Accelerated Nursing Program in Houston
The University of St. Thomas Houston’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to provide non-nurses with a quality nursing education that can be completed in 12 months. Our full-time program is best suited for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and the desire to transition into a new nursing career.
As a student enrolled in our accelerated nursing program in Houston, you can expect immersion in a robust nursing curriculum that will challenge and change you. Via UST’s hybrid learning model, you’ll learn key nursing theory concepts through online coursework and then apply that knowledge during valuable experiential learning opportunities.
While UST’s accelerated BSN program welcomes students of all religious backgrounds, it’s informed by the teachings of our university’s founders, the Basilian Fathers. Through this lens, our goal is to help mold you into a compassionate and competent professional ready to be a force for good in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape.
How Our Accelerated BSN Program in Houston, Texas, Works
Our online accelerated nursing program in Houston comprises the same nursing education you’d receive in a traditional classroom-based program, just on an abbreviated timeline. For that reason, it requires immense focus and dedication to keep pace.
Upon successfully completing our online ABSN program, you’ll be well-equipped with the nursing knowledge and skills to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and practice the profession in diverse healthcare settings.
The University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated BSN program allows qualified students to complete their nursing education in 12 months. How is that possible?
The UST online-based accelerated BSN program builds upon your existing bachelor’s degree via our rigorous hybrid curriculum:
Online courses establish the foundation of your nursing theory knowledge via an interactive e-learning platform. As you move through the curriculum, you can work at your own pace and revisit materials as needed.
Hands-on skills and simulation labs allow you to apply your online coursework and exercise your clinical judgment using state-of-the-art equipment in mock patient care scenarios. Throughout the program, you’ll travel to the UST campus to learn from our faculty how to apply skills in a risk-free environment.
On-site clinical rotations grant you access to valuable real-world patient care scenarios at some of Houston’s top healthcare facilities. Here, you’ll rotate through different healthcare settings to build up the skills you’ll use in your career and connect with top healthcare professionals in the region.
FAQ
When Do Classes Start for the ABSN Program?
UST's ABSN program offers three start dates per year: January, May, and August. Start speaking with an admissions advisor to begin your admissions process, and they will help you navigate your enrollment step-by-step.
Why Do a School’s NCLEX Pass Rates Matter?
Every student who graduates from nursing school must sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN to earn RN licensure. A BSN program’s high NCLEX-RN pass rates are an indicator of the program’s level of commitment to student success. The Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing’s consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rates for first-time test-takers demonstrate that our ABSN program is part of a nursing school that wants you to succeed.
How Much Does the ABSN Program Cost?
Your final tuition cost will ultimately depend on any financial aid you receive to help finance your payments. However, our tuition page has a breakdown of all our tuition costs and fees.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Get Into Accelerated Nursing School?
In addition to a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution, you must also have:
- Completed the prerequisites within our specified grade requirements prior to enrollment.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, including a 3.0 GPA for all science courses.
- A minimum score of 80% on the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) admission assessment exam on all five component tests or a minimum score of 78% on each section of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- Completed the interview process.
Can I Take Prerequisite Courses Through UST?
Yes! While the ABSN prerequisite courses can be completed at any accredited college or university, they are also offered at the University of St. Thomas Houston. Taking your prerequisites through UST is a great way to familiarize yourself with our e-learning platform and allows your admissions advisor to easily track your progress toward eligibility.
Do I Need Prior Healthcare Experience to Apply?
Applicants do not need any prior healthcare education or experience to apply to our ABSN program. UST’s program is actually designed for students entering nursing from other careers or educational backgrounds. The accelerated timeline enables you to become a nurse with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Are Labs and Clinicals Required to be Completed in Person?
As part of our hybrid learning model, the ABSN coursework can be completed entirely online, affording students greater flexibility in their education. The ABSN nursing labs and clinical placements, however, are held in person to provide the critical guidance and experience needed before entering the nursing field.
When Do Clinical Placements Begin?
To give students plenty of time to earn patient-contact hours and develop their nursing care skills, UST’s ABSN students will begin clinical placements in their first semester. Keep in mind that your first placement is meant to help you hone foundational skills, and your involvement in each placement will progress as your nursing knowledge grows.
Are International Students Eligible for the ABSN Program?
UST is not accepting applications from international students or anyone seeking a VISA status. If your eligibility is unclear, the UST admissions team will review individual cases. More information can be found on our ABSN requirements page.
What Support do Admissions Advisors Provide?
Beyond being your first point of contact for any questions about the program and your eligibility, your UST admissions advisor will help you build a plan to complete any prerequisites and submit your application in time for your preferred start date. Your admissions advisor will check in regularly to note your progress and offer guidance as needed to stay on track.