Top 3 Accelerated Nursing Programs In Texas

How well do you know about the accelerated nursing programs in Texas? Like other states in the U.S., many accelerated programs are offered in Texas. But, what are their admission requirements and costs? This article does not only provide them but also their tuition and fees.

Any student who has not heard of these programs may ask, “What is the use of the accelerated nursing programs in Texas? Another will say, “What is the difference between nursing and accelerated programs?” You will get the answers to these questions at the end of this article.

First, where is Texas situated? Texas, which is known to be one of the states that are situated in the South Central region of the United States of America, is the second-largest U.S. state by both area and population. History has it that Alaska and California are the largest U.S states by area and population respectively. 

By area, Texas covers not less than 268,596 square miles (an equivalent of 695,662 square kilometers) expanse of land and has more than 29.1 million residents. It is geographically known that Texas shares borders with the states of Louisiana to the east, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the west, Arkansas to the northeast, and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas to the south and southwest. Texas shares a coastline with the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast.

However, it is said that the accelerated nursing programs in Texas are important for students who exhibit maturity, possess tenacious clinical skills, and show quick studies to the job. These accelerated nursing programs in Texas also give students credit for what they have learned and allow them to earn their BSN or MSN degrees faster.

Talking about earning a degree fast, we have a post discussing some of the online fastest accelerated bachelor degrees that allows you to earn a BSc in less than four years while enjoying the benefit that comes with learning online. 

So, completing the accelerated nursing programs in Texas gives students a solid foundation for a career as an RN or nurse practitioner, and cuts across other areas of the students’ lives that are non-medical like leadership, management, and research positions.

These fast-track programs, as they are sometimes called are typically full-time, though some of them may allow the students to progress over time. The participating students involve in lots of simulations and labs, many clinical sessions at different Texas facilities throughout the program. The students also participate in classroom instructions.

More to all these is the fact that the students are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination after the program. You may also ask of what importance? It is paramount to know that this examination is required for licensure in the state and even beyond. 

The admission requirements for the accelerated nursing programs in Texas are different depending on the type of program and the school the student chooses to get the program done. 

Some of these admission criteria include the submission of a bachelor’s degree in any field with 

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher,
  • Official transcripts from all the schools the student have attended,
  • HESI A2 scores of 80 or better in Math and English Composite, 
  • A passing TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score if English is not your native language, 
  • Proof of liability insurance, and
  • A background check and drug screen.

The tuition cost and fees that are associated with the accelerated nursing programs (BSN) in Texas differ depending on the program that is selected. The tuition costs and fees are from the range of $24,380 – $66,978. The classes the students take on their path to becoming an RN are built upon their previous knowledge.

With these classes attended to appropriately, the students learn how to care for patients of various ages, both individually and in communities. Some of these courses include Adult Nursing, Care of Community Health Clients, Care of Mental Health clients.

This coursework has their case studies to be drawn from: 

  • Patient Safety & Quality, 
  • Evidence-Based Practice,
  • Fundamentals of Nursing Care, 
  • Health Assessment, 
  • Introduction to Pathophysiology, 
  • Nursing and the Aged, 
  • Nursing Care of Children/Families, 
  • Nursing Care of Women, 
  • Families, & Newborns, 
  • Nursing Dimensions & Informatics, 
  • Pharmacology Principles, 
  • Professional Issues, and 
  • Transition to Professional Nursing Practice.

The program length also differs depending on the Texas nursing school that is selected and the accelerated nursing programs too. Whereas some programs may take up to 16 months, others may last for a year. Clinical training is a basic requirement in the state of Texas. Students who are under training also need the supervision of an experienced RN. 

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 Top 3 Accelerated Nursing programs In Texas

Not to mention, there are over six accelerated nursing programs in Texas. But, we have chosen to expatiate only on three. In no special order, they include:

  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Concordia University 
  • Accelerated Second Degree Track, Baylor University
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSNA) Program, Texas Christian University.
  1. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Track, Concordia University 

The Concordia University accelerated nursing in Texas is a mix-up of learning models that involves rigorous online coursework with hands-on learning and real-world clinical practice. Here, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 16 months of professional nursing study, with no previous healthcare experience. Besides, attending this institution is one of the ways to hone your skills as you go through the path to becoming a professional nurse.

