Choosing a nursing school in Houston can be a great way to kick off your nursing career because this area is a major hub in the healthcare sector. Texas also has growing opportunities for nursing roles to meet expanding patient needs.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the healthcare scene surrounding our nursing school in Houston is no exception. When you enroll in the University of St. Thomas Houston’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you take the first step toward an exciting career as a registered nurse in one of the region’s top healthcare hubs.
Our ABSN program will prepare you for a career in the healthcare field through online coursework, hands-on skills and simulation labs, and real-world clinical rotations at respected healthcare facilities. In fact, Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest medical centers in the world. Attending an accelerated nursing school in Houston expands your career opportunities, and it’s a great place to work and live.
Before applying, you should gather all the information you need to make an informed decision about nursing school. Start by reviewing the types of nursing programs available, decide which best fits your needs, learn what to expect from nursing school, and resolve any lingering questions.
Types of Nursing Programs in Houston
There are multiple degree pathways you can take toward the nursing field. Most students choose between a traditional BSN, an ADN, or an ABSN, like the one at UST. You’ll need to enroll in a four-year BSN degree if you have no prior college education.
Another option for those with or without prior college education is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This program pathway generally takes two years to complete and allows you to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to become a registered nurse (RN). Unfortunately, the curriculum isn’t quite as comprehensive, so it doesn’t prepare you to pursue most nursing career advancement opportunities. Additionally, in a 2022 study, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that over 70% of employers prefer BSN-educated nurses.
Applicants who have completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution may be eligible to apply to our ABSN program. Most ABSN programs allow students to graduate in under two years, and UST is no different. This program confers a quality BSN in as few as 12 months with the knowledge and skills to sit for the NCLEX exam and start your career.
Explore the pros and cons of pursuing a career in nursing.
The Benefits of an Accelerated BSN Program in Houston
When you apply to the ABSN program at UST, you’re embarking on a program that takes all the material from a traditional four-year BSN program and condenses it into 12 months. If you’re interested in earning a BSN on an accelerated timeline without compromising quality, it’s time to consider earning your nursing degree in Houston.
UST maintains accreditation status at the university and nursing school levels so students will gain an education and BSN degree that meets the strict academic standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Established in 1947 by the Basilian fathers, the University of St. Thomas developed a curriculum that fosters intellectual growth through diverse educational opportunities. Continuing that tradition, the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing delivers holistic nursing education, allowing students to learn how to care for the whole patient, mind, body, and spirit and become part of a holistic healing ministry that can serve the community.
What to Expect in a Nursing School in Houston
UST’s Accelerated BSN Program fast-tracks your nursing education through a blended learning experience that includes online coursework, in-person skills and simulation labs, and diverse clinical rotations inside the area’s most respected hospitals.
Online Coursework
Online courses allow students some flexibility in terms of when and where they study. Instead of having to show up for a scheduled lecture in a traditional classroom setting, UST’s ABSN students can log in, study, and complete assignments when and wherever convenient.
Students still must adhere to the deadlines set by their nursing instructors, but they can complete their online work on a timetable that works best for them.
Hands-On Labs
While our coursework is online, the accelerated nursing program is not entirely remote. Students will put what they learn in their courses into practice at our nursing school in Houston. UST’s ABSN site is a state-of-the-art facility where students will take exams, practice nursing skills, and partake in simulated scenarios inside a safe, hospital-like setting under the guidance of UST’s expert nursing instructors. The confidence you build in our skills and simulation labs will then carry into your clinical rotations.
Clinical Rotations
To round out our comprehensive learning model, students can put the knowledge they gain online and in labs into real-world practice inside top hospitals around the Houston metro area. Clinical rotations start during the first semester and provide the opportunity to work with actual patients in a variety of settings and soak up the knowledge of experienced healthcare professionals.
Learn all about what to expect and how to succeed during nursing clinicals.
Nursing Careers & Job Outlook in Houston
Texas has one of the highest employment levels of registered nurses in the country, second only to California. As of 2023, there were nearly 252,000 RNs in Texas. That’s 18.57 nursing jobs for every thousand jobs. Yet, despite the large population of RNs here, Texas still lacks the workforce to meet patient needs. The state expects a shortfall of about 57,000 RNs by 2032, which means there are plenty of nursing jobs to go around.
Houston is a great place to look for a nursing job. Compared to the state’s mean annual salary for nurses, which is $90,210 as of May 2023, the area of Houston, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land boasts an average annual salary of $94,390 for RNs.
Common Questions About UST’s ABSN
Your admissions advisor can answer any remaining questions you have about the ABSN program, but we can answer a few of them here.
What Are the Requirements for Nursing School in Houston?
While it is a second-degree program, you do need to fulfill certain requirements to be eligible to apply to UST’s Accelerated BSN program in Houston. In addition to a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution, you must:
- Complete the prerequisites for the program prior to enrollment.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (including a 3.0 GPA for all science courses).
- Complete the interview process.
- Earn a score of 80 or higher on the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment exam.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an ABSN Program?
The ABSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn’t include the time necessary to complete prerequisite courses or the time it takes to achieve licensure after graduation.
Can I Work While Attending Nursing School?
UST strongly advises against working while attending our ABSN program. Accelerated programs require an intense work pace, so you’ll want to devote as much of your time as possible to your studies to graduate on time.
What Financial Aid Options Are Available for Nursing Students?
It’s important to understand your obligations regarding tuition, program fees, and other school-related expenses. You can determine your eligibility for any federal grants or loans by filling out the FAFSA. You might also qualify for state aid, and you can apply for private scholarships. After contacting UST, our admissions advisors can help you discuss your financial options and provide additional resources.
Why Choose the University of St. Thomas for Your Nursing Degree?
If you’re interested in a nursing school with a longstanding history of academic excellence, the ABSN program at UST could be the right choice for you. Here, you could earn your degree and explore the vibrant nursing job market in Houston or beyond. With small class sizes and Academic Success Coaches, you’ll have plenty of support to facilitate your success.
Contact an admissions advisor today to get started!