. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> We chose accelerated education programs that can be completed faster than a traditional four-year degree. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInTexas">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in Texas</h2><p>If you're eager to start your nursing career quickly, you probably have questions about timelines, costs, and degree options. Here's what you need to know about accelerated paths and what it takes to become a nurse fast in Texas. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>It depends on the program. LVN programs may take as little as 12 months, while accelerated BSN programs can be completed in 12 to 19 months. A traditional bachelor's degree in nursing typically takes four years. If you decide to pursue a master's degree for more advanced leadership roles, that is typically an additional one to two years. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>Tuition varies by school and program. An LVN program might cost around $10,000 to $20,000, while accelerated BSN programs often range from $30,000 to $70,000. You'll also need to factor in additional costs for supplies, such as a laptop. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> will have enough memory space and a long battery life. </p><p>Financial aid, grants, and scholarships can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Looking for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> is a smart way to make nursing school more affordable without sacrificing quality. Community colleges also typically offer a cost-effective way to earn an associate degree. </p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>Yes, if you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you may qualify for a one-year accelerated BSN program. These intensive programs combine online coursework, labs, and clinical rotations to prepare you for nurse licensure in a short time. For example, Baylor University's program can be finished in only one year. </p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>Ready to move forward in your nursing career? Start by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact any school that interests you for more information on how to enroll.</p>