The Concordia University accelerated nursing programs in Texas consists of:

  • A rigorous online nursing theory coursework led by esteemed professors.
  • Hands-On skills and simulation labs at one of the learning sites in Austin or Dallas, Texas.
  • In-hospital clinical rotations at top area healthcare facilities.
  • Three start dates per year (January, May, and August)
  • Dedicated faculty members to offer their full support to the students throughout their education.
  • Enrollment locations in Austin and Dallas.

It is paramount that students view their 16-month nursing education as a full-time job. Thus, the need for self-motivation in the students.

The students can receive a BSN from Concordia University Texas in 16 months by leveraging their past education. The students are required to have completed a minimum of 60 credits either through their prior education or through completion of required prerequisites online at Concordia University Texas before ABSN.

Once admitted, students are expected to complete 62 credit hours, which includes 

  • online didactic coursework, 
  • hands-on learning at our high-tech nursing site, and 
  • clinical practice at local healthcare facilities.

The courses accelerated nursing programs in Texas are broken down into four 16-week semesters that provide the students enough exposure to concepts such as cultural diversity, spiritual care, ethics, and evidence-based practice.

It is important to note that the Concordia University academic foundation goes beyond the programs that are offered. It includes developing Christian leaders by providing students with unique tools, like the mission practicum, so students learn how to become a nurse and healthcare leaders.

Below is a look at what the curriculum looks like when broken down into semesters:

  1. a) Semester 1 (16-weeks)
  • NUR 3325 (Adult Health I Skills): 3 credits
  • NUR 3535 (Adult Health I Theory): 5 credits
  • NUR 3436 (Adult Health I Practicum): 4 credits
  • NUR 3436S Adult Health I Simulation (Companion to Practicum)   
  • NUR 3330 Professionalism in Nursing: 3 credits
  • NUR 3250 Pharmacology for Nurses I: 2 credits

Total: 17 credits

  1. b) Semester 2 (16 weeks)
  • NUR 3365 Adult Health II Theory: 3 credits
  • NUR 3386 Adult Health II Practicum: 3 credits
  • NUR 3386S Adult Health II Simulation (Companion to Practicum)   
  • NUR  3366 Adult Health II Skills: 3 credits
  • NUR 3251 Pharmacology for Nurses II: 2 credits
  • NUR 3320 Maternal Newborn Theory:    3 credits
  • NUR 3126 Maternal Newborn Practicum: 1 credit
  • NUR 3126S Maternal Newborn Simulation (Companion to Practicum)   

Total: 15 credits

  1. c) Semester 3 (16 weeks)
  • NUR 4386 Adult Health III Practicum: 3 credits
  • NUR 4386S Adult Health III Simulation (Companion to Practicum)   
  • NUR 4357 Nursing Leadership and Management: 3 credits
  • NUR 4385 Adult Health III Theory: 3 credits
  • NUR 4332 Child & Family Nursing Theory: 3 credits
  • NUR 4132 Child & Family Nursing Practicum: 1 credit
  • LDR 4101 Leadership and Career Capstone: 1 credit

Total: 14 credits

  1. d) Semester 4 (16 weeks)
  • NUR 4160 Community and Global Health Practicum: 1 credit
  • NUR 4360 Community and Global Health Theory: 3 credits
  • NUR 4280 Transition to Practice    2 credits
  • NUR 4370 Capstone Practicum: 3 credits
  • NUR 4195 NCLEX Preparation and Review: 1 credit
  • NUR 4310 Nursing Research: 3 credits
  • NUR 4389 Adult Health IV Theory: 3 credits

Total: 16 credits

Total credit hours: 62

The Concordia University admissions counselors always work one-on-one with the students to explain the admissions requirements, as well as guide them through the application process and answer questions at every stage. 

One would ask what happens during the Online Accelerated Nursing Coursework?

ABSN at Concordia University, Texas (CTX) takes a balanced approach to learning where all theory coursework is completed online. These online studies are similar to their traditional, on-campus counterparts because the students are required to complete the same course curriculum within a set timeframe. However, with the online coursework, the students are not restricted to a specific classroom location for their nursing theory courses.

As a result, the online accelerated nursing courses of Concordia University provide a level of convenience not seen with classroom-based instruction. And, like most times, students can decide when to complete their course requirements, whether that’s taking a practice quiz or by watching an instructional video.

The Concordia University online accelerated nursing programs in texas theory coursework is completed through an intuitive e-Learning platform that allows the students to:

  • Listen to and read coursework material
  • Complete interactive learning activities
  • Receive and turn-in assignments
  • Discuss assignments with other students via a discussion forum
  • Participate in scheduled chat sessions with your instructors
  • Keep yourself organized with the calendar function

The online ABSN courses are highly engaging, and they’re taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach the campus-based nursing degrees. CTX also gives a full slate of online nursing prerequisite courses so you can satisfy your requirements on the same e-Learning system as you will be using for your accelerated nursing courses.

While an online-based accelerated nursing education can afford you the benefit of greater flexibility, it takes the same level of dedication and focuses to be successful as it would for a student on the on-campus track. To achieve a high level of dedication and focus, below are several tips to help the students to maximize the online nursing curriculum as well as manage their education.

  • Early connection with the instructors and often to build rapport and understand expectations.
  • Students should learn when their instructors have scheduled office hours and prepare accordingly.
  • Students should find out the best way to communicate with their professors
  • Students should schedule regular time blocks for their online coursework so they can stay on track.
  • Students should leverage their online calendars to manage assignment deadlines, test dates, and clinical hours.
  • Students should be able to connect with other ABSN students in their cohort and form study groups.

The admissions requirements for the Concordia University accelerated nursing programs in Texas are important to students who have determined to be eligible to apply for and ultimately enroll in Concordia University Texas’ ABSN track. The necessary eligibility requirements include 

  1. a) successful completion of all prerequisite coursework before the nursing school enrollment.

Accelerated BSN Track Admission Requirements

  1. a) Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the prerequisite natural science courses.
  2. b) Transfer applicants: pre-nursing degree requirements, cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  3. c) Second-degree seeking students: conferred degree cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  4. d) Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VI) which must be taken within three years of enrollment to the nursing program. The student is expected to receive a score of 67% or higher (no more than two attempts are allowed within an a365 days to reach minimum score requirements accepted). 

There are also Participation Requirements for the Accelerated BSN Track at Concordia University. Once a student is accepted into ABSN at CTX, he or she must complete the following:

  1. a) American Heart Association CPR certification from the “Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers” course.
  2. b) Criminal background screening.
  3. c) Drug screening.
  4. d) Certified background checks for both the University and the Texas Board of Nursing.
  5. e) Satisfactory completion of all immunization and health participation requirements through Castle Branch.

The student is expected to submit proof that he or she has completed all of these participation requirements before he or she can begin the accelerated nursing programs in Texas. These participation requirements are subject to change for each cohort and will be provided to the applicants upon their acceptance.

How about the Concordia Texas ABSN Track Prerequisites? ITobe accepted into the school’s ABSN track, the applicant must complete each of the prerequisites with a “C” grade or higher while maintaining both cumulative and science GPAs of 3.0 and above. 

Note: Concordia University Texas offers all prerequisite courses before the accelerated nursing programs in Texas online.

When the applicant is ready to begin his or her nursing prerequisites, Concordia University Texas makes it easy for him or her to do so by offering the courses online in eight-week sessions. By completing the prerequisites through ABSN at CTX, many benefits await the applicant.

One of such benefits is that it gives the applicants access to Concordia University’s online learning platform at an initial stage. Another benefit is the flexibility to complete each course at a time that works best for the applicant via the online learning format while meeting all deadlines. The applicant should meet all the ABSN program entrance requirements because doing so can grant him or her immediate admission into the accelerated nursing track.

A List of ABSN Track Prerequisite Courses at Concordia University are as follows:  

  1. a) Chemistry I with Lab: 4 credits 
  2. b) Microbiology with lab: 4 credits
  3. c) Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab: 4 credits
  4. d) Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab: 4 credits
  5. e) Nutrition: 3 credits
  6. f) Introduction to Statistics: 3 credits
  7. g) Lifespan Development: 3 credits
  8. h) Medical Spanish for Healthcare Professionals: 3 credits
  9. I) Introduction to Psychology: 3 credits

Note: In Concordia University, Medical Spanish is usually taken as a corequisite. It may be taken with a 3-credit Spanish language course completed as a prerequisite.

There are Distinctive Courses that are offered in Concordia besides the prerequisites. This is because Concordia University is a Christian school. These distinctive courses are:

  • New Testament (3 credits)
  • Old Testament    (3 credits)
  • Life and Leadership **    (1 credit)
  • Leadership Theory and Practice ** (2 credits)

The two distinctive courses with the “**” sign may be taken as corequisites during the accelerated nursing track. It is important to note that the corequisites must be completed within the first two semesters of the accelerated nursing track.

For applicants without a previous degree, the admission requirements for the ABSN Track are:

  1. Academic Research and Writing b. Fundamentals of Communication c. Fine Arts
  2. US History
  3. Government
  4. Introduction to Literature

The estimated cost of the 16-month, full-time Concordia University accelerated nursing programs in Texas is $16,140 per term with four terms required to complete the degree, not including any prerequisite courses. Besides this, the applicant should plan for other student fees and ABSN track-related fees that include test assessments, insurance, books, lab supplies, and uniforms. The student should know that tuition and fees are subject to change without any form of notice.

To know more about this school and its accelerated nursing programs in Texas, click here

  1. Accelerated Second Degree track, Baylor University

Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing was founded as far as 109 years ago with its geographical location as Dallas. It has been known to provide nursing education that is faith-based and relevant to match the needs of modern-day nursing. 

This school has been highly ranked by top publications like the U.S. News for its professional accelerated nursing programs in Texas. With its location in the heart of downtown Dallas, its central location can be an advantage for many of its students.

Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers some nursing programs like:

  • FastBacc accelerated track
  1. a) FastBacc accelerated BSN track

This is a 12-month intensive full-time program that starts each summer with a combination of different teaching methods which includes traditional classroom, online courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses. Here, students complete a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline and finish 62 hours of nursing course work on the Dallas campus.

Its BSN program curriculum is designed to provide learning experiences that will prepare the graduates to:

  1. a) Practice as a professional nurse to facilitate human need fulfillment of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings.
  2. b) Utilize the human needs framework and current evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice.
  3. c) Utilize information management systems to deliver, evaluate, and improve the safety and effectiveness of patient care.
  4. d) Demonstrate professional, ethical, moral, legal, and spiritual concepts into one’s practice within a global environment.
  5. e) Demonstrate understanding of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory standards on quality outcomes and nursing practice

Tuition & Fees:

As a private institution, Baylor’s tuition and fees are the same irrespective of the applicant’s residency status.

For undergraduates, Tuition cost is $50,232 and Room and Meal cost is $12,682. However, it is only a few students that pay the full tuition and can fund their education through various scholarships, financial aid, loans, and payment plans. Baylor University, more than 90% of students benefit from financial aid, and 86% receive academic scholarships. 

Added to the tuition and fees should be the budget for personal expenses, books and supplies, and transportation. International students are also required to have health insurance. Baylor charges tuition at a flat rate of $52,822 per academic year (including general student fees for fall and spring) for students taking 12 hours or more per semester. 

Baylor is a competitive learning and research environment. So, naturally, we will consider your academic history when reviewing you for admission. Baylor University accelerated nursing programs in Texas don’t have any specific requirements for the courses that students take during their days in high school for admission consideration. The school, however, recommend that students complete the following courses:

  • English
  • Foreign Language
  • Mathematics (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II)
  • Natural Science, laboratory (including biology and chemistry for students who plan to enter programs in pre-dentistry pre-medicine, or nursing)
  • Social Science (including at least one in history)

In addition, the students’ transcripts should indicate their senior coursework and that they are on track to complete all high school requirements for graduation. In reviewing applications, the applying students should be aware that the school is looking for students who have challenged themselves while in high school and are prepared for the college classroom.

Baylor’s tuition is one of the lowest of any major private university in the Southwest. It should be noted that about 92% of Baylor undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid from a wide range of sources. And, Baylor is honored with national awards and recognition for its quality of education. 

Applying students should also know the application deadline for admission

  • NOVEMBER 1
  • FEBRUARY 1
  • NOVEMBER 15 – SPRING ADMISSION

Applicants must submit a completed application to stand a chance to get Admission into the Baylor University accelerated nursing programs in Texas. To know the list of requirements that should be submitted, click here 

  1. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSNA) Program, Texas Christian University.

The Texas Christian University was founded in the year 1946. It was also the first baccalaureate nursing program in Texas. It offers a wide range of nursing programs in an educational environment that is driven by a committed faculty and management.  

The TUC accelerated nursing programs in Texas to achieve high quality and enhanced learning with a low student-faculty ratio and 15,000 square feet of state-of-art simulation and practice lab space. Thus, developing clinical reasoning and critical thinking in students.

The Accelerated BSN track lasts for 6 months with rigorous coursework that must be completed by the students in a short duration. More so, this fast-paced program provides a solid grounding with its clinical partnerships where students practice in real-time settings. A total of 59 credit hours is earned throughout the four semesters, with the program providing the same number of clinical hours as the traditional track. 

To hone evidence-based decision-making skills, the last semester also includes a professional nursing residency. TCU Nursing has an innovative curriculum that is designed to prepare the students for work in varying fields and niches like agencies clinics, and other community facilities in addition to hospitals and extended-care facilities.

The emphasis in classrooms and patient care settings is on the development of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making. 

The students will be expected to assume considerable responsibility for their learning, and are expected to become independent over time using the clinical skills they have acquired and by the application of the nursing process to a variety of problems and situations.

The school’s faculty incorporates accomplished educators, researchers, and practitioners that are interested in promoting the field of nursing education and practice. The school’s simulation and practice labs are stocked with state-of-the-art technology to prepare students for patient care before entering the hospital setting.

After the completion of the baccalaureate nursing program, the student should be able to :

  1. Meet complex health needs of individuals, families, populations, and communities.
  2. Apply leadership and management principles to achieve safe, high-quality person-centered care.
  3. . Demonstrate values and behaviors that support the vision, mission, and core values of TCU and TCU Nursing.
  4. Use information management systems and technology to provide care and optimize patient outcomes.

The TUC nursing programs have two divisions. They are:

  • The Traditional Track
  • The Accelerated Track
  1. a) Traditional Track

The TCU BSN traditional track requires 124 semester hours

  1. b) Accelerated Track

The TUC BSN accelerated track is designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice that only lasts for a9 months. This five-semester program provides the same courses and clinical hours as the traditional track. Students in this program are very ambitious, driven, and have a proven record of academic success. 

Here, graduates earn 59 credit hours of nursing coursework which starts in June with completion the following December.

Technical Standard is an important component of the complex discipline of nursing.  All students must be able to meet this standard with or without reasonable accommodations.  Students wishing to go through the TCU accelerated nursing programs in Texas must demonstrate that they can meet this technical standard and continue to do so throughout their nursing education program.

These Technical Standards for TCU Nursing Students are:

TEAS Exam

Before getting admission to the TUC nursing program, per-nursing students are expected to take an entrance exam. The TEAS exam is the standard entrance exam that is required for application to TCU’s nursing program. It only lasts for four hours, and it is ca computer-administered exam.  One may also add that the TEAS exam prepares a student for the nursing program.

There are four exam sections to the TEAS exam : 

  • Reading
  • Math
  • Science, and 
  • English & Language Usage.

TCU’s nursing program requires that every student meet a proficiency score in each section to be eligible for application. The proficient scores range from 58.7% to 77.3%. The test may also be repeated to achieve a higher score. The TEAS exam can be taken a maximum of 2 times a year.

Finally, first-year students must be accepted to the university first. After which a nursing student who wishes to continue will complete all the perquisites for the nursing major. Thus, he or she should have no more than 12 hours of TCU core requirements remaining. This makes him or her eligible to begin nursing courses. All nursing majors must maintain a TCU cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

For further clarification, you may have to click here 

Application without the necessary documents or proper application guidelines might cost a student admission at the expected time. Every student who wishes to gain admission into any of these schools should endeavor to know all that is involved in the school of choice. Graduation from any of these schools that offer accelerated nursing programs can fetch you a well-paid job, and make you qualified to earn employment anywhere across the globe 

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